University of Arizona (reviews)

Large classes, high costs, inattentive instructors, and no help post graduation. I would never recommend going to the University of Arizona. The experience was a ripoff, and a waste of time. In general spending time in college is a waste of time, and it is even worse at the University of Arizona since they see you just as a dollar sign. I graduated years ago, and all they’ve done since then is raise prices, and increase enrollment so I see it’s getting even worse down there.

The university, at the administrative level, is a sham. Their focus is less to do with either education or research, and everything to do with money. Administration values their sports teams over academics by a very large margin as sports are the greatest contributor to their finances.
Also, the basic expense of attending this university is absurd.

That said, within the individual colleges there are many, many excellent programs with outstanding professors, mentors, and researchers.

Campus life is rich with activities and organizations, there is no want for ways to be involved with something of interest. Cafeteria are numerous, varied, and quality.

And, with regard to the location (the city of Tucson, in the Sonoran Desert) – I cannot imagine better. The campus itself is stunning and modern – yet with many of the original brick buildings still intact. And the environment off-campus is outstanding as well; southern AZ is a unique and magical area unlike anywhere else. It is the most biological diverse desert in the world. Within minutes of the campus are an endless number of fantastic and unique outdoor options, from canyons and waterfalls, to long desert trails and National Parks, to numerous mountain ranges and a snowy mountain just 15 minutes from campus. And there is so much more.

The University and its faculty embraced older, single parents who were students in their classrooms.
The Program I was enrolled in changed mid-enrollment which complicated my graduation requirements. I had to change internal colleges multiple times in order to eventually graduate. It was a very frustrating experience.
The best courses were taught in small groups, where you could directly interact with your instructor. The Marine Sciences, Paleontology, Native American Studies, and Humanities classes were the most interesting and were where I learned the most.
Counselors were genuinely helpful and did their best to guide you to a positive graduation outcome.
The student body is varied from very young, not serious students to older, more determined students.
I was involved in a serious car accident that left me unable to attend classes for over a month. My bicycle was stolen during my absence, the lock itself being cut and the University apologizing, making a report and never following up on it after that.

Bear down arizona, Bear Down Red and Blue. Cant forget those chants around the beautiful campus. The learning facilities are impressive and the professors are masters at their game. It was a really good time overall.