College Survival Tips: Zen Zones at the University of South Florida (Tampa Campus)

Image: Oak leaf fern (Drynaria quercifolia) on a palm tree. Photo credit by Keith Bradley from Flickr.

Need down time? Here is a list of on-campus areas to relax at the University of South Florida (Tampa Campus):

• USF Botanical Gardens
• Castor Beach
• MLK Plaza Pergola
• Marshall Student Center
• Simmons Park

Photo 1. Tree in front of the USF Library on a cloudy afternoon.

USF Botanical Gardens

USF Botanical Gardens (12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612)

The USF Botanical Gardens is perhaps my most frequented place I have visited besides lecture halls at the University of South Florida. I enjoy walking around the sandhill nature path of the gardens. It is sectioned off for walking on gravel and benches near Lake Behnke. Whenever I finish with classes for the day, I head over to the botanical gardens for some fresh air. Other areas that visitors are able to see will be the bromeliads, butterfly garden, meditation garden, medicinal garden, cacti and succulents, etc. There is a pavilion at the center of the garden where you can sit down and relax. Overall, I recommend this chill spot if you are a nature lover.

John F. Germany Legacy Park (4101 USF Apple Dr, Tampa, FL 33620)

The John F. Germany Legacy Park is adjacent to the USF Library. It is often overlooked since the park is facing the library's backside. This spot has a swing bench and I thought it was a great place to sit while having a tea. The park also has umbrellas with table seating if you prefer studying outside. I remember taking study breaks at this spot after my early visits to the library. In 2020, when Covid-19 was in full swing, this was my go-to place to social distance.