Staying in close contact with your academic advisor is the key to graduating in 4 years or less. Unfortunately, sometimes it may be hard to actually make an appointment to see them. Luckily, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure you get face-time with an advisor on a semesterly basis.

The first being is to make an appointment via the USF scheduling portal. This portal can be found by visiting your college’s page on the USF website. When scheduling an appointment, it is important to schedule an appointment at least 2 weeks before you would like to have it. Also, it’s important to be aware of peak times. Peak office times are usually closer to the end of the semester when registration opens since students are trying to schedule their classes for the next semester. You should be aware of your college’s “walk-in only” days as well. On these days, advisors don’t take appointments and only see students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Emailing is often times the best way to get in contact with an advisor and may save you a trip to the office. After you meet with your advisor face to face, I would advise you to take their business card and send a follow-up email thanking them for their time. This sets up a relationship between you and your advisor, so in the future, it will be easier to ask questions, get advice, and make office appointments.

Another tip I would suggest is to make sure to stick with the same advisor for the entire time at school (granted you stay with the same major). This advisor will be familiar with you and your goals during and after college and be able to come up with a plan that is customized to you.

If you’re still having trouble getting in to see an advisor, I would suggest emailing and calling the front desk. Although you might feel as though you’re being too persistent, a lot of times emails fall through the cracks, so there’s no harm in following up. At the end of the day, advisors are in place to help students have the smoothest time possible.

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Jordan Philyor, Intern, HaveUHeard

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For students heading to Grad School, finding an apartment if they go to a different university entails completely different criteria. Many students switch schools for their graduate studies, which means new housing options. Grad School housing comes with its own unique challenges. With expensive tuition and long study sessions, the last thing they must worry about is finding an apartment near USF.

If you will be attending USF for graduate school, you probably want to know your options regarding living arrangements. Graduate school consumes a lot of time and money, so you want to ensure you live in the right place. If you’re looking for a place that’s right on campus, USF Housing offers options specifically for grad students.

There are traditional, suite-style, and apartment-style options. Apartment-style housing can be found in Cypress, Holly, Kosove, and Magnolia dorms. These offer the most independent style of living that most grad students want. The one thing to consider is that many undergraduate students live in these housing options as well, so you might want to find a place that’s still close to USF but provides a little more of a quiet apartment feel.

For off-campus options, USF partners with a few apartment complexes. The Venue is located within walking distance from campus and is on the smaller side, which may have fewer people and partying. Avalon Heights offers furnished apartments with many amenities. The Standard and Halo cater specifically to graduate and doctoral students. Their apartments and townhomes are furnished and close to campus. Some places you may want to avoid, simply because they may have more of a party atmosphere, are the Retreat on 46th (some fraternities have their houses there, although they do have their own dog park), and Haven 46. Downtown, Nine15 has studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. They cost more but offer the convenience and lifestyle of living downtown in a big city.

A little farther from campus are plenty of options in the New Tampa area. This is a more family-friendly area; many graduates can also find houses for rent. No matter where you choose, Tampa is a beautiful place to live. There are many housing styles to choose from and price ranges that can fit any budget. Whether you’re looking for a place close to school, a quiet place, a place with a single room, or a place with all four, there are many options for graduate students.

Another resource is apartmentsforbulls.com, which is a guide to Tampa apartments that meet your lifestyle and budget.

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When I attended USF, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to study.  I was so excited to start learning about something that I really didn’t know anything about.  As the classes started, I realized that maybe I wasn’t so sure. After my first year, I wondered if I should be looking into other options.  It’s a scary thought, but in reality, about 80% of college students change their major while in college. And that’s ok! Most kids graduating high school aren’t sure about “what they want to be when they grow up”.

USF provides so many wonderful colleges and majors.  With 14 colleges offering over 180 majors, sometimes it’s hard to commit.  USF’s Career Services is a wonderful place to get advice and help in planning a future career path.  They have tools to help narrow down searches and offer ways to explore majors, internships, and careers.  They even help with resume writing and preparing for interviews.

Your advising center will have advisors that will also help with your questions, searches, and course loads.  Make an appointment and have your concerns ready. They will make you feel comfortable to ease your mind about changing paths if needed.  I changed my major three times in college.  That may not the be norm, but with today’s resources, there is no lack of help with guidance and direction for our college students.  Take advantage of all that USF offers.

USF offers many events that help you explore different occupations.  They offer job fairs, Professional U, Career and Coffee time, employer events, and graduate and professional school fairs.  Take advantage of these great offerings. In the fall, check out the Career Kickoff Cookout.  This is a free event and a chance to meet with advisors.

Check the Career Center’s site for the Career Expo dates.  This is an event to meet employers, interview on the spot, and learn about different careers.  Make sure that you dress appropriately and have your resume ready to hand out. The Career Center will have other workshops to help you prepare for this event.  You may also have the opportunity to apply for internships as well.

It is important to dress appropriately and come with your resume as you will be speaking to professional organizations and maybe even your future employer. Students have many choices here from the USF’s Suit-A-Bull program, a free suit rental service for USF students with a valid Student ID card to Thrift Stores to taking advantage of retailers that offer discounts for students with their college ID. You can read about that list here.

HaveUHeard that LinkedIn has a version specifically designed for students looking for their first jobs? The LinkedIn Students app is free and lets you research jobs, view companies where alumni from your school work, and connect with more people. You can create an account and get started right away without spending a dime.

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Before you know it, you are walking across the stage at graduation, and with that last step, you are officially a Bull alumnus. You may be super excited and a little sad that your “Bull’s” life has ended. But it hasn’t! The first thing that you should do is to join the Alumni Association. By doing that, you have the chance to continue your Bull pride through contacts, fun events, and networking. And it always provides opportunities for you to show off your new alumni swag.

Like all alumni associations, they help keep the spirit of the school going, and the benefits are too good to pass up. My husband and I are both USF alumni and Life members of the association. Not only do we get access to incredible networking in the field that we studied, but we have also enjoyed the access to private events, both in town and out, traveling experiences, and being the “first to know” about special ticketed events and pricing. We also take advantage of the financial, insurance, and product benefits that the association offers.

HaveUHeard that all USF alumni have free access for up to twelve months after graduation to the many services offered by USF Career Services? Should you move to another city, you may find other activities there as well. It is a great way to meet people and find a realtor or roommate. Check social media for alumni group pages as there are quite a few.

If you decide to stay in the Tampa Bay area after graduation, you will find that the Alumni Association holds many events just for their graduates.  One of the best is the tailgate tent at the football games. It is huge, stocked with food and they usually give out alumni gear such as grad year stickers, beads, and t-shirts. If you are out of town, you have lots of watch party opportunities as well. You can also check out our watch party blog for more info.

Homecoming is another big event for alumni. Not only are there activities almost every day of Homecoming week, but members have priority to the parade viewing, cocktail parties, concerts, socials, and more. The USF Alumni Association also has many chapters and clubs. Clubs vary based on special interests, the different colleges within USF, or differing locations throughout the country. There are even global alumni ambassadors in 19 countries around the world.

Another advantage of joining the alumni association is the chance to volunteer with fellow Bulls. You can also become a mentor to current USF students by bringing your talents and ideas to help others. Scholarships are also awarded to students through the association.

What better way to search for a job, or a reference than to use your USF connections. Being a member allows you access to job search coaching (free for the first year after graduation), including resume/cover letter help, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Alumni can use Employ-a-Bull partnered with Handshake to post and job search. It is free for alumni. A lot of alumni in the business world will search for candidates from USF Handshake. For more help, you can also contact the USF Career Services.

Keep your Bull pride going with special discounts at the USF Bookstore. Alumni receive 15% off of logo merchandise inside the store. You’ll want to ride with pride with an official USF license plate so apply for one at your Florida local tax collector’s office. So, which membership is right for you? Go to the USF alumni page to see all of the options available. You won’t regret joining and remember to Go Bulls!

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I know what you are thinking.  Didn’t we just go through the angst of high school graduation, waiting for acceptance, moving out of the family home, and letting go even more?  It sure is crazy how fast four (or more) college years go by. And now your student is living in the adult world, about to receive their college diploma.  I’m not trying to scare you, and it sure is a time for celebration, but there is some planning involved if you are going to attend the Commencement ceremonies.

**Due to unusual and unprecedented times, situations and circumstances for 2020 continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event by first checking for Covid updates directly from USF.

Summer Commencement ceremonies, like the spring 2020 commencement, will be done virtually. All graduates that intended to walk in the spring 2020 and summer 2020 are invited to participate in a future traditional in-person commencement, as soon as those ceremonies can safely resume. Most of the helpful information you’ll read below comes from experiencing both the ongoing traditions and evolving modifications of graduation at USF. But 2020 has inserted a very large “Just a Minute” wedge into all of our well-laid plans.

Usually…USF holds Fall, Spring, and Summer Commencements at the Yeungling Center.  Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony and seating is first-come, first-serve (no tickets required). They are held at different times/days for the different colleges. Parking information and directions.

The first thing you should do is book your hotel if you are from out of town. By now you probably have your go-to hotel choice in Tampa, so check their policies about canceling rooms.  Here’s why: you will undoubtedly have last-minute requests for the family to join you, so booking multiple rooms is a great idea. It is a lot easier to cancel a room than to find one at the last minute (again, check the hotel’s cancellation policy). Another tip is to put the rooms in different names. Depending on the hotel, if you have to cancel a room, they may cancel the entire reservation under that name, instead of just one room.

Fall and Summer graduations can be a tad less crowded and easier to book but be diligent. You also have students moving out in December so that makes for a lot going on. Check the website for which time and day your student’s commencement will be on as it goes by degree level and their specific college.

Disabled or Special Needs Info

There is no pre-assigned seating for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair seating is available and these spaces are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that the Yuengling Center does not have wheelchairs or other equipment to loan or rent. Disabled parking is located in parking lot 6, on the north side of the Yuengling Center, by Gate C and D. Deaf or hard of hearing guests may sit in Section 113, close to the stage, as interpreters will be provided near this location.

Cap & Gown Isn’t Cheap

Several companies may try to sell caps and gowns. To be certain that you are getting the USF-approved regalia, please order from the USF Bookstore. Advance ordering of regalia for bachelor and master recipients is available online and during Grad Stampede. Regalia will be on sale at the USF Bookstore beginning the week before finals. Prices start at $65 for bachelor’s set (cap/gown/tassel). Students can order honor society sashes and medallions. Students must apply for graduation through OASIS by the deadline to receive their diploma and have their names printed in the program.

HaveUHeard that the color tassel your student wears depends on their major? They are as follows:

• Apricot — Nursing
• Black — Independent Studies
• Blue (dark) — Philosophy, African Studies, Economics, History, International Studies, Medical Sciences (doctorate), Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Women’s Studies
• Blue (light) — Education
• Blue (Peacock) — Public Administration
• Blue (Rhodes) — Audiology
• Brown — Visual and Performing Arts
• Citron — Social Work, Criminology, Rehabilitation, and Mental Health Counseling
• Crimson — Mass Communications
• Olive Drab — Business
• Green — Medicine; Orange — Engineering
• Pink — Music; Salmon — Public Health
• Violet — Architecture
• Silver — Speech Communications
• Teal — Physical Therapy
• White — Arts and Letters and Humanities, including American Studies, Applied Linguistics, Classics, English, Foreign Language, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Liberal Studies, Linguistics, Religious Studies
• Yellow — Anthropology, Biology, Bio-Medical Sciences, Chemistry, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Gerontology, Information Technologies, Medical Sciences (Masters), Medical Technology, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics, Speech Pathology
• Yellow (lemon) — Library Science
  Yellow (pineapple) — Hotel and Restaurant Management

If you cannot make Commencement, the ceremonies will be live-streamed on USF’s web page, as well as the Commencement site. And, most importantly, make sure your student has met all of the requirements. They will have a checklist of things to do, but it doesn’t hurt to ask about them.  It would be awful to show up to a commencement only to find out your student has not fulfilled ALL requirements.

Other Reservations

Remember to make your restaurant reservations as well.  Due to the crowds, you will definitely want a reservation, so I recommend you calling the restaurant and asking them how far in advance you need to book it. Check out our Restaurant blog for ideas, and keep in mind that May graduation is the largest, and many restaurants may require a non-refundable deposit that will get applied to your bill. I know you are going to want some great photos. You can check out our photography recommendations. Students may still be able to rent a cap and gown to at least get those fabulous photos. Finally, we’ve got some great graduation gift suggestions including diploma and tassel frames. HaveUHeard you can get a replacement or duplicate diploma should you lose, damage or just need a second one? It will cost you $10.00.

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Four years just flew by, your student who seemed to be a freshman yesterday has completed all those courses, gotten through all the tests, and is now ready for the cap and gown. It’s hard to believe that graduation is just around the corner, but it is, and it’s time to make reservations for your victory celebration. After you’ve booked your hotel rooms (for suggestions, check out our Hotels blog), you’ll need to make restaurant reservations and plans ahead of time. You know that USF holds Commencement three times per year, with May being the largest and busiest. So you’ll want to reserve a place for your graduate and family as soon as you can, as all restaurants will get extremely busy. Get this done soon and the rest will be easy. You’ll have plenty more to organize with moving out, dealing with travel requests, and tears, etc… so be sure you get the plans all set for graduation.

Try These

Here are our USF parent-tested recommendations for a lovely dinner listed below. Many may require a deposit to hold your spot or at the least, a credit card number. Obviously, this is not our full list so please check out our blog on Restaurants, which is more comprehensive and we are always updating as needed. We suggest that you make your plans early, especially for Fall and Spring Graduation weekends. It’s a time to celebrate, without last-minute worries about where to eat a nice dinner.

All these local restaurants are now taking reservations!

• Bahama Breeze – Laid-back chain eatery featuring Caribbean entrees & tropical cocktails amid beachy decor.
• Bern’s Steakhouse – This very upscale restaurant is truly an experience. You can’t beat the steaks, seafood, and wines. You must ask for a tour where you will see their wine cellar holding over a half-million bottles, as well as the kitchen where you can see your future fish dish swimming in the tanks. There is also an amazing Dessert Room that has 48 private rooms with a menu like no other. Bern’s is located in South Tampa and has a dress code. It is business casual to semi-formal with jackets and ties recommended, but not required. Be prepared because no flip-flops, t-shirts, or jeans are allowed.
• Brio Tuscan Grill – Warm, relaxed Italian eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, wine & cocktails. Located in International Plaza and Bay Street
• Charley’s Steak House – Upscale, long-standing restaurant known for delivering wood-fired, aged steaks & seafood classics.
• Cooper’s Hawk –Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
• Ocean Prime – This is our favorite! Although it is a chain restaurant, the Tampa location is awesome. You never know who will be there, and the sides are to die for. Whether you sit at the bar, or at a table, your experience will be very satisfying. It is a great place to people watch, sit by a fire pit, or have a smoking, bubbling cocktail (It’s called Berries & Bubbles). They have a couple of private rooms that can be used for graduation or birthday dinners. Trust me, you will love this place.
• Noble Crust– Modern spot for Italian & Southern Fare
• Oak and Ola – Located near Armature Works. A modern European restaurant with seasonal changes to the menu.
• Oxford Exchange – Oxford Exchange has a menu of fresh, simple meals that feature the best seasonal, local, and organic ingredients. They serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and weekend brunch.
• Oystercatchers – Warm, relaxed Italian eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, wine & cocktails. Located in the Grand Hyatt Hotel
• Rocco’s Tacos– A true taste of Mexico within a fun casual environment. Hundreds of tequila options, authentic Mexican specialties and our famous tableside guac made to order.
• Stonewood Grill & Tavern –Located in Tampa Palms, Stonewood has great steaks and sides. Make a reservation to avoid a wait.
• Texas de Brazil – Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.
• The Columbia – The oldest restaurant in Florida founded in Ybor City in 1905.Award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine & internationally acclaimed wine list. Flamenco dance performances nightly Mon.-Sat. Open daily for lunch & dinner.
• The Rusty Pelican -Sophisticated bar & grill offering classic American fare in a formal dining room with water views.
• The Refinery – Down-to-earth setting featuring an inspired menu of farm-to-table American dishes.
• Ulele – Please call. Located downtown on Highland Ave, this unique restaurant on the Hillsborough River is popular. It has native-inspired dishes and a ten-foot diameter barbacoa grill. It is on Tampa’s Riverwalk, so a stroll along the river is worth the trip.

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Tampa is a big tourist destination, but it is also a college city. There are all different things to take into consideration when booking. Some may want a suite type of room, free breakfast, a gym, or a Starbucks in the lobby. Some families look for pet-friendly hotels (because what college kids doesn’t want a visit from their pet?), hotels where they can earn points or even hotels on the beach. That being said, you need to know that Busch Gardens is just 2 miles south of campus, so many hotels that advertise for their close proximity to the park, are also close to the school.

Many of the hotels listed below offer a special USF rate. If you choose one of these hotels, state that you are visiting the University of South Florida. Some offer free shuttle service to the campus.

Pet-friendly

For those traveling with pets, the hotels that are pet-friendly include:

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens
La Quinta Inn & Suites USF Busch Gardens
Hyatt Place Busch Gardens
Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens
Embassy Suites by Hilton USF
Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens
Home2 Suites by Hilton USF
Quality Inn & Conference Center
Extended Stay America
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North
Wingate by Wyndham
Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees.

Hilton

Among the many options of places to stay, the most convenient to campus is probably the Embassy Suites located at 3705 Spectrum Boulevard (813-977-7066). It’s directly on campus and is a Hilton property. As a Hilton Honors member, I love this place. And who doesn’t like Embassy Suites full breakfast, and complimentary appetizers and happy hour drinks? They also offer free transportation to local parks and museums. It may be on the higher price side because of its location, but well worth it. You need to book in advance because this is a popular stay for both USF families, as well as Busch Gardens and Adventure Island visitors.

Not too far from campus are two additional Hilton owned properties both of which you can earn those awesome Hilton Points.

Hampton Inn & Suites – 3333 East Busch Boulevard, Tampa, FL. 813-605-5233

Hilton Garden Inn – 13305 Tampa Oaks Blvd, Temple Terrace, FL. 813-342-5000

Home2 Suites by Hilton USF  11606 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 813-750-8844

Marriott

For the Marriott families, when booking online, look for special USF rates. If making reservations by phone, please ask for the USF rate.

Courtyard by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott – 13420 N. Telecom Parkway, Tampa, 813-972-4400

Fairfield Inn & Suites   12260 Morris Bridge Road, Temple Terrace, FL, 813-989-0007

TownePlace Suites  6800 Woodstork Dr, Tampa, FL (813) 975-977

Some of these are conveniently right off of I-75 and are a direct route from campus. Like I said before, there are lots of options, being that it is also a tourist area. You can find hotels in all price ranges from The Hyatt Place, Clarion Hotels and Conference Center,

IHG Hotels: Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens

Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens

Choice Hotels: Quality Inn, West Wing & La Quinta

La Quinta Inn & Suites (across from the USF campus). 3701 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL,  813-910-7500

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens

Quality Inn – Busch Gardens/USF (5-minute drive) 2701 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL., 813-971-4710

West Wing Hotel, an Ascend Hotel – 2501 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, (813) 559-8000

Wyndham: Wingate

Wingate by Wyndham (across from USF campus), 3751 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FFL 813-867-2878

Best Western

Best Western All Suites Hotel – Busch Gardens/USF (5-minute drive), 3001 University Center Drive, Tampa, FL., 813-971-8930

Other Things to Think About

If you want to be in the heart of downtown Tampa, there are great hotel choices that offer convenience to the picturesque Bayshore Boulevard, Curtis Hixon Park, The Tampa Museum of Art, the Patel Conservatory, and the Riverwalk. If your time permits, I highly recommend going to Amelie Arena for a Lightning hockey game. The Lightning has many partnerships with USF, and you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s not forget the beaches!! The bay area has some of the most beautiful and award-winning beaches in the country. Both Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach is just under an hour’s drive from USF and have great hotels and restaurants.  Some of our favorites are the Hilton Clearwater Resort & Spa. It has a fun atmosphere and great places to eat and shop within walking distance. Frenchies Rockaway Grill has the best grouper sandwich. It is just a couple of blocks from the hotel and very popular.  Another favorite is the Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort. It has a South Beach feel and just outside is Badfins Brew & Food. Great fresh food and amazing drinks, along with a mural you will want to take pics in front of. It’s super fun! In St. Petersburg, the Guy Harvey (yes, the t-shirt guy) Outpost, a TradeWinds Island Beach Resort is a beautiful, relaxing hotel.  You’ll have to check out their 33,000-gallon tank that was built by the guys on “Tanked”. The other “jewel” of St. Pete Beach is the Don Cesar hotel. It’s “the pink hotel” with lots of history and old-world charm. You may even see a celebrity hanging out by the pool. I highly recommend you tie-in a beach trip when visiting your Bull!

USF football plays in Raymond James Stadium, which is about 13 miles from campus. I recommend staying either close to campus, downtown, or on the beach. Because it is an NFL stadium, you don’t need to worry about booking rooms early for certain games. There is always plenty of room in the stadium. The only possible issue is the number of tickets allocated for the games. Some games have a limit.

Both Busch Gardens and its water park, Adventure Island are right down the street from the school. Keep this in mind when looking to visit USF. Hotels will book faster during times such as spring break because both the school and visitors to the amusement parks share the same hotels.  You can also check Reservations.com,  Expedia and Hotels.com to take advantage of comparative pricing and specials.

While visiting, make sure you check out our restaurant recommendations for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.

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The last four years (or so) probably flew by and commencement is around the corner. There is no doubt that graduation is a big deal and one you will definitely want to memorialize. It should be celebrated and remembered; therefore; graduation photos are a big deal too, far bigger than the simple cap and gown pic I remember taking….well, a few years back. Students today often hire photographers to guide them around campus and get all sorts of pictures of them in their green and gold to commemorate the event.

Some students will go to the usual spots for their photos. Others may choose to have some of their senior pictures captured someplace that is specifically special to them. Some want a few of their photos to be with their friends or sorority sisters or brothers too.  One of my favorites is of my daughter and her two BFF’s dancing around the stadium.

Many students (particularly photography enthusiasts) will offer their services to take some amazing pictures for a reasonable price, days, and even weeks before graduation. Check Facebook to find your student photographer or see some that students recommend. I have some amazing photos of my graduates that are beyond Instagram worthy that were taken by a photography major.

Students may want to schedule a few weeks early as classic USF places, including the MLK Pathway or fountain, the college they graduated from, the MSC, on the seal (because you no longer have to worry that by stepping on it you won’t graduate), on the Bull (bring a stool to get up), tend to get very crowded. Encourage students to book their photo session very early in the morning when it isn’t so hot. And once you get there and want those family pics with your student adorned in cap and gown, be sure not to leave it for right before or after the ceremony, because that is what everyone else will do and you will literally wait in a long line to snap in all the key places that scream Bull.

Here are some recommended photographers:

• Darin Crofton Photography – We personally have used Darin Crofton Photography and they do beautiful work and they use locations to their fullest. We could not be happier with the results.
• Alison Frank Photography
• Kristen Marie  813-394-9856
• David Zhou
• Caroline Allen

Prices range from $125 to $250 depending on the photographer, the number of people, and how many prints you want. I, personally, prefer to have the rights to the photos for a flat fee and then print as many as you want on your own. Negotiate that prior to booking. Senior pictures are a fabulous way to wrap up your last few weeks at USF.

There is a lot to know about all the things leading up to graduation, including where to buy flowers and the ruling on tickets and cap decorating. We can even help you choose a hotel for that weekend or a restaurant for your big celebration, come up with a few ideas for graduation gifts and suggest a few places to get your hair done for those pics.

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Like any big city, there are literally thousands of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Cuban, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, Indian, Caribbean, basically a restaurant from every continent, for every palate and every price point.

Just like with hotels, Tampa has many local and national chains that are super easy to find and are of great comfort when you do not know where to eat. I’m letting you know about the cool spots, the places the locals go to get their fix. Try a new restaurant! Tampa has many talented chefs!  Trust, me, if you enjoy dining out, you are going to eat some great meals while you are visiting here over the next four years!

When coming to Tampa to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visits? Below we give you a breakdown of a small sampling of some of our favorites.  There are so many dining options in our big city it is impossible to showcase them all. Eating out is a big deal in these parts, be adventurous, try new places, get off the beaten path and explore some of the unique neighborhoods Tampa has to offer.

Depending on the occasion, time of year, and what other events are happening in the city that weekend (and there are festivals and events year-round), you may not get into a specific restaurant unless you get there very early or make a reservation. Open Table is a common app used at many establishments throughout Tampa and the bay area. Considering your student will be at USF for at least four years, you should be able to try many of the restaurants that we personally recommend. Peak weekends and at some of the more popular selections, expect waits for an hour or 2 or more. Make reservations whenever possible.

Pro-tip #1
Yelp is a very robust app that lets customers rate their experience and food at a restaurant. I find Yelp in Tampa to be extremely robust and pretty accurate. You will read honest reviews from real customers about their experience. I highly recommend you use it and use it often to find great places to eat! Load it up on your phone and find your favorites before you even arrive.  Where you type in the “location” just enter one of the neighborhoods described below and start eating!

Pro-tip #2
Many restaurants in Tampa are open for both lunch and dinner. Sometimes going for lunch offers a shorter wait and less expensive meals while still enjoying terrific food!

Trending Neighborhoods

When visiting, you will often hear your student refer to areas in Tampa such as New Tampa, South Tampa, Carrollwood/Northdale, West Tampa, Ybor City…We have done the same, which will help you to speak your students’ language.

New Tampa

This area is just north of USF along Bruce B. Downs and closest to campus.  Some of our favorite restaurants that we have tried are Stonewood Grill & Tavern (try their bruschetta), Acropolis Greek Taverna which has belly dancers and bouzouki on the weekends, Ciccio Cali for healthier, yet yummy options, and Cracker Barrel.  I know Cracker Barrel isn’t exclusive to Tampa, but you just can’t beat a place that has awesome breakfast offered all day, and it’s only one mile from campus.

South Tampa

This area is the southern part of the city closest to Tampa Bay.  You will find narrow streets of cobblestone and a small-town feel.  Datz is a favorite of ours on S. MacDill Ave. Their food choices are amazing and they have really fun drinks.  You can get monkey bread as an appetizer and have the best home-made chips. Parking is bad there, so plan ahead. Panne Rustica is also on S. MacDill and is a lovely atmosphere with great wine.  On Swann on Swann Ave. uses local growers to supply some of their ingredients. They are contemporary cuisine with a seasonal menu.

Carrollwood/Northdale

This area is west of the USF area and we love the breakfast/brunch at First Watch on N. Dale Mabry.  They have healthy choices and fun ones, but weekends get crowded, so prepare to wait. For dinner, go to Shells on N. Dale Mabry.  It’s great, casual seafood and has been in Tampa for over 30 years. Michael’s Grill, also on N. Dale Mabry has lunch and dinner. I love their chopped salad and they have great specials. It’s a small restaurant with some outside seating as well.

West Tampa

This area holds so many dining options.  We like all of the choices at International Mall & Bay Street, and well as Coopers Hawk just down the street from the mall on W. Boy Scout Blvd.  If you are a wine drinker, then you will love their tasting room.

Ybor City

The Columbia Restaurant is a must-try option in Ybor. It is the oldest Hispanic restaurant in Florida and popular with tourists.  The décor and artwork are of Old World Cuba. Make a reservation and visit the shop to take Sangria mix home with you. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company is a microbrewery that also serves pub fare.  It is located in the Centro Ybor area. You can purchase samplings of Tampa brewed specialties.

In Addition to…

If you are looking for something extra special, there are a few restaurants that your Bull may not be aware of.  These are great for celebrations, etc.

Sparkman Wharf- formerly known as Channelside, this Dining Garden features ten of Tampa’s best restauranteurs experimenting with new culinary concepts in a relaxed outdoor waterfront setting. Restaurants include Boat Run Oyster Company, BT in a Box (French Vietnamese fusion), Flock and Stock chicken and burgers, Foundation Coffee Co., Gallito Taqueria, Montados Tapas & Wine, Edison’s Swigamajig (dive bar and fish kitchen), The Corners Pizza, and Whatever Pops (ice pops, gelato, acai bowls and more). Most of the restaurants are opened Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 11 pm

Bern’s Steakhouse – this very upscale restaurant is truly an experience.  You can’t beat the steaks, seafood, and wines. You must ask for a tour where you will see their wine cellar holding over a half-million bottles, as well as the kitchen where you can see your future fish dish swimming in the tanks.  There is also an amazing Dessert Room that has 48 private rooms with a menu like no other. Bern’s is located in South Tampa and has a dress code. It is business casual to semi-formal with jackets and ties recommended, but not required.  Be prepared because no flip-flops, t-shirts, or jeans are allowed. Celebrities often frequent Bern’s, so keep your eyes open.

Ulele (pronounced you-lay-lee) – for lunch or dinner, this unique restaurant inspires a modern, but old Florida feel.  The name comes from a Native American young girl’s love story. It is what the story of Pocahontas-John Smith is based on.  It is on the Tampa Waterfront near downtown and is very busy. You’ll want to take pictures here, as the views of Tampa are great.

Ocean Prime – this is our favorite!  Although it is a chain restaurant, the Tampa location is awesome.  You never know who will be there, and the sides are to die for. Whether you sit at the bar, or at a table, your experience will be very satisfying.  It is a great place to people watch, sit by a fire pit, or have smoking, bubbling cocktail (It’s called Berries & Bubbles). They have a couple of private rooms that can be used for graduation or birthday dinners.  Trust me, you will love this place.

I recommend having reservations for all of these restaurants. All of these places are ones that our family has tried.  Looking them up will give you menus, times, and a feel of the atmosphere suitable for your family. If you are looking for something fun to do, along with dinner, check out our blog here.

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Whenever you hear someone say, “four years fly by” believe it!  Preparing for graduation comes as a shock to some, but then there is the decision of continuing on to Grad school.  Most people today feel that Grad school is necessary. It seems that in a lot of professions, a Master’s Degree is the standard.

If you are going for it, then you need to start researching all of the degrees and programs out there, as they can be different from undergraduate programs.  Contact the Office of Graduate Studies to see if any informational events are scheduled.  Meeting with the office can help you see the paths offered and clarify your prerequisites and other required things needed.  It can feel overwhelming, but this office can help to prepare you for the required tests and application items needed.

To apply to graduate school, you must fill out the online application, and submit the application fee.  Once accepted, there will be an orientation on August 9 in the Marshall Center.  For many programs, this is required and you will hear from faculty, staff, and former students about graduate life. There will be specific orientations for different colleges as well. To register.

As for the tests required for admittance to graduate school, the Graduate Studies office can also provide information on test prep, tutoring, and any programs offered to help obtain required scores.  Some of the popular test prep programs are Kaplan, Magoosh, Varsity Tutors BenchPrep, The Princeton Review, Khan Academy, and Manhattan Test Prep.  Many are offered as online classes which allow students to study at their convenience.  Some also offer private tutoring in person or online, as well as regular local classes.

Many accounting major students take the CPA exam while in school. Some of the more popular CPA review courses include Surgent, Becker, and Wiley.

For the MCAT, USF offers testing services.
For the GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and others, services.

Remember:

GRE- Get the ‘GRE Word of the Day’ app to help with vocabulary.  Sign up for the Question of the Day from Kaplan. It’s free!
MCAT- Next Step Test Prep offers live webinars to answer questions that may come up as you study.
LSAT- Testmasters LSAT prep class is offered right on campus. See dates and times.

There is a lot to think about and to prepare, so organizing a timeline or checklist for each school that you apply to would be helpful.  Get together test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, interviews, and resumes. Look into scholarships and all finance needs.

Applications also require an essay or personal statement. To be sure you are sending in your best work, we recommend working with Essential Essays, who assists students with brainstorming, planning, and writing college, law, and grad school essays that will reveal their personality and give their applications a positive edge.

Some students who are majoring in finance or business will also take the Level 1 CFA exam. The Princeton Review now offers a test-prep course for only $299. Students who enroll will qualify for their money-back guarantee.

Finally, it’s not uncommon to take a year off of school before starting grad school.  Use that year wisely to gain experience, test prep, and organize your learning so that you will be ready for the challenges that grad school holds.

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