Commute to DT St. Pete College? or to HCC Dale Mabry? (Tampa: renting, transfer to)

[ohshizsharon]

Hi everyone! I was wondering if I could get some help on this question: Is it better to commute from Land O Lakes to St. Pete College Downtown or to HCC Dale Mabry? I'll be starting in the Fall term and I want to make a good decision.

Some background info on myself: I just got my license but I know I still need some practice. Affordability-wise, I'm not so sure of how to calculate all the tolls that each commute would have? I have a feeling that ofc, Dale Mabry would be cheaper. I also have a Civic would should be gas efficient... I think. I'm trying to move out ASAP as well, maybe after one semester of school, so affordability counts.

I also have already my heart set on Downtown St. Pete, since the city's scene appeals to me a lot more; I like the culture, the art, concert venues, and food! Can you all also give me some info on Tampa, and on which areas would appeal to young people/students like me?

Thank you so much!

[PhotoProIP]

1. Commuting from Land O Lakes to St Pete would be AWFUL. The only toll road going down from L.O.L. is Veterans/589

2. IF you want to go to St. Pete, then you'll have to live there to keep the cost in check. "Commuting" means GAS money too, not just tolls.

3. I'd say practice city-driving before going on a highway, and remember: the RAMPS are so you meet the speed of the highway not slow down to nothing and block the highway traffic. Also, use your turning signals, we're not mind readers.

4. In Tampa, you'll have to live in South Tampa; apparently that's where the "younger" people live; Soho etc. It is expensive though.

5. If you choose HCC, then Carrollwood would give you the shortest commute/no tolls.

[jambo101]

20 miles from Land o Lakes to downtown Tampa, add another 20 miles to downtown St Pete,In Daily heavy rush hour traffic not a commute i'd want to make 2X daily.
If you like St Pete the best option is to live in St Pete,Several room mates will minimize the costs of renting a place.

[Concert D Major]

You can get to either school without needing any toll roads. I second the motion about please USE your turn signals ALWAYS. A lot of drivers don't for some reason and it's both very rude and dangerous.

St. Pete would be a very long time-consuming commute that I would avoid. Especially If you're heading northbound over the Howard Frankland Bridge at 5:00-6:00 P. M. on weekdays. You'll be at an almost standstill.

HCC has other campuses and depending exactly where you're coming from, it might make no sense to use the Veteran's Expressway.

[MAniacTHW]

The president of HCC is also on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges. That said, I'd go to HCC. The only real benefit to going to SPC would be getting a bachelor's degree, but I'd rather go to an actual university for that.

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by PhotoProIP

4. In Tampa, you'll have to live in South Tampa; apparently that's where the "younger" people live; Soho etc. It is expensive though.

5. If you choose HCC, then Carrollwood would give you the shortest commute/no tolls.

Both of these are completely false. If you're looking to have the shortest commute with no tolls, then Egypt Lake or West Tampa would be where to look.

South Tampa is good for younger people, as is Seminole Heights "north east" Tampa (AKA: USF area).

[ohshizsharon]

Thank you all! Oh god, boy do I know about the people who don't signal. Even the police do it .__. I'll choose HCC and maybe I'll transfer to SPC when I can afford to live down there.