Everything USF

This is a blog dedicated to everything USF. It is a collection of posts and questions asked by prospective and current students. I am not a representative of the university just a student with opinions willing to share knowledge with those who ask. Cheers and Go Bulls \m/

[askanythingaboutusf]

I’m currently a student at a community college and I want to transfer to USF. When is it the best time to submit your transcript? At the beginning right? My transcript clearly indicates that I am taking my last few classes to get my AA this spring.

cont. - “This is the anon asking about transcripts. I also want to add that I’m also apart on an honor society and my gpa is 3.33 and that I want to transfer into the fall semester. Will my chances of getting into USF be higher because of what I just told you? Also how are housing options for those in the fall? Sorry for asking so many questions ;-;. Thank you!”

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Hey, Anon! I would definitely say that’s it’s best to send in your transcript as soon as you can, especially since it’s nice to just get it out of the way. While this isn’t an official blog for USF, and thus I’m not really affiliated in any way with the school’s Office of Admissions, I do still go here and can give you my personal view along with some research I picked up. So, here goes:

USF only requires a 2.5 GPA for transferring students, so with your 3.33 your definitely in good shape there. And of course, colleges love seeing that you participated in different clubs or organizations such as the honor society. So, while I obviously can’t promise you anything, I’d say just from the info you’ve given me your odds of getting in are pretty good, considering that’s pretty much what I had when I transferred (and I think your GPA is actually a bit higher than mine was :P)

As for fall housing, considering everyone has to rechoose where they want to live on campus when fall semester rolls around, everything opens back up again. However, USF does open housing to students in order of the highest number of credit hours to the lowest (so senors would pick housing, then juniors, then sophmores, and then freshmen). Even with this though, since you would be entering with an AA degree under your belt, I believe you would choose housing with the juniors - that means a lot of options should be open.

As for asking so many questions… don’t worry about it! That’s what I’m here for! :D

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

USF Events in February

Sat. Feb 2nd: Bulls Men’s Basketball vs Memphis. It’s a home game, so they’ll be playing from 12:00-3:00pm at the Yuengling Center (formely the USF Sun Dome).  Come support your Bulls as they take on Memphis! You can get your free student tickets here!

Wed. Feb 6th: Movies on the Lawn: A Star is Born. It’s held at the MSC Bookstore Lawn from 9:00-11:00pm. Join everyone there to watch "A Star is Born" with FREE popcorn, drinks and more!

Fri. & Sat. Feb 15th-16th: Engineering Expo 2019. For those of you who have younger siblings, or just want to hang out. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Are you interested in any of these ambitious fields? USF's Engineering Expo is the right place for you. Expo's mission is to introduce, educate, and inspire K-12 students on the importance of STEM fields. There will be many different fun hands-on activities and people to meet on this amazing two-day event. We welcome you to join us on February 15th-16th from 9:00am to 4:00pm for this FREE event! The event will be located near the Engineering buildings.

Sun. Feb 17th: 12th Annual Spanish Fair. The event is held from 10:00am-2:00pm in the TECO room at the College of Education. The Fair is intended to showcase the graduate and undergraduate Spanish programs to the USF and Tampa communities and provide campus and community outreach. It is also a day of cultural awareness, music, videos and fun activities. The event will have presentations about the diverse regions and cultures of the Hispanic world, book stands, videos, music, and food, informing and entertaining its audience and providing visibility to all things Hispanic at USF. The Fair is many things: recruitment tool; cultural fair; community outreach; campus collaboration, study abroad showcase, and much more.

Wed. Feb 20th: USF Concert Bands.  The USF Concert Bands are composed of students from a variety of majors around the campus. They will perform a variety of musical selections and have guest conductors on stage. This multi-concert event will be held at the School of Music Concert Hall (MUS) from 7:30-9:00pm.

Wed. Feb 20th: Movies on the Lawn: Creed 2.  It’s held at the MSC Bookstore Lawn from 9:00-11:00pm. Join everyone there to watch "Creed 2" with FREE popcorn, drinks and more!

Fri. Feb 22nd: USF Health Research Day. Join the USF Health students and faculty at the MSC Ballroom from 8:00am-5:00pm. USF Health Research Day features original research from the students, faculty, and staff affiliated with USF Health. The types of research presented may include pilot or preliminary study, empirical study, systemic review, literature review, chart review, or case study.

Wed. Feb 27th: Men’s Basketball vs UCF. Another home game for the USF Men’s basketball team, this one will be held from 7:00-10:00pm at the Yuengling Center. Come support your Bulls as they take on our rival school UCF! Again, you can get your free student tickets here.

Thurs. Feb 28th: Peace Corps: Story Slam at the Boba House! Come and enjoy a cup of Boba while listening to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers share their stories from going abroad.  Coverdell Fellows from USF will be present along with RPCV Lindsay Wulff, our USF Peace Corps Recruiter. The event is being held from 5:30-6:30pm at The Boba House: 2764 University Square Dr, Tampa, FL 33612.

This post will be updated as I find more events for the month.

[askanythingaboutusf]

How do I get involved in undergrad research

Here’s the main site for the Office of Undergraduate Research if you want to just check out what they do and any events or programs they have planned. Here’s a list of all the research opportunites they offer. 

You can visit the OUR on the 2nd floor of the library, they’re in LIB210. Their hours are Monday-Friday 9am to 4:30pm. You can call them at 813-974-6824.  You can also join them through Bullsync.

[askanythingaboutusf]

How easy is it to find a part-time job at USF??

From what I’ve heard, it’s pretty easy to get a part-time job here at USF, you just need to find somewhere on campus that’s hiring.

Here is where you can go to access the Careers@USF page.

USF also provides some guidelines for basic interviews, how to make your resume better, along with some resume Do’s and Don’ts and cover letter Do’s and Don’ts.

Hope this helps!

[askanythingaboutusf]

I lost my car and apartment keys around USF engineering (ENB-2) building. If anyone finds it please let me know.

[askanythingaboutusf]

How do I “apply” for a professional fraternity?

Here is the Fraternity/Sorority Life Steps to Join page. Also, (813) 97-GREEK [that’s [phone]] is the number to call for any questions about USF Greek Life!

If any fraternity brothers are here with any other information, please feel free to share!

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Another Year!

I hope everyone had a great summer, and if you had summer classes I hope you did well! Are you guys ready for the new Fall 2018 semester? What are you all looking forward to most? Keep up the good work everyone!

[askanythingaboutusf]

How’s the Psychology program?

Not being in the program personally, I’m not entirely sure what you can expect, but I know the vast majority of programs here at USF are really good.

And a quick google search shows that we’re in the top 100 in the country for psychology and #6 in the state. If anyone else can provide some insight into the Psych program please do so!

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

So I'm starting to go to the gym and I'm really shy about my body so j was wondering if there were individual showers in the girls locker room or if I'm just gonna have to push through it

There are individual stalls (with curtains) for showers in the girls locker room. I can’t speak for the guys locker room though. 

They’re not disgusting, I’ve seen locker rooms/gym showers with WAY worse conditions.

- Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Pretty sure the Juniper Corner Double is just 2 people sharing one bathroom and the Juniper Double is 4 suite mates sharing a bathroom that joins the two rooms. The corner doubles are usually given to second years and above

Thanks for the information, Anon!To the previous anon asking about the rooms, I hope this helps!-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Do you know anything about ACE? From what I understand, it is somewhat of a summer semester. I received a letter from USF yesterday asking me to attend it, because i'm from out of state. Is it worth it?

The Summer Academic and Cultural Engagement Program (ACE) is meant to help you transition from high school to college, especially since you’ll be living in a completely different state (or country in some cases). It’s three weeks of six credit hours (so two classes), and different social activities on campus, and then it includes one week abroad.

I personally can’t tell you if it’s worth it or not since I’m from Florida and wasn’t asked to attend, but I do know that I’ve only heard good things from any and all events that I’ve seen the school host. Here’s the link for it though if you want to check out anything about where the study abroad goes, or help with financial aid: Summer ACE.

Can anyone else offer any insight on the program?

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

What's the difference between Juniper Corner Double Room and Juniper Double Room?

I’ve never been in the dorms for Juniper, but I can’t really find anything besides one being a corner room and one not. Calling USF housing might get you the answer you’re looking for though!

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Hi ! I have applied for the Spring semester 2018 that’s starts in January, I applied early in August, but I haven’t heard back from the university. OAISIS says “Your undergraduate application has been reviewed and a decision rendered. You will receive notification soon”. When can I expect to hear back from the university? I am getting really anxious and nervous. 😭

The best thing you can do is call USF admissions and ask about your letter.

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Hello! I checked my application status and it now says “decision rendered. You will receive notification soon. “ is this necessarily good or bad ? Do you know about how long it may take for my letter to come? I am not too familiar with their process. Thanks

Hey Anon! This does not necessarily mean that you’ve been rejected, it just means that the admissions committee has made their decisions and will have letters sent out soon. There isn’t really a specific date or time interval that they give for when your letter will arrive. My best advise is to call the admissions office and ask when you can expect it. (Remember that they can’t tell you over the phone if you’ve been accepted or not for security reasons.)

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Does "decision rendered" in Oasis mean admission rejected?

Hey Anon, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve been rejected, it’s just the school letting you know that the board has made their decisions and letters will be coming soon if they haven’t already.

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

What is the best dorm for a freshman male

It all depends on your preferences!

Traditional Style is what you see in most college movies. The majority are rooms that you would share with one other person, and a bathroom for the floor that’s shared by 3-4 rooms (so about 6-8 people) which I believe can be either single-sex or co-ed. However, these are typically “meant for” freshmen because they are located close to the student center, dining halls, and the gym. Just because they’re suggested though doesn’t mean you have to live there, I surely didn’t my freshman year. This includes: Beacon, Beta, Castor, Endeavor, Horizon, Pinnacle, and Summit.

Suite Style is what most of the people I know have chosen, because it’s typically a blend of convenience and independence. This is also where the majority of our Living Learning Communities (LLCs) live. They offer a bigger variety, in my opinion. You can have either a double room, or a single if you prefer your own space. The suites come in 2-person and 4-person packages: you’re either sharing a bathroom with one other person, or three. For both the traditional style and suite style, you share a common room area outside of your dorm, so it’s easy to meet people and make friends. This includes: Beacon, Cypress, Endeavor, Horizon, Juniper, Maple, Pinnacle, Poplar, and Summit.

The last type is Apartment Style. It’s not really recommended for freshmen, but I’ll explain that in a moment. This is the option I picked as a freshman though. In the apartments, you’d have your own room. There are 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom options. In the 3 bedroom, you share a kitchen, living room, and bathroom with your two roommates; whereas, in the 4 bedroom, you share a bathroom with one roommate, and a living room and kitchen with all three. Now, the reason why these aren’t suggested for freshman is because, outside of your roommates, it’s difficult to meet people that live close to you. So, this option kind of requires a lot of speaking to people in classes, or joining clubs and organizations, or even having gone to CampU! This includes: Cypress, Holly, Kosove, and Magnolia.

To end this off, I will say, that a lot of my friends preferred Juniper-Poplar as freshmen. Let me know if this helped! Remember: the school does allow room transfers, so if you end up somewhere and you don’t like it, you can try to find someone else who doesn’t like their dorm and switch with them! I also linked the pages to the housing website, so just click on the building’s name and it should take you there.

-Mod Green

[askanythingaboutusf]

Can sophomores live in magnolia apartments?

They can! I have friends who are freshman living in the mag apartments