The University of South Florida, Tampa is the fourth largest public university in the state, meaning that there are lots of fun things to do and interesting people to meet. Here’s a list of five things you definitely need to do should you attend USF’s main campus:
1.) Bull Market
Every Wednesday, between 10AM and 3PM, local vendors, banks, school organizations, and the like set up shop outside of the Marshall Student Center to engage passersby about what they have to offer. You’ll find all manner of wares, including Caribbean jewelry, vintage clothing, and unique art. You can learn about clubs around campus- talk to participants, get on their e-mail list, sign up to volunteer at an event, or even help fund a trip. Bull Market is an institution at USF; I always enjoyed going and talking to the various vendors, maybe buying a pair of earrings or a poster for my dorm room. It’s a great community space to support local business and learn more about what the university, as well as Tampa Bay, has to offer.
2.) University Lecture Series
ULS has brought many a famous role model to campus to give speeches about their particular journey and inspire students to dive into life and be the best they can be. These events are always free to students (just remember to bring your USF ID). Some prominent speakers that have participated over the years include: Jane Goodall, Bill Nye, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., John Legend, Ron Paul, and many more. These talks can become one of the most inspirational parts of one’s college career- and who knows, one of your role models might come around and reaffirm your path, or even take a selfie with you!
3.) Be Patient with the Financial Aid Office
Before you decide to wait in line for 45 minutes at the Financial Aid office (if it’s the beginning or end of the semester), find out everything you can online, then remember to be patient with the clerk(s); they’ve been dealing with explaining the same thing over and over to hundreds of students, many of whom are highly stressed and/or confused. Write down exactly what questions you have before you go in, and make sure that if you need to ask your parents anything about tax or income information while you’re there, that they are available. Most things can be done online and the office has computers in case you need to sign any time sensitive documents, most of which are electronic.
4.) Go To At Least One Career Event
Every spring semester, USF has a career fair, where local companies come to see the best, brightest, and most personable students that USF has to offer. Be prepared with a good handshake, copies of your resume, and talking points about what you have accomplished, what you have to offer, and some of your goals. You can usually find out which businesses will be attending on the USF Career Center website. Be professional, in attire and attitude. Even if you don’t find something you’re interested in doing right away, it’s important to network while you’re still in school so that you have some contacts after you’ve graduated. If any one company did stand out to you, be sure to follow up soon after the event so they remember your name and professionalism and hopefully put your resume on the top of the stack. These events can also be useful in finding internships, which most students need in order to graduate.
5.) Take Advantage Campus Recreation
Though I’m certainly not the biggest fan of going to the gym, the one at USF is absolutely gorgeous! Recently renovated, at over 28,000 square feet, it has a ton of machines (many of which you can watch TV on), group fitness classes, racquetball courts, a 1/12 mile suspended track, and indoor heated pool. It’s extremely easy to pack on the ‘Freshman 15’ but access to this state-of-the-art facility is enough of a reason to get in shape! Beyond the gym, students can also rent kayaks to take along the Hillsborough River, ride bikes using the Bike Share program, and challenge themselves on the Ropes Course at Riverfront Park. There are also over 40 sports clubs, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Disc Golf, Quidditch, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Paintball, and Water Polo.
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.