Commuter & Off-Campus Housing

The Off-Campus Housing website is an excellent tool for exploring off-campus housing options. Listings include apartments, condos, houses, duplexes, townhouses, and even subleases. You can filter options by price, number of rooms, lease length, distance from campus, and more.

Commuter and Off-Campus Housing also hosts a housing fair each semester. These events bring local housing complexes right to campus. It’s your chance to explore different off-campus living options, meet property representatives, and get answers to your housing questions—all in one convenient place.

It’s a good idea to start your off-campus housing search early so you have plenty of time to find the right fit. Commuter and Off-Campus Housing recommends starting your search at least 90 days before your desired move-in date. This timeline gives you the chance to explore different options, compare prices, and make informed decisions without the stress of last-minute searching. However, while most leases are signed during the spring semester for students moving in during the summer or fall, housing opportunities are available year-round. 

No, all off-campus housing is privately owned and managed. This means that it has no connection to the University of South Florida in any way. Keep in mind that when you sign a lease, you are entering into an agreement with a private landlord or company. 

Commuter and Off-Campus Housing does not endorse one housing option over another. Every property is unique, and each student has their own priorities. It’s important to take your time during the search process and carefully explore your options to find the housing that best fits your needs. 

USF students can post subleases or available units on the Off-Campus Housing website. Before listing your unit, check with your housing management team or landlord to confirm that subleasing is allowed and ask about any associated fees. Once your sublease is posted, make sure to promptly respond to inquiries to increase your chances of finding someone. Do not collect rent yourself—connect interested tenants with your apartment management so they can officially take over the lease. Finally, ensure you pay any required sublease fees and receive the proper paperwork releasing you from your lease once the new tenant has signed. 

If you need temporary housing, hotels are always a reliable option. Airbnb is another great choice, with a variety of spots you can rent for as long as you need.

The Off-Campus Housing website offers a roommate section where you can be matched with someone based on your profile and living habits. Many apartment complexes also provide their own roommate matching services which can help connect you with potential roommates. When you’re touring apartments, be sure to ask how their matching process works and make sure it feels like a good fit for you.

Commuter and Off-Campus Housing also hosts a roomie mixer event each semester. These events bring students together in a relaxed setting to chat, connect, and discover potential roommates for off-campus housing.

Commuter and Off-Campus Housing recommends creating a roommate contract and chore chart when you first move in to help set expectations and prevent conflicts down the road. If you need extra guidance, you can also schedule an appointment with a member of our team.

Parking permits are required on campus at all times. Non-resident students can purchase  “S” permits, which are valid in designated “S” lots across all three campuses. These permits are $88 for a semester pass, $173 for an annual pass, or $5 for a daily pass. Each permit allows you to register up to three vehicles, though only one vehicle may be parked on campus at a time. To find available "S" lots on the St. Petersburg campus, you can reference the campus parking map. For more details, visit the USF Parking and Transportation Services website.

In support of sustainability initiatives, USF provides electric vehicle charging stations sponsored by Duke Energy. These stations are available to faculty, staff, students, and visitors with a valid USF parking permit. Charging is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles must be actively charging while parked, with a 4-hour daily limit, and citations may be issued for violations. The St. Petersburg campus currently has four EV charging stations, with two spaces each in Lot 2 STG and Lot 8 Peninsula-South.

By parking on campus, you agree to follow all parking rules and regulations. Citations must be paid or appealed within 14 days to avoid late fees and loss of appeal rights. Unpaid citations after 45 days may be sent to collections and incur additional fees. If you accrue more than two outstanding citations, your vehicle may be immobilized and/or towed. If you have outstanding citations when it is time to renew your permit, you must settle your balance prior to purchasing your permit.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) runs the public bus system in St. Petersburg. Through the PSTA Universal Pass Program (UPASS), USF students, faculty, and staff can ride for free by showing their USF ID card. PSTA operates routes that go right through USF St. Petersburg, Downtown St. Petersburg, and other parts of Pinellas County. PSTA also operates the Downtown Looper, which makes it easy to get from campus to local attractions and popular spots around downtown. In addition, the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit provides quick service from USF St. Petersburg and Downtown St. Petersburg out to several beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.

The closest airport to USF St. Petersburg is St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), located about 13 miles from campus. Another major option is Tampa International Airport (TPA), located roughly 20 miles away from campus. Both airports provide easy access for students traveling to other cities and states. Both airports offer convenient connections to cities across Florida and the United States, with Tampa International Airport also providing a wide range of international flights.

Several companies also provide affordable bus transportation from St. Petersburg to destinations across Florida and the United States. RedCoach and Greyhound are two popular options, offering routes that connect travelers to major cities and regional hubs. These services are a convenient choice for students looking for budget-friendly travel without needing a car. Since stops, schedules, and fares vary, be sure to check each company’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Meal plans are available to all students. Commuters have access to a variety of meal plan options designed to fit their needs and schedules. Commuter meal plans can be purchased at any time, giving you flexibility to sign up whenever it works for you. For more details, visit the USF Dining website.

Meal swipes let you access all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, like The Nest. You simply swipe in at the register and can enjoy unlimited servings during your visit. Most meal plans come with a set number of swipes per day or week, but students on open access plans can use their swipes anytime.

Dining dollars work like cash on your USF ID and can be used at any on-campus dining location. Each purchase is deducted from your balance. You can add dining dollars anytime on the USF Dining website, even without a meal plan. Adding $100 or more earns a 10% bonus, meaning you'll get an extra $10 for free. Dining Dollars also give you a discounted door rate at dining halls.

Meal plan holders can take meals to-go through the OZZI Reusable To-Go program. With a one-time $5 dining dollar deposit, you’ll receive a green O2GO box. After each use, return the box to the OZZI machine at the dining hall entrance to get a gold token. Exchange the token at the register anytime you want a new box for a to-go meal. After the initial deposit, each O2GO box simply counts as a meal swipe.

USF’s Bull-2-Bull Financial Education program offers coaching sessions and workshops to help students with budgeting, credit, loans, investing, and overall financial wellness.

You can also explore MyMoney.gov, a U.S. government site with tools to guide smart financial decisions. Another helpful resource is 360FinancialLiteracy.org, a free site from the American Institute of CPAs that offers tips and tools for every stage of life.

USF students can save money through Bull’s Country, a Student Government program that partners with local businesses to offer discounts on goods and services. The program helps you stay connected to the community while supporting local businesses. 

USF offers resources to help students during challenging times. The Stay Afloat Emergency Fund provides short-term financial support for essential expenses when unexpected or unavoidable situations arise. The fund is open to all currently enrolled St. Petersburg campus students and is awarded on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to those with the greatest financial need. Assistance provided through this fund does not need to be repaid.

Students can also access Feed-A-Bull, a free on-campus food pantry designed to reduce food-related costs and ensure no student goes without meals. Students who need support are welcome to visit the pantry during open hours and choose the food items that work best for them. The only requirement is that you must be a currently enrolled USF student. You can visit once a week, and there’s no limit to how many weeks you use the pantry during the semester.

Commuter and Off-Campus Housing is not able to provide lease reviews. We encourage students to reach out to Student Legal Aid for any legal advice and questions.

No, a lease is a binding contract. Once you’ve signed a lease, you’re legally committed to the terms of the agreement. This means you are generally responsible for paying rent until the lease ends, even if you decide to move out early. If you need to leave sooner, talk to your landlord—they might allow you to pay a fee to break the lease or help find a replacement tenant. Always read your lease carefully before signing so you know your options.

Floridians are entitled by law under the Fair Housing Act to buy or rent a place to live without consideration of race, class, gender, religion, age, physical limitations, or sexual orientation. If you experience housing based discrimination of any kind, please report it directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If you are an enrolled USF student you can also contact Student Legal Aid for support. 

No matter where you live, you have certain rights as a renter. Your landlord is responsible for keeping the property up to housing, building, and health codes. This means you’re entitled to a safe and livable space, including secure windows, solid floors and roof, basic pest control, working smoke detectors, and access to essential utilities. Keep in mind that if you’re renting a single-family home or duplex, some of these responsibilities may fall to you depending on the lease agreement.

As a renter, you have certain obligations when it comes to maintaining your home and following housing laws. You’re responsible for avoiding damage to the property, keeping your space clean and free of trash, following health and safety codes, being mindful of noise and guests, and reporting repairs to your landlord quickly.

As part of the USF community, you also represent the university wherever you live. Take time to connect with your neighbors, communicate openly, and treat them with respect.

USF St. Petersburg is located in a metropolitan area, so it’s important to stay mindful of your safety no matter where you choose to live. We encourage you to practice safe habits, and use tools like the Community Crime Map to stay informed. 

Many commercial properties in the area provide some form of security, such as locked entrances, surveillance cameras, or on-site guards. Some residential properties may also have systems like ADT installed.

When exploring housing options, pay attention to potential safety concerns like first-floor windows without secure locks or fire escapes that can be reached from the street. If the property doesn’t meet your safety standards, don’t be afraid to ask your landlord about making security upgrades before you move in.

The USF Police Department offers self-defense and awareness classes for the USF community. The Defend-a-Bull Training Program teaches verbal strategies, physical techniques, and ground defense skills designed to help students navigate vulnerable situations.

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms with spiraling winds that can exceed 160 mph and bring more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain in a single day. Hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak period typically between mid-August and mid-October.

Hurricanes require proactive methods. It is important to keep track of the weather during these months, have a plan, and maintain a disaster kit all year round. The kit should contain items such as a flashlight, whistle, personal hygiene items, and non-perishable food. Visit ready.gov for more information on building and maintaining a disaster supply kit. 

Hurricane updates will be shared via usf.edu, USF’s official social media channels, MyUSF, and email. To learn more about university-specific procedures, review the USF Hurricane Guide.