What Do Students Do Near USF? Weekdays and Weekends Near The Metropolitan Tampa

For students at the University of South Florida, most days are structured around classes, assignments, and time spent on campus. After long stretches of studying or a demanding week of exams, having a nearby place to step away from that routine and reset becomes just as important as staying on top of coursework.

Where a student lives plays a role in how easy that shift can be. In addition to being close to campus, many students look for housing that keeps them connected to the surrounding area, whether that means nearby restaurants, entertainment, or places to go on the weekends.

The Metropolitan Tampa, located at 2701 E. Fowler Ave., sits within an 8-minute walk of the University of South Florida campus and a 15-minute drive from Downtown Tampa. From this location, students can stay close to campus during the week while still having the option to head out for a change of pace. The property’s on-site parking garage also makes it easier to reach nearby attractions, restaurants, and entertainment areas across Tampa without relying on longer commutes.

What Is There to Do Near The Met Tampa?

There are several things to do near The Metropolitan Tampa, ranging from outdoor attractions to nightlife and weekend destinations. Many of Tampa’s most popular student hangout spots are located within a 5 to 20-minute drive of our USF off-campus housing, making it easy for students to plan both quick outings and longer weekend activities without interfering with their day-to-day college routine.

Outdoor Activities & Outings Near The Met Tampa

Students living at The Metropolitan Tampa have several outdoor options nearby, whether they are looking for something quick between classes or planning time off campus on the weekend. Some stay close to the USF area for a short break outside, while others head a few minutes away to larger attractions across North Tampa.

Outdoor Spots Near Campus

These locations are close enough for quick outings during the week:

• USF Botanical Gardens: 0.5 miles away, roughly an 11-minute walk or 3-minute bike ride
• Magnolia Recreation Fields: 0.6 miles away, roughly a 14-minute walk or 4-minute bike ride
• Lettuce Lake Park: 4.7 miles away, roughly a 12-minute drive

These areas are often used for walking, spending time outside, or taking a break between classes.

Larger Outdoor Attractions Near The Met Tampa

For longer outings or weekends, many students head a few minutes away from campus to some of Tampa’s most recognizable outdoor attractions. These theme parks, beaches, and zoos are perfect for group hangouts, family weekend outings, or for a break from their usual routine.

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: 1.5 miles away, roughly a 6-minute drive or 10-minute bike rideOne of the closest major attractions to USF, Busch Gardens is known for its roller coasters, seasonal events, and large park layout that makes it easy to spend several hours or an entire day there.
• Adventure Island Water Park: 2 miles away, roughly a 6-minute drive or 11-minute bike rideLocated next to Busch Gardens, this water park is commonly visited during warmer months for pools, slides, and more relaxed outdoor time.
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park: 4.9 miles away, roughly a 13-minute drive or 28-minute bike rideA popular weekend destination with walking paths, shaded areas, and animal exhibits, often visited when students are looking for something more low-key but still outdoors.
• Ben T. Davis Beach: 14.5 miles away, roughly a 21-minute driveLocated along Tampa Bay, this beach is typically reserved for shorter visits to admire the sunset or spend some time outdoors during the week.
• Clearwater Beach: 28 miles away, roughly a 50-minute driveOne of the most popular beaches in the Tampa area, Clearwater Beach is known for its white sand, larger shoreline, and full-day beach trips.
• St. Pete Beach: 40 miles away, roughly a 50-minute driveSt. Pete Beach’s more relaxed atmosphere is perfect for weekend outings spent with friends or family.

These outdoor destinations add variety to the daily lives of USF students. Whether you prefer to spend your free time chasing adrenaline, learning about animals, or lounging under the sun, these destinations give you a wide range of ways to spend time outside the campus area.

Where Do Students Go Out Near The Met Tampa?

Students living at The Metropolitan Tampa can either walk to nearby bars and late-night spots or head a short drive away to larger nightlife areas across Tampa.

Bars and Pubs Within Walking Distance

Several nightlife spots are located just steps from the property along the surrounding retail corridor:

• World of Beer: 0.1 miles away, roughly a 3-minute walk
• Paddy Wagon Irish Pub: 0.2 miles away, roughly a 5-minute walk
• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen: 0.5 miles away, roughly a 10-minute walk

These spots are often part of weeknight plans or more casual weekends, where students meet up close to home instead of heading farther across Tampa.

Nightlife Hotspots in Downtown Tampa

Many students leave the immediate USF area and head toward parts of Tampa known for more active nightlife scenes in several well-known Tampa districts:

• SoHo (South Howard Avenue): 11 miles away, roughly a 20-minute driveKnown for its dense lineup of bars and restaurants along South Howard Avenue, SoHo is a common destination for bar-hopping and lively weekend crowds.
• Ybor City: 6.7 miles away, roughly a 17-minute driveKnown for its historic brick streets, music venues, and late-night scene, Ybor is a common destination for concerts, events, and nightlife.
• Tampa Riverwalk: 9.1 miles away, roughly a 17-minute driveA waterfront walkway connecting parks, museums, and restaurants, the Riverwalk often hosts weekend events and gatherings.

These areas are typically part of weekend plans, special celebrations, or nights when students want to visit more diverse bars than those located near campus.

How Students Spend Time Near The Met Tampa

During the week, most students keep plans close to home, often walking to nearby restaurants or meeting friends at local spots near campus. On weekends, plans tend to expand to include trips downtown, visits to attractions like Busch Gardens, or day trips to beaches across the Tampa area. Living at The Metropolitan Tampa places students within reach of both everyday routines and larger destinations throughout the city.