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Local Atmosphere:

A-

(explain this grade)

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College Prowler Take

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, which opened recently, 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. Tampa is also nationally known for its strip clubs that are scattered around the area, but none are located close to USF. 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. What remains a problem is that most of Tampa’s exciting destinations are only accessible for those who have their own method of transportation, as the city buses are infrequent and often stop running early.

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

USFAS says:

University of South Florida 2013

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Tampa is not a college town, but...

Tampa is not a college town, but there is a lot to do here: beach, Busch Gardens, the aquarium, great parks.

Local Atmosphere: March 24, 2009
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spinntwirl19 says:

University of South Florida 2011

Other

The Life Near Campus

A

Tampa is a huge city where there is a lot to do. Living near the University of South Florida is great. There are many restaurants and attractions near by. The campus is a place where you can go and take a stroll, or run, sit on a bench and read a book. A few highway exits away, there is a huge mall and Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Bucs and the USF bulls play.

Local Atmosphere: November 19, 2009
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Anonymous says:

The atmosphere in Tampa is very...

The atmosphere in Tampa is very inviting. There is not much to stay away from, except for the strip clubs. Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are the two main attractions in this city. There is also Clearwater Beach that is about one hour south of Tampa.

Local Atmosphere
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Anonymous says:

Tampa is a borderline hick town....

Tampa is a borderline hick town. There is Ybor City where a lot of people ages 16–35 go clubbing. Tampa is only an hour away from some decent beaches.

Local Atmosphere
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Anonymous says:

I think the atmosphere around here...

I think the atmosphere around here is great, and it’s getting better all the time. I’ve been here for five years, and it has changed very much. When you go out to any store or restaurant, you know that you are near USF because they have all of the ‘This is Bull Country’ stuff around now, so it’s definitely more of a USF feel. The University of Tampa is another school in our area, but you never really hear of it too much. Busch Gardens is probably the closest attraction to visit, but I’d rather drive to Orlando, which is not too far, and its parks are better.

Local Atmosphere
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Facts

Points of Interest

  • Adventure Island
  • Busch Gardens
  • Florida Aquarium
  • Lowry Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Old Hyde Park Village
  • Raymond James Stadium
  • Riverfront Park
  • Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
  • Tropicana Field
  • Ybor City

Distances

  • Miami - FL - 4 hours, 30 minutes
  • Orlando - FL - 1 hour, 30 minutes

Shopping Centers

  • Channelside
  • International Plaza
  • University Mall
  • Westfield Shoppingtown Brandon

Major Sports Teams

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers - football
  • Tampa Bay Devil Rays - baseball
  • Tampa Bay Lightning - hockey

Movie Theaters

Centro Ybor
1600 E 8th Ave.
Tampa
(813) 242-4660

Channelside Cinemas IMAX
615 Channelside Dr.
Tampa
(813) 221-5882

Cobb’s University Cinemas
2140 E Fowler Ave.
Tampa
(813) 977-1410

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Tampa Bay:
• After 27 years, the Buccaneers won their first NFL title in the 2002 Super Bowl.
• The Punisher, starring John Travolta, based on the Marvel Comics character who wishes to avenge his family’s murderers, was shot in the Tampa Bay area.
• Every February, pirates invade Tampa for the month-long Gasparilla Festival. The festival kicks off when the Coast Guards surrender Tampa city keys to the mythical pirate leader, Jose 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.
• Tampa is also known as “Cigar City” because of the city’s once-booming cigar industry.
• In 2004, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup for the first time ever.

Famous People from Tampa:
Julian Cannonball Adderley Butterfly McQueen
Wade Boggs Lou Pinella
Dwight Gooden Gary Scheffield
Al Lopez Brittany Snow

Local Slang:
Hater – A person who finds a reason to dislike everyone
they meet.
Hurting Bad.
Over it
– Ready to leave.
Stee – Style.
Wheef – A small person.

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