There’s a never-ending list of fun and exciting things to do in Tampa, but that list can feel a lot more limited when you’re on a college budget. Luckily, some of the best attractions in the area offer discounts for USF students. The main requirement? Bringing your student ID. This is a great way to explore the area in a more affordable way.
No matter what you like to do, there’s a discount for you. Whether you’re a college student interested in sports, the arts, amusement parks, or want a sweet treat near campus, these are some of the best discounts available for USF students.
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Do you know of a great local discount for USF students that we missed? Shoot us an email at info@thatssotampa.com and we’ll add it to the list.
Tampa Bay Lightning Games – Student Rush Tickets, $18-$20
Want to watch the best team in the NHL without worrying about the cost of tickets? The Tampa Bay Lightning offer $18 student rush tickets for USF students with a valid USF email address. All Student Rush tickets are standing room only, in four designated spots around the rink with great views of the on-ice action. If you attend another college, don’t worry: the Bolts also offer $20 student rush tickets with other valid .edu email addresses. Pro tip: the standing room section can get busy, so arrive during warmups to get the best view possible. The Lightning have their first official home game of the 2026-2027 season on Saturday, October 3rd, giving you just enough time to get your Student Rush tickets. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Dalí Museum – $22
See world-class art at an affordable price. The Dalí Museum, located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, offers $22 tickets for college students with a valid student ID. USF St. Pete students can even receive free admission. The largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s art outside of Europe is right at your fingertips. Witness Dalí’s famous melting clocks in person, immerse yourself in his art in the Dalí Alive 360, and wander the outdoor labyrinth. This is the perfect place for a date night, activity with friends, or to stroll around solo.
Busch Gardens – College Pass, $82.99
Cheap thrills, except the fun can last an entire school year! USF students can spend $82.99 once, and receive unlimited admission to Busch Gardens until May 31, 2027. The deal includes free parking and 10% off food, beverage, and merchandise in the park. Conveniently located just a 4-minute drive from the Tampa campus, students without cars can even take the free BullRunner bus directly from USF to Busch Gardens. Ride the exhilarating Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, and Montu rollercoasters as many times as your heart desires. If rollercoasters aren’t your thing, spend some time with the animals, watch great shows, or try out one of the calmer rides that the park has to offer. Enjoy an unlimited amount of fun at Tampa’s iconic theme park for under $90. You can sign up here.
The Tampa Museum of Art – Free admission
Tampa’s beloved art museum, situated right by the Riverwalk, offers free admission for college students. Show your valid student ID at the front desk and enter free of charge. Enjoy innovative exhibitions, a thoughtfully curated gallery, and get inspired. The Tampa Museum of Art offers an eccentric array of creations for you to peruse. This is the perfect place to include on your itinerary while you spend some time downtown.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Discount tickets
Enjoy various student discounts on select shows and exhibits at the Straz Center. When a Broadway production comes to town, you can be sure it’ll be at the Straz. The student discounts must be redeemed in person, and vary based on the type of show or exhibit. Currently, the two offers for student discounts are: The Art of Banksy exhibit (until September 27th) and ‘Twas the Night Before…by Cirque du Soleil (November 18th-29th). Provide your valid student ID at the ticket office to receive a student discount for either of those two events.
Nails at New Tampa – 15% off
Getting your nails done can be expensive, but luckily for USF students, Nails at New Tampa offers a 15% discount when you show your student ID. Located just a 12-minute drive north of USF’s campus, you can enjoy a discounted self-care day by getting a manicure or a pedicure for a reduced rate.
Cold Stone on Fowler – 15% off
There’s nothing better than a sweet treat…except maybe one that is 15% off. The Cold Stone Creamery on Fowler, a 3-minute drive from USF, offers a 15% discount when you show your student ID at checkout. If you need some ice cream after a long day of classes, it’ll taste even sweeter with this discount.
Romeo Tea on Fowler – 10% off
Get 10% off your boba at Romeo Tea on Fowler. One of the best places to grab boba in Tampa, Romeo Tea has an expansive menu with a variety of flavors, toppings, and more. Enjoy handcrafted bubble tea, fruit teas, matcha lattes, and slushes for a cheaper price.
