Students
First-Year Experience
PEER COACHING
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.
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 enthusiastic PAL 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
campus 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.
Learning Journeys
Learning Journeys are engaging activities led by faculty or staff, centered around
their academic specialties, hobbies, or interests. These journeys offer students a
chance to explore potential career paths while building connections with faculty and
staff in a more relaxed setting outside the classroom.
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.