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We asked, you answered: What should UA students know about Tucson?
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We asked, you answered: What should UA students know about Tucson?

  • Aug 16, 2018
  • Aug 16, 2018 Updated Aug 24, 2018

If you just moved to town and are gearing up to start classes Monday at the University of Arizona, welcome to Tucson! 

Moving to a new place can be overwhelming. The streets are unfamiliar, you don't know where to eat and yes, it's hot outside.

So what should you know about our desert city? We asked some of our readers, and here's what they had to say.   

"Monsoon. It will pour. Stay out of flooded roads."

Tucson Monsoon 2018 (copy)
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

As another reader also put it, "If it rains, it pours." And yes, when it rains, flooding happens fast.

Flash floods are common in Tucson and across Southern Arizona. If you see running water flowing across a road or trail, turn around. 

In just the past week, Southern Arizona has seen three fatal accidents involving people either driving or going into fast-flowing washes.

It's not worth risking it, just find another route or wait it out. Most rain storms will pass in around 10-15 minutes. 

"Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are your best friends"

Summer Heat (copy)
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

A lot of people mentioned the heat, because yes, it gets very (very) hot here. Like 117-degrees hot. 

You may think you can go out hiking at noon on a 100-degree August day, but let's be clear: Not only is it miserable, but it's also unsafe. People frequently are stranded and then hospitalized after attempting hikes during summer months. 

"Drink twice as much water as you think you need"

Cyclovia Tucson (copy)
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Again, it's dry. It's hot. Drink lots of water. 

One reader also recommended that if you're not used to the dryness, put Vaseline on your upper lip before bed so you don't wake up with a nosebleed. We've not tried this trick, but seems like a good one to keep in your back pocket. 

"Everyone gets valley fever"

Fluconazole (copy)
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

While of course not EVERYONE gets valley fever, it is very common here. 

This summer, cases in Arizona were up by nearly 50 percent over the same time the previous year. 

The disease is not contagious, but the reason it’s important to catch valley fever early is that it can be treated with antifungal medications, but if treated with routine antibiotics, including penicillin, the condition could actually get worse.  

That means if you have symptoms that look like pneumonia, you might want to ask your doctor for a valley fever test.  

"Tumamoc Hill"

Tumamoc Hill

Climbing up Tumamoc Hill. 

Andi Berlin | This Is Tucson

Climbing Tumamoc Hill is pretty much a rite of passage if you live in Tucson. 

The 1.5 mile climb is steep, but offers rewarding views of Tucson and surrounding mountain ranges at the top. 

To access the trail, just park behind the line of cars on Anklam Road, which is just off Silverbell Road west of I-10. Just make sure to bring enough water!

"UA fan loyalty is everything. Bear Down Arizona! (Know who Lute Olson and Sean Miller are)"

Wilbur T. Wildcat (copy)
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

It's almost a given that you're a Wildcats fan if you live in Tucson. 

And if you don't know who Lute Olson and Sean Miller are yet, they'll become household names pretty quickly. 

Lute Olson is a coaching legend in Arizona basketball's history, and now there's statue of him you can take selfies with at the Eddie Lynch Pavilion at the McKale Center. 

Sean Miller is the current head coach of the UA Men's Basketball team. See their 2018-19 season schedule here.

We have a whole team at the Arizona Daily Star dedicated to bringing you Wildcats sports news, so follow the Wildcaster  on Twitter or Facebook  if you're a fan!

"Try all the little, hidden Tucson food gems!"

Sonoran hot dog from El Guero Canelo (copy)

El hot dog sonorense de EL Güero Canelo fotografiado en el 2016.

Ron Medvescek / La Estrella de Tucsón 2016

There are so many unique, tasty food options in Tucson, so make sure to venture beyond the Student Union and McDonald's your first year. 

Our sister site This is Tucson compiled a list of some Tucson classics, as well as some hidden gems close to campus that every student should try. Check it out here! 

Another reader said that "the best Mexican food is south of Broadway," which some would probably debate. But there are an overwhelming amount of options. Thankfully food reporter Andi Berlin wrote a list of six places to take out-of-towners who want to taste true Tucson Mexican food. 

"Eegee's"

Eegee's

The first Eegee’s was a truck, founded with $2,500 of investment capital.

Ron Medvescek, Arizona Daily Star file

One of the most popular answers: Try Eegee's. 

The popular frozen fruit drink and sandwich spot is a point of pride in the Old Pueblo, and has become a staple in most Tucson diets.

The closest location to campus is at 2510 E. Speedway. 

Pro tip: Try the watermelon Eegee's next summer. 

"No texting while driving, even when stopped at a red"

073114-news-texting-p4 (copy)
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Earlier this year, City Council passed a law allowing police to pull over anyone they see using their cellphone while driving. Which means you're not allowed to use your phone at all while behind the wheel, not even at red lights. The only exception is if you use a hands-free device. 

First-time offenders can be fined $50, and it goes up from there. 

Read more about the law here. 

"Referring to Tucson as 'The Dirty T' makes you sound like a jerk."

Winter weather (copy)
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Do you agree with this one? 

Probably the most common nickname for Tucson you'll hear is The Old Pueblo.   

"Don't rely on GPS to give you proper directions. Sometimes it is not accurate."

Wire down (copy)
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson streets can be confusing at times. Fifth Street turns into Sixth Street into St. Mary's with little to no warning.  

It's probably best to scope out your route before getting in the car so you have a general idea of where your destination is. 

For more driving tips, columnist Joe Ferguson wrote about some oddities about driving in Tucson. 

Other reader tips

  • Watch out for bikers: Tucson has a lot of cyclists, so make sure to keep an eye out while driving around town, especially around campus and downtown. 
  • Check out the San Xavier Mission. You can walk around the mission, which was built in the late 1700s, and learn more about its history in the small museum. Find more information here. 
  • Drive the speed limit: Self-explanatory, but for everyone's safety, including your own, it is always best to follow the rules of the road. 
  • Recycle! Click here for some recycling dos and don'ts from the City of Tucson. 
  • The Daily Wildcat is the campus paper at the University of Arizona. They put out a guide every fall for new students. You can read it here: http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2018/08/campus-guide-2018 

Related to this collection

Hey, Wildcats! Here are some tips to remember throughout your college journey

Hey, Wildcats! Here are some tips to remember throughout your college journey

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