► About the University of Arizona

Q. Is UA a good university?

Answer: The University of Arizona is a premier, student-centered research institution. Established in 1885 as the first university in the Arizona Territory and the state's only land grant institution, the UA embraces its three-fold mission of excellence in teaching, research and public service. Now in its second century of service to the state, the UA has become one of the nation's top 20 public research institutions. It is one of only 62 members in the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization that recognizes universities with exceptionally strong research and academic programs. With world class faculty in fields as diverse as astronomy, plant science, biomedical science, business, law, music and dance, The University of Arizona offers a rewarding educational experience to all who choose to focus on excellence.

► On Campus Employment

Q. What's the best way to get a job on campus?

Answer: If you have a valid UA student ID, you can start looking for a job now at http://career.arizona.edu. Students may engage in on-campus employment if they are carrying a full course of study and as long as the work is limited to part-time -20 hours or less per week- during the fall, winter and spring semesters when school is in session or full-time -40 hours per week- during the summer or when school is officially not in session. Work is limited to employers who are located on-campus and provide direct services to students. Employment may be in any field and is not restricted to your academic major.

Q. How much do these on campus jobs pay?

Answer: Hourly rates start from the minimum wage of $5.75 and can go up to $12 or more.

Q. What is the weather like in Tucson?

Answer: It is generally very mild in the fall, winter, and spring. The summer gets very hot and dry. Some rain can be expected in late summer, as well as during the winter. It rarely snows in Tucson or Phoenix, although it snows quite a lot in the mountains not far from the city.
 

Q. How much would my approximate monthly expenditure be ?

Answer: Depends on the kind of lifestyle one leads. However, it's around $850-$1000 per month for rent, utilities and grocery.

An approximate split up for a single student's monthly expenditure would be as follows:

Apartment Rent:
      Studio: $390 + $75 utilities
      1bd: $490  + $85 utilities
      2bd: $690  + $95 utilities

Groceries: $250-300

Lunch and snacks: $175-225 -this assumes that you have lunch at school plus make frequent visits for coffee.

Telephone bill: $75 -this assumes that you call home at least once a month.

General purchases: $100

Q. What should I bring from home to the States?

Answer: Most of the stuff that you would need can be bought here but there are a few things that are definitely worth bringing from there.

Cash: An initial amount of approx. $2000 should be OK (if you are on scholarship) in case you plan to stay in Tucson. This takes care of the initial buying, rent and security deposit.

Clothes: Arizona dress is refreshingly casual and evening wear is slightly more dressy. Usually clothes are machine washed once/twice a week - hence two weeks or more of supply of clothes is needed.

Medicine: Get some basic stuff for fever, cold, sprains, cuts etc.

► Airport pickup

Q. When is the best time to arrive at UA ?

Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question. However, it is best to arrive at least two to three weeks before classes start, to find housing, settle down and know your way about this place and also to get some initial formalities/paperwork done.

Q. How do I arrange for an Airport Pickup?

Answer: Please e-mail us at tucson@turkishsociety.net with the flight details at least one week before the departure date.  The rep will assign a volunteer to pick you up at the airport and drop you at your temporary accommodation. Airport pick-up will be provided only at the Tucson Int'l Airport, and this service is provided to you for free!

Please note that a taxi to the college area costs about $30 -including the tip.

► Accommodation

Q. Should I live on-campus or off-campus?

Answer: Most of the Turkish students prefer living off campus as it's more economical.

Q. How do I go about finding an apartment ?

Answer: Ideally, it would be best to come here and find an apartment that suits your preferences, but that is contingent upon a temporary accommodation provision. Besides, if you are coming too late, most of the good places would already be taken and there will be very little choice left. So it can be a good idea to start your search while at home, look up apartments/roomies etc. Keep the locality, distance from campus and commuting options in mind while looking for places. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
 
Q. How do I find temporary accommodation?

Answer: Temporary accommodations through Turkish Society are provided by students who are members and are willing to accommodate new students for a short period of time. The first step is to send an email to tucson@turkishsociety.net clearly indicating the following: Your name, Date of Arrival, and purpose of your stay.

This information helps the students have a better idea of the temporary accommodation to be provided. Make sure that you send an email at least one month before your arrival which enables students here to respond in time. A proper confirmation by both parties is a must before landing in Tucson. We try our best to provide temporary accommodation to new students, but we might not have enough volunteers to provide for all incoming students and the arrangement might get uncomfortable for both parties beyond a few days.

Also note that all temporary accommodations through Turkish Society will be confirmed via email sent officially by the Executive Committee. Turkish Society is not affiliated with any other organization and new students must not entertain any personal email sent to them by any student regarding pick ups as well as temporary accommodation.