Back to Student StoriesTips for Your Campus Tour
Get ready for your first taste of Tucson life.
This is where it all starts: Your very first time experiencing the University of Arizona’s campus.
Your campus tour is your chance to get a feel for campus, imagine yourself as a student, and get the inside scoop on being a Wildcat. Here are a few pro tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Dress comfortably: There’s a lot to discover at the University of Arizona, so make sure you’re ready for a whole day of exploration. Our campus is about one square-mile, so don’t forget your walking shoes!
- Wear sunscreen: It’s no secret that Tucson can get hot, especially with 350 days of sunshine per year on average. Whether you come in winter or summer, make sure to protect yourself from the Arizona sun. And don’t forget to check the weather, you’ll want to bring an umbrella if it’s monsoon season.
- Visit a classroom or dorm: This is your chance to get a glimpse of what Arizona life is really like. Check out the places you’ll be spending time in everyday, and snap a few pictures around campus to look back on later.
- Bring questions: Our experienced Arizona Ambassadors are students, too, so they know all the ins and outs of campus life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
So Much to Do, So Little Time
The University of Arizona is full of buildings both old and new that will be a big part of your college experience. Here are some key places on campus to keep an eye out for on your tour:
- Old Main: This is Arizona’s HQ, where your tour will start. It’s also the oldest building on campus, with construction beginning in 1887.
- Arizona Stadium: You can’t miss it. Check out where the Wildcats play their home football games.
- Student Union Memorial Center: The Student Union is not just a place to get great food, it’s also the center of campus life and home to plenty of resources you’ll want to know.
- SouthREC: The biggest of our three on-campus recreation centers, complete with a full gym, Olympic-sized swimming pool, climbing wall, and so much more.
- Student Success District: This part of campus is home to the Main Library, the Bear Down Building, and several important resources like Think Tank and LifeLab.
- McKale Memorial Center: Where our Wildcat basketball teams make history. It’s never too early to anticipate your first game day (psst … check out tips for ZonaZoo here).
Another highlight of campus is the scenery all around you! Learn more about the beautiful plants you’ll see at Arizona through the Campus Arboretum.
Make Tucson Your Home
After you’re done with your tour, you can check out everything else Tucson has to offer. University Boulevard is just steps from campus and features shops and dining spots that Wildcats love.
Didn’t get a chance to see it all? No worries – you can always come back. And maybe one day soon, our campus will be just as familiar to you as your hometown!
Learn more about planning a visit to campus.