Sustainability. I have seen this world all over social media and news outlets.

But what truly Is sustainability? And how can I practice it as a college student?

I know as a college student my Shein cart is always just one click away from being at my doorstep. Cause let’s face it college students can afford ramen, an occasional coffee from the Library Starbucks and a new Shein order every month. 

And with the new implications of China’s export tax, these Shein carts may become too expensive for my college student budget. 

One of my favorite ways to try and stay sustainable (and less broke) as a college student is thrifting. It allows us to recycle and reuse clothes instead of continuing to promote many of the issues the fast fashion world encourages.

Here is a list of my favorite thrift stores near USF and some hidden gems you can find in them.

Avalon Exchange 

Avalon Exchange is more of a high-scale thrift store as it holds vintage pieces, jewelry and even multiple funky sunglasses. This shop is mainly run by a younger demographic so they hand-pick pieces that fall into the new fashion trends. 

Or if you are more into “grandma chic” they have that too.

My favorite aspect about Avalon Exchange is its designer brand rack where it holds a bunch of vintage goodies.

They also allow customers to sell their clothes to Avalon Exchange, so customers can shop and sell at the same time. Avalon Exchange is located in downtown Tampa and is open Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Red, White and Blue

When I want to delve into racks on racks of clothing I head to Red, White, and Blue. This thrift store has everything you need, from furniture to jerseys. They have the best selection of handbags and shoes where you can find almost anything you are looking for. 

I always end up with a giant cart of clothing that I haul around the store. Because of their lack of dressing rooms, I end up putting on a fashion show for everyone while trying on my finds infront of a full-size mirror.

Red, White, and Blue  is about 10 minutes away from USF and is open Monday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Uptown Cheapskate

This place is my holy grail when it comes to finds. Uptown Cheapskate always has the best finds and I also tend to sell my clothes here all of the time. 

They have a huge men’s selection, where I have found some of my favorite “dad tees.” It is a little-known secret though that Uptown Cheapskate has the best authentic 2000s low-rise jeans.

Uptown Cheapskate is around Tampa Palms and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Mojo’s Books and Music

Mojo Books and Music has the best deals when it comes to used and new books. They also have an incredible selection of records and a variety of knick-knacks. Mojo Books and Music brings out my inner 2020 e-girl phase where I rummage around endlessly for the best finds.

This shop has an incredible coffee selection where you can sit and do homework. They also buy used books so customers can sell and trade them.

This is one of my favorite spots on Fowler. Mojo Books and Music is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.