10 Free Things At University of Tampa To Do
As college kids, we spend a lot of time balling on a budget. Sure, there are some that are financially stable and can enjoy nights out at the clubs or fancy restaurants, but for those of us that haven’t hit that point, finding things to do can be hard. Below are several budget-friendly ways to enjoy your University of Tampa experience. Here are free things at University of Tampa (or around UTampa).
1. Enjoy the night lights at the Tampa Riverwalk.
A club can be a fun way to let loose at the end of your day, but not budget friendly. One thing around the beautiful University of Tampa campus that is free, however, is the Riverwalk. Located directly across the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk is full of lights, talented artists, and other fun and free events. This is one of the most popular free things at University of Tampa.
2. Take a dip in the campus pool.
One of the luxuries of attending a school in Florida is the year-round warm weather. Despite having classes and other college-student responsibilities, one way to relax for free (with tuition of course), is our beautiful campus pool. Students of all ages can be found poolside on sunny days, relaxing and cooling off.
3. Spend a day in Hyde Park.
Less than two miles from the University of Tampa is a cute little town called Hyde Park. While you could potentially drop a few bucks hitting up the shops in Hyde Park, there are plenty of free things to enjoy. Hyde Park often has outdoor music, farmers markets, and offers a great place to get away and enjoy a nice walk. You can see plenty of people walking their dogs, going on runs, and enjoying dinner with their families. It’s a great environment for people of all ages, especially college kids.
4. Relieve some stress, pet some puppies.
Every college kid has some sort of stress bogging them down. One of my favorite ways to do this is to hold and play with puppies. The perfect place to do this you ask? Puppies Tampa. This puppy store allows you to relieve some stress and play with newborn dogs for hours without paying a cent. This is one of my favorite free things at University of Tampa to do when running low on cash.
5. Bike along Bayshore Boulevard.
A hotspot for Tampa locals who like to enjoy their time outdoors is the famous Bayshore Boulevard. As the name suggests, this beautiful road runs adjacent to the Hillsborough Bay and is filled with beautiful views of palm trees, homes, and a nice sunrise or sunset.
6. Soak up the sun at the beach.
The city of Tampa doesn’t itself rest along the coast, however only miles away lie several white sandy beaches. One imparticular that can be found not too far is across the bay and located in Clearwater, Florida. You can spend an entire day with friends and family soaking up the sun at these world-famous beaches.
7. Take a day trip to Davis Islands.
Located off of Bayshore Boulevard, Davis Islands offers plenty to do. The island is host to various parks, beaches, and the Roy Jenkins pool. A trip to Davis Islands would certainly make for a fun adventure away from work or school.
8. Stop and smell the roses.
One of my favorite aesthetically pleasing and cost-free activities is visiting The Florida Botanical Gardens. You can hit this floral attraction on your way back from the beaches in St. Pete or Clearwater, and yes, it’s 100% free to stop and smell the roses. Check their website for events year round, including their current Christmas lights display.
9. Take a break from reality at the Tampa Museum of Art.
One of the closer attractions is the Tampa Museum of Art. Not only is it located less than a mile from the University of Tampa campus, but with a student ID, it is completely free. The museum offers a variety of exhibits all certain to make your inner artsy hipster feel right at home.
10. Rock out at Curtis Hixon.
Curtis Hixon Park hosts “Rock the Park,” the first Thursday of every month. This outdoor concert series features musical guests suitable for all ages and is completely free. These concerts are a great way to unwind, discover new artists, and vibe with some friends. This is one of the most fun free things at University of Tampa.
