Back to Student StoriesThe Essential Guide for the First-Year Student’s First Weeks
The Essential Guide for the First-Year Student’s First Weeks
Starting your first year at the University of Arizona is an exciting time. You’re suddenly in charge of your time, your space, where you go, what you do – ok, it can also be a little overwhelming. We’re here to help you focus on what’s important, and how to make your first few weeks at the University of Arizona feel less like an alien planet and more like your home.
Before You Arrive
There are a few social media accounts that you’ll definitely want to follow to feel more involved at the University of Arizona, right from the start. Here are five accounts that will keep you in the loop:
1. @uarizona
3. @uazhousing
4. @uofa_safety
5. Your college – full list here
Also, you’ll want to remind yourself of your NetID, check your student email, and download the Duo Mobile app, which serves as a two-step authentication for many university logins.
Dorm Move-In
Housing & Residential Life has created dorm-specific checklists for what to bring and what not to bring when moving into your University of Arizona dorm. This includes essentials like twin xl sheets and pillows, and clarifies when you’ll need to bring things like shower shoes (for dorms with shared bathrooms) or a shower curtain (private bathrooms).
Here are a few more things that you’ll be glad you brought.
Nice to Have
• Sunscreen
• Kleenex
• Some first aid stuff, like bandaids, headache medicine and cough drops
• A water filter system, such as Brita
• Condiments such as hot sauce, mayonnaise and mustard, and ketchup
• Posters (use 3M strips to attach, and remember that a lot of tables will be giving them away at Bash at the REC)
• Some aesthetic decorations, such as twinkle lights, a cool table lamp, or a plant (just remember that many dorms don’t get great sunlight, so a fake plant might be better)
• Some first aid stuff, like bandaids, headache medicine, and cough drops
Don’t Need
• Quarters – laundry machines use CatCa$h
• Candles – diffusers and air fresheners are ok, just make sure your roommate(s) approve of the scent (more tips below!).
• A bike pump – there are air pumps all over campus, and you can even get your bike repaired at the Campus Bicycle Repair Shop. That, or just borrow a bike and/or use the Cat Tran bus.
• A printer – there are wireless printers all over campus; just use CatCa$h to pay!
• A vacuum – you can rent one from your dorm front desk
If you forget anything, the nearest Target is at 3699 E. Broadway Blvd., but the Target at 4040 N. Oracle Rd. is a little less crowded during dorm move-in.
The First Weeks
The first few weeks of school are fast-paced. All other Wildcats are so excited to welcome new students, and you’ll be bombarded (in a good way!) with tips, tricks, opportunities, and more. There are four events you should definitely plan to attend.
1. Destination Arizona, August 21–23: Think of it as your orientation to Arizona, where you’ll be surrounded by other first-year students (aka: people who will be as excited to make a new friend as you would be).
2. Bash at the REC, August 24: An energetic, welcoming environment where you’ll learn more about cool clubs, campus recreation – and, get lots of free stuff and coupons.
3. Wildcat Welcome Tent, August 25-27: Stop by for answers to your questions, directions to your classes, or just to grab a snack and some swag. Staff and student leaders will be there to help you feel at home and point you in the right direction – literally and figuratively.
4. ASUA Club Fair, September 4: Roam the mall and sign up for any and every club that interests you. It’s the easiest way to make friends and pursue a beloved (or new!) interest.
Roommate Tips
In the past few years, more than 50% of incoming first-year students elected to be assigned a roommate – meaning, they didn’t decide to live with a friend or acquaintance. That means a whole bunch of the first year class is going to be living with someone they don’t know.
Sharing space with someone else is one of those essential college experiences that you’ll reflect on for years after you graduate. There are a few things you and your roommate can do in the first few weeks of school to make sure those memories are happy ones.
1. Share your schedule with each other. It’s nice to know when you’ll have some privacy because your roommate will be in class or at work. And, if you happen to have the same class, you may even be able to share notes and study together.
2. Decide what’s shared and what’s not. Did one of you bring a clothing steamer and the other didn’t? Is that fair game to share? If one of you pays for HBO and the other pays for Netflix, is it cool to make a profile and share those streaming services?
3. Prep for challenges. Make a plan for what should happen if a roommate loses their dorm key. Also, decide who’s going to restock the toilet paper when you run out (if you have a private or suite-style room).
Remember: You don’t have to be very best friends with your roommate, but you do need to be considerate and respectful. You share space, so that means you also share responsibility. If you allow some room for getting to know each other and encourage honest communication, you may even decide to be roommates again next year!
Helpful Tech
Staying up to date with the latest and greatest in campus technology is key to starting your college career off right. Here's a list of tech information you'll want to know when you arrive on campus:
• Your University of Arizona student identification card – or CatCard, in U of A lingo – is now available in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Ditch the back pocket shuffle and go digital.
• Whether you're walking home after dark and want to keep a friend updated on your route, or need a staged call to get you out of a date gone awry, the SafeCats app is your new campus safety resource. Download the app to get access to several tools tailored to help you stay safe navigating campus day and night. The SafeCats app is also where you will receive UAlert messages starting Fall 2025.
Your New Favorite Assignment Organizer
One of the biggest challenges students face when beginning college is staying on top of their assignments. The THINK TANK has a lot of resources to help students organize their schedule and assignments – one of the coolest is the Semester On A Page (SOAP). The SOAP helps you plan out your assignments for each semester and keep track of them on one page (or two pages, if your schedule is packed).
Welcome to the University of Arizona, Wildcat! Start this semester feeling confident, and ready to explore.