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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Navigating your way through college can already be tough, and you may think it’s tougher if you don’t have a car! Not to worry, your life at USF will not skip a beat if you don’t have a car of your own. USF has set up several resources for students to get around easily without a car. The Bull Runner is a USF owned bus service that not only services students on campus but also services a small radius around campus including off-campus student housing and popular businesses surrounding the campus. This allows students who don’t have cars to work at businesses close to their home and classes.

USF students also have the option of taking the city bus at a reduced price when they show their student ID. Uber is also a popular service used by students on campus. Uber drivers are plentiful due to the fact that USF is in a Metropolitan community. You can read our blog on USF’s bus system. If you DO have a car on campus, prices for parking passes can get pretty steep. The price for a student parking pass that covers a complete school year (August to August) is about $200. There is also an option for a semester pass that is $90. It can also be hard to find parking during the week when classes are in session, so we suggest getting to class at least an hour before to allow time to find parking! Read more about parking and a link for purchasing a permit.

And, if we have not given you enough information about parking and the bus system, we’ve got the info on getting to and from campus here whether that is by plane, train, car, bus, and even a carpool Facebook page. These were just a few suggestions based on our experience and hope it will bring a productive conversation for you and your Bull. Whatever you decide, we definitely recommend trying out USF’s bus options.

Jordan Philyor, USF Intern, HaveUHeard

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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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I’m going to start with the dreaded comment starting “when I was in college, we didn’t have…” (insert teenager eye-roll here). But, all of us at Have U Heard can say that we did not have computers, iPads, or cell phones to help us bank, and somehow, we managed to survive. I did have a checking account where I had to actually write checks, and a credit card for emergencies. Everything regarding money took longer, and I know I did not budget correctly. I made financial mistakes for sure, but when I got a part-time job, I seemed to manage it better. I guess if it was MY money, then I took better care of it, sadly.

So, when we attended orientation with our daughter, we were inundated with information from FAFSA to meal plans, but no one addressed the best way to handle finances, or how to learn to budget for our student. We did what a lot of parents do, and that is, asked around. I talked to some friends with college kids and got their ideas, and I also went to a couple of parenting Facebook pages that I belong to and looked up the subject of budgeting. There is so much information out there, that it can be overwhelming.

Firstly, have a conversation with your family and decide: will they need to work while in school, can they prioritize and keep their grades up while managing their time efficiently, will they be on the meal plan or will they need to do weekly shopping?

One of our family rules was that we will not pay for alcohol. I am not being naïve, and I won’t pretend that kids don’t go out and drink, but I don’t have to pay for it either. Books and school supplies were to go on a credit card tied to our accounts (and a great way for us to earn points) and for emergencies. Since our daughter was not on a meal plan, we did two things: we put money on her Publix parent card weekly for groceries (see our blog on grocery stores). It was approximately $75. We also put around $125 cash on her Bull Buck$ card which can be used at campus dining halls, restaurants, and cafes on campus. We made sure she also had some cash weekly. How did we come up with these numbers? Well, after polling friends and getting advice online, these amounts were in the middle of the census.  If she chose to go out and spend money on getting her nails done, or for sushi, using up her allowance, then peanut butter and jelly would help to balance her budget. The point was for her to see where her money was going and to make good decisions about it.

*Please note: if your child is in a sorority or fraternity, they will be asking you for more money. Most things are covered in their dues, but it seemed like my daughter always needed money for something additional (big/little gifts, yet more t-shirts, unofficial sister get-togethers, etc.). So, get ready!

Another way to save some money is to mention to your students to take a look around campus for free activities.  Many clubs and organizations have events around campus and will offer free snacks. Even food trucks will sometimes have free items. Students should always keep their eyes open for student discounts. For instance, Chipotle gives a 15% discount with ID, and AMC Theaters gives a 10% discount on Thursday nights with student ID and many more. List of great discounts for USF students. And check out our blog on budget eating places. They can also download apps that will help them to budget and also offer discounts. See our blog on the Best Apps for students.

Make sure your student also checks the Bull2Bull program run by the university to offer financial literacy education services to students.  They are located in the Student Services (SVC) building. Consider having your students get their own credit cards. It is a great way for them to start learning how to budget themselves while building their credit for when they are out on their own. Our credit card recommendations. Nothing is set in stone. It all depends on your family’s personal choices and financial decisions. Perhaps your student has a job while at school and won’t ask you for a thing. Maybe they want the assurances of always having meals on campus, and will want to be on a meal plan. Things can be changed if they are not working.

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Sorority Low-Down

Why Rush?  For parents of incoming freshmen, you have probably started to hear whispers about rushing or sorority recruitment. The way recruitment is handled for sororities is somewhat different than fraternities, but I am glad to give you the parent perspective on both (check out our blog on USF’s fraternities). Either way, you will not find too many who love the rushing process.  But like it or not, Greek life does have its advantages, especially at a large college; and kids are probably not going to forgo the rumors about rush if it means not joining. So, buckle up; the ride can get a bit bumpy. Let’s start rushing!

My daughter decided to go through rushing recruitment for a couple of reasons. She wanted a way to make friends quickly and to find her “tribe”. Also, we as her parents encouraged her to at least go through the process in order to “put herself out there”. She can be a little shy at times, and we thought that the rush process would help her to open up.  She is our first child to go off to college, so it was all new to us. Having spoken to friends whose daughters rushed I was privy to both the great and nightmarish parts of the process. This is not to say that we should prepare our girls for potential hazing, but rather we were told to prepare for potential disappointment as our daughters may not get the sorority of their choice and may, in turn, be very upset. It’s rare, but it happens. And those late-night phone calls when daughters cry that they were dropped by the houses they thought were perfect for them are undoubtedly heart-wrenching.

My daughter was one of those that did not get a bid from their first choice but accepted a bid from another sorority. She saw the positive in it and took a chance at something new. Most girls do find their place and live happily ever after; others may not get accepted to the sorority of their choice, but they too can have a wonderful Greek life. To help smooth out the feelings of rejection, particularly if some of her friends got asked back, remind your daughter of the many other houses (there are so many; the thing is that some girls would rather have none than the ones that they may receive bids for) or diverse clubs and activities outside of Greek life. There are many alternatives to the social life sororities provide.

In preparation for the experience, first know that girls are kept extremely busy, particularly at the beginning so do not expect to hear much from them until the evenings.  While they can use their phones between houses, there isn’t much time. Some days the girls are clad in ridiculously high heels and sundresses and trying desperately not to allow their make-up to run despite the sauna-like temperatures (got to love Tampa in August). In this regard, your daughter will get a shopping list before the rush to be sure she is appropriately attired. Include a battery-operated fan and Band-Aids on the list and start saving now.

We’ve got some great suggestions from our interns about what to expect and what to wear for recruitment.  At USF, rushing recruitment has specific theme days they follow but as to outfit suggestions, read our blog.

Most going through recruitment already have heard about the different sorority houses at USF and, although there may be the same sorority in another college; somehow their reputations may change at each school. In their minds, they know which ones are considered the most popular and which preconceived labels go with each. That is exactly what makes this a difficult process because just like in the real world, rumors are based on idle chatter, not fact. If you have any influence at all, encourage your daughters to look beyond the Greek letters (all houses have a combination of them) and have an open mind. Hopefully, your daughter will be able to move beyond the process and focus more on finding like-minded young women and a place where she will fit in. I have witnessed girls joining sororities, because of specific Greek letters only to realize after a few weeks, their choice was not right for them. Remind them that each sister is not a clone of the others and they are made up of many different girls.

Cha-Ching!

A major consideration in having your daughter rush is cost. You just can’t get around it, and no one likes to get blindsided by bills that you aren’t prepared for. Rushing, and becoming a sister in a sorority, does add to the sometimes, overwhelming cost of college. Be prepared and budget for it early. The rush process alone has fees, and girls will be given a list of “suggested attire” for each day. That means shopping, and if your daughter is like mine, it means a lot of shopping! New members’ dues are higher at first to cover things like their initiation, new member activities, the very many t-shirts that they will get (don’t let them bring a lot from home because they will get a t-shirt for almost every activity), etc. If your daughter lives in a house, they can pay about a thousand dollars, to about $1400. You can find the details of each sorority.

Speaking Greek

Let’s address some particulars. Recruitment runs from the start of classes, for about a week. Fall recruitment is a more formal one lasting 5 days.  Spring recruitment is informal and more relaxed, lasting about 2 days. It’s important to note that not all sororities participate in Spring recruitment due to quotas already met. The days are long, especially in the beginning rounds.

As your daughter goes through each round, she will go to fewer sorority houses. She may not get invited back to every house; chances are likely that she will not; however, she will have options that hopefully are the houses she was considering. There are 10 chapters that she will be introduced to. There are a lot of girls, information, and traditions that they will get to know quickly.

The truth is, the rush is based on first impressions, judgments, and appearances. The Panhellenic Council tries very hard to promote the positive aspects of joining a sorority and takes it seriously. Why go through all of this, you ask? We have found that sorority life may not be for everyone, but they do offer a lot of benefits including being visible and active on campus, involvement in philanthropies, high academics (my daughter’s sorority requires study hours), and most importantly; they make the large size of USF seem a little smaller. Sorority life can lead to lifetime friendships and a lot of fun.

Bid day, which is the last day of rush, is very exciting, and a little terrifying, and highly emotional, and is, announced as each girl receives a card with the sorority she was accepted to. They all open them at the same time and then will run to their new houses.

Make sure your daughter has cleaned up their social media. Oh yes, even that will be taken into consideration. I have heard there are committees of sisters who stalk each girl’s accounts to get a glimpse of their activities and character. Misrepresentations on their social media can hurt a girl’s chances for a bid when rushing.

Many parents like to send their daughters a gift on Bid Day. We recommend holding off as they will be getting gifts from the sorority they pledge on Bid Day. They will get things like water bottles, t-shirts (yes, even more), tote bags, and anything else with their new letters on it. Plus, different sororities have different rules about wearing anything with letters. Some don’t let you until you are initiated.  After my daughter was initiated, I did get her a sorority bracelet.

Should you decide to get them a congratulatory gift, we have some suggestions here from:

Desert Cactus Greek, Brit and Bee, Alexandra and Company, Go Greek Chic, Cotton Sisters, Sorority Shop, Signature Tumblers and Gild the Lily.

Lastly, breathe. It’s just yet another first in your child’s growing experience.

Learn more about sorority life.

Below are the dates for Recruitment 2020:

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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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When we attended orientation with our daughter, we were inundated with information from FAFSA to meal plans, but no one addressed the best way to handle finances, or how to learn to budget for our student. We did what a lot of parents do, and that is, asked around. I talked to some friends with college kids and got their ideas, and I also went to a couple of parenting Facebook pages that I belong to and looked up the subject of budgeting. There is so much information out there, that it can be overwhelming. Firstly, have a conversation with your family and decide: will they need to work while in school, can they prioritize and keep their grades up while managing their time efficiently, will they be on the meal plan or will they need to do weekly shopping?

One of our family rules was that we will not pay for alcohol. I am not being naïve, and I won’t pretend that kids don’t go out and drink, but I don’t have to pay for it either. Books and school supplies were to go on a credit card tied to our accounts (and a great way for us to earn points) and for emergencies. Since our daughter was not on a meal plan, we did two things: we put money on her Publix parent card weekly for groceries (see our blog on grocery stores). It was approximately $75. We also put around $125 cash on her Bull Buck$ card which can be used at campus dining halls, restaurants, and cafes on campus. We made sure she also had some cash weekly.

If she chose to go out and spend money on getting her nails done or sushi, using up her allowance, then peanut butter and jelly would help to balance her budget. The point was for her to see where her money was going and to make good decisions about it.

Another way to save some money is to mention to your students to take a look around campus for free activities.  Many clubs and organizations have events around campus and will offer free snacks. Even food trucks will sometimes have free items. Students should always keep their eyes open for student discounts. Many local places give student discounts, but they will have to ask for sure. They can also download apps that will help them to budget and also offer discounts. See our blog on the Best Apps for students. One of the most useful for USF students is Discount-A-Bull. Some places will give you a discount if you “check-in” tagging their Facebook page.

More Ideas

Make sure your student also checks the Bull2Bull program run by the university to offer financial literacy education services to students. Consider having your students get their own credit cards. It is a great way for them to start learning how to budget themselves while building their credit for when they are out on their own. Check out some great credit card options for students. Nothing is set in stone. It all depends on your family’s personal choices and financial decisions. Perhaps your student has a job while at school and won’t ask you for a thing. Maybe they want the assurances of always having meals on campus, and will want to be on a meal plan. Things can be changed if they are not working.

If they are on a meal plan, encourage them to bring back an extra apple, banana, or even dry cereal for a snack later. Also, on-campus they will find the Marshall Study Center which has many food specials and doorbusters for places in the food court/restaurants.  Free cookie breaks, free apples and trail mix, and even a Subway picnic are some of the treats offered. Most of these are offered during exam time, so check their schedule. Another great idea, and rather trendy too, introduce them to shopping at Thrift Shops, particularly when they are decorating their off-campus apartment or need yet another dress for a formal, and so on.

Eventually, they will find all the deals out there and when they can manage on their own after college, they will thank you. Well, they probably won’t thank you, but knowing they are eating and sticking to a reasonable budget is thanks enough for this mom.  And by the way, don’t expect them to take you to any of the restaurants that offer deals when you visit. That is when they will be hoping for the meal they presently can’t afford.

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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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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.

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