What is University of Tampa like?

<p>Does anyone have personal experience with this school? My son would be in the top 25% (or close to it anyway), and the sticker price is more reasonable than many other schools. Addtionally, I think my son could get over 10k in merit aid, which is not bad considering the school is more reasonable to begin with. I read so many mixed reviews about this school, so I am seeking opinions. Also, is it really essential to have a car here (if so, I would need to add those costs into the true cost of the school)?</p>

<p>I live about 25 miles from UT and D's private music instructor is a prof there. That doesn't make me an expert, but I'm reasonably familiar with it. Sitting in downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River, its campus is pretty nice. Just passing by, it seems fairly compact, but its actually bigger than it looks. The main attraction, of course, is the H.B. Plant Museum which has a very interesting history, distinctive architechure, and is a national landmark. </p>

<p>I think UT has some advantages being downtown, but Tampa's transit system is severly lacking. Thus, in my opinion, a student at UT would benefit from having a car. There are a number of nice attractions, malls, beaches, and events around town, but most will require some wheels to get to. The exceptions would be the Convention Center and St. Pete Times Forum which hosts concerts, sports, and lots of other events, and the Tampa Performing Arts Center -- they are all fairly close to campus. Tampa's main library and art museum (which I believe is undergoing a major renovation right now) are also just a block from campus. Even so, as is the case in most downtown areas in large cities, I wouldn't recommend walking around to these places alone at night. It's not there there have been any particular incidents or problems of which I'm aware, it just kinda goes against good common sense. </p>

<p>That said, UT is in the city, but it does not abut against any significant residential areas, or near anything I can think of that would tend to draw undesirables around campus. In that sense, it seems like a reasonably safe environment to me. </p>

<p>UT is fairly well regarded locally, but every school in FL except Miami is completely overshadowed by the large publics. And since it disbanded its football team years ago, it doesn't get as much notoriety as it probably deserves. Also, while not an especially selective school, UT provides a solid education according to the people I've met there. It's business related programs are probably the most highly regarded.</p>

<p>FLVADAD, thank you.</p>

<p>Our son is a freshman at UT and loves everything about the school and the area. We are also from the Northeast and he selected UT based on the variety of its business program, size (not very many schools at 5,000 to 6,000 students), and proximity to the city of Tampa. He was accepted into their Honors program and received merit money which were additional pluses.</p>

<p>He does have his car, which he needs in large part because he made the UT golf team. A majority of his friends do not have cars. A car is a great convenience but not a necessity. </p>

<p>We have been very pleased with the UT faculty and administration. Their "Gateways" program provides for a nice transition from high school to college. We're happy to answer any specific questions.</p>

<p>momsworried, thanks. i do have a few questions. </p>

<p>Do freshman often get placed off campus in hotels?</p>

<p>What are the dorms like, and how is the on campus food?</p>

<p>Do most students stay on campus all 4 years?</p>

<p>What are the perks of the honors college?</p>

<p>Does the school provide any transportation to area malls or elsewhere?</p>

<p>Do you know what the core curriculum foreign language requirements are?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any answers that you can provide. I am happy to learn that your son is so happy at UT!</p>

<p>Northeastmom-- There were a few freshmen placed in hotels for a few weeks but if you get your housing info in early enough, you won't have this problem. It effects those students who decided to go to UT last minute. The dorms are really very nice. I was especially impressed by how clean they were. My older D goes to a very expensive private college in the north whose dorms looked rather shabby compared to UT's. My son, who is into cooking and high end cuisine, has found the food enjoyable. There is a variety of on campus dining to choose from. From what I have heard most students do stay on campus for four years. The new upperclass apartments are beautiful. However, my son does know of students who do live off campus. The Honors program is not really distinguished as an Honors College. The perks are: housing, honors classes, special honors lectures and programs, study abroad trips for honors only etc. I do not know if the school provides any transportation to area malls etc. There are a fair amount of students who have cars to help with rides. I know that taxis are used also especially to and from the airport. There is no language requirement as part of the core curriculum. It did surprise me a little because the school really promotes "global education". Just to add, my son college acceptances ranged from Providence College, Bentley, Bryant and College of Charleston. After attending the Honors Brunch in the spring of his senior year, he felt very at home and so far has never regretted his decision. While Florida may seen far from home, Southwest Airlines has non-stop flights which can get him home in 3 1/2 hours. The only thing is..... he doesn't want to come home :) Please feel free to contact me with further questions. I am glad to help any future UT parents. I really had no one to ask my questions and had to trust my own instincts.</p>

<p>momsworried, thanks. I do remember reading your posts as you were making the big decision last year. I could not contribute bc I am just not familiar with UT or the C of C.</p>

<p>Do you think that UT is any financial trouble? Last that I checked their endowment was kind of low. </p>

<p>Do you know by when the housing deposit has to be in, in order not to end up in a hotel?</p>

<p>I do not think UT is in any financial trouble. Their endowment may appear low but there are many private contributions given to the school that may not be reported as endowments. A local Tampa businessman, John Sykes, has given millions to the school of business and has funded many of the improvements around the campus. Acceptance deposits are fully refundable until May 1st. We sent in our deposit when we received our acceptance letter even thought we were waiting on other schools. We figured we'd be all set with housing if my son decided to attend. I think if you send in your deposit any time in the winter/early spring, you should be all set.</p>

<p>northeastmom,
I need to offer a different perspective. My niece (from the NE) started at U Tampa about 5 years ago. She transferred out after a year. She was very disappointed with the school. Lots of kids seemed to leave on the weekend and there didn't seem to be too much to do outside of classes. She spent a year at a CC in Florida so that she could transfer into UF-she had a great time at UF and graduated a year ago. Keep doing your research.</p>

<p>momof3sons, that's interesting. I have read mixed reviews, so your post does not surprise me. I do thank you for posting. I read that parties take place off campus. I wonder if that had something to do with your niece not caring for UT.</p>

<p>I am searching for a private school that I think will be financially doable. UT had a lower sticker price than many schools and I could see from the website that my son would likely get at least 10.5k in merit aid.</p>

<p>northeastmom,
I got the impression from her that it turned out to be quite a "suitcase" school, with kids heading home on the weekends. She is a very social kid, so if there were parties, I'm guessing she would have been there. :)</p>

<p>Eckerd</a> College . Admission | Scholarships</p>

<p>Have you looked into Eckerd in St. Petersburg, FLA? If your son has at least an ACT of 28 and a gpa of 3.77, he should qualify for $14,000/yr.</p>

<p>momof3sons, thanks. I guess UT is not going to work. I don't want him at suitcase school.</p>

<p>nysmile, thanks. I know about Eckerd, but you are absolutely trapped there without a car. Knowing that I don't need to investigate it further.</p>

<p>I am editing this. I am thinking of still considering UT. My son does know how to organize his time. He would not be bored. I just would feel badly having him see others go home bc he could not do the same. sigh....</p>

<p>Interesting. I was just at UT today. I found out they were holding the College All Star Football Challenge which is being shown on ESPN. You can see the dorms in background. </p>

<p>Anyway, I walked the campus today with D. We came across students in all of the outdoor common areas, and the cafeteria was fairly busy. So, I don't know, but it didn't seem vacant to us. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bustling or anything, but plenty of students were around in the common areas. </p>

<p>Obviously, I'm not a student there, but I don't see there being nothing to do outside of classes - not in center of Tampa. There's always something going on here. Maybe the reference alludes more to the student culture? I can't say how lively they are or aren't amongst themselves. Of course, UT also doesn't have 50,000 students like UF which would certainly make a difference too. With that many students you'd never notice how many were leaving on the weekends :).</p>

<p>
[quote[Have you looked into Eckerd in St. Petersburg, FLA? If your son has at least an ACT of 28 and a gpa of 3.77, he should qualify for $14,000/yr.[/qote]
</p>

<p>The website says "internally calculated GPA". Does anyone know what that means?</p>

<p>^^No, but the scholarship with lower stats just below their top award is 13,500, so not a difference that would influence one too much.</p>

<p>I think it means they will not use the grades from things like gym, health, etc.</p>

<p>I have to differ with some of the previous posts. UT is not a suitcase school. I am not sure of the exact percentages but I think 70% are out of state. Many students are from far distances so I do not think they would be going home on weekends. My son says that there is always something to do on campus. I suggest you visit the school and talk to some of the current students.</p>

<p>Is it possible that most of the instate kids, and some oos students are not going home, but visiting hs friends at the numberous state schools in FLA? I would guess that between the bright futures $$, reasonable instate tuition, and numerous state schools in FLA that most students from FLA remain instate. I would think that the parties might just be bigger and better at the large state schools. Are they magnets on weekends for UT students?</p>

<p>Northeastmom-- you could be right about the parties being bigger and perhaps better at larger schools. I like UT because my son has opportunities to do other things than just go to parties. He has been to the Rays playoff games, the WORLD SERIES and Busch Gardens. He has tickets for many of the Yankees spring training games. The Superbowl is this weekend with Gasparilla next weekend. (not quite sure what that is but it's a big activity in Tampa) I am very happy he has choices to do other things than play beer pong. In fact, he is going to see Dane Cook tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum. Again, I encourage you to visit the area and the school. :)</p>