The University of Tampa

Date: Feb 26 2010
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Upon visiting the University of Tampa, I was impressed by its beautiful campus and closeness to downtown Tampa, a place which I assumed would be a bustling, fun urban environment. I was really excited to come to college in sunny Tampa. However, it would not take long for the ugly realities of this college to surface. First of all, downtown Tampa is a financial district which turns into a ghost town after buisness days/hours. If you don't believe me take a walk down the streets at these times and you might come across a few bums roaming around. The other neighborhoods immediately surrounding UT such as North Hyde Park are extremely dangerous. Locals have been known to target students for armed robberies, and even assaults. It is advised that if traveling through neighborhoods(especially north) around campus to travel in groups and be very careful. I have heard countless horror stories about encounters with these people and the danger should not be taken lightly. The social life in UT is predominantly based on going to clubs. It is not uncommon for students to go to clubs 3 or more times a week. House parties are few and hard to come by; and they are usually in neighborhoods that aren't far from campus, walking back is very dangerous and is not advised. If a student doesn't have a car, life at UT becomes a large hassle to get places, as Tampa has a horrible public transit system. The greek life is unpopular here and frats/sororities aren't even permitted to have frat houses. There is ABSOLUTELY NO school spirit at UT. The sporting events barely have anybody in attendance and there is no football team. As far as academics go, some classes are challenging while others aren't, it is hit or miss. Same goes for the professors. There is an extremely high rate of transfers after freshmen year, as students realize these ugly revelations only when it is too late. If you are thinking about going to UT, please take a good look at the surrounding area/other reivews and try to look beyond the sunny weather and the palm trees.