The University of Arizona

First and foremost, if money is a top concern for you and you are unable to find sufficient outside funding for your undergraduate education, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT attend this university for your first two years. The UA is primarily concerned with revenue. They pour money into pretty facilities and advertising and often invest little in educating its first and second year students. Make friends with Pima. I was too proud to step in to a community college when I was 18, coming from such an educated background. But not only is the education there very inexpensive, it's more or less the same. The instructors there are very caring, and you will feel like YOU, rather than student #S03890121. Check the UA academics website. Sit down with an adviser. Then figure out which classes you need to fulfill all those "gen ed" credits. Taken at an expensive, four year university they are a HORRIBLE waste of time and money. Even some professors will admit that.

If, however, you can afford to be here in your first few years, do not get lost in giant lecture halls if you can avoid it. l Try to find smaller, less popular courses. Take a chance on a night class or two, as they are usually smaller and more personal. In really large classes, make sure to attend the professor's office hours. Sit in the front. Schmooze, schmooze, schmooze. Do not submit one paper without running it by your professor. The only "bad" professors are those you're just too lazy to build any rapport with.

And of course, as you head in to the second half of your higher education, do not forget to stay involved, intern, communicate with professors, and maintain a solid GPA. A 3.5 or higher is YOUR ticket to great jobs and/or graduate school. I'm serious about this.

The student body as a whole is OK. Lots of superficial bros and hos. Get used to them. Luckily many of these dips leave after freshman year. And of course, there are always those few down to earth kids concerned with their education and the well being of others. Make friends. Become roommates, in fact.

As far as housing, if your or your parents' bank account allows, live on campus for at least your first year. You'll feel like a part of the university, and it will be be easier to study. If you do decide to live off campus, avoid those kid-friendly giant apartment complexes. They're trashy, unsafe, and out to rob you with high rents. Peruse online and paper ads for rental homes in nice neighborhoods. Blenman Elm, Sam Hughes, and Pie Allen are your best bets. Look for homes with bars on the windows and NEVER leave anything unlocked. You WILL be robbed.

And for transportation, if you have a car, great. If not, it helps to have a friend who does. A bicycle is usually alright. On weekends, do not pass up the opportunity to visit some great places like Saguaro West and Mount Lemmon. You'll remember why you came here in the first place.

Finally, I should mention a few things about food. The food at the Union, University Blvd, and around 4th Ave, while occasionally tasty, is pricey and unhealthy. Lots of salt, fat, sugar, and preservatives. Save your money and your figure. Hit up one of the many cheap grocery stores here and reserve the other stuff for special outings.

Finally, don't miss out on the great things Tucson has to offer downtown. Powhaus parties, the Loft Cinema, exotic restaurants, and the like. Enjoy this quirky little city.

PS: Don't you dare set foot in that money-guzzling leech known as the Bookstore. I don't care HOW much money your parents have. ONLINE. SOURCES.