University of South Florida
- Local Atmosphere

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University of South Florida - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. "The Punisher," starring John Travolta and based on the Marvel Comics character who wishes to avenge his family's murderers, was shot in the Tampa Bay area.
  2. Every February, pirates invade Tampa for the month-long Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The festival kicks off when the coast guards surrender Tampa city keys to the mythical pirate leader, José Gaspar. Activities include the Battle of Tampa Bay, a day parade, a children's parade, and concludes with the night parade, featuring more than 100 extravagantly decorated floats.
  3. Tampa is also known as "Cigar City" because of the city's once-booming cigar industry.
Notable Natives
  • Wade Boggs – MLB third baseman
  • Julian Edwin "Cannonball" Adderley – jazz alto saxophonist
  • Dwight Gooden – MLB pitcher
  • Brittany Snow – actress ("Hairspray")
Points of Interest
  • Adventure Island
  • Busch Gardens
  • David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
  • Florida Aquarium
  • Lowry Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Old Hyde Park Village
  • Raymond James Stadium
  • Riverfront Park
  • Tropicana Field
  • Ybor City

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

There are tons of attractions for students looking for something interesting to do in Tampa. The area surrounding the school is dotted with bars and restaurants, and there are two awesome amusement parks a short bus ride away from the school. Those interested in veering a little farther from campus can visit Ybor City or Channelside, two large complexes that are excellent for shopping, dining, and watching movies. International Plaza is the city’s upscale shopping center, featuring stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Christian Dior. Some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches are less than an hour away from the Tampa campus. Downtown Tampa is not very exciting at night, but during the day, students can visit the art museum, the performing arts center, and the city’s historic buildings at discounted rates.

In Tampa, the partying continues, whether or not college is in session. The city is growing quickly, and it seems that there are more things for college-aged students to do every year. While public transportation might have been unreliable in the past, the HARTline has extended service and stops on campus. USF students ride free with their ID!

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South Florida Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Florida

npastore

Finance '13

4.2
A-

Plenty to Do

You may have to find a ride, but there is plenty to do all over the city. Channelside, South Howard, the University Area, Ybor, the Amp and the Hardrock always provide plenty of entertainment and Tampa has tons of concerts every year.

May 08, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Florida

JakeFalcon

International Business '16

4.6
A

Gotta Love It Here

Tampa is a town filled with both nighttime and day time activities benefiting the USF student and the common person. Having multiple theme parks, a beach 20 minutes away from campus, a huge diversity in population, a series of club streets and many different types of sports teams to watch. It is simply a great city.

Apr 22, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Florida

lizzieann

Marketing '13

4.2
A-

Lots to Do

Tampa has a ton of stuff to do. MOSI and Busch Gardens are literally across the street from USF. The mall right next to campus is pretty ghetto, but there are a ton of great malls within a 20 minute drive. There's always stuff going on downtown to do.

Apr 02, 2012

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User rating for University of South Florida - Local Atmosphere is 4.6 out of 5 based on 67 user reviews.

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

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Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Channelside Bay Plaza
  • International Plaza
  • University Mall
  • Westfield Brandon Shopping Mall
Major Sports Teams
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL
  • Tampa Bay Devil Rays: MLB
  • Tampa Bay Lightning: NHL
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Miami: : 4 hours, 30 minutes
  • Orlando: Fla.: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Channelside Cinemas 10
615 Channelside Dr.
Tampa
(813) 221-0700

Muvico Centro Ybor 20
1600 E. 8th Ave.
Tampa
(813) 242-0664

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Clayton Prather

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