University of South Florida
Tampa, FL, USA

Reviews

University of South Florida

Julie from Deland, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Besides your core classes that apply directly to your major, students must meet “Gordon Rule” requirements in order to graduate. These classes have broadened my horizon tremendously. I never would have taken Anthropology, World Regional Geography, or American Drama without having these requirements. By meeting these requirements I have learned so much, not only definitions and theories, but world events and innovative strategies. Even as a student interested in medicine, these classes have opened up so many new windows and areas of my major for me to explore such as Medicine in West Africa or Anthropological medicine. The professors are also more than willing to go above and beyond to help you learn and apply your learning, if you show interest.
Am enjoying being here
OF COURSE I ENJOY BEING HERE! Since orientation before my freshman year, I have felt at home. Everyone I have encountered in this university is enthusiastic and school spirited, while being academically focused and ambitious. In my opinion, the best part of this school is the tradition. Sure, schools such as UF and FSU have traditions known nation-wide. However, how many of your friends that are going to those schools MADE those traditions? USF is so new and youthful; YOU have the power to make history, such as joining the spirit club BEEF STUDS. There are also SO many clubs that range in variety and so many awesome opportunities. USF may be a pretty large campus, but everyone can fit in. There is no such thing as “the normal student”. Every stereotypical clique from ‘over-achiever’ to ‘last-minute Lindy’ to ‘jock’ to ‘boozer’ to whatever you consider yourself is at USF. And the most beautiful part is they all interact and accept each other’s differences.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is going up, and USF recognizes that. The fees included in tuition do not begin to cover what you can receive from this school. There are SO many free things around campus. If you pay attention, you can usually find free food…daily. There are so many activities and events that are free to you just for being a proud BULL! Things such as awesome concerts, shows, and lectures (08-09 we were blessed with performances by Flo-rida, Lady Antebellum, Mike Epps, Christian Finnegan, and BILLY NYE…yes...the science guy!). Money cannot buy the friends and family you make here or the awesome experiences you will encounter.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved ASAP. The sooner you get involved, the easier it is. Try new things and be open minded. Oh yea, study hard and make your classes top priority. Enjoy this time in your life. You get back as much as you put in.
Great for these types of students
Enthusiastic students with drive and ambition. Students who love having fun just as much as learning. Students who are open to try new things.

Payal from Canton, MI

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
USF provides a vast array of classes to select from, allowing students to explore interests that are beyond their immediate course of study.
Am enjoying being here
USF boasts a large student body so there is no shortage of extracurricular activities to get involved with, including various clubs, greek life, and other student activities. Also, the campus is very nice. The city of Tampa is also very diverse.
Bang for the buck
Although tuition costs are on the rise, If you're an in-state student then USF can be considered a bargain. However, there is a large difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and new laws make it difficult for out-of-state students to be eligible for in-state tuition after their first year.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should relax. College is different than high school so be prepared to follow a more independent study plan. Prioritizing and managing your time effectively are key. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling in a particular area, there are plenty of resources available to assist students and help make their college experience a memorable one.
Great for these types of students
USF is good for students who are interested in health care/medicine. There are many excellent graduate programs geared toward the health care field. Also, USF is one of Florida's top 3 public research universities so is a good choice for students interested in doing research.

Miranda from Fruitland Park, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every college has a learning community, but USF does what they can to make students comfortable while learning. Our brand new student center has plenty of study rooms, and a very large computer lab that is very useful.
Am enjoying being here
USF is really good about getting freshmen involved in campus. They have events going on pretty much every week that helps you get to know people and learn your way around campus.
Bang for the buck
USF gives numerous scholarships and grants that makes it easier to pay for school. Be prepared to get a meal plan though, since as freshmen you are required to. It is not the most enjoyable thing eating at the cafeteria everyday, but you will appreciate being able to have an all-you-can-eat meal anytime from 8am-2am.
Tips for prospective students
Just make sure you keep things balanced. Try to go to your classes as much as possible, and make sure you make time to study. Also, get as much sleep as you can. If you don't want to gain that Freshmen Fifteen stay away from the Andros cafeteria late at night because they start serving breakfast again at 11pm. But otherwise, just have fun but don't go too crazy.
Great for these types of students
If you are the type of student that likes to have fun, meet a lot of new people, and get a good amount of learning in, then you should be USF bound.

Adriana from Kissimmee, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being in college is really a big difference, YOU get to choose your own schedule of classes, which is very flexible if you plan on working a part time job, being involved in athletics or any other student programs. Choosing your own schedule also allows you to pick the courses you are most interested in. Even if your are undecided you can take a variety of classes before narrowing down on a specific major. Not only do you learn academics but you develop as a person.
Am enjoying being here
USF has great school spirit. There are so many organizations and events that allow you to always have something to do and never be bored. I personally enjoy volunteering, intramural sports and of course the football games, Go Bulls!
Bang for the buck
Going to college can be expense, however with the right resources (ex: Cappex), you can receive scholarships, grants and loans that will allow you to have the college experience you want.
Tips for prospective students
Time management is KEY. It is so easy get distracted with the new friends that you make and the organizations that you joined to put homework and studying aside. Being able to wake up early for classes is often a challenge, so I suggest spending a couple of hours before or after your classes, reading and studying so you are free in the evening to do whatever you want and enjoy your college experience to the maximum!
Great for these types of students
Any student who is looking to have an enjoyable college experience and emerge him/herself in a different setting, make friends, and be fully prepared for a career. The campus is really big and the student population is very diverse, it is located in Tampa, Florida, an urban city and about 40 minutes away from the beach! Can't get better than that!

Olivia from Bradenton, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently enrolled in four classes that are 15 credit hours over all. My knowledge of each subject I am enrolled in has expanded greatly already and it is only the mid-term week of the first semester. I love my classes and they are definitely more enjoyable than highschool.
Am enjoying being here
USF is a great place to socialize! Homecoming Week and Week of Welcome are great ways to be social if you do not know anyone. Another great idea is just to go to the dining hall and find someone who is sitting alone and ask if you can sit with them! That is how I met someone that I am great friends with today. It is simple and easy and definitely worth your while.
Bang for the buck
The University of South Florida is not too expensive for Florida residents, but any out of state student will find any out of state school expensive. The credit hours are up there, but definitely so worth your while. This is a great institution so I find it definitely worth it. Housing can be pretty pricey, but by staying on campus you get to learn where everything is a lot faster. Meal plans are also expensive since they are required for freshman. My advice? As a girl I say for all other females try to get a smaller meal plan your sophomore year, you will not always use fifteen meals a week.
Tips for prospective students
Be on time for your first week of classes! If you do not show up they will mark you absent and that will kick you out of the course! If you do not understand homework in a certain subject GO TO THE TUTORING CENTER! This has helped me in Chemistry tremendously. Also the writing center in the library is great for checking your papers before they are due and its free! Be sure to sign up first in the library so that you can call in to make appointments the next time. It makes things may more efficient. Also do your readings and homework AS SOON AS THEY ARE ASSIGNED. This is such a big deal and will make a difference between an A and a B. Also take the stairs down if you live on any floor (but obviously the first) its an easy way to get exercise. Apply for on campus jobs! You always think Oh I'll never get the job you never know! Submit and application here or there, just because you apply and get the job does not mean you have to accept the offer. I applied for two different jobs within the first two weeks of being on campus and got one right away! Some jobs even offer tuition assistance! Also GET INVOLVED WITH CLUBS. It will be a great way to meet new people. One last thing, during week of welcome MAKE TIME TO TAKE THE GUIDED TOUR! It is so worth your time. They can show you where every class you have is located and also the most efficient way to get there. Also take classes that interest you! If you are in a major that has a bunch of classes which you hate, I would not suggest doing that. Major in something you will actually want to do. Granted, every major will have some classes you dislike, but I guarantee if you pick something you enjoy those classes will not ruin your whole semester.
Great for these types of students
USF is great for any student I think. It is big enough to keep you away from people you dont want to see, but not big to the point where you get lost everyday. Also it is great for people who want to be social but don't know how. USF offers so many opportunities for all students that it is hard not to make new friends.

Joana from Viera, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm in the Honors College and a double major in Science and Language. All of my professors know what they are talking about and most are very willing to help you understand the material.
Am enjoying being here
I really like the people I am meeting. There is a wide variety of clubs from drama and other liberal arts to every sport. I only wish I could be involved in more. The campus is big enough that if you don't want to run into people you probably wont, but if you know enough people there will always be someone to wave to on your way to class.
Bang for the buck
It's a pretty cheap out-of-state school and an average priced in-state school for Florida. There are so many scholarships you can apply for or automatically qualify for based on SAT scores and such. Don't miss out because you think the SAT's are pointless.
Tips for prospective students
Declare a major and talk to that counselor. They will let you know what you need to finish (graduate) on time. There are tons of scholarships, so look early to see what you need to do to qualify (if you're an incoming student. i.e. SAT scores).
Great for these types of students
Good for students who don't know if they want a big or small school. It is a big enough school though to offer a variety of activities, so anyone can find something they enjoy. Has a good athletic program. Has a good music/liberal arts program. Has a Greek life and professional fraternities.

Courtney from Plant City, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Go to class. This is the only way to really learn a lot. Most classes do not require attendance but being in the classroom is very helpful.
Bang for the buck
Great sticker price, but even better once in the school. The school's estimated cost is much lower than what you will actually pay for tuition which is great.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved and do not worry about looking silly. College is much more fun if you have friends and know people. Participate in class discussion and activities, this will make things easier to understand and definitely ask questions if you have them...no one will think you aren't smart.
Great for these types of students
Determined, academic, school-spirited

Molly from Vero Beach, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school means business! You have to devote all of your attention to your classes, but it really pays off in the end! Everything I've learned so-far has proven valuable.
Am enjoying being here
I really enjoy this university. There are constantly things to do, from 'Movies on the Lawn' to 'Bulls Night Out.' Our football team was ranked in the top 25 of the nation this year, making for very exciting sporting events! The area around the school also adds to the excitement. Tampa is a thriving location with endless opportunities.
Bang for the buck
The University of South Florida isn't a community college so it is a little pricy, but I think it's worth it! Plan on paying room and board for your first semester (as freshmen are required to live on campus and have a meal plan), but the housing options are affordable and the experiences are worthwhile. With what you're paying, you get excellent classes, free gym membership, free sporting events, and invitations to numerous school-wide events!
Tips for prospective students
Pay attention in all of your classes! One test can make or break you. It costs a lot of money to re-take classes so try to avoid doing so! Also, speak with your guidance counselor as much as possible! He or she will offer very valuable advice that will pay off in the end! Lastly, this school has a huge population; It can take a long time to get a hold of people and get things done. Always Remember: The early bird gets the worm!
Great for these types of students
Students that like huge universities, students that enjoy sporting events and extracurricular activities, students interested in greek life, and students interested in earning a degree from a well-respected university.

Amanda from Orlando, FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors and advisers really do care about your success. They make sure you understand the material and the career path you have chosen. Oh and don't stress about being undeclared, the advisers are there to guide you and help you make an informed decision.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved, go to class, study, but most importantly HAVE FUN!!! College is what you want it to be!

Student, Tampa FL

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Pretty nice campus, really big so bring a bike or something to get too and from class but overall it's a nice and friendly environment.
Tips for prospective students
It's Florida so make sure you have an umbrella at all times, also keep in mind that it's hot. In terms of getting in just make sure that you have a good GPA and class standing, you should do fine.
Academic Rigor
About what you'd expect from a state university, actually trying instead of slacking should get you the grade you want/deserve.
Dorm Life
Everyone is really friendly in the dorms and everything is very clean, overall not terrible just apply for dorms early or you'll end up in the crappiest dorms.
What to do for fun
Busch gardens is a 10 minute drive from school they also have buses that'll take you out to it. There's plenty of on campus activities through the week and the beach is a 20 minute drive away, and downtown Tampa is close as well. The zoo, aquarium and MOSI are all good and affordable attractions (that you get at discounts.)
Bang for the buck
MOSI is worth it if you're into engineering and sciences, it's a full day thing but worth it.
The aquarium is pretty fun, not amazing but you still see some cool things.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Going to sports games is a tradition, you have to see at least ONE while you're here, they're pretty fun to attend and you also get tickets at a discount.
Clubs and Activities
Endless clubs and activities, we have a racing team that you can sign up for and a rowing team, we also have some students that have a robotics research team (which is cool.) There is always activities that the school offers or certain events that clubs or off campus groups will have.
Campus Safety
Haven't felt unsafe at all, there's a police station on campus as well as blue lights that you can go to and press a button in case of emergency (I believe the response time is 60 seconds or less)