BANKS
Bank of America, Bank United, Chase, Citibank, SunTrust, Wells Fargo
University Credit Union Membership is available to University of Miami faculty, staff, students, alumni, and their immediate families. There are seven branches and 11 ATMs in the area.
BOOKS & SCHOOL MATERIALS
Apparel
All Canes, 5831 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables.
University of Miami Bookstore, University Center, 1306 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables.
Books and Textbooks
Textbooks/Ebooks can be purchased through any online or local retailer. Some retailers also offer textbook rentals with an option to purchase at the end of the rental period. Don’t forget that retailers may also buy back your textbook and issue a “store credit”.
Amazon Student Prime
Amazon Student members get six months of free 2-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime on eligible purchases and will automatically continue receiving Amazon Prime benefits at a cost of $39 a year for up to four years with automatic renewal.
Barnes & Noble
Free shipping on orders over $25, textbook buyback, digital e-books, used books, and textbook rentals.
Books & Books
Independent, locally-owned bookstore with three locations in South Florida. They host over 60 author events each month and feature a diverse selection of books and literature.
Software
As a student at UM you are able to download various software packages including Microsoft Office through the UM Technology Product Center. You can also take advantage of free online software training at www.miami.edu/Lynda.
SHOPPING AND ITEMS FOR THE HOME
Antique Markets
Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
Every other Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Department/Big Box Stores
Shop for furniture, baby gear, electronics, toys, shoes, men and women’s clothing, accessories, and even groceries.
K-Mart, Target, Walmart
Discount Stores
Find designer and brand name fashions for men, women, kids and home for 20-60% less compared to department and specialty stores.
Marshalls, Ross, T.J. Maxx
Electronics
Best Buy, Tiger Direct
Additional Household Items
Bed Bath & Beyond
IKEA, 1801 N.W. 117 Avenue, Miami. (888) 888-4532
Thrift Store
Goodwill South Florida. Stores are located throughout South Florida. Goodwill stores feature gently used and sometimes new items.
Malls
Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura. (305) 935-1110
CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove. (305) 444-0777
Dadeland Mall, 7535 N. Kendall Drive, Miami. (305) 665-6226
Dolphin Mall, 11401 N.W. 12 Street, Miami. (305) 365-7446
The Falls, 8888 S.W. 136 Street, Miami. (305) 255-4570
Florida Keys Outlet Center, 250 East Palm Drive, Florida City. (305) 248-4727
Sawgrass Mills, 12801 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise. (954) 846-2350
Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables. (305) 529-0200
UTILITIES AND PHONE SERVICES
Although many landlords include water in the rental price of an apartment, you will probably need to set up electricity and/or gas, cable, and telephone/internet accounts depending on your needs. In most cases you will need to have a Social Security number to set up an account. Ask your landlord or property manager about utilities when you apply for an apartment and they should be able to give you names and phone numbers of utility companies so that you can set up your accounts in advance.
Electric
Florida Power and Light
You can set up your service online. You will need the address where you want service, a Social Security number or driver’s license number, and preferred start date.
Gas
To find out who the local provider is in your area, check Get Gas Florida. Two providers that service the Miami-Dade area are:
TECO The People’s Gas
Florida City Gas
Cable/Internet
Your zip code/address will determine who your cable provider options are for your new apartment. You can find more information about their services and pricing on their websites. Most buildings do not allow the installation of satellite dishes for apartments. Be sure to check with your landlord for association rules. If dishes are permitted a quick internet search will help you review your options. These are just a few of the major cable providers in the area:
Comcast XFINITY, (800) 934-6489
AT&T U-verse, (877) 416 2629
Verizon Fios, (866) 247-5587
Wireless
There are numerous stand-alone wireless stores in the Miami area. Plus, you can try Target, Costco (members only), and other retailers for phone plans or pre-paid services.
AT&T
As a UM student get 10% off monthly plans $39.99 and over, plus get 200 free text messages per month. Valid in stores and online only.
Boost Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile
Landlines
Most cable providers also offer bundles with residential nationwide calling plans. You can also find voice-over-internet providers from various retailers such as Walmart.
OTHER
Library
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Free to residents in Miami-Dade County. You can check out books, ebooks, audio books, and more. Residents of Hialeah, North Miami, and North Miami Beach are allowed reciprocal borrowing privileges for items owned by the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Residents who live in Bal Harbour, Miami Shores or the Town of Surfside may obtain cards for an annual fee of $100. Non-Miami-Dade County residents may also obtain a library card for $100 per year.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreen’s
