Another Fall

Posted Aug 23, 2010 by Lindsay Peterson

Updated Aug 23, 2010 at 11:57 AM

About 50,000 students are expected on USF’s four campuses today as the fall semester begins.

That’s more than ever, and they’re feeling it at USF St. Petersburg. Students are having to triple up in some dorm rooms, and 52 are bunking at the downtown Hilton near campus. The Hilton price? About $42.50 a night. And USF St. Petersburg is paying for a staff member to stay there with the students to replicate the dorm experience as much as possible - never mind the room service and the little shampoos.

The university made the arrangements earlier this year when housing requests far exceeded available space. They received more than 450 applications for about 350 spaces.

“We desperately need another residence hall,” said Kent Kelso, regional vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment services. “That’s priority one around here.”