1.) Taking Morning Classes if You’re Not a Morning Person
As much as we’d like to believe that as soon as we enter college, we would immediately be in “adult mode,” this is simply not the case. Time management is essential to success, as is knowing yourself and your personal tendencies. I had to learn the hard way that 8AM classes just weren’t for me. Depending on the class, attendance may be recorded, and if you’re late, you may be counted absent, meaning that you miss out on valuable information, and that your overall grade will be adversely affected. This also goes for late night classes. My first semester, I had a three hour calculus class that went until 10-PM. I soon realized that I could not retain math that late into the evening. Create your schedule based on when your brain functions at the optimal level.
2.) Buying Textbooks at the USF Bookstore
The University of South Florida, Tampa on campus Bookstore may seem like the obvious option, and there are definitely USF versions of textbooks, but there are alternative options near campus with more affordable prices (and USF versions available), mainly Gray’s Bookstore (Fletcher and Bruce B. Downs) and Book Holders (Fowler and Bruce B. Downs). Renting books online is another affordable, up and coming option for this, most students use Chegg. A lot of people choose to buy their books because they think they can sell them back at the end of the semester sometimes you can, but “new” versions are created fairly often, and books can become obsolete before you know it, meaning you won’t be able to sell them for anything.
3.) “Convenient” Parking
There are a lot of parking options on campus, but at peak hours, you may be waiting up to 45 minutes for a spot. At USF, there are different permits. “S” is for student parking, which is the most basic for those living off campus. They have the most spots, but still not as many as the number of permits sold. For this reason, there is also the “Park and Ride” permit, where you can park further away from the main buildings and take the Bull Runner (bus) to class. It may seem that this would take longer, but waiting for a spot might take just as long, and waste more gas.
If you’re REALLY late, there are metered spots available by the library, Marshall Center, and Bio Science building but I wouldn’t count on those being open. Also, if you become addicted to metered parking because you’re always late (like I was), NEVER forge the receipt from a previous day you’ll get caught, get your car booted, and have to write an essay about why you’ll never do it again, plus, obviously, get a hefty fine.
4.) Waiting Until the Last Minute to Register for Classes
University of South Florida Tampa has a fairly confusing method to determine when students can register for classes; it has something to do with your grade level and academic standing. The minute you’re able to register, DO IT! Especially if you have classes you need to take that semester, or to graduate. Some classes are offered only in spring or only in fall, in which case, if you miss out, you’ll have to wait a full year to enroll. Procrastinating with registration can move your graduation date back significantly.
For this reason, get to know your academic advisor well; set up appointments far in advance and e-mail regularly if you have questions. Advisors are there for your benefit; you’re NOT imposing on them by asking legitimate questions about your schedule. Also, the first week of the semester is Add/Drop, meaning that if someone misses the first day of a class, they’re automatically dropped; if you’re relying on this to get into a class, you need to be waiting at your computer (some people crash the class, too) to pick up the open spot.
5.) Biking on Fletcher Ave and Bruce B. Downs Blvd at Night
In Tampa, just because a road has a bike lane, does NOT mean it is safe to bike there. Sadly, Tampa is has one of the highest fatality rates in the country for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bruce B. Downs has a bike lane, but virtually no street lights between Fowler and Fletcher. People drive fast and are NOT looking out for bicyclists. If you need to go somewhere at night and don’t have a car, try to take the Bull Runner (there’s a bike rack) for as much of it as you can and bike the rest of the way with bright flashing lights so passersby can see you.
Sarah Marshall is a Florida native who graduated from University of South Florida, 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.