Living in Tucson

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Tucson is home to Arizona’s first University, the University of Arizona, founded in 1885. The UA is a public research University, home to a diverse and talented community of students, researchers, and staff. The UA is one of the top research Universities in the US and is the state of Arizona’s land-grant university. The campus occupies 387 acres in central Tucson and is the oldest continually maintained green space in Arizona.

Numerous housing options are available to graduate students including the UA-run La Aldea, a multicultural community of single graduate and professional students. Private apartment complexes and other housing opportunities can be exlored the UAs off-campus housing site. Stores, coffee houses, and restaurants are conveniently located in the “Main Gate Square” area adjacent to the campus and in the nearby Historic Fourth Avenue district.

Additional information, including maps, parking and more, can be found at the UA's visitor site.

THE TUCSON COMMUNITY

Tucson is a medium-sized city (population: ~500,000), with small-town friendliness. Tucson is located ~100 miles southeast of Phoenix and is readily accessible by road (I-10) and air (Tucson International Airport is served by 12 airlines and many of them offer non-stop flights from major cities in the USA).

Whether you prefer walking, climbing, or bicycling, Tucson is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. After only a short drive, one can experience the beauty of the southwest at numerous parks and hiking/biking trails. Little more than an hour outside of Tucson is Mt. Lemmon, a National Forest with hiking, camping, world-class rock climbing, and the southernmost ski resort in the United States.

If you prefer less active entertainment, Tucson has several unique attractions, including the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, the Pima Air and Space Museum, and Old Tucson Studios. There are also many theatre and music events as well as dozens of fine restaurants to visit.

Visit the following links for more information on the UA student experience, Tucson, and the enchanting southwest:

Tucson Visitor Center: http://www.visittucson.org/

Mt. Lemmon and Coronado National Forest:  http://visitmountlemmon.com/ 

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:  http://www.desertmuseum.org/

Old Tucson Studios:  http://www.oldtucson.com/

Pima Air and Space Museum:  http://www.pimaair.org/

San Xavier del Bac:  http://www.sanxaviermission.org/

Saguaro National Park:  http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm