USF students can find free, convenient fun near campus
With students at the University of South Florida (USF) set to return to the classroom for the fall semester, Hillsborough County is highlighting great ways to enjoy a break, find a quiet place, or get involved with your community. From exploring a County park to volunteering to be a part of something bigger, Hillsborough County offers plenty of opportunities to get outside, explore nature, discover new interests, and give back to the community.
Enjoy the outdoors at a local park
Just a short trip from USF, Lettuce Lake Park offers a chance to step away into nature. The popular County park features a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail, wooded picnic areas, a boardwalk through the forest, and scenic views of the Hillsborough River. The park is a great chance for students to walk, get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, or simply take a break from studying.
For students looking to immerse themselves in nature, Eureka Springs Conservation Park offers a peaceful 31-acre escape. The park is Hillsborough County's only botanical garden and features walking trails and boardwalks that wind through nature. Visitors enjoy the park's extensive collection of ferns, along with a rose garden, orchid room, greenhouse, and other tropical plants.
Make the most of a study break with quiet library time
Need a silent place to study, catch up on assignments, or get some work done away from campus? Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative has libraries throughout the community where students can find resources, computers, quiet spaces, and programming.
Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library and Temple Terrace Public Library are especially convenient for students, located near USF campus. The library offers more than a place to study, with programming throughout the year covering everything from creative writing and technology to arts, educational topics, and more. Hillsborough County libraries also offer study rooms for up to two hours. Students can reach out to a library of interest and staff there will provide assistance based on availability. A library card is not required to book a study room.
Get active at a County skate park
Looking for a more active way to spend your break? Grab your skateboard, skates, or scooter and head to one of Hillsborough County's skate parks.
Jackson Springs Skate Park features more than 13,000 square feet of skating space with transitional elements and street-skating features, including granite ledges, rails, a key hole, and a snake-run-style bowl.
Carrollwood Village Skate Park offers another option, with a 7,000-square-foot park featuring street and transitional elements, as well as a concrete pump track. Both parks are free to use. Students are encouraged to check out skate park rules, hours, and safety requirements before visiting.
Help out the Pet Resource Center
College students can also use their time away from class to make a difference for animals in the community through Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center (PRC). There are volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules, including fostering a pet, helping at the shelter, and participating in "Adventure Tails," which allows volunteers to take a shelter dog out for a short-day trip.
Adventure Tails gives dogs an opportunity to experience something beyond the shelter environment while allowing students to spend time with a four-legged companion. It's a simple way to provide enrichment and help a shelter pet while enjoying some time away from campus. Hillsborough County also offers a variety of other volunteer opportunities for students with different interests. Learn more about pet advocacy and volunteering options available at the PRC.
Make the most of your time beyond campus
College life can be busy, but taking time to explore, get outdoors, pursue a hobby, or give back can be a great way to recharge between classes and assignments. Students looking to stay up to date on local events are encouraged to sign up for the Hillsborough Happenings newsletter and connect with the County on social media @HillsboroughFL.
Make the most of your down time by exploring all the great things Hillsborough County has to offer.