Residential Experience

Overview

Coming in Fall 2024... We are thrilled that USF students on the Sarasota-Manatee campus will have the opportunity to...

The transition to college is a big one. We want you to know that the residential experience at USF is characterized by support, strong interpersonal connections, and academic engagement. We are here for you, and our residents are here for each other.

The Transition 

College isn't just about academic growth, but your personal growth as well. We take student development very seriously. This is why our professional live-in staff will be there to support you. 

Fall 2024 will be the first time students will live on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and we can’t wait!  This will be new for everyone.  For some students, this may be the first time they have a roommate or share a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen with others.  Though it may be different than living at home, remember that with change comes an adjustment period. Residents who live on-campus share that they are happy to live where they can meet others and make new friends. For most, the transitional period is only a week or two. Before you know it, the semester will be over and you won't want to leave!

Connections 

Each floor will have student staff living in the building who are knowledgeable in campus resources, and trained in conflict resolution, multicultural awareness, community building, crisis response, and more. Think of this student leader as a guide, a starting place for all questions USF Housing and beyond! Our student staff will be there for you starting on day one. Our student staff will help you discover opportunities that meet your needs and wants. They will help you navigate any bumps in the road as you transition to college. If you and your roommate have difficulty working something out, the student staff are there to help. It's what they do!

involvement 

Involvement is a key factor in our students' success. Just by living on campus, you will already be involved... because you're here! Research shows that students who live on campus for at least one year are more likely to graduate, and sooner, than those who don't. There are many different involvement opportunities available. The diversity of our student body means that you will get to make connections with peers from across the state and, hopefully, the world. There are dozens of student organizations on campus and events will be programmed right in the new student center and residence hall! There will be many involvement opportunities available, so there is something for everyone. Learn more about life on campus.

Other ways to get involved:

• Student Engagement
• Student Government
• New Student Experiences
• Clubs and Organizations 
• Recreation Programs

Support 

Living in a residence hall, you will enjoy the peer support and physical environment designed for academic success. Residents on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses form study groups in the halls. We expect the same at Sarasota-Manatee.

Safety 

USF is a safe place to live, work, and learn. There are many facets to maintaining a safe campus. Access to the new residence hall will be restricted to residents only using a card access system.  Our student staff will go on nightly rounds of the residential areas, building community and supporting a safe campus environment. One of the most important parts of keeping our campus safe will be our residents. We expect many of our residents come to campus with manners in mind, holding the door open for those behind when entering a building. We will educate our residents not to allow anyone inside the residence hall areas who does not live there. Additionally, we will work with campus partners, including local law enforcement and security, to host safety-oriented programs inside the residence hall. Learn more about safety and security on campus.