Most off-campus student apartments near USF range from $700–$1,200 per month for a shared unit and $1,200–$1,800 for a private studio or one-bedroom.
It is cheaper to live in off-campus housing, like in amber, where there are utilities and furniture included, and so there’s no meal plan required.
Many student housing complexes are within a 5–15 minute walk or bike ride to campus, and most are served by the Bull Runner Shuttle.
Most of the student apartments near USF, like Forest Lake, The Province, etc, offer fully furnished units, high-speed internet, fitness centers, pools, study lounges, and 24/7 maintenance.
Yes. Most properties in the amberplus accept international students with a passport and a student visa; some may require a guarantor or additional deposit.
Yes. The Bull Runner Shuttle connects major complexes to campus for free. Public buses, cycling, and walking are also common.
The cost of living in Florida is around $1,800–$2,500 per month for students, including rent, food, and transportation. You can learn more about the cost of living in Florida through this guide.
Temple Terrace and Carrollwood are popular among graduate students seeking a quieter environment while staying near campus apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa.
Some apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa offer semester-long or month-to-month leases, but most prefer 12-month contracts.
Yes. Tampa offers a mix of affordable living, internship opportunities, beaches, cultural attractions, and a lively student community.
Finding the right student apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa is a key part of creating a successful and enjoyable academic experience. Whether you’re an undergraduate moving away from home for the first time, an international student arriving in Tampa, or a graduate student balancing research and part-time work, your living environment will influence your comfort, focus, and social life.
Whether you’re looking for a private studio for a quiet living experience or a shared apartment for a more social atmosphere, amber has it covered. Some of the top options for University of South Florida student apartments include Vue Tampa and The Province. Living off-campus provides students with more freedom, additional space, and often a more affordable alternative to on-campus housing. These USF off-campus housing options typically provide great facilities like high-speed internet, fully furnished apartments, and easy public transportation. Students living in the apartments for rent near the University of South Florida Tampa, enjoy a balanced lifestyle with academic responsibilities and the lively student life that Tampa offers.
This guide covers the best student housing near the University of South Florida, gives an overview of the university itself, explores the best areas to live, breaks down the cost of living, explains transport options, and highlights student life and nearby attractions. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to make your search easier.
The University of South Florida (USF) was founded in 1956 as a public research university in Tampa, Florida. With strong academic excellence and research, USF offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its student body and excellent research programs in fields like engineering, health sciences, business, and education.
USF enrolls over 50,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in FL. The university is very famous for its impact on both local and global communities. Some of USF’s top programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). USF ranks highly for its research initiatives in the areas of engineering and public health, and also offers students hands-on learning experiences.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked USF in the Top 100 among National Universities. The university has received numerous accolades for diversity, research output, and its commitment to sustainability. USF’s alumni network includes influential leaders like Dr. Judy Genshaft, former USF President, and Tom Tighe, former CEO of the National Health Foundation. The campus features state-of-the-art labs, student recreation centers, and green spaces such as the Botanical Gardens. Its proximity to Tampa’s business, healthcare, and tech industries also makes it a prime location for internships and post-graduation employment opportunities.
The location of the University of South Florida student housing is close to campus, so you get to balance both academic and social life. Living in student housing near the University of South Florida means you're never far from the action, with easy access to the university and the surrounding areas. Amber helps students find the perfect housing options that suit their needs, ensuring comfort, convenience, and affordability. Check out these top off-campus housing University of South Florida options for a seamless living experience:
Tampa has become a student-friendly city in FL with a range of housing options designed to meet varying needs and budgets. Student housing near USF includes everything from on-campus residence halls to modern off-campus apartments, shared houses, and private studios. Some of the most popular and highly rated student apartments near USF include:
1. Avalon Heights. From $749 per month
2. The Retreat At Tampa. From $850 per month
3. Forest Lake. From $579 per month
4. Palmera Pointe. From $1395 per month
5. The Ivy. From $499 per month
No matter where you look for student housing, the area where you live equally matters. Tampa is a huge city with diverse neighborhoods. This complete guide to the best neighborhoods for students near USF highlights areas that offer safety and convenience. Let's take a look at some of the neighborhoods below.
1. University Area / Uptown Tampa: This is the nearest area around the campus. It offers the highest density of student apartments in Tampa, co-living spaces, and affordable eateries. Students who want to walk or bike to class will find this location ideal. It’s also well-served by USF’s Bull Runner Shuttle.
2. Temple Terrace: Just east of the campus, Temple Terrace is a quieter residential community known for tree-lined streets and townhomes. It’s popular among graduate students or those looking for a calmer environment while still being within a 5–10 minute drive from USF.
3. North Tampa: Offers a mix of budget-friendly apartments and single-family homes that can be shared with roommates. This area has easy access to grocery stores, gyms, and public transportation.
4. Downtown Tampa: For students who prefer an urban lifestyle, downtown is about 20–25 minutes away but offers high-rise apartments, proximity to cultural attractions, and internship opportunities. This area suits students who don’t mind a commute in exchange for city living.
5. Carrollwood: A suburban area about 15–20 minutes from campus, offering larger apartments and a family-friendly vibe. It’s perfect for students who own a car and want more space for the same price they might pay closer to campus.
Living in apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa offers great access to both the campus and city life. Understanding the cost of living in Tampa, FL, is essential for managing your finances while studying. On average, students can expect monthly expenses ranging from $1,200–$1,800 per month, depending on their lifestyle. By budgeting wisely, students can ensure they stay within their means while still enjoying everything the area has to offer. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for monthly living costs near USF:
1. Rent: $700–$1,200 per month (shared apartment) or $1,200–$1,800 (studio/one-bedroom).
2. Utilities: $50–$100 per month (often included in student housing)
3. Groceries/Food: $200–$300 per month.
4. Transportation: $40–$90 per month (public transit or gas).
5. Mobile Phone Bills: $50–$75 per month.
6. Clothing: $40–$100 per month.
7. Leisure Activities: $100 - $250 per month
Living in apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa provides students with a wide range of travel options, making it easy to navigate the city and beyond. Tampa boasts an efficient public transport system, offering affordable and convenient travel for students. Whether commuting to campus or exploring the city's lively culture, students have several travel choices. Here's a quick breakdown of the transportation options near University of South Florida student housing as of 2025;
1. Buses: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) buses serve the USF area. A single bus ride costs $2.50, and students can save with a discounted U-Pass or a monthly pass.
2. Metro (Tampa Streetcar): The Tampa Streetcar connects Downtown Tampa with the Channelside area and Ybor City. A ride costs $2 for a single trip, with discounts available for students.
3. Cycling: Tampa’s bike-sharing program, Tampa Bay Bike Share, in FL, offers a convenient and affordable way to get around. A 24-hour pass costs $10, and students can also use the city’s bike lanes and designated racks for safety.
4. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Tampa. A typical short ride within the city costs around $8 to $12.
5. Walking: Students who live in the University Area or Temple Terrace can easily walk to campus. These neighborhoods are well-lit and patrolled by USF Police for safety.
6. Tampa Streetcar / Downtown Options: For those living or interning downtown, the TECO Line Streetcar offers free rides between Downtown and Ybor City, a historic district with nightlife and restaurants.
Student life at the University of South Florida (USF) is exciting and offers students a mix of academic and social opportunities. The different student population adds to the energy of the campus, creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. There are clubs, organizations, and societies that play an important role, offering students the chance to participate in cultural activities and social events.
There are popular cafes like Kahwa Coffee or Starbucks for a quick caffeine fix, and these are located just minutes away from the USF student apartments. There are local spots like Urbane 818 or Pipo’s Cafe where you get to enjoy delicious meals. The Green Iguana and The Brass Tap offer a fun nightlife atmosphere to hang out with friends.
The Tampa student housing for international students provides a full and lively environment and opportunities. Students can enjoy cultural landmarks like The Tampa Museum of Art, The Florida Aquarium, and Busch Gardens for exciting experiences. The city’s beautiful waterfront and parks, like Bayshore Boulevard and Cypress Point Park, have peaceful places where you can relax and rest after a long day of classes.
Students living in off-campus housing near the University of South Florida can enjoy a comfortable living experience while easily exploring the city’s attractions. There are leisure options like Tampa Riverwalk for a stroll, students can participate in the cultural activities, sports events, and a pretty arts scene. Life for students at student apartments near USF is dynamic, with over 700 student organizations, clubs, and honor societies. Students can learn about leadership, community service, cultural activities, and academic networking. Greek life, student government, and volunteering community provide platforms for students to get involved beyond normal classes.
USF’s Recreation & Wellness Center provides facilities like fitness classes, intramural sports, and outdoor trips like kayaking and hiking. The Marshall Student Center stands as the heart of campus life, with housing, dining options, vast spaces, and student services.
Living in the apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa (USF) offers students the opportunity to explore many exciting and cultural landmarks in Tampa. Here are some of the best tourist attractions near USF:
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
2. Tampa Museum of Art
3. The Florida Aquarium
4. Tampa Riverwalk
5. Ybor City
6. Adventure Island
The University of South Florida (USF) offers a wide range of academic programs that equip students for success in various fields. Here are some of the popular courses at USF:
1. Business Administration
2. Engineering
3. Nursing
4. Psychology
5. Public Health
The apartments near the University of South Florida Tampa offer a diverse range of student housing options starting at around $700 per month. Amber properties are located within a 5–15 minute walk, bike ride, or shuttle ride to the USF off-campus housing in Tampa, FL. There are excellent facilities that come with the fully furnished student apartments in Florida, like study lounges, high-speed internet, and fitness centers, making student life both convenient and enjoyable.