As a graduating senior, you can imagine I was a bit upset to find out there are a lot of resources available at USF that I had no idea about until my final year. Resources that would have saved me a lot of time, money, and stress. So it only feels right to share and pass down this knowledge to other students, so that they can take advantage of these incredible resources too. Thankfully the majority of these resources practice sustainability principles through recycling, reducing waste, and community engagement.

Students using equipment in the USF Innovation Hive

The first resource I want to mention is the Innovation Hive on the first floor of Harney. It contains so much equipment that can be utilized for professional or personal use. My favorite equipment to use when I am there are the sewing machines; I have modified so many articles of clothing for myself, started a personal project of making a quilt, and sewed things for creative projects for class. The Hive also has other equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, soldering, and more. There are always students in there to guide or help out anyone who needs it.

The biggest game changer of my academic career was discovering USF’s Student Laptop Program. If you are like me and constantly having issues with your laptop not working well, whether the screen is broken or the battery dies quickly, I would recommend you to check it out. USF saves money by recycling and refurbishing laptops to give away to students for free rather than paying for an e-waste handler to take them. It is an extremely easy process: all you have to do is apply through a Google form and specify if you would prefer a Mac or PC laptop. Computers are granted to students with verifiable financial hardships, such as students with a Pell Grant.

While I did know about the Food Pantry earlier than senior year, I still think it is an incredible resource that more students should take advantage of. I hear all the time from students about the insane prices at Bon Appétit, and the little amount of Flexi they have left towards the end of the year, but this can be avoided by also getting food from the Food Pantry. They provide a diverse variety of options that are friendly for those living on or off campus, and they source the food in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Students shop for free secondhand clothes during the Fall Thrift Pop-up.

The Office of Sustainability hosts three Thrift Pop-Ups each year in the fall, winter, and spring. This is an incredible opportunity to get free clothes and accessories that have been donated by other students, past and present. Not only does it encourage students to recycle their clothing instead of throwing it away, it helps other students who do not have the financial means to buy clothes, especially ones that are trendy and cute. I have personally gotten some of my favorite clothes there and had the chance to spend time with friends since these pop-ups promote community and sustainability.

Lastly, one of the greatest resources on campus are the students here. Anything you might need, there is a student here studying it. For example, I needed to take my photos for graduation, so I contacted one of my friends who is studying photography and asked if I could pay them for the service. This way I save money by hiring someone who is still practicing, and they gain experience in their field. If you need some sort of legal representation for anything, USF has a Pro Bono Program for law students to work for free. This fixes the hassle for students when dealing with the justice system, and gives law students professional experience. 

I could go on and on with this list, but I also want to encourage you to explore the campus more and see what you can find. From the performance opportunities offered by PASJ to the art supplies within XARTS, there is an abundance of hidden resources waiting to be used. You would be shocked by all the different types of seeds that can be grown from the Seed Library, the number of study abroad programs for students who can’t afford to travel, and the herbs and vegetables waiting to be harvested in the Community Garden. Access to these resources is going to be one of the things I will miss most at USF, so it would be an injustice not to share them. I hope this blog serves as a guide for incorporating more sustainable practices in your life as well as participating more in your community.