University of South Florida-St Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

Reviews

University of South Florida-St Petersburg

Elna from Valrico, FL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
attending usfsp has been quite an experience. my teachers and peers are so wonderful and are more beneficial than i thought they would be. i just love it here!
Tips for prospective students
i advice everyone coming here in the next year or few, just be prepared to enjoy life!
Academic Rigor
it is tough to take classes here, but it is also same with every other campus. the professors are great and will help you out with anything.
Dorm Life
as of right now, dorm life is something everyone should experience. you'll meet people that will be your friends maybe for the rest of your life!
Food and Dining
we are located in downtown st.petersburg, so everything you need is just a few steps away. also, there is a chick-fil-a located on campus so it's very convenient.
What to do for fun
we are located in downtown st.petersburg, so everything you need is just a few steps away.
Bang for the buck
every experience is worth your dollar.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
we are located in downtown st.petersburg, so everything you need is just a few steps away.
Great for these types of students
if you like the water, this is the right place for you!
Clubs and Activities
emails are sent out once a week updating all students what's going around school. everyone always welcomes you in a pleasing way.
Greek Life
in order to be part of the greek life, you'd have to commute to the tampa-main campus.
Campus Safety
there are emergency poles/buttons everywhere, so you don't have to worry about being unsafe!

Bridgit from Coral Springs, FL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this school is quiet, small, productive and overall a great place to study and receive an education at.
Tips for prospective students
if you enjoy one on one help from your teachers over being just a number in a bigger university then this is the place for you.
What to do for fun
hang out with my roommates, attend campus activities, enjoy the downtown st. pete since everything is in walking distance.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
located on the water which is a nice and relaxing place to study or
de-stress.
Clubs and Activities
so many clubs to choose from, such as: barbecue club, gardening club, criminology club and way more.

Rachel from Celebration, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of South Florida St Petersburg is a small, but growing and thriving university located in the heart of Downtown St Petersburg. The campus is know for its sustainability movements, incredible professors, and world-renowned business and entrepreneurship programs. At USFSP, students are not just another number; they are treated as equal members of a very close, professional environment.
Tips for prospective students
This is the perfect campus for students looking for a small school with an honors program, students looking to commute from the Tampa Bay Area, and students who want the perks of a big university but also want to have a voice on campus. Another great thing about this university is that we have a beach on campus AND we are walking distance to downtown St Pete- it's the best of city and beach life combined!
Academic Rigor
The College of Business has an international reputation to uphold so classes aren't a breeze, but professors are very helpful and there is free tutoring available to all students.
Dorm Life
USFSP is small but is definitely growing. There are currently two residence halls- RHO and USC. USC features typical shared, 2 person rooms and is a completely sustainable and energy efficient building. RHO has many more dorm styles to choose from- everything from shared 2 person room to 4 person suites where each students has their own room, shares a bathroom with one other suite-mate, and a kitchen and common area with three other suite-mates. RHO also has full kitchens which is great for students who have special diets or any food allergies.
Food and Dining
Meal plans are fulfilled by Sodexo which offers a broad menu and tries to accomidate to the tastes and diets of all of the USFSP students. It features a gluten-free menu, vegetarian options, organic options, in addition to your typical bacon-cheeseburgers! Once a month, Sodexo offers students a steak night and a chocolate fountain for dessert!
What to do for fun
What NOT to do for fun...USFSP is a trolley ride away from St Pete beach, a 5 minute walk from downtown, and a 30 minute drive from the main USF campus in Tampa. As a USFSP student, you will be able to attend all sports games, events, and clubs that the main campus offers in addition to everything that USFSP offers! There is NEVER a times when you will find nothing to do.
Bang for the buck
Reasonable prices considering the incredible professors and the fact that we are able to enjoy everything that both USFSP and the main campus, USF in Tampa, provide.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Homecoming Week Carnival, Annual Drag Show, Spring Fling Concert (3Oh!3 this year), Campus tavern serves alcohol and great food and is located on campus
Great for these types of students
Eco-friendly, Entrepreneurial, Students who work full or part time, Students who want to make a difference on campus
Greek Life
Only Academic Honors Societies
Campus Safety
USFSP Police Department and USFPD are at our beckon call.

Estefania from Saint Petersburg, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Small campus is great for one on one with teachers. Beautiful campus on the waterfront with tons of activities. Also great quality professors and students.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus to make sure that the intimate setting is what you want.
Academic Rigor
College is college. I assume academically they are all up to par. It's no harvard; but the availability of professors does make things a lot easier.
Dorm Life
The dorms are beautiful! RHO was built in 2006 and it is still fairly new. Another awesome building (which is where I'll be living) is almost finished and will be open this fall(2012). Lots of great people. If you're looking for a party school, you might want to go somewhere else.
Food and Dining
Located in downtown, there are tons of restaurants to choose from. This year they will be implementing a cafeteria in the main building with decent food options.
What to do for fun
Clubs downtown and if you travel a little you can get to club city which is Ybor. Also, I cant stress this enough... BEACHES!! So many, so close. Also many concerts at places like Jannus and rays games and museums
Bang for the buck
Quality education in an awesome setting. The resources from the main campus are available to us but only to a certain extent.
Great for these types of students
Students who genuinely want a good education who want to have fun and party but dont want your neighbor throwing a kegger at 3am before exams. Also people who enjoy living in a fast paced downtown area.
Clubs and Activities
Not a lot to choose from, BUT anyone can start their own club.
Campus Safety
blue telephones every 5 feet in case a maniac is chasing you and you need the campus police.

Melanie from Fort Myers, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a beautiful campus. The administrators really seem like they want to help and are really involved. Campus safety is definitely not an issue with all the emergency poles located around campus.
Academic Rigor
Haven't started school yet but just by sitting in on classes, it looks pretty stimulating to me!
Dorm Life
NO COMMUNAL BATHROOMS
Food and Dining
Haven't gotten the chance to try the food yet but I'm sure it'll be fine.

Mary from Astatula, FL

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is my absolute dream school. Small class sizes, a hospital close by for health science majors. 75% of the students that walk across the stage at graduation have already found a job in their career choice.
Tips for prospective students
Don't hesitate to contact admissions, they're super helpful.
Academic Rigor
I was told that the classes are challenging, which is great.
Dorm Life
Small room sizes, but they place you on a floor with people in similar classes so you can study with them. They make you take like a survey before you get put into a room so they can put you with people that you match up with.
Food and Dining
Not many options unless you like starbucks from what I saw. There are other options that I didn't get to see because I went during summer, which means like everything on campus is closed.
What to do for fun
You can join a variety of clubs, lounge on the lawn, "rent" kayaks, boats, and what not (I was told for free, but don't quote me). There's also concerts in the area, the Trop. is not too far from the campus.
Greek Life
No Greek Life
Campus Safety
Theres little boxes around every corner that can let you contact the police, which would get there in like 90 seconds according to my guide. Even though there is never really any crime.

Anthony S.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Apply for housing and dining early since there are several applicants each semester. Also, take advantage of the resources offered on campus such as free kayaking or paddle boarding, etc.
Academic Rigor
The courses on campus can tend to be rigorous, but that is the case for most institutions anyways, however for this campus the professors are extremely helpful and understanding toward their students. There is also a tutoring center on campus available to students who desire extra help with their assignments, for any subject taught on campus.
Dorm Life
Both housing buildings are in excellent condition and near the classroom buildings, which is essential when having to walk to class.
Food and Dining
The food at the "Reef" for the campus is not bad, however the hours tend to be less compatible than what most students desire.
What to do for fun
The campus offers several activities throughout the semester, but there are also events like kayaking or paddle boarding, swimming in the pool, visiting the Dali museum or Museum of Fine Arts, attending Rowdies soccer games, etc.
Bang for the buck
For the most part, this campus provides the bang for the buck. The only issues with the campus are the hours of the dining area, the hours of the tutoring center, and of the recreation field.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The building Harbor Hall is where the original Dali museum was located.
Great for these types of students
Students that are studious yet adventurous and desire some time to relax.
Clubs and Activities
The university hosts numerous entertaining activities throughout each semester ranging from karaoke night, to watching a film, or even bringing in therapy dogs to the library. There are several clubs to join and new ones are created every so often.
Campus Safety
There are several emergency poles stationed around campus that contact the police department if necessary. The university also has a police department that pertains to the institution and only the institution.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg provides students with a big campus feel, while still remaining small. The classes are set up to provide students with one-on-one time with their teachers, which allows for better learning. Along with the amazing learning setup the beautiful campus is located in downtown St. Petersburg, and right on the water.
Academic Rigor
Small classes provides an easier learning and teaching environment, for both the student and the teachers. It allows one-on-one time, and the teachers seem to be genuinely concerned with their students success.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at USFSP is amazing. With the two different dorm buildings, RHO and USC, you can choose to share a room with a roommate or have a suite style dorm.
Food and Dining
USFSP has a variety of food, with a sandwich and salad bar, a grill, a cafe with Starbucks brand coffee, and a World of Wings.
What to do for fun
For fun you can walk around downtown St. Petersburg, rent kayaks, go sailing, or even drive into Tampa.
Great for these types of students
Students who love a small environment, or students who like to be near the water.
Clubs and Activities
Events are scheduled weekly at USFSP! It's easy to stay connected with what's going on around the campus through emails or on the schools Facebook page.
Campus Safety
There is emergency poles everywhere that will notify the Saint Petersburg police, along with the poles I always see cops at night by the dorms and sometimes during the day.

Taylor from Saint Cloud, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
USF St.Pete is fantastic for students who want a small school- everything is within walking distance, and I already personally know both the student body president and vice president. Having small classes makes it easy for the teachers to know your name and be able to help you as an individual. The school is also very good at putting together fun events for everyone, even people who don't generally like events.
Tips for prospective students
Don't buy textbooks until you've been to class. The professor will tell you whether they're necessary. Unless there is work assigned from the book (this includes reading unless you already know the material), the book really isn't necessary. Who wants to spend a crazy amount of money on textbooks?
Academic Rigor
This is very biased based upon majors and personal experiance. Some things to note that are not based on major are that many professors are very forgiving- out of four tests, for example, the lowest test score can be dropped. Tests are MUCH harder than quizzes. If studying isn't necessary for quizzes, it is for tests.
Dorm Life
Dorms are generally clean and taken care of. In RHO, the shred living space is spacious with beautiful views. The given fridge, microwave, oven, and stove are fantastic for sttudents with small or no meal plans. The USC is a brand new building, making it wonderful all in itself. Rooms are spacious and well put together. Prices are cheap for the nice accomodations, and are much cheaper than most schools.
Food and Dining
The food might make people nauscious one day, and then be fantastic the next. Its hit and miss, but the french fries cooked right in front of you are always great. Prices are good, though variety can be lacking.
What to do for fun
There are tons of events going on all the time. If that's not your thing, try free kayaking, or learn to sail for a discounted fee as a student. There are even sailing weekends for a price, in which you can take your friends on an overnight sailing trip.
Bang for the buck
Super cheap for a good education
Great for these types of students
Students who like small classes and small campuses
Clubs and Activities
Good clubs, but could use more
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
Never feel unsafe

Shelby from St. Petersburg, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, is a luscious learning environment with beautiful waterfront surroundings. Smaller sized classes provide for a helpful learning environment and provoke more student interaction. The ongoing campus activities help stimulate students to get involved and check out what the campus has to offer.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to check out the outside lawn and waterfront activities! Go on! Meet new people and see what the campus has to offer. The waterfront is a great way to get active, meet new people, have a fun day on the water, and even get free food! Don't be afraid to ask other students questions. If your lost, curious, or have any questions, confronting other students is a great way to get answers and connect with other USFSP students.
Academic Rigor
It is just like any other school. If you don't apply yourself, you will not succeed and it will be difficult to pass classes. But, if you apply yourself and are determined to improve and graduate, you will be successful.
Dorm Life
Freaking awesome! One of the BEST ways to be involved in student life and meet other students. The lower class men dorms are bran-spanking-new and the original, upper class men dorms are suites! Dorm life makes it is easier to attend campus activities and help keeps students focused on their studies.
Food and Dining
Not only does the campus provide a meal plan and cafeteria, but also local dinning on campus at the Campus Grind and the Tavern (which is where you will find most teachers on their breaks)! The tavern provides an array of food and beer while the campus grind can brew you a delicious coffee to start off your morning.
What to do for fun
University of South Florida is in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. What is there not to do? Downtown has a strip of local bars and pubs as well as fine dinning and the local hole-in-the-walls! There are a numerous amount of concert halls like Jannus Live and the Orphium. Local events and concerts always take place at Vinoy Park and other local parks on the water. The Saturday morning market is also always a fresh way to start your morning and do a little shopping and dinning. Of course we can forget the location of Down Town St. Petersburg. Right on the water! Not only can we kayak, paddle board, and swim for free but the school provides sailing lessons, kite boarding lessons, and paddle boarding lessions for students, which is all provided at the campus Waterfront. USFSP is located 20 minutes from the beautiful Florida beaches, which makes for an easy trip if you want to dig your toes into the sand and catch some rays. Speaking of Rays, the Tampa Bay Ray's stadium is a center piece of St. Petersburg. Tickets are cheap for students, the stadium is walking distance from the school, and a night of baseball is always fun!
Bang for the buck
Local hole-in-the-walls downtown love to cater to students. Your USF ID will help you receive discounts. Pay attention to daily specials at restaurants and bars (like taco Tuesday's or ladies night).Also everything you might need is within walking/ biking distance from the school. You don't even need to use your car to get around. So save the gas and enjoy the scenery!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Pat the Bull on the lawn, before finals, for good luck!
Great for these types of students
University of South Florida St. Petersburg is great for students who love water activities and being close to the ocean or for students who wish to peruse and ocean based degree. The campus is great for students who are open to a green environment and like to be active in the community. USFSP is worth considering if you like smaller classes, downtown environment, active clubs, and a chance to succeed with your education.
Clubs and Activities
There are always an array of clubs and activities meeting on a daily basis. Whether your looking for a workout club, an academic club, or an activities club you are bound to find something that strikes your interest.
Greek Life
Business fraternity only
Campus Safety
There is a campus police station and emergency calling posts located throughout the campus. Any concerns can be taken directly to the office, where they are very helpful, and officers do a routine walk through on campus.