Students

First-Year Experience

PEER COACHING PROGRAM

The Peer Coaching program is here to make your transition to USF St. Petersburg a breeze! As a First-Time in College (FTIC) student, you'll be paired with experienced student leaders known as Peer Advisor Leaders (PALs)—students who’ve been in your shoes and are excited to help you navigate your journey.

Our PALs are here to support you with one-on-one guidance on getting involved, finding your sense of belonging, and excelling academically. They’ll meet with you individually, offer personalized advice, and connect you with any additional campus resources you might need. While meeting with a PAL isn’t mandatory, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have a helpful guide as you settle into life at USF St. Petersburg!

Click here to meet the PALs and find contact information!

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
During your first year at USF St. Petersburg, our office will provide a range of engaging programs designed to promote your success and ease your transition into college life.

Peer Connections Program
USF St. Petersburg’s premier first-year program, focusing on social bonding and academic success. First-year students can elect to be part of a cohort that is assigned an upperclassman peer mentor who designs free and fun social events, on-campus and in the St. Petersburg community, ensuring students can find their people and their place at USFSP.

Students will have the opportunity to sign up for this program during their Orientation session. Students may join until September 12, 2025, and may opt-out at any time through the year by contacting their PAL. Students may be referred to the program by a campus partner at any time throughout the year, and this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you signed up during Orientation and are no longer interested in the program please email stp-newstudent@usf.edu.

  • Requirements of the Program:
    • Attend the PAL Kick-Off to meet your Peer Advisor Leader and the other students in your cohort.
    • Attend three (3) Cohort Connections each semester. Cohort Connections are social events planned by your PAL either on- or off-campus.
    • Meet at least once, one-on-one, with your PAL each semester to check-in about your social, mental, and academic progress.
  • Students who complete the program get:  
    • To attend a free Off-Campus Celebration Event.
    • Priority consideration for optional second-year programming through New Student Connections.
    • Priority consideration for the Peer Advisor Leader job position.
Click here to sign-up! Sign-ups close September 12th, 2025!

Summer B & Fall Launch
Join us for our Semesterly Launches, where you can discover more about the PALs, New Student Connections, and connect with fellow first-year students in a fun and lively setting! Held every Summer and Fall on the weekend before classes start, these events are facilitated by our New Student Connections Team, who will lead various activities to help you bond with your peers and discuss how to set yourself up for success as a Bull. If you can’t make it to the launches, don’t worry! Our PAL team will reach out to you via email to ensure you’re connected.

Week of Welcome (WOW) 
Week of Welcome (WOW) provides each student an opportunity to start the semester off right with signature programs and engaging activities. All programs and activities are designed to help first-year students meet new people and get connected with the USF St. Petersburg community. Programs are hosted by a variety of offices to get students connected and learn more about what our campus has to offer. 

St. Pete Adventures
St. Pete Adventures are off-campus excursions to local attractions designed to help new students connect with their peers and gain a deeper understanding of the St. Petersburg campus community. Remember, you’re now part of the St. Petersburg community, not just the Bull community! Transportation and admission are included, and these exciting events are scheduled throughout the academic year.

Unique Semesterly Offerings
In addition to these signature programs, NSFE offers various one of a kind programs that are crafted specifically for that semester to meet the needs of current students. Make sure to stay up to date using our social media accounts, so you don't miss out on these unique events.

Stay Connected 

YOUR CAMPUS SUPPORT

Because of the geographic distribution of our campuses, USF supports our new students from three offices.

St. Petersburg campus: Visit the New Student Connections Office.
Tampa campus: Visit the Office of New Student Connections.
Sarasota-Manatee campus: Visit the Office of Student Engagement.