The University of Arizona: The prettiest campus, and most fun campus with the best atmosphere around (full of bias on my part, but also full of truth) and, not to mention University Primetime's #1 college with overall best quality of life. However, the University dwells in Tucson, Ariz. Although a pretty surrounding, it is a hot and dry desert with not much to do but melt. So here are the reasons why an out-of-stater loves the U of A, but enjoys her California sunshine.
Missing U of A: The people.
The weather is almost as hot as the people.
Not missing Arizona: The heat.
The weather really is extremely hot.
Missing U of A: Pool parties.
To beat the heat, U of A students often turn to a time honored tradition of pool parties! And who doesn't love a good pool party?!
Not missing Arizona: Monsoons.
Although pool parties are always a fun way to spend a Saturday, the weather (although always hot) is unpredictable. Saying this, monsoon season can easily put a damper on your pool party fun.
Missing U of A: Tailgates.
The only reason there wouldn't be a pool party on a Saturday is if there was a game! Bringing me to the next reason (and probably biggest reason) why I miss U of A so much: Tailgates!!
Not missing Arizona: Floods.
Say the monsoons didn't ruin a good tailgate/game/overall day, odds are, the massive puddles that were left from the last storm are still very prominent, and getting around means drudging through the icky water because of the lack of drainage.
Missing U of A: Zona Zoo.
Speaking of sporting events, the sports alone are reason enough to miss school! Having a school centered around sports is extremely fun. Not to mention, we have the best student section around.
Not missing Arizona: Bugs.
During the hot times of the year, maybe you're on your way to a game or to class, you're minding your own business and out of nowhere a huge green bug will fly right into your face. If anything, the gigantic bugs that you can't seem to escape, that will make a home out of your hair without a second thought, is reason alone not to miss Arizona.
Missing U of A: Mall activities.
There is always something interesting in store just by simply walking on campus. Whether it be a concert, Spring Fling, a protest, people playing midnight ultimate Frisbee, giant water slides set up, or, my personal favorite, puppies playing in the Arizona sunshine!
Not missing Arizona: Weirdos.
Sure every state comes with a plethora of it's own weird population, and it takes coming from a state other than Arizona to see that Arizona (or Tucson that is) is in a whole other ballpark. Of course, the weirdos are the minority of the otherwise awesome population of "T-locs," but they sure do stand out. Tucson is called "the dirty T" for a reason after all. To prove this, let me just say two words that every U of A student is familiar with: Brother Dean.
Missing U of A: Nightly activities.
Without fail, if you want to go out any given night of the week, you can. And, better yet, you can guarantee it will always be fun.
Not missing Arizona: Cacti.
Say you do go out one night, and you're walking from place to place. It's dark, you stumble and trip. This may not seem like such a big problem elsewhere, but man oh man, if it just so happens (and it usually does just so happen) that there is a cactus there to break your fall, you are in a world of pain. Personally, I'm a fan of cacti and the whole succulent craze, but when they are everywhere, and you have been pricked one too many times, they get old real fast.
Missing U of A: University Blvd.
Illegal Petes, Eat a Pita, Frog & Firkin, Collette, Grand Central, the list goes on and on. Every U of A student is familiar with all of these and much much more. University is a one stop shop for anything a procrastinating student could ever dream of, and it's just right next to campus.
Not missing Arizona: Did I mention the heat?
"Oh you go to The University of Arizona? Wow, that must be hot."
Missing U of A: Friends.
That's the one bad thing about attending any university, is that come summer, everyone goes back to where they originally came from. Going three months without some of your favorite people by your side is rough, but it makes finally seeing them again all the more rewarding.
Not missing Arizona: The weather 180.
Once you're finally acclimated to the extreme Arizona heat, without warning the weather will flip right on you and turn very cold compared to what you are finally used to. Sure, it's nothing like winter elsewhere in the country, but for those attending U of A, compared to the heat, we might as well be walking around in a freezer come winter.
Missing U of A: U of A.
The biggest reason to miss The University of Arizona is the university itself. What is there not to love? It's gorgeous, the people are always nice and happy, it's always sunny (which is nice when you're admiring it from inside an air conditioned room), and it's just an all around incredible place to be!
Not missing Arizona: The other Arizona school.
U of A reluctantly shares a state with another University. We all know U of A is the superior school, but that doesn't change the fact that we will always have to begrudgingly share our territory with ASU.
