College Survival Tips: Study Spots at the University of South Florida (Tampa Campus)

Fires from Pains Bay and Honey Prairie as seen by MODIS satellite imagery. Photo credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Studying is a staple for academics, especially within higher education. Universities and colleges are no stranger to the concept. As of July 2024, the University of South Florida has a total of three campuses. The USF campus locations are Tampa (main campus), St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Here is a list of on-campus study spots from the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus. This list is based on the areas I most frequented as an environmental science & policy undergraduate. 

Lists of study spots at the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus:

• USF Library
• Bioscience Academic Facility
• USF Science Center
• Judy Genshaft Honors College
• Interdisciplinary Science Building

Photo 1. Photo taken from the on-campus Castor dorms (5th floor) of lightening striking the USF Library, Tampa Campus. 

USF Library

The USF Library is a seven-floor facility and research library with academic journals, electronic resources, and books. Each floor is dedicated for different services. Quiet zones gradually increase as you increase to the upper floors. The basement is considered as a 'quiet zone' as well as archives for printed collections. The first floor near the main entrance of the library houses a Starbucks for convenience. Group study is also encouraged within the first floor and there are computer work stations. The second floor of  the USF Library is another group study area with the learning commons study areas such as the writing studio, tutoring services, and SMART Lab. 

Photo 2. Chilling outside on a swing bench, facing the back area of the USF Library.

Photo 3. The back area of the library with umbrella covered study tables seen from the distance.

Photo 4. The 3rd floor of the USF Library, with books galore. 

Photo 5. Viewing a window on the 3rd floor of the USF Library facing the back area. 

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USF Library (4101 USF Apple Dr, Tampa, FL 33620)

The USF Library is a seven-floor facility and research library with academic journals, electronic resources, and books. Each floor is dedicated for different services. Quiet zones gradually increase as you increase to the upper floors. The basement is considered as a 'quiet zone' as well as archives for printed collections. The first floor near the main entrance of the library houses a Starbucks for convenience. Group study is also encouraged within the first floor and there are computer work stations. The second floor of the USF Library is another group study area with the learning commons study areas such as the writing studio, tutoring services, and SMART Lab. On the weekdays, the USF Library stays open 24/7! This is a great study spot if you need to be out of the house while studying for finals the next morning.

Bioscience Academic Facility

The Bioscience Academic Facility, also known the Bio Science Building houses the Division of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. Students will often take classes at one of the lecture halls from the Bio Science Building.    

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Bioscience Academic Facility (USF Cherry Dr, Tampa, FL 33620)

The Bioscience Academic Facility, also known as the Bio Science Building. The facility houses the Division of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. Students attending the USF Tampa Campus will often take classes at this building during their freshmen or sophomore year. In 2022, the Bio Science Building was renovated and installed vending machines for self-checkout. When classes are not in session during work hours, the room is empty and doors will be open if you visit a few minutes earlier. This is a good study spot if you need a quick break before your next lecture throughout the day.

USF Science Center

Judy Genshaft Honors College

Judy Genshaft Honors College (12260 USF Genshaft Dr, Tampa, FL 33620)

The Judy Genshaft Honors College is the most recently built structure at the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus. The new honors college opened in 2023, with a 5-story building dedicated for open-design classrooms and learning lofts. The first floor of the Judy Genshaft Honors College has a Buddy Brews Coffee, where you can grab a quick bite. My boyfriend enjoyed eating their breakfast sandwiches while I had their mini pound cakes with coffee. I would recommend this spot for those who are near Cooper Hall, College of Education, and College of Architecture.

Interdisciplinary Science Building

Interdisciplinary Sciences Building (USF Cherry Dr, Tampa, FL 33620)

The Interdisciplinary Sciences Building is a modern structure and provides a home for the departments of Physics, Molecular Biosciences, and Chemistry. The building offers up to seven stories of study spots for students to choose from. I recommend the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building due to the closeness from the USF Chemistry Building and across the USF Library. Often times, whenever the library is too full during the afternoon (peak lunch time), I will resort to visiting this building instead. As you enter the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, you will see a pendulum.

Pinnacle Lobby (4210 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620)

The Pinnacle Lobby is the first floor of the Pinnacle Dorms, situated at The Villages, part of the on-campus dormitory halls. The lobby sits adjacent to the Marshall Student Center and Crescent Hill Parking. As you enter the Pinnacle Lobby, there will be a resting area with a few chairs in the center. On one side will be a BurgerFi and the other is a Starbucks Cafe. Between the two restaurant chains, my preference is studying at the Starbucks for their booths and tables section. Despite the lobby being located at a dormitory, the area is open for anyone who wants to catchup on assignments.