How not to die in the desert

Housing

Finding an apartment: The best place to find an apartment is through the off-campus housing list. Other options are checking the classified ads and driving around and looking for “For Rent” signs. Try to avoid areas that appear to be occupied largely by undergrads (they can be loud and inconsiderate!). You might want to choose a location that gives you access to a bike route or the CatTran. Calling the department: The best times to call are between 9am and 12pm. If you can’t get through to someone, send an e-mail to Rosemary Emery (emery@email.arizona.edu).

Schedule

Planning your schedule: Make your first year class plan in consultation with your first year advisor, who is assigned to you before you get here in the fall. Getting To and From School

Health Care

All students are eligible to purchase health insurance through the university. You register for health insurance via the same website that you register for classes (log into Student Link and click on Webreg).

Some graduate students have noted that extending the health insurance offered by the University to spouses and children is more expensive (and perhaps lesser coverage) than a private provider. Make sure to shop around and find out what is the best option for your situation.

Living in the Desert

Drink lots of water, use sun-block, wear a hat and sunglasses.

Transportation

Biking: Tucson is considered a bike friendly town, at least by American standards, and, particularly, the areas around the university are accessible to bikes. An important note: it’s the law in Tucson that you must use lights if you’re biking at night. The rear light must be red and the headlight white. Relatively inexpensive lights can be found in the myriad of bike shops around town and so can helmets if you don’t already own one.

CatTran: The University offers a very convenient shuttle to a variety of stops off campus. To see a map of the shuttle stops and stop times, go to http://parking.arizona.edu/alternative/cattran.php This option is cheaper than on-campus parking and convenient for commuters.

Driving: There are 3 or 4 parking garages within a reasonable distance to Douglass. You’ll need to buy a parking pass, which can be done at the Parking and Transportation Services Building, 1117 E. Sixth Street. For 2005-2006, Garage Permits are $450. There is also limited street parking in the neighborhoods around campus (make sure to check the signs – a lot of parking is for residents only).

Other: Many people take advantage of the city’s SunTran bus system, check out their website for schedule and route information (http://www.suntran.com/).

Extracurriculars

Tucson offers a wide variety of athletic and outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing (both indoor and outdoor), yoga and basically any other sport that interests you. Check out the following websites for ideas:

Student Rec Center: The student recreation center is close to campus and offers more workout facilities, classes, and outdoor excursions than can be listed. Go to their website to check it out: http://campusrec.arizona.edu/.

UofA Sports: UofA is nationally competitive in a number of sports, most notably women’s and men’s basketball. Tickets to men’s basketball games are sold through a lottery system, but the best way to get them is to buy a Zona Zoo Pass, http://zonazoo.asua.arizona.edu/index.htm, which is useful for a variety of other sports, as well.