Hi everyone!
I am considering applying to the University of Arizona’s MPH program, possibly Fall 2017. I hope I can take advantage of the university’s assistantships and tuition waivers for OOS students and I am in the process of getting in contact with the school about this.
I am trying to get insight from students that enjoy the MPH program at this university or anyone that is familiar with the MPH program and the Environmental and Occupational Health concentration at the U of A. I touched down in AZ once before and only got a taste of the cultural vibe, but I liked the interaction among people I experienced. Does anyone have any insight about what Tucson is like and whether it is a supportive place for the queer community? Are there many LGBTQ events, etc.? Any input is appreciated. Thank you.
Hi there! So I can answer part of your question. I’m currently a senior undergrad at UA, so I can talk about what Tucson is like. I like to describe Tucson as the ‘Portland’ of Arizona (if you are familiar with Portland, Oregon). It has a lot of culture and the community feels really tight-knit despite it being a pretty big place. Additionally, it is pretty liberal, especially relative to the rest of Arizona. In general, yes, I have found Tucson supportive of the queer community. I can’t speak as a member, but as an ally, and I have several friends in the community who have several more-- indicating the community is quite large. I’m not sure about LGBTQ events in Tucson in general, but the UA itself has a lot of clubs and campus events. Another plus (not sure where you live now) is that it is really cheap to live in Tucson and the food is really diverse! The city regularly wins award for the diverse food culture. 
I could go on about Tucson forever, but let me know if there is anything else you would like to know!
I have a friend who did her PhD at UA and she really loved Tucson. She agreed that it was really inexpensive to live there, and she felt like there were lots of cultural activities she could take part in while getting her PhD.
I have never been, but public health is the field I got my PhD in and I can say that Arizona’s program is well-respected in the field.
@conflictrez95 @juillet I’m super late, as I’m figuring out how to use this site on my phone and see notifications as I regularly forget my password. Thanks for taking the time to answer and for the info you provided.