Settling In

On this page: Local Environment • Housing • Food • Cell Phones • Banking • Transportation

Local Environment

Tucson, Arizona is a beautiful city in the Sonoran Desert, known for its dry air, sunny skies, and striking mountain views. If you’re coming from a different climate, the environment may take some getting used to. Students arriving in the fall should prepare for extreme heat and monsoon storms, while those arriving in the spring may be surprised by cooler winter mornings and evenings.

Stay comfortable:

  • Carry a refillable water bottle and drink often. There are fountains and refill stations throughout campus.
  • Dress in light clothing for heat and layers for cooler days.
  • Avoid outdoor activity during midday heat.
  • Seek shelter during heavy rain and avoid flooded areas.

TIP: Take care of yourself during the hot summer months by watching for signs of heat illness.

Housing

We know that choosing housing can feel like one of the biggest decisions, especially if you’re trying to decide before ever visiting Tucson. Many students find that starting out by living on campus helps them settle in and feel part of the community right away. But there’s no single best option – it depends on your needs and preferences. Use the resources below to explore your options and find what's right for you.

Living in a University of Arizona dorm is a great way to become part of the campus community. You’ll live close to your classes and campus activities, meet other students easily, and have extra support as you adjust to life in the U.S.

Housing Options:

  • Academic year (August-May, closes during winter break)
  • Academic year and winter break (August-May, open during winter break)
  • Summer housing for students attending Summer school

Preference is given to students living on campus for the full academic year. While fall-only housing is not usually available, spring-only contracts may be offered if space allows.

Most dorm rooms are shared by two students, with some single rooms and apartment-style options (for up to four people) available. Bathrooms are shared by students of the same gender and vary by building:

  • Community bathrooms on each floor or wing
  • Suite-style bathrooms shared by two rooms
  • Private bathrooms inside the room

All dorms also include a community kitchen, which students often use for preparing small meals or snacks.

There is one dorm, Maricopa, that is all-female/women-only.

Additional Resources:

  • Getting Started: An overview of the housing application process including dates and deadlines
  • Virtual Tours: Explore the 23 different dorms on campus
  • International Students: Find resources in Arabic, Korean and Mandarin ,and get answers to frequently asked questions

La Aldea offers a welcoming on-campus community designed specifically for single graduate and professional students. Residents enjoy the convenience of living close to classes, labs, and campus resources, with the comfort and independence of apartment-style living.

Apartments are fully furnished, with all utilities already set up and included in the rent. Contracts are available for 10 or 12 months, and rent is billed monthly through your UAccess Bursar’s account, providing added convenience for students with assistantships or other campus funding.

If you choose to live off campus, the University of Arizona’s Off-Campus Housing department offers free services to help students find housing and understand the rental process. On the Off-Campus Housing website, you can search for apartments and houses, learn about lease agreements, and find tips for living with roommates.

When searching for housing, look under the “More” filter for the “International Student Friendly” option – these properties understand that international students may have different documentation than other students.

The Off-Campus Resource Guidebooks are the best tools for learning how to make smart housing decisions and navigate renting in the U.S.:

These guidebooks include important information about leases, utilities, budgeting, transportation, and safety. You can also find additional helpful information about tenant rights and responsibilities, utilities, subletting and more on the Off-Campus Housing Resources page.

TIP: If you're planning to live off campus, read Rental Scams: Red Flags & Real Life Examples to learn how to identify fake rental listings.

Food

Eating well is an important part of feeling at home on campus. The University of Arizona offers a variety of dining options and resources to fit different tastes, budgets, and dietary needs.

  • Dining Options: Enjoy more than 30 locations across campus, including the Global Center, which features international restaurants, a market, healthy options, and national brands.
  • Meal Plans: Choose between Swipe Meal Plans and Debit Meal Plans, both accepted at dining locations across campus.
  • CatCa$h: Set up an optional account linked to your CatCard that can be used for purchases at all Arizona Dining locations and other campus services.
  • Nutrition Calculator: Download the Nutrition Calculator app to view nutrition facts, ingredients, and on-campus options for special diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal.

Another resource is the Campus Pantry, a student-run supplemental grocery program that regularly stocks fresh produce, non-perishables, milk, bread, eggs, frozen goods, and hygiene items. In addition to the main locations in the Student Union and the Health Sciences Library, it also has a pop-up site at the Global Center, located in the ISS lobby.

TIP: ISS offers regular shopping trips to Lee Lee International Supermarket and Trader Joe's. Sign up on our events page. 

Cell Phones

If your current phone is unlocked, you can buy a U.S. SIM card to use with it. SIM cards are available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, or you can purchase one online before you arrive.

You can also sign up for a new U.S. phone and number. When choosing a plan, there are two main types:

  • Contract plans usually have lower monthly rates but may require a Social Security Number (SSN), which are only available to international students with employment. If you don’t have an SSN, ask whether you can pay a deposit instead. Keep in mind that ending a contract early can result in a fee.
  • Prepaid plans don’t require an SSN and offer more flexibility, but they often cost more per month and may come with fewer phone options.

TIP: You can pick up a free Mint Mobile SIM at the ISS front desk in the Global Center.

Banking

Setting up a U.S. bank account is an important step in getting settled. The information below can help you understand your options and what to expect when opening an account.

When opening a bank account in the U.S., you can choose between a bank or a credit union. Both offer similar services, but there are a few key differences:

  • Banks are for-profit and often have more branches, ATMs, and online banking tools but may charge higher fees.
  • Credit unions are not-for-profit and owned by their members, usually offering lower fees but fewer locations.

Near campus, you’ll find options like Bank of America, Chase, Vantage West Credit Union, and Wells Fargo.

When deciding where to open an account, think about what’s most important for your needs, like locations and online tools. You should ask about possible account fees, which can include:

  • Opening or monthly maintenance fees
  • Overdraft or minimum balance charges
  • ATM withdrawal fees (especially at non-network ATMs)
  • Fees for international money transfers, if you’ll be receiving funds from abroad

When you’re ready to open an account, be prepared with:

  • Immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019)
  • Multiple forms of ID
  • Initial deposit for the account
  • Phone number and proof of address (lease, utility bill, etc.)
  • Proof of student status (university ID or admission letter)

Some banks may ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These should not be required to open a basic account and are only available to students with employment or U.S. scholarships.

TIP: Once you’ve opened a U.S. bank account, you can use it to pay tuition and fees easily through your UAccess Student Center. The Bursar's Office website has detailed information about: 

• Payment methods and how to pay through UAccess 
• Payment deadlines for each semester 
• Tuition payment plans to spread payments over the term 
• Refunds and how to set up direct deposit

Transportation

Part of settling in will be feeling comfortable using different types of transportation on and off campus. Tucson has plenty of ways to get where you need to go. Expand the tabs below to explore transportation options and helpful resources.

While it’s possible to walk to many places in Tucson, keep in mind that distances can be farther than expected and the heat or busy roads can make walking less enjoyable at times. We recommend combining walking with other free or discounted transportation options offered by the university and city.

Parking & Transportation Services offers a variety of free and discounted programs to help students get around safely and affordably:

  • Cat Tran: Free university transit service connecting key locations across campus
  • Bicycles: University services include registration, rentals, repairs and on-campus bike parking
  • Motorist Assist Program: Free on-campus assistance for vehicle location and lockouts, tire inflation and jump starts
  • Night Cat by Lyft: Free after-hours rides from campus to Safeway on Broadway, or Walmart at El Con Mall
  • Emergency Ride Home Program: Free rides home for students who regularly bike, walk, carpool, or use public transit
  • Disability Cart Service: Free door-to-door rides on campus for students with mobility impairments

Additional community resources:

  • SunTran and SunLink: Tucson city buses and the streetcar are free for all riders.
  • Tugo Bikes: One-way bike sharing with dock-at-any-station convenience; 50% off annual memberships for U of A students
  • e-Scooters:  One-way electric-powered scooters available for rent (make sure you review the campus policy before riding)
  • BICAS: A local nonprofit offering bike repairs, rentals, and refurbished bike sales

If you plan to drive while in the U.S., you’ll need to understand the rules for obtaining and using a driver’s license in Arizona. Review the information below to learn about requirements, eligibility, and how to apply.

Applicants may need to pass both a written and driving test. In some cases, if you already have a valid license from your home country or another U.S. state, the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may waive these tests. However, this varies by location, so be sure to review Motor Vehicle Division guidance for the most accurate information.

If you plan to drive to campus, you’ll need a parking permit from Parking & Transportation Services. Permit options vary by lot or garage, duration (academic year or summer) and price. A permit doesn’t guarantee a specific space; it simply allows you to park in your assigned area when space is available. For full details on permit types, rates, waitlists, and how to apply or cancel, visit the Parking Permits page.

TIP: If you're planning to bike in Tucson, make sure you review the Additional Safety Resources on the Parking & Transportation website.