The best feeling for any college student, particularly if you’re a Bull, is waking up knowing it’s game day! There is so much preparation that goes into game days: where to tailgate, who to squad up with, and what to wear. Showing up to tailgates and games is more than just rocking your school colors, it is showing your spirit and how much you love your school. It almost feels like a school-wide competition: who can get the most spirited? With this list, you’ll be sure to place in first!

It is important that whenever you are shopping for game day attire, you strictly look for your school colors. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb wearing the one color that doesn’t match with everyone else. As Game Day gets closer, USF will announce what colors students are expected to wear. For example, they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “black-out.” This means students should wear a black or white outfit!

If you are on a budget, then definitely stick with the basics: plain colored tank tops and t-shirts that match your school colors. Denim is always the move for game days, especially ripped shorts or overalls from American Eagle. If you want to get a little more decked out in spirited gear, then you can choose from face stickers, headbands, and fun socks to add a bit more fun to your outfit. Wearing colorful, tinted sunglasses have been really popular, so get a pair that sports your school colors!

Your t-shirt is one of the things people notice the most, so it needs to make a statement. Most girls like to show off fun DIY cut up t-shirts. They can turn t-shirts into crop tops, tank tops, halters, and more! The options are endless and always make an outfit. If you want to test out your DIY skills, you can get awesome shirts from places like Target or Walmart for a great price. If you are confident in your DIY skills, try acid-washing your shirts! You can also leave it to the professionals and order your custom cut or dyed shirts. Some other favorites for tailgate outfits include Tailgate Tailor and Custom University. Many of the sororities wear game day pins to tailgates. You can get them at Greek Unique by campus or order them online from Tailgate Creations.

Of course, the best way to cheer on your team is to be the cheerleader! Not literally, but looking like one helps. Cheerleading skirts have been super popular lately. Match the skirt with a cute cut up top and you have yourself the perfect game day outfit. Or check out Hype & Vice for some game day tops, cheerleading skirts, and accessories all in the colors you need to show your Bulls spirit.

If you’re feeling more like a team player than a cheerleader, then we have something for you, too! Wearing your team’s jersey is one of the best ways to show off your love for the team. Girls usually wear an oversized jersey so it even looks like a dress! You can get a jersey with your favorite number or even get a personalized jersey with any name and number you like. Perhaps you are more about repping the school’s colors. We love Show Me Your Mumu’s line of cute and trendy gameday outfits. And while the weather does not get too cold in Florida, when it does cool off, these college denim jackets are all the rage. We also really like Gameday Couture Social House and By Gabby.

Guys have it a little easier and stick to a more simplified look. Dry fit and polo tops are the go-to for most as long as it has their school logo. You can check out a bunch of options on Fanatics. To protect from the hot sun, guys also love to sport a school baseball cap. Regardless of your style, don’t forget sunscreen and lots of water. Game days are long and often hot so be sure to stay safe and hydrated. When it starts to get a bit cooler in the season, a lot of fans wear school-spirited sweatshirts. Tailgate leggings are even better when you’re cold and need to cover up yet still want to show your team spirit!

To top off your look, accessorize with a clear bag from Score Gameday bags. Use the code HUH15 for a 15% discount. Most stadiums implement a clear bag policy, so why not have a clear bag that still has style? Students also love to wear fanny packs from your basic clear one to bulls-colored ones.

There is always so much anticipation when it comes to football season, so enjoy it while it lasts! Deck yourself out in all things that represent you and your university. Show off your colors all day, every day! Your team will thank you!

Go Bulls!

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Whether it’s an Amazon Prime delivery or a care package from a loved one, there are many reasons students receive packages while living on campus.

Priority Mail Express that is received on Saturday morning will be made available to the residents between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and noon at the Forest Hills Station. Residents may call 813-935-3375 prior to driving to the Forest Hills Station to retrieve the Priority Mail Express. Forest Hills Station is located at 11800 North Florida Ave, Tampa Florida 33612. Priority Mail Express that is not retrieved during this time frame will be delivered on Monday to the USF Post Office.

Priority Mail Express will not be available on holidays. If your student lives on campus, they have the option of renting a mailbox, which they may do when filling out their resident information via the housing portal. If your student is not utilizing a mailbox, there are still several options for package pick-up. USPS mail is processed through the airport facility and then processed for pickup by the USF mail facility. After the mail is processed and sorted, students will receive an email indicating that their package is ready for pickup at one of the many mail locations on campus.

For in-state shipping, UPS typically arrives in one day at no additional fee (barring any weather issues). If you are sending packages purchased or fulfilled through Amazon, you might want to consider having them sent directly to an Amazon Locker. The closest one is located at 5601 E Fletcher Ave, at 7 Eleven.  Sometimes picking it up from Amazon is easier than having to navigate the package delivery to dorms. It is free with a student Prime Membership.

Student Residents receiving mail should use a correct address format and may obtain their own personal address from Housing and Residential Education. Inaccurately addressed mail will be delayed, missent or returned.

Here is an example of the proper way to address mail being sent to the dorms:

Resident Name (Required)

1 – 999 Argos Complex (no leading zeros)

Tampa, FL 33620-0001

To verify your student’s mailing address, click here and use the Look Up Your Mailing Address located at the bottom of the page. If you’re wondering what you should send your student on various occasions, check out our care package blog!

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Retail shopping, one of my favorite things to do.  And in Tampa, there are plenty of great places to get your retail therapy in.  Yes, your student is at USF for school, but there will always be something they need, particularly at the start of the semester. It is a good idea to order some things online and have them waiting for you at a store in Tampa, especially larger items that won’t travel well on an airplane or in a car. Lots of stores offer this service these days, and it can be very helpful in the crazy world of college retail shopping. A few are Target, Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Best Buy. Let’s not forget Amazon. Last-minute items can be ordered and delivered directly to your student’s dorm (and students get a FREE Amazon Prime account with their college email address). Like most other large cities, there are plenty of major retail box stores near USF, including IKEA, Dick’s Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, and Kohl’s.

If you want the full mall experience, here are a few of my favorites:

Tampa Premium Outlets is located off of I-75 and SR 56 and is 20 minutes from campus.  Like any other outlet mall, you can find just about all the name brands you want there. It is a beautiful, newer outside the mall but can be hot in the summer.   It has a food court, along with many restaurants surrounding it. You can’t beat sales at outlet malls, so it is a great place to stock up on essentials.
*Side note: Costco is in the same complex as the outlet mall, so if you are a member, then you can kill two birds with one stone if needed.

The Shops at Wiregrass is another beautiful outside mall located in the area of Wesley Chapel, also 20 minutes from campus.  It has Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JC Penney as its anchor stores. They have a great “farmer’s market” on the first and third Saturdays of the month.  There are great places to eat as well. Our favorites are Noble Crust, Grill Smith, and Prime Bar.

The International Plaza & Bay Street is located adjacent to the Tampa International Airport on Westshore Blvd and is about 25 minutes from USF.  It is a sophisticated mall with two stories. It houses 200 stores with Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus as their anchors. A large Apple store is located here, so this is the place to visit if Apple services are needed.  The open-air Bay Street houses many fun eateries and nightlife. It’s one of our favorite malls.

The Westfield Brandon mall is just 8 miles east of Tampa in an area known as Brandon.  It is 20 minutes from campus, and it is right off of the interstate at I-75 and SR 60. It’s anchor stores are Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears.  There is a smaller Apple store at this mall as well. Along with the food court and other eateries, Bahama Breeze is good, as well as the Ryuu Japanese Steak House.

There are a few other smaller malls, along with countless strip malls in the Tampa area.  Tampa has some great boutiques for every interest. It’s worth checking them out on your visit.

Other notable retail shopping stores are:

Bed Bath and Beyond – The large store carry every item imaginable for a bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.  They do cater to the college market offering services like a registry, where the family can purchase gifts for their student and can be picked up at the store near campus.  The store closest to USF is the Carrollwood location, which is about 7 miles from USF.

Target – I have yet to meet someone unfamiliar with this big-box giant. They too sell just about everything your student may need for college including room essentials, cleaning, and school supplies, toiletries and some grocery items. You may want to take a look at their website and college registry before arrival day. The Target at University Plaza is sure to be a madhouse on move-in day, so plan your time accordingly.  It is very close to campus but is smaller than the more popular Target on Bruce B. Downs and County Line Road. This Target is huge and frequented often by USF students.

Walmart – This supercenter is just 0.2 miles from campus. There are other locations near the school, so remember that some not as close may be less crowded during move-in and move-out times.  From toiletries to furniture, groceries, paper goods, cleaning supplies to clothing, it is the go-to place for picking up almost anything. The move-in week will create long lines so shop early.  You can also find USF gear here!

Best Buy – This chain store is known for electronics, computers, appliances, cell phones, video games, and anything tech-related.  They are also known for their Geek Squad when you need repairs for your computer and other electronics. For students needing a dorm fridge or TV, you can simply order it online and then arrange to have it picked up at a location near the school.  Be sure to sign up for College Student Deals to receive discounts through their College Student Deals Page. The store near campus is just 5.5 miles away.

Insider Tip!

When you are first moving your student to The University of South Florida, you should expect that the area will be crowded with parents and their students all vying for the same items. While most of the stores are prepared for this onslaught, there are some items they still run out of and some you won’t have realized you need until you get there and actually begin the setup. Another consideration is the wait time to pick up the items that you may have pre-ordered. It is, as I said, sometimes worth going to the further location to avoid this.  And don’t forget to save all the receipts. I did have to make a run of returns after moving our daughter into her dorm. We found that we overbought on some things and some items she ended up not needing.

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You may be surprised at how one can transition a mass-produced, industrial-looking dorm room into a warm and inviting room or suite. And there is plenty of help out there to spur ideas and help you organize. Organization is the primary concern, because after all if your kids are like mine, they will feel the need to take almost all their stuff from home to settle them in as though there are no laundry facilities or stores nearby.

Pinterest seems to be the holy grail for dorm ideas. There are so many there, that you will feel pressured and anxious to make your students’ room look award-winning.  But fear not! Stick to the important subject of organization first. Of course, decorating a girl’s room can be very different from a boy, but the basics remain the same.  Either way, check the bed size of the dorm your child will be living in. The beds, usually twin extra-long beds and many stores start selling these sheet sets over the summer. The bed-in-a-bag can be a great choice as it provides many pieces at once – and they all match.

In addition, we highly recommend a mattress encasement. It protects from bugs, allergies, and who knows what else. My student really appreciated a mattress topper. I invested in a thicker one of better quality which made the commercial mattress much more comfortable. A fun throw pillow or two is always fun.  Boys aren’t always interested in throw pillows, but school blankets and posters help to dress up their rooms too.

Some dorms allow for the beds to be turned into bunk style. This makes for more living space in the room. If not, purchasing bed risers can create useful space under the bed for things like plastic drawers or a mini-fridge.  Check to see if the dorm provides one. Recently we came across Dorm Room Bed Skirt Panels which are long and can cover all the junk that ends up getting stored below the bed. There are fun ottomans that provide both storage and extra seating space for when their friends come to hang out. Some dorms provide a hutch over the desk, but if not, they can easily be bought.  They will need a place for their books, a printer, a desk lamp, and possibly a microwave or coffee maker. There are clever little shelves that attach to the side of the bed that are rather useful to hold their phone, glasses, drinks, etc.

Clever and Chic

Most girls like to jazz it up, and why not? If possible suggest they check with their roommate before you begin multiple trips to Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Did I mention that you should start collecting those coupons now? Sign up for their emails too.  They will send you a 20% off entire purchase coupon one time a year. It’s not always the same time of year, but it is coveted by many college moms. Together they may decide on specific colors or a theme.

Lately, covering the walls in big tapestries is the rage. A great place to get ideas (and shop) is Tapestry Girls, a one-stop-shop for small space decorating and inspiration designed for fashion and budget-minded. Visit Tapestry Girls today and use code HAVEUHEARD at checkout for an additional $5 off any order.

My daughter has turned to Etsy to purchase many of her dorm decor including wall art. Etsy is a great place to shop as many items are more reasonably priced than the national retailers and they have unique items. Simply search dorm decor and start your search. It is actually a great idea because in some of the older dorms the walls are pretty beat up.  It can be difficult to hang things because they will have to sign something after the move-in inspection, but no worries; because Command hooks and strips have you covered and come in pretty and functional, as well as clear forms. HaveUHeard that you need to apply rubbing alcohol first before hanging the command strip or it won’t adhere? Candles are not allowed in the dorms, but there are so many cute LED candles out there now. Area rugs also warm up a room, especially since the floors are either cold linoleum or drab carpet.

We like Wayfair for its wide selection of decor and goods. There is a good reason that their tagline is “A Zillion Things Home.” Simply type dorm room in the search box and start shopping. Of course, an online store aptly named Overstock simply means you can find some great deals. They have an entire back to campus selection that covers every possible category. Type dorm into a search box and get ready to shop. Two other online retailers we like for their dorm room and accessories are Dormify and PBTeen.

Another popular item is string lights.  My favorite is the ones that have clips to hold photos too.  You can even purchase headboards, which look pretty but be sure your daughter and roommate don’t intend to bunk the beds or put them on risers.  Girls always seem to need a long mirror. Check out the ones that hang on a door and open to store jewelry and/or accessories. If they know their roommate’s name, a custom dorm room sign is a great way to make them feel at home. There are virtual tours of decorated dorms on YouTube which can help you to “see” decoration ideas.  Also, consider the type of dorm your child will be in. There are different styles ranging from the traditional, suite, women only, and apartment-style. Check the recommended items list.

The Guys

I haven’t forgotten about the guys out there; there just isn’t as much to say.  My friends with boys tell me that it takes half the time to set up a boy’s room than to set up a girl’s. Dormify introduced a guy’s collection which is worth checking out. Basically, they will need the same essentials, but as far as décor goes, most boys are happy with a poster or two and possibly a flag or banner. Bull paraphernalia is usually a hit too and Etsy has some great items including a rustic wood wall sign. Bulls paraphernalia is usually a hit too. We know the guys will love some of the USF decor from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

My only other advice is to start shopping early, remember hooks to hang the shower curtain (and be sure at least one person brings one), have items on hold to pick up at a local Tampa store if possible, and bring tools, double-sided tape, and patience. Don’t forget the cleaning supplies. While we’d like to say our students will keep their space clean, at least if we give them supplies, we may have a fighting chance.

For our complete list of the top items they need for college. And, if you want to get an idea of what each dorm is like, make sure you check out our Insider’s Guide to Campus Dorm Living.

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Moving In

Once your student has been given their move-in date and dorm or residence assignment, the process of handling what can be a stressful, labor-intensive and often expensive process begins. The actual moving in! Traditionally, female students tend to take a full-on decorating approach complete with wall décor, signs, picture frames, string lights, desk accessories, and many other decorative items. Male students do not quite go that full in and often just want a comfortable bed, maybe a poster or two and perhaps a rug. It is quite humorous after each drop-off, whether it is for summer or fall, to see my friend’s postings on Facebook and Instagram, (because that is the social media that parents are most comfortable with), and see the obvious difference between a completed dorm room.

This may a sticker price shock moment. According to the National Retail Federation, back to college spending averaged $976.78 in 2019. This is big business with college checklists resembling the lists usually reserved for wedding/bridal registries and baby shower registries. If you go to the many college dorm checklists, you will be faced with a list filled with items you may have never considered. Some, like gaming systems, seems a bit far-fetched. You are not looking to entertain your students for the next four years; just to set up a comfortable room where they can study, relax and feel a bit of that home feeling they left behind.

Move-In Tips
Let’s break this down with some tips for both genders:

• If you have a student living in a dorm, the beds are not necessarily the most comfortable. You will want to get a mattress protector pad, mattress cover and for the best comfort, a memory foam mattress topper. You will find these at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and many department stores. Consider this a short term item as many students who move into apartments their second year will probably have a full or queen size mattress.
• You will need a minimum of two sets of sheets (fitted. Many students do not use flat) plus pillowcases. No one is saying that they need the top thread count but certainly try to get a set that will not pill after one wash. They will want to wash their sheets once a week minimally (we hope) so two should be sufficient.
• Next, most will want a comforter or duvet cover. Throw in an extra blanket as the dorm rooms tend to be kept very cold. A floor rug, if they have hard floors, is not a bad investment but check first to see if the room is carpeted. Not the Persian variety but just a rug that will cover some of the floor surfaces between the traditional two-bed dorm rooms. A 5’ x 7’ should be sufficient although you may consider a 7’ x 9’.
• Another item that you may want to buy once you are in the room and set up, is a blackout shade. Most dorm window coverings are basic plastic blinds. Depending on the direction their room faces, there is nothing worse than being woken by a bright sun shining in your eye particularly during daylight savings periods when the sun rises well before 7 am. Again, this tends to be a gender preference but some also will like to hang drapes. A word of caution, you are not supposed to put nails/holes in the walls except where otherwise allowed so plan accordingly.
• Some of the newly designed dorms have walk-in closets which are amazing but for those old-fashioned room setups, where there is no closet door, you will need to purchase a curtain or panel, a tension curtain rod, and clip rings.
• If your college student is planning on having a television in their room, you will need a coaxial cable. Extension cords are also a much-needed item. We would recommend using one that is both double and triple-pronged.
• Many students also like to have a mini-refrigerator in their room. Some roommates may share the refrigerator so that determines the size, but some may prefer their own. Many stores, such as Best Buy, will allow you to order it online and arrange to pick it up or have a family member or friend pick it up, at the store of your choosing.
• Most dorm check-in processes allow you to use their hand truck. Many of the hand trucks/flatbed hand trucks are collapsible so bringing your own, if you have one, is highly recommended as you may not be able to get your hands (no pun intended) on one.  We brought two with us and each of us loaded them up. I left one for my daughter so she can use it to move out at the end of the semester.
• You will need to check with allowable items but you may want to consider purchasing a small microwave as well.
• Another great item to have is an electric kettle. This heats water up in seconds and can be used not only for hot tea and instant coffee or hot chocolate but also for most instant prepared foods.
• A Brita water filtration system is also recommended instead of the wasteful yet convenient plastic bottles.  For one, plastic bottles do not have fluoride so unless your student is using a fluoride added toothpaste or mouth rinse, they do run the risk of cavities should they not have any fluoride.
• One of her suitemates brought a Keurig coffee maker. If you have a student who cannot live without hot coffee, this is very convenient, but definitely more expensive, way to have coffee. There are countless Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts on campus and close by but having your students make their own is often more economical.
• If your student is like mine, there just is not enough closet and drawer space to accommodate all of her clothes/shoes/dry goods/toiletries/medicines, etc. That is where the under-the-bed plastic drawer system comes in handy. The problem you may face is availability. Her roommate’s parents had to drive over 8 miles to a farther location to secure these drawers. Here are a few tips. Either bring them with you if your vehicle space allows or order ahead of time. Besides Target and Walmart which is where most will head, consider Office Depot, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls or Ross. We purchased ours at Office Depot so with the 20% off coupon I had, it was comparably priced.
• Instead of a traditional iron and ironing board, consider using the now popular mini hand steamers. They are very easy to use and work just as well. Some dorms are starting to disallow traditional irons. If your child will not iron, buy a large bottle of the wrinkle release spray.  It works wonders.
• Here’s a great item, especially if your student needs a step-stool to reach bed (some of them raise them or some are bunk beds) is a storage ottoman. Clearly, by its name, you can see it can be used for storage but it is a more decorative way for them to climb into bed. Most of the stores were sold out when we got to campus, so we would recommend either bringing it with you (and store stuff in it) or ordering online.
• A small fan is a great thing to have because sometimes a little white noise can help keep you calm in your room and drown out unwanted noise. Plus, the dorms’ air temps can be very different, so it’s a great thing to have.

And…Remember to keep all receipts for purchases.  Not only will you need to add things, but you may also find that some things just may not fit or are not needed.  Print this checklist too.  It has needed items to bring, as well as what not to bring. Your student will also get a list of events held during the move-in week.  They are a great way to get familiarized with the school and to meet people.

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Thrifting isn’t just a hot trend right now, it’s an amazing way to stay in style while saving money. Being thrifty early in your life will help your financial views all through life. In college, it seems like there’s always something to do, and of course, we don’t want to repeat outfits. Thrifting takes the stress out of spending the extra money to look your best. I first started thrifting to find pieces that would set my style apart while staying within my college budget, and since I’ve started, I never looked back. Tampa has a wide variety of thrift stores that serve many different purposes. Whether you’re looking for furniture, vintage pieces, flannels, or western wear, Tampa thrift stores have it all.

Many of the thrift stores around USF are not for profit and support a good cause so not only are you getting some great deals, but you can also feel good about where your money is going. There are also thrift stores that allow you to sell your old clothes and furnishings for cash. If you are in a sorority or fraternity, thrifting is a great way to buy outfits for the never-ending date functions and themed events.

Check out the thrift stores below if you’re looking for great deals at even better prices.

Community Thrift Store – 14244 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613

Hope Children’s Home Thrift Store – 702 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

La France – 1612 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

LabelSwap – 3143 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33609

Plato’s Closet – 10009 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618

Revolve Clothing Exchange – 1620 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

Salvation Army Family Store – 13910 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613

Valhalla Resale – 6112 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

What about donating to Thrift Stores? We know it is hard to let go of some of our childhood mementos. Smart Parent Advice shares their advice on How to Donate Stuffed Animals.

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Every mom has thought or said this a million times, and now our college kids are (hopefully) learning the tedious task of doing their own laundry.  I taught my daughters how to do theirs during their senior years of high school and then helped to refine their skills during the summer before they left for college.  I’m not going to lie and say that they have perfected the skill of taking care of themselves, but at least they can run a load of dirty clothes if needed. I think a parents’ biggest wish is that they just wash their sheets and towels weekly, but then pray for at least a few times a semester.

Luckily my oldest daughter found that a little peer pressure in the “doing laundry” department helped keep her on her toes.  The kids are so busy that they sometimes forget that they have two pairs of underwear left, and when they see a roommate starting laundry, it jumps starts their brain to get some chores done as well.

In the dorms, laundry rooms are found in common areas or on the first floor. It costs $1.25 for a load and they can use quarters or their Bulls Bucks from their student IDs.  No longer are the days of waiting around or constantly checking the status of the machines in hopes that someone wouldn’t dump your stuff on the floor.  Now, students can view the status of any machine and even get a text message when a machine is ready. LaundryView can be found on the homepage of the MyUSFMobile app.

*If your child “forgets” how to do their laundry, USF has a video to help out, or your child absolutely needs a laundry service to help them out, try Mango Cleaners & Laundry.  They provide services to the USF area and offer pickup and delivery as well.

For other services check out:

Richie’s Cleaners – located on Temple Terrace Highway.  New customers get 20% off their dry-cleaning order.

Lapel’s Dry Cleaning – located on Preserve Walk Lane.  They offer lots of different services including alterations.  They have online coupons as well.

McNatt’s Cleaners & Laundry – located on N. 56 Street.

Young Tailor Shop – located on N. 56 Street.

Elite Dry Cleaners – 11301 N 56th St Suite 9, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 6 am to 7 pm

McNatts Cleaners – 16027 Tampa Palms Blvd W, Tampa, FL 33647 7 am to 7 pm

Busy Bee Dry Cleaners – 4708 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 7 am to 7 pm

$1.99 Cleaners 320 West Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612

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Working While in College

To Work or Not to Work?

Working while in college is a very personal decision. Each family will decide on the needs of their students, but about half of all college students have at least a part-time job.  Most freshmen start without a job but then acquire one in later years, once they know how to manage their time. Some students must work to pay for their college, while others know that their school work is their only job.  And some, work to supplement their spending, housing, or even their Spring Break trip (see our Spring Break blog for more information on that).

USF has resources to help their Bulls find jobs both on and off-campus.  The Career Services department has a great system called Handshake.  It helps to power the Employ-A-Bull program and is an online career management system for all registered USF students. Accounts are created for students at the start of the first semester which they are enrolled.  To access their account for the first time, a student logs into MyUSF, then hits the My Resources tab, and then chooses “Find A Job (Handshake)”.

It is an easy format and is very helpful to students.  Another working way to search for jobs at USF is to go to AccessCareers@USF.  There is also a part-time job fair on March 28, 2019, at the Marshall Student Center from 11 am to 2 pm.

Some popular on-campus jobs are:

USF Bookstores – They are run by Barnes & Noble College and are on the main campus and in Health Sciences.

RA or CM – Resident Assistants live in the dorms and monitor one hall of students.  They provide instruction, advice, and help to those living in their community.  RA’s are provided a room and meal plan for compensation. A CM is the same thing as an RA, except they are a member of a specific Greek chapter, and work in the Greek communities.  CM’s receive a room and $2000 divided into bi-weekly payments throughout the year. Students must qualify and apply for the positions. Applications usually open in November and close in January for the following year.

Off-campus job suggestions:

CARE.com – Students can sign up and post availability to babysit, dog sit, tutor, etc.  The average pay is about $12 an hour.

Becoming a dog/cat walker or dog/cat sitting, apply to be a pet sitter at Rover. You will need to pass a basic background check.

Hillsborough County Public Schools HOST Programs – These are before, after school, and summer programs held at schools.  Counselors help with academic programs and help with homework. Recreation activities are planned and counselors work on social/emotional development with students.

Fiverr –Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance services that started in 2010 and got its name from the original price of jobs being $5 per task. This is a great place for students to list services they offer (or parents) or even find inexpensive tutors. 

Waitress/Hostess – There are many places to eat near campus and they all need help at some point.

Retail – Many shops and boutiques are always looking for reliable students.  Check out Westfield Brandon and Wiregrass Mall.

Rover – Wanna play with dogs and get paid for it? Join Rover and get paid to pet-sit and have access to the largest network of pet parents.

StudySoup Notetaker – This is a great job because it doesn’t really require any extra time. If you are an excellent notetaker you can make up to $500 a semester by taking notes as an Elite Notetaker.

Studies/Focus Groups – There are always opportunities to get paid to participate in a study or focus group on campus.  They are usually advertised around campus.

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I love going to college football games- there is nothing like game days. HaveUHeard how USF got its colors? I’d like to say there was something unique or that is based on a tradition but the green and gold simply were selected because Mrs. Grace Allen, wife of the late founding president, said green and gold were selected as the school colors because they were “workable” and no other university in Florida had adopted them as official colors.

I’m all about the Green & Gold on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when you are packed in a stadium and it is more than 90° out and the humidity is stifling. Parents, you can wear officially licensed Bulls to wear or just dress in Green, White, and Gold.

USF will announce the colors to wear as the game day gets closer. For example, sometimes they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “black-out.” This means wearing a black or white outfit! Want to know the actual primary colors- USF gives you the graphic versions.

We think the best in authentic college clothing, accessories, and fan gear is Fanatics. They carry brands such as Jordan Gear, Vineyard Vines, Stance, Columbia, Dooney & Bourke, Tommy Bahama, Vera Bradley, Orca, Southern Tide, College Row One Shoes, Johnnie-O Clothing, and Peter Millar Clothing. Add in everything you need for tailgating including NCAA tents, tables, and chairs, waterless face tattoos, eye black, jewelry, and more.

For shorts or jeans (only if it is cool out- even ’70s will still be hot in Ray Jay stadium), I like American Eagle’s mom jeans or denim shorts.

If wearing a comfortable dress is the way you want to go, definitely check out some of these fun Game Day dresses from Redbubble. We have also found a good selection at Kohls.

Sometimes I love to glitter the gold,  or glam up the green. If you are like me and more about ‘repping the school’s colors, just look for gold or green. There are private online stores that specialize in Game Day Attire that we like Bows and Arrows Boutique.

Throw in some accessories including a regulation stadium bag from SCORE! The Official Game Day bag (you even get a 15% discount- get code by clicking on the link), cute green and gold earrings, and everyone will know you love the Bulls!

We would strongly recommend leaving the high heels at home as you will be walking a good distance to the stadium (unless you were lucky enough to get there many, many hours in advance and snag a great parking spot) and climbing stands. I love wearing Converse sneakers or Adidas Stan Smith, depending on my outfit. For cooler weather, I even have worn flat boots.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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We know you really care, you care a lot about your student and want them to be happy. Whether it is for a birthday, a little something to ease the stress of midterms or finals, a pick me up when they are feeling sick, holiday treats, or congratulations on a job well done; there are many options that will surely bring a smile to your student’s face. Sometimes it is nice to go with the local shops; most all deliver. Then again, there are some excellent national choices too. We have given you plenty to choose from– all of which our kids, interns, or we like. All you have to do now is decide what to send. There is variety there too. For instance; if you are looking for sweets (and who isn’t?) for a birthday, pick me up, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, religious holidays, or just because…

Where to start? A great parting gift that you can leave in their room or send as a package is this package of Open When College Pack envelopes. We suggest filling them with either a message, picture, or gift cards purchased in advance but we love the messages. When you take your first big test, when you’re sick, when you’re tired of dorm food, and more.

Note: GF or V indicates gluten-free and vegan are available.

Locally we recommend:

• Cookie Munchers – on campus
• Cookies by Design 11740 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618, 813-418-6418. They will deliver cookies that are incredible to your student’s dorm or apartment.  They have many themes too.
• Felicitous – Two locations. One at 11706 N 51st Street, 813-988-2828, and one at 14204 N 42nd Street, 813-981-2634. If you are looking for not just cookies and cakes but pastries and macarons. V
• Gigi’s Cupcakes– 3810 W Neptune St B2, Tampa, FL 33629, 813-258-5555 Can be delivered via Doordash GF
• Mrs. Field’s cookies  2200 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-246-9441 They are located near the campus and students love them (or you can order online – just click on Mrs. Field’s Cookies).
• Sprinkles – Hyde Park Village 2540, 717 S Dakota Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, 813-304-1848. Can be delivered via Doordash and Postmates GF, V, Sugar-Free
• Sugardarlings Cupcakes – 24832 FL-54, Lutz, FL 33559, 813-949-2257 GF
• The Cake Girl – 13713 N Dale Mabry Hwy, 813-360-0909 GF, V
• The Cake Shop– 20327 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647, 813-991-8513
• Tiny Bites – 14410 North Florida Avenue

You can also have a cake and balloons delivered by Publix through Instacart or Shipt. Read our blog on delivery companies to see what else you can have sent.

National and delicious options include:

• Bake Me A Wish. If you’re looking for a full catalog of desserts to choose from, this is where you should start! Bake Me a Wish has cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and more – all for a reasonable price! Plus, you can personalize your selection with any message you wish GF
• Baked by Melissa – If you’ve ever been to New York, you know the name Baked by Melissa. These are tiny cupcakes that come in assorted flavors including cookie dough, red velvet, brownie, and more! You can get a box of 25 or up to 100 and send it directly to your student for any occasion! These are available for purchase through their website or on Amazon. Trust us, these are always a hit and they taste delicious! GF, V
• Debbie’s Doodle’s Cookie Company – They ship from South Florida right to your student and offer delicious, homemade chocolate-chip and brown sugar butter cookies. They come delivered in dry ice and then a birthday box with a card. From the presentation to the cake itself, it was seamless and delicious.
• Milk Bar Store – Don’t be fooled by the company name – Milk Bar offers some of the best cakes we’ve ever tasted! Think a Funfetti boxed cake that your student likely baked from time to time, but SO much better! They also have cookies, truffles, and pies – and anything you choose is going to have you eating the whole thing, it’s THAT good!
• The Dirty Cookie – Have you seen the famous cookie shots? If not, think of a cookie, but shaped in the form of a shot glass. You can fill it with milk, coffee, ice cream, or alcohol (21+), and you can pick a cookie shot in several different flavors! Is there a better way to celebrate your birthday, the end of an exam, or just making it through another week of quarantine? The answer is, OF COURSE NOT! Use code HUH15 for 15% off your purchase and enjoy it!
• Wicked Good Cupcakes – GF Our personal favorite is the Wicked Good Cupcakes Birthday Box. I sent these to my daughter last year and she loved them. Just make sure you get enough for their roommates. If we’re going by the name, you know these are going to be wicked good! These desserts come in a festive box filled with cupcakes in a small jar, plus birthday décor and candles if they’re celebrating a birthday. You can pick different sized boxes based on your budget. Plus, these last for at least 10 days without being refrigerated or your student can freeze them for up to 6 months (even though we know they’ll be devoured as soon as they open the box).

Still sweet…

• Edible Arrangements If you are thinking something more along the lines of fresh fruit (I don’t like sweets, said no one ever), then Edible Arrangements is the way to go. From their traditional fruit bouquets to their fruit platters, the best gifts are Edible.® They even have strawberries dipped in cake batter and rolled in mini sequin sprinkles, miniature cakes made with fresh pineapple and dipped in white chocolate or you can create your own box.

They will think this is sweet too…

• Drizly – For students who are 21+ then parents can order any type of alcohol, mixer, and even energy drinks

Flowers and Plants

Maybe flowers (or a cool plant) are something your Birthday Bull or Bull in need of care, would prefer. Even better, combine balloons with flowers! Many florists – like most of these – deliver balloons as well. Locally we like:

• A Special Rose Florist: Address: 14546 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613, 813-979-9453
• New Tampa Florist: Address: 15310 Amberly Dr #250, Tampa, FL 33647, 813-982-1010
• Just want balloons? Then try Balloonz Unlimited: 5002 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603, 813-348-9714

Nationally, here are some of our tried and true favorites:

• Bouqs – These beautiful flowers come from eco-friendly farms that use sustainable growing practices, which means longer lasting flowers and no middlemen. You can buy individually or start a subscription.

Yes, Soup For You!

Soup can be nice when they’re feeling under the weather. Locally, you can show you care and get soup sent from:

• Chabad One bowl of chicken Matzah ball soup can cure just about anything.
• USF Hillel – They have a Matzah Ball Soup Hotline and students or parents can call it to set up a delivery, 813-899-2788.
• Jason’s Deli – 2702 E Fowler Ave, Ste B, 813-903-0017
• Pho Quyen – 2740 E Fowler Ave, 813-632-3444
• Panera Bread -11860 Bruce B Downs Blvd, 813-866-9333
• Chicken Salad Chick– 2790 E Fowler Ave, Ste 490, 813-213-4266
• The Stone Soup Company -1919 E Seventh Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, 813-247-7687
• Sawatdee Thai Cuisine – 10938 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33617, 813-985-2071

There are also national options:

• Spoonful of Comfort
• Challah Connection

More Gift Ideas

We understand that there are other things that are nice to receive other than food and flowers. One of my daughter’s favorites was when I sent her the comfiest sweats she ever owned. (Yes, I too now have a set or two.)

• Have you ever slipped into Lou & Gray sweatsuit? It’s perfect study-for-exams attire. Here are some other national companies that have some great options to bring a smile to your student’s face.
• Darden Restaurant e-gift card or a physical card – Olive Garden, Yard House, Cheddar’s, Bahama Breeze, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Red Lobster
• Greetabl – this is great when you want to send something small, thoughtful, and personalized. You also have the option to include gift cards to some of their favorite stores.
• Knackshops– They offer some great college care packages or you can make your own.
• Lovepop – don’t forget the card. They have some really fun cards for birthdays, Halloween, Get Well, Graduation, and Just Because. They even have sticker pops and gift tag pops.
• Mouth – great for care packages for birthdays, wellness in a box, get better, exams
• Cameo – This is a really fun way to indulge your celebrity-obsessed friends. Arrange for a personalized message from their favorite celebrity, whether it’s an actor, athlete, musician, reality tv star, or creator. You can arrange for them to get a personalized message from their favorite person. Depending on the person, prices vary.
• Our Campus Market – choose from healthy to gourmet for birthdays, move-in, Trick or Treat, Just Because, and more. Kosher, gluten-free, and vegan packages available – You can even include a gift card to one of their favorite places.

Care about it! Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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