June’s Featured College: University of Arizona

By: Nicola Pioppi

One of the big draws of large state run universities is the wide variety of
opportunities they provide. While there are potential downsides like
larger class sizes and a certain impersonal touch, the fact is that most
private universities can’t
offer you a major in
Aerospace Engineering and a
minor in Mexican American
Studies. The University of
Arizona, for example, offers
over 120 undergraduate
programs in a variety of areas
of study: Mathematics,
Engineering, History,
Pharmacy, Business,
Journalism, Studio Arts,
Theater, and more. There are
even agricultural programs
offered!

The school also hosts an eclectic collection of student groups and
organizations; most major sororities and fraternities are represented, in
addition to a Criminal Justice Association, a Physiology Club, the Arizona
Model United Nations, the Arizona Swing Cats, dozens of religious groups,
an undergraduate literary magazine, a triathlon club, and even the
Arizona Quidditch Club.

The geographical location is another thing to consider. The university is
located in Tucson, a major southwestern city. Arizona is hot and dry in
summer months, cooling down to the seventies at night and in winter
months. If you are used to this kind of weather, it’s probably not a big
deal, but if you like snow in December, just know that you are not going
to get it in Tucson.

While the school claims to offer “one of the lowest tuition rates in the
nation among flagship institutions”, their projected cost of attendance for
incoming students seems a bit high. The website helpfully breaks down
the attendance cost per year, and after tuition, room, board, books,
travel, and other miscellaneous expenses (think about all the pizza and
toiletry products you may have to pay for yourself) an in-state student
can expect to spend about $18,290 living on campus, while an out-of-state
student can expect to pay about $31, 424. To offset these costs, the
university offers a generous array of scholarships for incoming freshmen.

There are over a dozen residence halls spread across the (very) large
campus, and there is a thorough description of each hall PLUS a picture of
a standard room layout on the housing website. You can decide on any
extra furniture you’ll think you’ll need before you arrive! Many of these
halls are attached to other campus buildings; for instance, one of the
dorms is located at the south end of the football stadium.

In addition to the housing options, the school has an impressive array of
meal options. You can choose from a small, medium, large, or commuter
style meal plan, based on your needs. If you have special needs (if you are
a vegetarian or keep kosher) you will probably want to consider a smaller
meal plan, and expect to purchase and prepare some of your food in your
room.

In addition to a convenience/grocery store, popular chains like Panda
Express, Papa John’s, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Café Sonora all have
locations in the student union. There is also a little place called Whipped,
which offers customized cupcakes! Of course, there are also a variety of
restaurants located near to, but not affiliated with, the campus.

To learn more about the university and the application process, visit the
University of Arizona’s official website at http://www.arizona.edu/.