Three Tips from a Graduating Wildcat

Erika’s Advice for Maximizing Your College Years

Hi there, my name is Erika! I’m from San Antonio, Texas and I’m graduating with degrees in Spanish and Journalism and a minor in public relations from the University of Arizona.

I’ve been in your shoes before as a first-year student, and I’ve got some expert advice from my four years as a Wildcat. 

1. Get involved right away

Don’t wait to get involved – jump right in! That’s the easiest way to make friends, explore your passions, and find a community. You can get started right off the bat with events like Bash at the Rec and Club Fair, which happen early in the semester to show you all the opportunities our school has to offer. 

During my first year on campus, I joined Arizona Model United Nations (Model U.N.) and started as a reporter for The Daily Wildcat, our student newspaper. Model U.N. has been my absolute favorite part of my undergraduate experience. Through this club, I met many of my best friends and got to travel to places such as Chicago and Hermosillo, Mexico.

Whether you’re interested in sports, music, art, politics, culture, or video games, there’s something for you! Arizona has more than 400 student organizations where you can start having fun from your very first semester. 

2. Enjoy everything Tucson has to offer

One of the best parts about the University of Arizona is its location. Tucson is a beautiful town with so much to offer. It’s the perfect blend of big city and college town.  

Tucson is a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, which means it’s full of amazing food. There are also tons of gorgeous natural spots where you can soak up the sun year-round. And if it gets too hot, you can always drive up Mount Lemmon for cooler weather and gorgeous views. 

No car? No worries. The Sun Link streetcar connects you with Fourth Avenue, downtown Tucson, and more with ease.

Looking for something fun to do on the Sun Link route? I recommend checking out the shops on Fourth Avenue, like Antigone Books, or stopping by the Mercado District for a quick bite to eat – Kukai and Seis Kitchen are both delicious!

Falling in love with Tucson has been one of the best parts of my college experience, so don’t miss out. 

3. Don’t put too much stress on yourself 

Enjoy your first-year experience without stressing too much about the future. You’ve got time to figure things out. And don’t forget it’s okay to change your mind – I even changed my major after my first year! 

Don’t be afraid to try lots of things and see what you like. Take it from me: Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others or doubting yourself. Things will fall into place eventually if you keep putting yourself out there. You got this! 

If you need help or have questions, there are lots of resources right here on campus to guide you. The Basic Needs Center can connect you with resources like Campus Pantry and Campus Closet to make sure you have everything you need to thrive at Arizona. If the transition to college feels tough, I recommend visiting Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) right on-campus for extra guidance. 

Lastly, take some time for self-care. I love to go for a walk around campus or stop by somewhere calming, like Scented Leaf on University Boulevard, to take a break from it all.

Embrace all these new experiences and your first year here will be unforgettable!

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