It is impossible to know everything about a university until you get there. You can anticipate the class work or the social situation, but unless you are from that area or know alumni, you can only learn certain aspects of the college community once you are a part of it.
As you could have guessed, The University of Arizona holds many essential aspects to the college experience that are not mentioned on the application. You might think you knew these things all along, but trust me there was a point in your college career where you asked, "What's shacking?"
Now, here are things you might have, but probably didn't know about the University of Arizona before you started taking classes.
One word, Bursors
Thanks to Bursors, you are able to do all your holiday shopping through the U of A bookstore. Yes, buying books are cool, but so are a new pair of Raybans.
Monsoon season
There is actually a time of year in Arizona where it rains. If you’re coming from out of state, you would have never thought to pack an umbrella.
The sunsets
Surprisingly, Tucson has some pretty kick ass sunsets throughout the year. You know when the sky is pink because every single one of your friends is Snapchatting it.
Tailgates & Syllabus week
You might have heard about these events but let’s face it you only really know once you have experienced it. There are only two types of attire for going out at the U of A: either full on wildcat gear or a night out in Vegas. Other than that you are wearing workout clothes to class or in a bathing suit by the pool.
Homecoming, Spring fling & Parents weekend
These events give students, faculty, and alumni a reason to celebrate being a Wildcat. I mean who knew you would get high school events at college level standards.
Greek life is changing
Let's just say Greek life is in a transition period. If you are expecting "Running of the Bulls," no one here knows what that is anymore. The ranks of houses are changing for those that are lucky enough to still be on campus.
You actually DO see people around campus
Attending a university this size, you are expecting to meet a lot of people. What you don’t expect is that with a student body of over 40,000, you will still see people you know all over campus.
The third floor of the library
Also known as the Lib, for some reason being allowed to whisper makes the whole third floor a social scenario. You will definitely see someone you know unless your willing to take the treacherous climb to any higher floor.
You will Uber everywhere
That is if you do not have a car, but most times you will not be able to operate a vehicle anyway. If you are smart, you will try to utilize the cabs that take cat cash, but you will still end up calling Lyft or Uber at one point.
Do not walk it the bike lane
Early on you probably learned that bikers take the bike line very seriously. Chances are since attending the U of A, you have seen or been apart some type of bicycle incident.
General education courses are not always your friend
You will spend most of your time trying to find the easiest general education courses and yet they somehow will end up affecting your GPA more than your major courses. Tip for freshman: choose wisely.
Bear down story
Lastly, the beloved story that is the foundation of our university and unites the student body. If it weren’t for John Byrd “Button” Salmon we would not have the motto “Bear Down” to chant as we beat ASU at, well, everything.
