The University of Arizona Visit Report by willsmom

Visit Activities:

Information Session: Yes - Visited as part of Nat'l Scholar group. Numerous information sessions, including dinner with faculty in the President's Skybox in the stadium!

Campus Tour: Yes - Had a very spirited tour guide. Impressed by the pride in U of A-- she even sang us the fight song. The library and available technology is amazing.

Classroom Visit: Yes - Son had the opportunity to sit in on a discussion of a Greek poet's work in the Classics department. He was enthusiastic.

---

Campus:

---

Everyone we encountered seemed happy and helpful. A lot of students were wearing U of A attire.

---

From the info desk to the bookstore to the restaurants in the student union-- all were friendly and welcoming.

---

Visited right after the first snow in years-- the mall was a sea of dead grass-- but the brick buildings are interesting and beautiful. In spite of the large population, it didn't seem crowded at

---

The rule is all buildings have to be 80% brick, which gives a cohesiveness to the campus. Lots of interesting architecture, like a building modeled to resemble a wildcat's head!

---

A variety of dorms sprinkled around the campus. The newest ones seemed the nicest. There is even an older one with a sleeping porch and the rooms are just for visiting and studying.

---

There is a campus police department, and a series of emergency boxes denoted by blue lights all over campus. The is also a "safe rides" program.

---

We didn't expect to like it as much as we did-- pictures don't do the campus justice. The "Old Main" and grass mall gives it a focal point.

---

Off-Campus:

---

We wandered around the University Ave area. Lots of typical college restaurants and businesses-- pubs, coffee houses, Jamba, clothing, etc.

---

The foothills have some beautiful and dramatic scenery and homes. Most of Tucson seems flat and nondescript. Very easy to drive. Several malls in town.

Campus Visit Notes for The University of Arizona

Visit Description:

We had a great experience at U of A. Our son decided before we left that it was a perfect fit for him. The weather was mild, the students seemed friendly, the academic programs are well-respected, PLUS the sports teams are competitive. There is a feeling of pride all over the campus. They even play the fight song each day at noon over the loudspeaker!

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

El Charro was good, but we weren't overly impressed with their famous "carne seca"-- maybe it's an acquired taste. The Cactus Grill on campus had tasty wraps and burgers.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

The parking garages were convenient-- just remember to pay BEFORE you retrieve your car so you can get out.