University of South Florida -- St. Petersburg

Home College Hallmarks & Quirks

Hallmarks and Quirks

Things I'm Good At:

  • Sailing. The USF varsity sailing team is based at my campus, and trust me, this team will blow all your friends' schools' sailing teams out of the water—if they even have sailing teams, that is.
      
  • Kayaking, paddle boarding, and basically anything water-related. Water bugs welcome here.
      
  • Appreciating the arts. My hometown boasts art from world-class museums and features murals painted around the city. USFSP students get into the neighboring Salvador Dali museum for free.
      
  • Large school perks on a small campus. Being connected to the USF system, I give you all the benefits of a massive university without all the big-school hassles. Take that, Tampa.

My Top 5 Must-Haves:

  1. A bathing suit. Considering you can paddle board, kayak, and sail for free, you'd better come prepared. Did I mention I'm less than thirty minutes from the beach?
      
  2. Longboard. It's my favorite mode of transportation around campus and in downtown.
      
  3. Your student ID. It will get you free admission to the Dali museum, and discounts at many local restaurants, thanks to my Bulls in the Burg program. Your ID also gives you access to my waterfront activities and bike share program—so don't leave home (or your residence hall) without it.
      
  4. Sunscreen. It's Florida. Do you want sun poisoning?
      
  5. Time to prepare for class. Small class sizes mean lots of discussion-oriented classes. You'll likely be called on to give your thoughts on the assigned text. Make sure you read it.

Why You Might Have Heard of Me:

  • Green. Green grass, green palm trees...student green energy fund. Say what? Yup—this fund brings all sorts of eco-friendly, innovative ideas to campus. My parking garage uses solar panels to power the lights and elevators in the garage.
      
  • Surrealism. I'm a block away from the famous Salvador Dali museum. Actually, my Harbor Hall formerly held the Dali museum before it moved to a larger location. I take pride in Dali's eccentric work. Like his "Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening." How can you not like a piece with that name?

On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...

At home for the weekend. If I happen to still be on campus, I'm probably binge-watching Netflix or eating at one of the many great restaurants downtown. Unlike other schools, I get pretty quiet on Fridays because many students like to leave for the weekend.

On the second Saturday of every month, however, you can find me checking out the art downtown at the Second Saturday Artwalk. I enjoy everything from surrealism to blown glass, and it's all in my city.

On Saturday mornings, downtown St. Petersburg has a farmers market. If you don't buy a sunflower there at least once, I'll question that you were ever my student.

Favorite Hangouts:

  • The Waterfront. You can sit along the water and do your homework if you'd like since I have WiFi along the water, as well as solar-powered plugs for your laptops. It's also a romantic place to take a date.
      
  • The Tavern at Bayboro. This restaurant and bar is located just off campus, but it's so close that it might as well be on campus. Professors and students alike flock here for the beer, grouper sandwiches, and good atmosphere.
      
  • The Campus Grind. This place is perfect for doing homework and grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend. The friendly baristas are an added bonus.
      
  • The University Student Center. You'll find meal plan options here, and it's also where freshman live. The Ballrooms upstairs host almost every important event on campus. Come prepared to run into friends.
      
  • Downtown restaurants, breweries, and coffee and tea spots. I can't name just one because there are so many options. If you like all things local, I'm the school for you.

Quirks:

  • Mediocre food. If you live in my glorious dorms then you're forced to purchase a meal plan. Sometimes the food is good, but it often draws complaints from the students. You've been warned.
      
  • Odd research. Some of my professors enjoying studying unusual things—past topics include fire ants and sex workers' discourse.
      
  • Limited majors. I'm growing, but I still have a lot of holes to fill. Lucky for you, if you find I don't have exactly what you want, my sister Tampa probably does. Transferring is relatively painless.

Famous Alumni:

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