The University of Arizona regards itself as the state’s premier public
research institution. Its reputable research programs and spirited student body are the UA’s main points of pride. Although it's a
large, public state school, most students think UA is just the right
size. “
Even
though the campus is huge, I feel like I belong. I walk around campus
and always see someone I am friends with, and once you have your set of
classes you don't feel like the campus is that big at all!” says
one sophomore psychology major. Once students begin to focus on a field
of study, most say they enjoy the classes and find school a welcome
challenge. “
Class is always the most fun part of my day. Yeah, sometimes exams and projects can be stressful, but I consider myself lucky,”
writes a sophomore business major. The more involved students get in
their particular major, the more they learn that there’s more to the
University of Arizona than athletics and parties. There’s also a
thriving intellectual community focused on research, sharing resources,
and learning from peers.
The social scene at UA is dominated by Greek life. Sorority and
fraternity members flaunt their house pride and agree that joining the
Greek system is a great way to meet friends. “
Greek
life is very big on campus especially if you are an underclassman," advises a freshman. "
It
is your best bet to join a fraternity or sorority to get your social
networking started.” Students who choose not to go Greek still have other options. “
There
are numerous clubs and organizations on campus that let students be who
they want to be. Greek life offers much of the social experience, but
there is plenty to do otherwise,” writes a sophomore business
major. Students of various cultures and ethnicities, interests and
passions, can find their niche on campus.
The administration, faculty, and students alike boast of the institution's tradition of valuing different cultures and ideas. "
There is such a diverse range of students here that it's great because you won't find only one type of person here," says a freshman. "
Everyone is different and yet we can all get along in one way or another, and our school spirit unites us." However, day-to-day, students say there is a separation between the different groups. “
U of A is pretty diverse, although most races tend to stick with each other,”
writes a freshman on the pre-med track. Most students hail from the Arizona
area, as well as throughout the West Coast, especially California.
Students rave about the weather and constant sunshine, and adventurous
students have a lot to choose from in the surrounding landscape. As a
junior writes, "
It
is not too far from California, Phoenix, or Mexico. You are within 4
hours of a beach...but in the winter there may also be snow on Mt
Lemon." Despite the natural beauty of the Southwest, students have mixed
feelings about the surrounding Tucson community and prefer to stay
on campus."
Personally, the immediate area surrounding the university is not my cup of tea," notes a junior majoring in criminal justice. "
The foothills on the other hand, [are] a more safe, gorgeous and lively [part] of Tucson that I would love to be closer to."
Generally speaking, the atmosphere on campus is laid-back. But on game
days, the mood changes to one of anticipation and excitement. Wildcat
spirit is contagious among everyone in the community, and a
sense of unity sweeps across campus, bridging students’ many differences. “
I
love Arizona because we really do have a lot of school spirit and pride
for Arizona. There are always people wearing Arizona shirts and
sweatshirts around campus and sporting events are usually pretty filled
most of the time,” divulges a junior from New Mexico. The men’s
basketball team is the most successful and garners the most support;
however, the student cheering section, ZonaZoo, makes sure all of the arenas are
filled with fans on game day.
From papers and exams to athletic and cultural events, there’s no
threat of boredom at UA. “
There is almost always something happening at the U of A. The only problem is do you have time to fit it in your schedule,” writes one junior English major. Whatever it is they’re doing, UA students find a way to make it fun and all their own.
