The University of South Florida

Date: Jun 19 2007
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
This is my attempt at writing the most truthful review of this University. Its long but worth reading…

Racial Diversity - Disregard all the whiny racists whose only experience of black people has come from rap videos. Black Student Government and the Caribbean Clubs are the most enthusiastic and outgoing clubs on campus. If you have a problem with that, how about not running away to the suburbs on the weekend and getting involved in campus activities at the Marshall Center?

Surrounding Town - There are both good and bad parts of the surrounding area. Specifically, everything is either urban/suburban sprawl and condo's (i.e. Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Fowler Ave) or kinda run down (Everything between University Mall and Fletcher Ave). There is nothing to do immediately around campus besides getting drunk at The Greenery Pub on 42nd or Peabody's @ The Shoppes of Amberly. You will die of boredom without a car.

Commuter School - USF definitely fits this label. As many out-of-staters like myself have already said, it feels like the majority of students leave Tampa to escape to the 'burbs with their High School friends. While that does make it harder to make lasting friendships on campus, you just have to try harder. Clubs can remedy this issue, but the school supplied contact info is always vague and out-of-date, and the clubs don't advertise very well.

Academics - I'm fortunate being a Geography major, because I experience first hand how much better the Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, and Nursing schools have it. The Liberal Arts definitely get shafted in financial support and it shows. The only exception I've seen to this is the School of Education, which I've heard good things about. Also, I've never had a Graduate student or TA teach any of my courses. My Profs. have been great and are the best part of my college experience.

Overall - If you are looking for the stereotypical college experience that TV has shoved down your throat throughout your life, USF is definitely not the place to go. I think this school is best for local students who already have an established base of friends and support within driving distance. The school is attempting to get rid of the commuter label, and while commendable, the surrounding area and lack of community prevents it from being anything else. Come here for a good education, but don't expect much else.