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Experience University of South Florida, Tampa Campus

Virtually explore University of South Florida, Tampa Campus in a fully immersive 360-degree experience.

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Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Sarasota-Manatee campus tours are designed to help students gain an appreciation for the culture of the campus and local community, and help prospective students see why Sarasota-Manatee students choose to receive a preeminent education in a small school atmosphere. Guests take a guided tour of our campus: walking our halls, stepping into the classrooms, and laying beneath the pines in one of our hammocks. The tours are conducted by our Campus Experience guides who share the history and statistics of the campus, while helping flesh out the experience through their unique student lens.

Prior to the tour, students will receive an information session from an admissions counselor. This presentation will help to set the context for the tour, explain the programs and opportunities available on campus, and explain the application and scholarship process.

Tours typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, and are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Tour schedules may change during summer semesters and holiday hours.

To schedule a Sarasota-Manatee campus tour, please register at https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/admissions/visit-usf-sarasota-manatee.aspx .  If you have questions about the tour or other visit opportunities, such as Open Houses, please contact the Campus Experience team at 941-359-4331.

University of South Florida

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Don’t forget your sunglasses as you get to know USF’s St. Petersburg campus! Located in one of Florida’s most culturally rich cities, take a tour that explores the programs, places and people that call our sunny, harborside campus home. You will also get the chance to learn more about the application process during an information session with an admissions counselor.

Student-Led Campus Tours

Our student-led tours give you an up-close view of our academic programs, student organizations and waterfront recreation such as sailing and kayaking. You will hear from current students about what life is really like on our dynamic St. Petersburg campus!   Your tour includes an information session presented by an Office of Admissions professional, where you’ll get an overview of the university, admission requirements, scholarships and campus life.

Before scheduling a visit, please keep the following in mind:

• Dates: Tours are offered Monday-Friday and on select Saturdays. Tour space is limited to provide our guests with a positive experience. Please have a few dates in mind before making your reservation in case your first choice is not available. Tours are scheduled and posted periodically throughout the semester. If you do not see tours posted for the dates you are hoping to visit, please check our website weekly for updates.
• Academic calendar: To get the best feel for the St. Petersburg campus, check our academic calendar and visit when there are students on campus attending classes.
• International students: Contact [email protected]  to add a meeting with an International Admissions Advisor to your tour.
• Weather: The St. Petersburg campus is located in a subtropical climate and the tour is outdoors. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Even though most of our days are filled with blue skies and sunshine, we ask that you please consider Florida’s heat, humidity and rain showers as a possibility. Expect a lot of walking, so please dress accordingly, wear proper shoes, and bring a water bottle.

Note: This event series currently includes only spring semester tours. Summer tours will be posted and available for registration in late April.

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Self-Guided Campus Tours

Stroll our beautiful St. Petersburg campus on your own schedule with our self-guided campus tour! Stops include the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, the University Student Center, the Harborwalk and Pelican Apartments. Please RSVP below to access the Walking Campus Tour map. Print out a copy and explore campus at your own pace to get a first-hand look at the incredible places where you’ll eat, sleep, study, learn and play.

To get the best feel for USF, check out our academic calendar and visit during the academic year when students are attending class.   Please note that access to buildings is not guaranteed, and guests must print the parking permit provided when registering or pay for parking at the self-service machine in the St. Petersburg campus parking garage.

Before Arriving on the St. Petersburg Campus

• Prepare for the tour: This includes wearing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and temperature-appropriate clothing. And don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated! It can get hot in St. Petersburg, especially on a walking tour of campus.
• Pay for your parking: You may park in the Fifth Avenue Parking Facility, labeled FPF on the Walking Campus Tour map. Once you arrive at the garage, purchase a timed space pass in the garage at the walk-up permit machine located on the first level by the elevators. You may also use the parking permit provided at registration.

Group Tours

Come join us for a group visit of our St. Petersburg campus! These visits are comprised of groups of 10-80 students.   During your group tour, you’ll explore our academic facilities, a residence hall, dining options, student support offices, recreation and other important campus stops. Tours include an information session where you and your group will learn about admissions requirements, financial aid, scholarships, campus life, dining and more.

Scheduling Your Tour   Due to the large volume of requests we receive for group tours, preference will be given to high school groups and organizations serving high school students. Dates and times are subject to availability.   Please follow the directions below to set up your visit:

• Submit your request at least  four weeks prior to the requested visit date.
• Please include your requested date(s) and time(s) in order of preference in the “Date Preferences” field.
• After receiving your request, a representative from our office will contact you. Submitting a request does not guarantee a scheduled visit.
• Should you wish to eat on campus with your group, we recommend our all-you-care-to-eat dining hall. For information on hours and pricing, please visit Dining Services .

Submit Request

Virtual Tours

Experience the St. Petersburg campus, nestled between the stunning waterfront and lively downtown, through our 360-degree virtual tour. Discover our scenic study spots and picture yourself sitting in the sun along Bayboro Harbor – in February!

Disability Accommodations

Please contact the tour staff at  [email protected]  at least five working days in advance for mobility assistance, visual impairment assistance or American Sign Language interpreting.

Directions to Campus

Address USF St. Petersburg Campus 140 7th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Campus Map From the East

• Take I-4 West to I-275 South.
• Take exit 22 onto I-175 East toward Tropicana Field.
• When the interstate ends, continue straight onto Fifth Avenue South and proceed to Second Street. The Welcome Center is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Second Street.

From the West

• Take I-75 South to I-275 South.
• Take I-75 North to I-275 North.

Parking on Campus

Visitor parking is available in the Fifth Street Parking Facility.   Single Day Permits may be purchased in the garage at the walk-up permit machine located on the first level by the elevators. The permit machine accepts cash, Visa and Mastercard. The price of a day permit is $5 and can be used on levels 2 through 5 in the garage.   The Welcome Center is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Second Street.   Note: Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled visit to ensure adequate time for parking and check-in.

Hotels and Accommodations

If you're visiting from out of town, there are a number of convenient hotels located near our St. Petersburg campus. This is not a comprehensive list, so visitors are encouraged to search for other hotels near the campus they are visiting.   Many of the hotels listed for each campus below offer a special USF rate. If you choose one of these hotels, state that you are visiting the University of South Florida to access the special rate. Some also offer free shuttle service to the campus.

Comfort Inn & Suites Clearwater 3910 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater, FL 33762 727-573-3334   Courtyard St. Petersburg Downtown 300 4th St North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-450-6200 Complimentary shuttle to campus.   Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown 80 Beach Dr NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-892-9900   Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront 333 1st St South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-894-5000 Located within walking distance from campus.   Holiday Inn St. Petersburg West 1200 34th St N St. Petersburg, FL 33713 727-322-0770   Ponce De Leon Hotel 95 Central Ave N St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-550-9300   St. Pete Beach Suites 6801 Sunset Way St Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-360-7233   Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown 940 5th Ave South St. Petersburg, Florida 33705 727-821-0777 Offers a complimentary shuttle to campus.   The Cordova Inn 253 2nd Ave North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-822-7500 About eight blocks from campus.

Explore St. Petersburg (and Beyond)

One of the best parts of attending USF's St. Petersburg campus is the location. Tucked next to scenic Bayboro Harbor, we offer the amenities and advantages of higher-priced, larger universities, plus the benefits that come with being a part of Florida’s newest Preeminent State Research University. You'll love this campus is in the heart of dynamic St. Petersburg — a vibrant and artsy Florida city where all are welcome.   Plus, St. Petersburg campus students have access to the rich professional resources afforded by our network of business connections. Our students tap into community and industry relationships for valuable internship and practicum experiences to prepare them for rewarding careers when they graduate.   If you're visiting us from out of town, make a weekend out of it! For more information on hotels, restaurants, things to do and more, check out Visit St. Pete Clearwater .   Download our Gulf Coast Visitor Guide to make the most of your trip and explore everything our Gulf Coast region has to offer, from sports to arts to nature. 

Download Guide 

Meet the Navigator Tour Guides

Aidan - Navigator Captain Major: Environmental Science Class of: 2024 Hometown: Lake Worth, FL You can find me at: The Nest or the University Student Center

Reni Major: Marine Biology, with a minor in Environmental Science & Policy Class of: 2024 Hometown: Yorktown, VA You can find me at: Hammocking at the waterfront

Emely Major: Marketing Class of: 2025 Hometown: Roatan, Honduras You can find me at: The Terrace at LPH

Contact the Campus Visitation Office

Email: [email protected] Phone: 727-873-4562 Meet the Campus Visitation Team

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University of South Florida

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AAU membership brings extraordinary benefits

The historic invitation provides new federal funding opportunities for USF research, strengthens our role in meeting workforce demands and attracts the brightest faculty, staff and students to Tampa Bay.

Learn more about AAU benefits 

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Friends and families filled USF’s Yuengling Center to watch their 2024 graduates walk across the stage – fulfilling a long-awaited dream for many after the pandemic canceled their high school graduation ceremonies.

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From leading forecasting efforts, to helping inform families on how to protect themselves from rising costs, USF researchers are involved in a number of innovative endeavors and public initiatives to better prepare communities for the next hurricane.

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Through its partnership with U.S. Special Operations Command, the USF Institute of Applied Engineering has co-led an illuminating study that found repeated exposure to low-level blasts is associated with signs of brain injury in Special Operations Forces. Such exposure is common throughout many military careers, including in training and operational environments.

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USF joins AAU

USF’s historic invitation to join the Association of American Universities has taken what many in Tampa Bay have once considered a “best-kept secret” to an unprecedented new level. Joining the AAU is a tremendous milestone for USF as it formalizes USF's position as a leading research university. USF is the first public university in Florida to be invited to join the AAU in nearly 40 years and is now one of only two institutions from the State University System of Florida to serve as an AAU member.

Read more about USF's AAU invitation 

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USF to receive $3 million gift to support writing and communication students

The gift from Honey Rand, a USF alumna, local public relations practitioner and author, will establish a creative writing retreat in the college’s Humanities Institute and support students who are studying writing and communication.

USF’s partnership with ReliaQuest helps fill crucial cybersecurity jobs

The ReliaQuest Labs program has graduated more than 300 USF students and has proven to be a solid pathway to a career in cybersecurity.

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Tampa Bay is a wonderful city located in West Central Florida, it is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches and theme parks. There are an abundance of museums to visit such as the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Tampa Museum of Art, Chihuly Glass Collection at the Morean Arts Center, the Salvador Dali Museum, the Tampa Aquarium and the Lowry Park Zoo. You can even take a Caribbean cruise directly from the Port of Tampa. Disney World is only about 80 miles away and can easily be visited for a day.

We encourage you to explore all that Tampa has to offer!

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Downtown Riverwalk

USF Health has expanded to their new location in downtown Tampa. The Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long trail that starts right outside of USF's new building and extends along the Hillsborough River connecting all attractions and neighborhoods in downtown.

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Listen from the voice of previous residents what is like to live in the different areas where they stayed during their programs.

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USF Health Tours

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, how campus visits and tours can affect your college decision.

By Emily Young | Last Updated: Dec 20, 2023

You’ve consulted everything. A guidance counselor. A tarot deck. A magic eight ball. A pro-con list so thorough, Rory Gilmore could’ve made it. But you still feel paralyzed by looming college decisions. Where should you apply? And — if you’ve already been accepted — which school should you attend?

Forget the magic eight ball. It’s time for a campus tour.

“Touring a college campus is really the best way to get a sense of whether or not you can see yourself at that campus,” says Freddie O'Brion, coordinator for campus visitation at USF. Sure, you can find plenty of helpful data on a school’s website. But when you step onto campus, you can feel vibes . Plus, you can talk to students, admissions officers, and even faculty — giving you a behind-the-scenes peak at life on campus.

Let’s dive into how a campus tour can help you in the college decision making process.

Wait! I Can’t Do an In-Person College Campus Tour!

An in-person campus visit isn’t going to be feasible for everyone, due to health or financial circumstances. “We know there is a barrier to coming and visiting a (school),” explains Brandon Cheatham, assistant director for campus visitation experience at USF Tampa. “We want people to have access no matter what.”

That’s why many schools, including USF, have created immersive virtual tours. Some virtual tours are even more in depth than an in-person visit, explains this article from U.S. News & World Report : “A general in-person tour might not include a visit to the student newspaper building, but an aspiring journalism major may be able to tour it online.”

USF offers virtual tours of all three campuses that feature 360° panoramic photos and recorded audio from current tour guides. (“I personally sometimes will go on the virtual tour and just click around because it’s so much fun,” says O'Brion.)

How to Prepare for Your College Campus Tour

If you know which schools you’re visiting, make the most of your tour by planning ahead of time .

• Research the school. That way, you’ll already know general information and can focus your tour — and questions — on what’s most important to you.
• Register in advance. Not only does this save your spot, the registration process can also help tour guides get to know you. Some registration forms might ask about your areas of interest, potential career paths, and extracurriculars you enjoy, so your guide can point out relevant info on your tour.
• Plan to visit the campus during a weekday so you can see what it’s like when classes are in session.
• Make the most of your trip by checking out all prospective schools in an area. And if your prospective school has multiple campuses — as USF does — visit each of them. You never know where you’ll click! (Just make sure you don’t try to cram in too many tours in one day. You want to have time to soak up the vibes and reflect after each campus tour.)
• Dress for comfort. Think walking shoes, removable layers, and sunscreen.
• Have your phone handy to take notes, photos, and videos.

How Your Campus Visit Experience Can Help You Make a Decision

When Cawley talks to campus visitors, they usually don’t have a straightforward answer about why they are drawn to certain campuses. It’s more of a gut check: Do they feel at home? Is the campus the right size? Ultimately, this is the benefit of a campus visit: There’s no right or wrong answer about whether it’s the right fit. Only you can tell that. “Visiting a college in person can help you to form your own impressions rather than relying on what somebody else has to say about the campus,” explains this article by CollegeRaptor.

Here’s how you can make the most of this opportunity:

Assess the Vibe

As you tour, check in with yourself:

• How long does it take you to walk around campus? Do you wish it was bigger? Smaller?
• Do the buildings and landscaping inspire you?
• Is the campus laid-back or bustling with activity?
• How do you feel about the surrounding area?

One university can have several campuses with different “personalities.” At USF, you can choose from three campuses to find your best fit:

• The large Tampa campus is a bustling, urban environment where you’ll find nearly endless events and activities.
• The midsize, waterfront St. Petersburg campus is nestled between the culturally rich downtown and the water of Bayboro Harbor.
• The intimate Sarasota-Manatee campus is known for its tightknit community and hometown feel.

Do Some Sightseeing

When you decide on a school, you’re also choosing where you’ll live for the next four years — and maybe longer, if you land a postgrad job in the area. Set aside some time to explore the business and cultural districts around your prospective school, and be sure to check out the local recreation. In Tampa Bay, you can explore:

• World-class art at The Salvador Dali Art Museum, the Ringling Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art, and more. Plus, catch a Broadway show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
• Major league sports games, thanks to the Bucs, Lightning, Rays, and Rowdies.
• Sugar-sand beaches ranked among the best in the U.S. — all in USF’s backyard.
• Theme parks like Busch Gardens (which is close to the Tampa campus) or Walt Disney World (just a day trip away).
• Local culture, whether it’s Tampa’s historic Ybor City, an art show in Sarasota, or the Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg. (“I actually just went to the Saturday Morning Market and got some cheese,” O’Brien says. “A raspberry stout asiago, which was amazing.)

Along with your sightseeing, try to get a taste for everyday life. Hop on the public transportation (especially if you don’t plan on bringing a car to campus), shop at the local grocery store or pharmacy, and scout out the nearest hospital. Can you see yourself living here?

Ask Questions

Never hesitate to ask questions during your tour. For one thing, campus tour guides love getting questions — “that’s their favorite part of the job,” O’Brien says. And when you ask questions, you give the other members of your tour group the confidence to speak up, too.

But what kinds of questions should you ask? “The most common questions are like, how does the roommate process work, or what does safety look like on campus?” O’Brien says. While these general questions are important, O’Brien says you can get many of them answered through the website. “I feel like the best questions are things that'll give you specific answers about information that's relevant to you.”

Cawley agrees. This is your opportunity to ask your tour guide about their personal experiences — particularly with professors, jobs, and campus involvement. (“Take it from a guy who has… what are we up to?” Cawley says, mentally calculating his resume. “Four campus jobs, two clubs, USF ambassadors, and some loose affiliations with other departments like student government and campus rec. I personally love being involved on campus.”)

Try asking these questions on your next college campus tour:

• Can you tell me about your experience with the professors on campus?
• Are there any professors you would recommend?
• What jobs and internship opportunities are available for [your academic program of interest]?
• Where do you recommend that students look for work on campus?
• What’s your favorite on-campus job?
• What do you typically do on the weekends?
• What campus life are you involved in?

Choose all the Extras

After your campus tour, spend some time in the places you’d frequent as a student. Have a meal in the dining hall. Take notes on your tour in a study nook. And sign up for the “extra” offerings that immerse you in the school’s academic culture:

• Make an appointment to sit in on a class. “If there is a particular class that you would love to sit in on, but it’s not on the list of admissions office-approved classes, contact the professor and respectfully ask if it would be okay for you to be a fly on the wall in their class,” suggests this IvyWise article.
• Ask to tour a department or organization that interests you.
• Talk to an admissions counselor. Although USF’s guided tours include presentations with admissions counselors, you can also make an appointment or drop in for a one-on-one session.

Listen to Yourself

Now that you’ve toured potential schools, you’ll probably feel more empowered to make a decision. But that doesn’t mean the decision will be easy. Take time and listen to yourself. Cheatham advises students to think about what they really want, and ask yourself: “Can I see myself achieving those things at this place?”

If you’re sorting through a ton of potential schools, O’Brien recommends making a spreadsheet: list all the schools you’re considering, and write your notes in different columns for financial aid, location, academic program offerings, extracurriculars, etc. Now compare. Which school checks the most boxes?

Remember that you don’t have to make this decision alone. School admissions offices and tour guides are happy to answer follow-up questions and assist in any way they can.   Contact the USF Office of Admissions online  and find out how we can help. Or schedule your tour of USF today!

About Emily Young

Emily Young is a freelance writer and editor based on the gulf coast of Florida. A proud USF alumna, she cares about connecting readers to resources and helping students find success.

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Learning from COVID-19’s lessons of “no visitation” and/or limited access to places and site, the CDHGI in the USF Libraries has greatly increased our offerings of virtual heritage tourism and place-based sharing. We are packaging our 3D content to provide virtual field trips and exploration of important local, regional, national, and World Heritage sites. Our tours and collections are able to be viewed on desktop and mobile devices or you can use a VR headset to really feel like you are at the site or exploring the artifacts and monuments! The USF CDHGI is bringing the world around us to digital formats, preserving important places of the past for the future.

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College Town @ USF is the premier off-campus housing for students attending University of South Florida. We offer a variety of housing options, and we also provide  amenities  like a dog park, a business center with FREE printing, a brand new fitness center, resort style swimming pool,  and game tables. Step inside and see what College Town @ USF has to offer!

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During this session, we will discuss how to master the art of crafting a persuasive graduate or professional school application. You will learn key strategies and best practices to ensure your application reflects your unique qualifications.  Gain insightful information into securing strong letters of recommendation, presenting a strong academic record and professional portfolio.  Join us to ensure you are prepared to present the strongest application to the program of your choice.   

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