a review of the university of south florida! (greek life, things to do, cost, location, & more :))

[@melodypolisi7741]

This was great to see. You answered so many questions my daughter and I had. We were wondering whether she should bring her car and had the same thoughts about lack of activities and school spirit. We visited and the campus looked so new and clean which was nice but it was hard to get the vibe of the people. My daughter is filled with energy, loves social events, having fun, going to games etc and was excited to go to Florida for that reason. She just accepted 2 days ago and I hope she finds that balance because if it’s boring I don’t see her liking it

[@claireemercier]

I'm so happy this video was able to help you guys out! I think she will do well here if she pushes herself to get involved right when she gets here :) I'm not sure if she would be interested in Greek life, but like I mentioned in the video, I really love being in a sorority here. It has helped me make friends super quickly and has helped me make some of the best college memories. Congrats on her acceptance, and good luck in the decision making process!

[@lauramcclain8651]

Why would anyone go to USF if they got into a top 10 like UF?

[@avmayes614]

USF alumni '92. Your video was spot on. Back in the late 80s early 90s most students lived in Hyde Park which is now Soho. There were no dorms on campus. No Greek, no football. No school spirit. It was just a degree factory. Ybor city was the only place to go out. Things have changed greatly. Thanks for the vlog.

[@claireemercier]

thanks so much for sharing!! it’s really interesting to see how USF/tampa has changed, and how it’s still changing :’)

[@Ravengoth684]

This is so helpful! I am also transferring to USF as an incoming Sophomore for the same reason so this video has helped me get some sort of idea about USF! Thank you! 😊

[@claireemercier]

ohhh yay that makes me so happy!!! thank you so much for watching :) and enjoy your time at USF. I miss it so much already 💚

[@Ravengoth684]

@@claireemercier Thank you! I will and I will be watching more of your videos!

[@kaylamodilevsky3039]

I’m a junior in high school trying to figure out where I wanna apply in the fall and this video was so helpful since I was interested in usf💚☺️

[@claireemercier]

ahhhh that makes me so happy!! I made this video for that exact reason - I binged college review videos in my search too. thanks for watching and good luck in your application process!! ❤️

[@thiagogregory1]

Did you end up going to FSU?

[@Avionic-go7ep]

Thanks for the insight! My wife has an upcoming interview to instruct for USF, Florida Focus, Zimmerman etc. We're really hoping she gets it! She'd be starting in the Fall (I guess you'd be gone by then). She's really excited, and I know she'd thrive there just as you seem to be. Thanks again, and if you do happen to still be around, she's Dr. Anderson. Good luck with your future!!

[@claireemercier]

That's so awesome!! I'll actually be around for one more year and I am already enrolled in Florida Focus for next semester 😆 We have been dying to find out who the new instructor is -- good luck to your wife! I love the Z School & I'm sure she would too. 😊 Thank you!!!

[@Avionic-go7ep]

@@claireemercier well, she didn't make the cut, sadly.

[@claireemercier]

Oh no, so sorry to hear that! :(

[@Avionic-go7ep]

@@claireemercier weird twist of events. They just called her and offered her the job!!! Other candidate didn't work out.

[@claireemercier]

@@Avionic-go7ep That’s SO awesome!! So excited to meet her this fall! 🤩🤩

[@jeffmischler3864]

This was great. I have a perspective freshman and this helped make an informed decision

[@claireemercier]

I'm so happy I was able to help! Good luck!

[@tinkerbell1976able]

CONS are On Point. No bar district, sketch area near campus, must have a car, lack of school character, lack of school pride. USF a decent option for locals who want to stay near mom and dad.

[@claireemercier]

It is a great option for those who want to stay close to home, but I am from out of state and love USF despite the cons!! You just have to do everything you can to take advantage of the great parts of the school :) But yeahhhh I definitely would like to see a little "college town" spot around here that is within safe walking distance - that would have made my experience here better for sure!!

[@Patmckeown585]

@@claireemercier my mean twin sister Grace is a Junior at USF she loves it she’s studying Nursing and Public health I’m a Junior at Mercer University I’m studying Public Health with a minor in French and my mean older sister Liv is a Keuka College alumni she studied Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology

[@davidvine5846]

Great Blog Claire. I first visited the University of South Florida Campus in 1964 with students from Miami Beach High SchooI . I was very impressed by the new modern campus. I received late acceptance to USF in 1965 and wound up at their Bay Campus in St. Petersburg. It was quite an interesting year. I spent my next two years at the main campus in Tampa. I joined TEP fraternity and had a great time with great friends. We partied at our lakefront frat house and studied hard. I skipped my last year after early acceptance to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. I understand that growing older involves responsibility but I still sometimes reflect and feel that great youthful sensation of adventure and optimism of those college days . That's why I wrote the song " Don't Forget to Dream" ( The David Hamilton Project...Spotify ).

[@claireemercier]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience at USF! It is super interesting to hear what it was like in the 60s. So awesome!!!

[@ThatOneGuyNamedMain]

As someone who goes to usf school spirit is pretty high especially at the football games in my opinion. Ivy rose is also trashy and you can also pay them to get a 21 wristband if ur under age. Also bulls market doesn’t ID and neither does their Liquor Store.

[@claireemercier]

Hopefully next year I get to see more of the school spirit, lol! I only went to the UF game this year and no one near me was cheering, etc. Glad that you have been able to experience some Bull pride 😆 Thanks for the input!!!

[@thedancingparamedic]

on campus housing is SUCH a ripoff. my traditional dorm in summit hall was $967 a month for the 21-22 school year. I had to share that cramped little room with another person and a bathroom with several other rooms and a kitchen and laundry area with the entire building. and apparently it’s going up to $987 a month for the 22-23 school year. my 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in lark on 42nd is costing me $962 a month which includes rent, utilities, parking, and liability insurance, and that’s on the higher end in terms of the cost of off campus housing near USF. I have my entirely own bedroom and bathroom and I only have to share the kitchen, living room, and washer/dryer with my one roommate. I’m an AA transfer as well and fall ‘21 was my first semester at USF and I WISH I had known that off campus housing was so much cheaper and better bc I would’ve done that instead of on campus housing in a heartbeat.

[@claireemercier]

Yeah, I definitely agree with you. My good friend transferred to USF with me and he chose to stay in Cypress on campus, and he spent more than me for a smaller room + shared bathroom than I did for a nice room/private bathroom at IQ off campus. 😅

[@Naturebeautifaul]

OMG I LOVE!! Thank you so much for this video!

[@claireemercier]

Awww thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️

[@Cody0ne5]

Hey I hope your schooling is going well. I really wish I went the university route. But my life is much different. Take advantage and have fun do well in the schooling. Enjoy the years while they last. 4 years go by fast!

[@claireemercier]

thank you so much! everything happens for a reason - you are headed in the direction that is meant for you :) I appreciate your positivity! & thanks for watching

[@elliottwilson4711]

Good video ! I’m looking to transfer to USF this coming school year, I’m really hoping to be admitted for my sophomore year !

[@claireemercier]

That's awesome, good luck!! And thanks for watching 😊

[@vcab4236]

I was accepted for fall 2022! Still undecided. I’m between FGCU, USF, and UCF. Any pros or cons from the other Florida schools?

[@claireemercier]

Congrats!! Being from Illinois, I honestly don't know too much about any of the other Florida schools. Sorry about that - I wish I could help you more! But good luck with your decision process :)

[@julesmarie403]

Hey! I live 10 minutes away from FGCU so I have insight. It really is a nice school. It's new, only 25 years, but it is personable. The campus is very green. There aren't really any big trees like you would get at USF of FSU, but it is still nice to walk around. I saw a pool by one of the dorms so that's pretty cool. They don't have a football team, but their basketball team is really good. And I'm sure they will develop football over the years. I think it's a great school if you want one-on-one connections.

[@what2730]

same! have you made a decision?

[@stephmontvein8328]

Same, I don’t know if I should choose USF or UCF

[@makenzierose6338]

My dad lives right by FGCU and I’ve heard amazing things about it!!!

[@urmom-nc7oe]

thank u for this! i’m debating between schools right now and this has been very informative

[@claireemercier]

Absolutely!! I'm so happy to help. Good luck!

[@Cherb777]

This is a great video and very accurate. Although I graduated 20 + years ago it seems like things are for the most part, the same. I think that the lack of school spirit stems them not having a USF football stadium on campus. With plans the new stadium on the horizon this will change. There is a ton of tradition in their baseball and basketball programs and that is because both stadiums are on campus.

[@claireemercier]

thanks so much! I totally agree. I can't wait for there to be an on-campus stadium!

[@gailmercier6575]

Great trustworthy advice!!

[@claireemercier]

Thank you!!!

[@erinpopik8282]

Hi! I'm accepted for fall 2022 and having USF as one of my top schools, this definitely answered some of my questions! You said USF is kind of a commuter college, which is something I worry about. I think it is something I would struggle with as an OOS student and weighs on my decision. Is it a majority of students that commute? What would a typical weekend look like? I visited last week (unable to tour unfortunately :( ) and on the weekend it seemed like almost no one was there. Such a gorgeous campus though!

[@claireemercier]

Congrats!! I absolutely understand your concern. I don't know the exact statistics, but based on those I've talked to in my classes, about 1/3 of them commute from home/a location at least 20 minutes away. If you are worried about having no one to hang with on the weekends/in the evenings, my advice would just be to get involved! If Greek Life is your thing, I can't recommend it enough for making friends and finding things to do. But if that's not the case, there are still plenty of people who do live on campus, and getting involved in clubs/intramural sports/etc will help you find friends that are on campus more often. In my experience, USF being a commuter college hasn't really impacted my ability to make friends or find things to do -- I think the biggest impact it has is just the lack of school spirit. Hopefully that makes sense!!! Good luck with your decision

[@erinpopik8282]

@@claireemercier Thank you, and thank you so much for responding and letting me know! I definitely am interested in Greek Life and have been thinking about doing intramural or club soccer as well! I tend to overthink things, making friends being one of the biggest things I worry about, so getting involved will 100% help. But I will definitely take it all into consideration! Again, thank you so much!!

[@ThatOneGuyNamedMain]

@@erinpopik8282 here’s a tip for the Greek life at USF don’t interact with ANY fraternities. They are so fucked up recently. So many ratings druggings and more stay away from frats.

[@pdawg1334]

@@erinpopik8282 how have you like it so far?

[@nevymelendez]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@claireemercier]

thank YOU for watching! happy to share :)

[@shivyagoyal]

Hi Claire! I just got accepted to USF for fall 2022 and your videos have been a lot of help. I wanted to live at IQ and I saw their website which said the minimum was 829$ a month, in this video you said you pay around 750 a month. so I was wondering if the rates have increased for fall 2022 or is there some other way I can get a room for 750

[@claireemercier]

Ahh yay! Congrats!!! Unfortunately, rent is rising a lot in the USF area - even my roommates who renewed their leases at IQ are having to pay $50 more/month next year. :(

[@shivyagoyal]

@@claireemercier damn I really liked IQ. However , the only housing I think I could afford is campus lodge but about 60% of the reviews are terrible 😅. Do you know anyone who lived/lives at campus lodge and if their experience was good/bad?

[@claireemercier]

Sadly, I don't know anyone who lives there 😭 If you join some of the USF housing pages on Facebook, you could probably ask about Campus Lodge there! Someone on that page can answer your question I’m sure :)

[@shivyagoyal]

@@claireemercier thank you so much for your help 💓

[@claireemercier]

@@shivyagoyal absolutely!! happy to help ❤️

[@willgoodeve2348]

I also went to USC and then transferred to CC then transferred to USF. Florida CC though. I’m a junior in economics.

[@claireemercier]

No way! What're the odds! We are living the same life 😂

[@IndukooriShivaShankarRaju]

How is the American and International Students Mix?

[@claireemercier]

I personally haven't met a lot of international students, but I would say everyone mixes well on campus!! There are also a lot of cultural groups at USF that I've noticed. Hopefully that helps!

[@IndukooriShivaShankarRaju]

Thanks@@claireemercier I am planning for PhD Program in Muma College of Business Tampa. I wish some Indian flavor is there in the Campus. Will be glad if you can make some videos on Lifestyle, outing, places nearby, Offcampus life.

[@mattahmann]

I'm from Illinois and I just transferred to USF this summer!

[@claireemercier]

No way!! Hahahah hope you're loving USF as much as I do 😆

[@Grace-lm9ju]

Ah i’m so nervous about starting. I’m accepted for fall of 2022 and don’t know anyone, im tempted to find some people going there, im 18 but will be transferring in as *hopefully* a junior so finding friends is kind of difficult. if anyone is starting soon let me know i would love to chat about the school and learn about it more.

[@claireemercier]

It's definitely a nerve wracking process, but once you get settled, it'll be one of the best experiences of your life!! My biggest piece of advice is to get as involved as possible right when you get to campus, whether it's through greek life, a cultural org, sports, etc. Just put yourself in situations where you will be forced to meet people :) Good luck, and congrats on your acceptance! 🤍

[@chloevonbank5842]

Girl if you’re seeing this I’m thinking of transferring next year as a sophomore! Let me know if you’re interested in a new friend!

[@matnewmann9900]

Do you think when your done with college you would still live in Florida or move away permanently

[@claireemercier]

it would be really hard for me to leave Florida - I love it too much! If I moved anywhere else it would definitely be another warm place, but as of right now I’m hoping to stay in FL :)

[@kavitabagade2274]

Thank you so much. Indeed very good video. Please let me know about CS in USF

[@claireemercier]

Thank you!! I'm glad you liked it :) Unfortunately, the only major I really know anything about is my own - Mass Communication. I wish I could help you more!

[@dilyshuynh6343]

I am studying at college in LA now and also transferring to USF next year. I have questions that do I have to study GE classes before transferring or I just need to complete my prerequisite classes for my major? Moreover, if I study GE classes at college, could I transfer those credits, or do I have to study those classes again at USF?

[@claireemercier]

Hi! I can't answer this for sure, but when I transferred to USF, I mostly had GE classes under my belt and that's it. My mass communication major didn't have any prerequisites, though. Whether or not your credits will transfer totally depends on what school you are coming from - I recommend submitting your most current transcripts ASAP, and then speaking with your advisor about which credits will/will not transfer. In my case, most of my credits transferred! Sometimes you are able to submit an appeal as well if you think you should be able to transfer credits that aren't transferring. Hopefully that helped!! Good luck!

[@madelyntorrance8179]

Hey,I’m from Illinois also and looking at USF. Do you feel safe on campus? And what apartment did you live in?

[@claireemercier]

Hey!! That's awesome - choosing to leave Illinois for Florida was one of the best decisions I have ever made, lol! To answer your questions, I have never felt unsafe on campus. Some of the neighborhoods outside of campus can be a little sketchy, but as long as you aren't walking through them alone at night you would be just fine :) My first year here I lived at IQ Luxury Apartments, and now I live in Greek Village on campus! I have an apartment tour from last year on my channel if you want to check it out. Hopefully this helps!!!

[@alainarumrill8659]

so helpful !!!

[@claireemercier]

Happy to help!!! 😆

[@ProverbStorified]

Can you please aske Biomedical and Bioengineering student whether they find the education highly quality or not? and their SAT and high school GPA

[@claireemercier]

I unfortunately don't know any bioengineering students - sorry :(

[@drivethrutours1916]

What do you think about Pfizer?

[@claireemercier]

I don’t really have an opinion! :)

[@howdyhowdy06]

my current dream school is usf and i'm an international student in korea. i was wondering what is the required gpa and things i should prepare in high school.

[@claireemercier]

Hi!! I personally don't have a lot of knowledge on that, but this page might be able to help you: www.usf.edu/admissions/international/admission-information/undergraduate/freshman-requirements.aspx Good luck to you in your college admission process! ❤️

[@howdyhowdy06]

thank you for the information i was looking for and by the way thanks for the quick reply

[@claireemercier]

@@howdyhowdy06 of course!!! happy to help :)

[@maddiz_lr8459]

Hey there! Can someone please shoot me straight? By the end of my senior year (end of fall because deadlines for fall are like march) I will probably only have a 2.5 gpa. I’m enrolled in 1 honors class this year, next year I plan to take three honors classes, two of which are college credit, and two IB classes. Even with this my gpa won’t be as good as it should be. I flunked my freshman year basically because it was 2020 and covid made us online. I’ve looked and it says I have like a 15-24% chance of getting into USF. Do I really have practically no chance of getting into my dream school? Someone please be honest.

[@dreamysol]

how was the test for the mass communications program? i’m planning on majoring in communications at usf and i’m a little nervous for the test.

[@claireemercier]

I'm not sure what test you're talking about! I didn't have to take one to become a mass comm major :) I was a transfer student though, so if it is a requirement for freshman, I don't know anything about it unfortunately :( I have never heard anyone talk about it though!!

[@shubhichauhan3736]

Hey, Great video. I have got admit for MBA program at USF. Do you have any insights on how is the university for MBA graduates ?

[@claireemercier]

That's awesome, congratulations!! Unfortunately, the only academic department I know about here is Mass Communication. Sorry, I wish I could help you more! Good luck!

[@shubhichauhan3736]

@LaShaie Nicole Thank you so much Nicole. Much appreciated. Bdw I am from India :)

[@shubhichauhan3736]

@@claireemercier No Issues Claire. Keep up the good work!! :)

[@jercole4282]

Not sure if u can answer this but how are the parties at usf? And what is getting drinks like?

[@claireemercier]

They're alright! I've only been to a couple of the frat parties here but they're a decent time. I enjoy small-scale events a lot more, though! Not sure what getting drinks is like bc I can't do that yet 😆

[@richsuggs2982]

USF = University of Several Fans.

[@claireemercier]

never heard that one before 😂

[@BidhanBidari]

THANKS FOR VIDEO , MY ON LIVING COST IS 19000$ ON I20 AS IM INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ,SO HOW MUCH ON AVERAGE DOES IT COST FOR ROOM AND FOOD MONTHLY? PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND IS ON CAMPUS JOB AVAILABLE CURRENTLY??

[@claireemercier]

hi! thanks so much for watching! I can't give you an exact number, but here are some good websites to check out meal plan cost info for this academic year - usf.campusdish.com/MealPlans/Category?cat=Fall_2023%2fSpring_2024_7858&lid=7858 tuition info - www.usf.edu/business-finance/controller/student-services/tuition-rates.aspx typically these websites are pretty accurate, although costs usually increase slightly each year. I don't know any specifics, but there are plenty of opportunities for students to find work on campus! I would recommend speaking with your academic advisor. they will point you in the right direction :)

[@madelyntorrance8179]

Hey, do you feel like the math department is good at USF? classes like calculus

[@claireemercier]

Hi Madelyn! I unfortunately don't know much about the math department here - I have only taken one math class at USF, and it was a statistics class for non-majors. I wish I could help you more!!

[@ag8214]

we are from Illinois(Chicago) my daughter is applying for USF medical school is it good ?

[@claireemercier]

Awesome!! I don't know much about med school here, but I do know that our campus is near numerous hospitals that offer positions to students. Good luck to your daughter!

[@jaipalreddykuntla411]

Actually I got admit in computer engineering, after reaching the campus can i shift to BAIS ? Is this possible

[@claireemercier]

Hi! The only program I really know about at USF is Mass Communication, but I’m sure switching majors would be possible! I would reach out to your advisor and see what they recommend you do. Congrats on your acceptance!

[@ilyazmamadaliyev2893]

Great Really useful

[@claireemercier]

thank you so much! part two is coming soon!!

[@bruhi-4589]

got accepted here for the st pete campus ☹️ i wanted the main campus

[@claireemercier]

I honestly wish USF's main campus was in St. Pete! it is so beautiful there. maybe you could do a semester in St Pete and see if you can start taking classes on the Tampa campus in following semesters? :)

[@ucluong5732]

hello i am from vietnam and i am learning about this school

[@claireemercier]

hi! I love usf!! good luck in your college search 😊

[@lnguyen385]

After, being there for 1 year, do you pay in-state tuition?

[@claireemercier]

I never paid in-state tuition, nope. but I never went through the process to become a florida resident either. I believe there is a bunch of criteria to meet in order to be considered a resident for tuition purposes - I found some info about it on USF’s website :) www.usf.edu/registrar/services/residency/#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20be%20classified,is%20seeking%20in%2Dstate%20residency

[@lnguyen385]

@@claireemercier Thank you for taking the time to response. Very much appreciated.

[@claireemercier]

@@lnguyen385 of course! happy to help. thanks for watching 😊

[@ret4kind]

Communications. Super.

[@claireemercier]

thanks! (I think 🤣)

[@suryabhimala8229]

Cost per credit for masters???

[@claireemercier]

it depends - hopefully this helps! www.usf.edu/business-finance/controller/student-services/tuition-info.aspx

[@gentessenoelsaint2890]

is USF a good party school

[@claireemercier]

I don't go out all too often, but I have some friends that enjoy going out frequently! Basically every weekend (and some weekdays too) there is a good crowd at our most popular college bar, the Ivy Rose. In terms of actual parties, I personally don't know about too many that happen here. Tailgates are average, in my opinion. Overall, I don't think I would consider USF to be a party school, but like I said I usually don't fit in in that crowd anyways, so I may not be the best person to ask 😆

[@gentessenoelsaint2890]

@@claireemercier ok thank you

[@arielbarbosa7168]

Can you help me find. A. College for me. 😁

[@claireemercier]

I vote USF! 😆

[@TheThinkinGuy]

so funny... winter break and you're wearing t-shirts, shorts, and are tan... sigh... i wish my winter were like that...brrr.

[@claireemercier]

I know how that feels!! Haha, I am so happy I decided to make the move from the chilly Midwest to sunny Florida. If you're looking for a sign to make the move yourself, here it is!!!

[@janiahbeach3453]

What campus were you on? I’m looking at the campus in Tampa 🥰

[@claireemercier]

I'm on the Tampa campus! I have never visited the one in Sarasota, but the St. Pete campus is in an amazing location. I honestly wish the main campus was in St. Pete! But I love it here too, we are only about 20 minutes from Downtown which is great :)

[@srinivasraon9349]

Hi hello

[@claireemercier]

hiiii!! 👋🏻

[@michaelsmallwood909]

Jack Harlow my boy !!

[@claireemercier]

Love Jack with all my ❤️

[@maxconing812]

It’s not that sketchy y’all are just weak

[@claireemercier]

idk man hahaha sometimes fletcher can be a bit much, especially with people just walking out in front of cars LOL

[@claireemercier]

being a girl definitely doesn’t help either

[@buellerferris]

I went to USF for 3 semesters. It was next to impossible to make friends there. Professors didn't give a shit about you. Florida drivers were HORRIBLE! the only thing I liked about USF is Castor Beach. I miss Busch Gardens. I used to work there. Football games were incredibly boring. You have to drive 20 minutes to go to a game. The stadium is empty and USF has a horrible team. I moved back to Utah and I am having a much better school experience. USF left a horrible taste in my mouth lol

[@claireemercier]

What major were you? I can undoubtedly say that the reasons I love USF so much are 1) my amazing mass communication program/professors and 2) my involvement in Greek life! But I have heard some more negative things about USF from my friends that don't share my major. I agree with you on the Florida drivers thing...LOL! FL drivers can be a bit crazy. Also on the topic of USF football...yeah. It really isn't great here. I still loved getting to go to Ray Jay though!! I'm sorry you didn't have the best experience here - that's how I felt at my first school. But I'm happy you were able to find your place in Utah 😊

[@arielbarbosa7168]

Your hair

[@claireemercier]

What about it?? lol

[@arielbarbosa7168]

I. Like it

[@arielbarbosa7168]

I love your hair

[@arielbarbosa7168]

@@claireemercier i love your hair

[@arielbarbosa7168]

How long. Is your hair

[@ফেনীরছাঁদবাগান]

You r married???

[@claireemercier]

Nope!

[@richsuggs2982]

USF = University of Several Fans.

[@claireemercier]

???

[@vipe4817]

Out of state tuition for USF is really only 17k a year?! Or per semester?

[@claireemercier]

$17k per year!!! usfas.forest.usf.edu/coa/2021-not-with-parents.aspx