Student Moving to Tampa for School Alone (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: appointed, apartment complex)

[sierrawolf]

Hi there,

I am totally new to everything here so I am looking for some advice. I am probably going to attend Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry Campus this Fall. I'd be living in the dorms near the campus so that is at least one less thing to worry about. However, I've lived abroad basically all my life (not in the U.S. at all) and I've never visited Tampa, only Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Fort Pierce. Which I know is probably not a good thing. I am going to try to go this summer, but it's iffy.

Point is, I keep trying to find information on living in Tampa and I don't read very many good things. I'll be moving out alone and I am absolutely terrified. I've lived in Austria, Canada, Germany, Venezuela, and Dominican Republic. I am a U.S. citizen by the way, my family (Austrian) just moves around a lot. I keep hearing about the high crime, terrible traffic, no work, and so on. I trying to transfer after two years at HCC, but I'm not too sure where yet. Either way, is Tampa really such a terrible place to live? Is it safe for a student? What should I know and prepare for in the area?

Thank you for all comments!

[annaegel]

It's not all that bad. I moved here from NY/NJ area and feel safe. The traffic is busy, but not dreadful. If you have some street smarts, you will be fine. Will you have a car? You may need one. Public transportation isn't great. Good luck!

[KPB]

Don't let none of that stress you out. Tampa is an awesome place. I grew up here and had a blast. You've been all around the world and your gonna stress about what some people are saying about lil old Tampa town? C'mon man! You know better than that.
Tampa, like anyplace else is what you make of it. You'll be fine here. I feel so lucky to have grown up here, but then again I'm 42 and I got to experience Ybor in the 90's and the scene was a lil different then (Tampa/Ybor breaks are like no other) so I feel like i had a slight advantage.

Anyways as far as crime, yes there is but where isn't there? I've never been a victim of it the 42 years I've been here.
Yes, IMO the traffic is bad during rush hours but I've never lived anywhere else so bad to me is probably not so bad compared to other places.
Again, I've lived here my entire life. I've never worked for minimum wage I can tell you that. The hardest workers will always find work.

The only thing that might make it harder to find a decent job is if you don't have a car to get to it. A car will make it a lot easier.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by sierrawolf

Hi there,

I am totally new to everything here so I am looking for some advice. I am probably going to attend Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry Campus this Fall. I'd be living in the dorms near the campus so that is at least one less thing to worry about. However, I've lived abroad basically all my life (not in the U.S. at all) and I've never visited Tampa, only Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Fort Pierce. Which I know is probably not a good thing. I am going to try to go this summer, but it's iffy.

Point is, I keep trying to find information on living in Tampa and I don't read very many good things. I'll be moving out alone and I am absolutely terrified. I've lived in Austria, Canada, Germany, Venezuela, and Dominican Republic. I am a U.S. citizen by the way, my family (Austrian) just moves around a lot. I keep hearing about the high crime, terrible traffic, no work, and so on. I trying to transfer after two years at HCC, but I'm not too sure where yet. Either way, is Tampa really such a terrible place to live? Is it safe for a student? What should I know and prepare for in the area?

Thank you for all comments!

You could do a lot worse. Just use your common sense about where you go, what time, and who you hang around as a college kid/student. Be smart when you drive - be defensive and expect the people around you to make unpredictable, aggressive moves on the road. Give them their space.

If you have a good head on your shoulders, you should be able to find part time work. Being fluent in Spanish might help (if you are).

I think you're wise to attend community college first then transfer.

There are a lot of schools in the state and the country where you can transfer if you find the area isn't for you.

Good luck.

[Swimmom32]

I didn't realize you can dorm at hillsboro community college..Our daughter is looking to start there next fall..

[BucFan]

What do you plan on studying? Major?

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by Swimmom32

I didn't realize you can dorm at hillsboro community college..Our daughter is looking to start there next fall..

The only "campus housing" is at the Dale Mabry campus. It's at the far west end of the campus on Lois Ave.

There have been issues with crime there in past years, but I don't know if that's still the case or not. I believe the housing is also income-based, that is, if your family or situation is of limited means you've got a better chance of securing a place there.

And for the OP, do realize that you're going to be paying out of state tuition for your first year unless you're in a military family, so the initial costs are going to be pretty high.

As for transportation, you're close enough to Dale Mabry that major bus routes are right there. That being said, you're going to be sorely disappointed in the public transportation here, as it's pretty lousy. In general I think you'l be OK. There's nothing that's dangerous or "ghetto" about the area as it's mostly light industrial and retail around there, not a lot of people live in the area. And if it's any consolation, you're right down the street from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement....

RM

[sierrawolf]

Originally Posted by annaegel

It's not all that bad. I moved here from NY/NJ area and feel safe. The traffic is busy, but not dreadful. If you have some street smarts, you will be fine. Will you have a car? You may need one. Public transportation isn't great. Good luck!

I won't have a car when I go there. Hopefully I can get one later on. Is it possible to get around to the stores and other necessities using public transport? Thanks for your reply!

[XxJCtheRipperxX]

I have traveled around like yourself and here is my 2 cents.

Hawks Landing isn't actually your traditional dorm. It is basically an apartment complex that is close to the campus so they market it as student living. There has been several students have things stolen there, so keep things safe and be smart (you'll be fine).

That said, if you are alone and without a car it is still probably your cheapest/best option. Most of the time you have to show them that you are getting financial aid (if you don't have a job) so they know you have enough to cover their rent. As the person said above me the out of state tuition is around $380 a credit hour so your aid is probably all used by that.

Tampa itself has its pros and cons like anywhere else. I have been working/living here since finishing grad-school 2 years ago. It is not my cup of tea and I will be moving this year. However, there are far worse options and the food is great.

Of the towns you named Fort Lauderdale would be my first choice. Don't let Miami-Dade Community College slip out of consideration either.

[sierrawolf]

Originally Posted by KPB

Don't let none of that stress you out. Tampa is an awesome place. I grew up here and had a blast. You've been all around the world and your gonna stress about what some people are saying about lil old Tampa town? C'mon man! You know better than that.
Tampa, like anyplace else is what you make of it. You'll be fine here. I feel so lucky to have grown up here, but then again I'm 42 and I got to experience Ybor in the 90's and the scene was a lil different then (Tampa/Ybor breaks are like no other) so I feel like i had a slight advantage.

Anyways as far as crime, yes there is but where isn't there? I've never been a victim of it the 42 years I've been here.
Yes, IMO the traffic is bad during rush hours but I've never lived anywhere else so bad to me is probably not so bad compared to other places.
Again, I've lived here my entire life. I've never worked for minimum wage I can tell you that. The hardest workers will always find work.

The only thing that might make it harder to find a decent job is if you don't have a car to get to it. A car will make it a lot easier.

Haha thank you, I guess it's just a fear of going there alone. I've always traveled with my family. Thanks for the advice though. Did you find that you had enough to do around? I'm not aware how much "nature" there is. Are there parks and such?