When I started at University of South Florida, Tampa in 2008, I had no idea what I was in for. Upon arrival, I felt daunted and lonely. That only lasted a few weeks though, and before I knew it, I was talking to anybody and everybody around campus because I realized that I wasn’t alone they were all new at some point or another. The gluttonous dining halls, complete lack of curfew, gigantic auditorium style classes, and endless on campus events allowed me to revel in FREEDOM!
Still, there was a lot that I didn’t expect, some things more pleasantly surprising than others. Here’s a list of 5 things I wish I’d known about USF before attending:
1.) The science classes are HARD, much harder than I had anticipated.
Sure, college is certainly a different experience than high school, but I was not prepared for the constant studying and tutoring necessary to pass the Chemistry and Biology classes, most of which are graded solely on four exams (and maybe some online homework). The corresponding labs could have been helpful, had I understood the real world significance of the experiments. Warning: TAs, some more competent and helpful than others, teach pretty much every lab, so be familiar with your professors’ office hours and make use of the tutoring in the library.
2.) Student life is amazing!
There’s a club for everything at USF social justice, volunteerism, politics, special interests, multicultural, and more. Plus, every Wednesday is Bull Market where local vendors and clubs set up tables, so in between classes you can buy some clothes or jewelry, learn about interesting clubs, and get something yummy to eat! I couldn’t believe all the possibilities to get involved. If I had known sooner, I would have started immediately.
3.) A Parking Permit does NOT guarantee you a spot.
I spent my first year at USF Tampa living on campus, and though I wouldn’t change that for the world, parking was not the most convenient even though I paid a hefty sum for a residential (“R”) sticker. I warn you, if you’re in the wrong spot, you WILL get a ticket; depending on the offense, maybe even booted or towed. There are some convenient parking spots, but depending on what time you get in, you may be stuck parking a quarter mile away from your dorm.
If you have a student (“S”) sticker, you should be aware that there are not nearly as many spots available as permits sold, so either park farther away and take the Bull Runner (bus), or give yourself plenty of time to get to class on time; at peak hours, you could be waiting for a spot for 30-45 minutes. Pay attention to the lots where your permit is allowed; I racked up plenty of tickets in the beginning by being oblivious to this.
4.) 5 Free Condoms Every Day!
Though in college, not everyone is sexually active, you’ll likely find yourself in a situation where you’ve got to make that decision. The ‘broke college student’ stereotype is true, but USF has made it so that there is NO reason to have unprotected sex. USF Health Services offer 5 free condoms per day to students all you have to do is go pick them up in the Marshall Center. I used to get them all the time even when I wasn’t having sex, just in case my friends and dorm mates needed some. That’s just one expense to cross off your list, and can help prevent a much larger one in the future.
5.) Safe Team can be your evening campus chauffeur.
USF is a pretty large campus, and there’s plenty to do every night of the week, but it is also a public campus, meaning that anyone in the area can come and go as they please. This is why, from the hours of 6:30PM-2AM, SAFE Team golf carts drive around campus to give students free rides, whether it’s to the dining hall or a party in Greek housing, they are there for the sole purpose of getting students where they need to go, safely. Just call 813-974-SAFE (7233) and they’ll give you an ETA.
Sarah Marshall is a Florida native who graduated from USF Tampa in December 2012 with a degree in Environmental Science & Policy. Her university experience included some of her fondest memories, meeting lifelong friends and learning invaluable information about social and environmental justice issues. She is currently writing a monthly environmental column for a British newspaper and looking for a job where she can help the community by educating locals about the principles of sustainability.