Do you find yourself bored frequently? Do you live on campus and want to do something besides make trips to class, the dining hall and your dorm? As a USF student, there are a variety of recourses that our tuition pays for to keep us occupied in our free time. And the best part is, most of them are free!
1. Ride a Share-A-Bull Bike
The Share-A-Bull Bike program provides 100 bikes distributed across campus so students have a healthy, enjoyable and emission-free way to travel across campus.
The Share-A-Bull program offers a new way of transportation for USF students to get to places on campus. Whether you’re trying to get to a class, or just want to take a ride through campus, Share-A-Bull gives USF students a daily two free hours to use one of their bikes. By downloading the application on your smart phone, you can create an account with your net ID and view all of the bikes that are near your area ready for rental. Next, you choose a bike, your application gives you a code, you enter it to the bicycle and you are granted your two hours with the bike. An additional charge of $5/hour is charged if you need the bike for a longer period of time. So go check it out!
2. Join A Student Organization
USF has more than 600 recognized student organizations for interests in everything from politics, academics, religion, the arts, sports, service, etc., plus an active Greek and multicultural community.
USF has a variety of clubs and organizations that match the interests of every student. Whether it’s a Greek organization, The Chocolate Lovers Club, or a culture club, there are many different clubs that meet once a month or more to keep students occupied. For more information on how to get involved you can visit the Center for Student Involvement.
3. Rent a Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard at Riverfront Park
USF Riverfront Park is an exciting recreational park. The park is open to current USF students, staff and faculty with a USF ID. Riverfront Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities from picnic facilities to canoeing and kayaking. Come experience all that Hillsborough River has to offer!
Although Riverfront park is not on campus, it’s not a far walk or drive. By presenting a USF student ID, this park offers many different outdoor activities and discounted prices on rentals for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The park hours are Mon - Sun: 10 AM - 7 PM. Rentals can be purchased Thurs: 12 PM - 6:30 PM, Fri - Sun: 10 AM - 6:30 PM. For more information, contact the park directly at 813-987-6840.
4. Take a Stroll Through The Botanical Gardens
Explore a living collection of more than 3,000 plants, animals and natural habitats on the southwest corner of campus. The gardens attract more than 35,000 visitors annually and house ongoing research projects. Learn more.
The Botanical Gardens has beautiful 16 acres that consist of gardens and greenbelt. It’s something every USF student should visit at least once. There are many events and fundraisers that take place at the gardens. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. , Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 4 p.m. With a student ID, students enter for only $1.
5. Post Up On Castor Beach and Read The Oracle
USF’s award winning student-run newspaper, The Oracle, is a great way to stay informed on campus—and offers you a chance to explore your journalism, photography and business skills.
The Oracle publishes papers Monday-Thursday in spring and fall semesters and twice a week in the summer. Pick up the latest copy of the Oracle from one of the USF newspaper dispensers and read it while lying on a hammock at Castor Beach. Although it is not a real beach, Castor beach is a relaxing sandy area with hammocks, and the sun. It’s a great place to read or do homework.
6. Take a Class at USF Rec Center
Campus Recreation keeps students moving with programs and facilities including a 28,000 square-foot, fully-wired fitness center, group fitness classes, aquatics, intramural sports, club sports and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Not only are there endless machines at the state-of-the-art campus rec center, but there are also an endless amount of classes students can sign up for. Whether you’re in the mood for zumba, yoga, or a cycling class, USF has many different ways to stay active if you’re not into working out with machines.
7. Sign Up For an Intramural Sport
Intramural Sports offers organized competition in more than 30 different sports and activities including flag football, softball, ultimate Frisbee, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, team bowling and more.
Want to play sports, but you’re worried you’re not a star athlete? That’s ok. Intramural Sports are offered to every USF student, and there are many sports to choose from. All you have to do is join a team, and let the fun begin!
8. Attend Bull Market
Bull Market Wednesdays are a great way to stay informed about different things happening on and near campus. There are many booths that showcase student organizations, off campus living, or even businesses in the area giving out food and freebies!
Upcoming Dates:
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 18
December 2
January 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 2, 9, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
9. Stay Updated With Events On Campus
There are always events happening on campus. These usually provide free food and goodies for students. Make sure to always keep up with the USF events calendar to ensure you never miss a great time!
USF Events Calendar
