Life at University of Arizona

Hi there! My name is Annarose and I’m a senior at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. I am a student in the Eller College of Management, majoring in both Marketing and Business Management. In the college, I work as a Professional Development Associate and serve as the Eller College Dean’s Council President! As a Professional Development Associate I work with students across the whole University to build resumes, cover letters, hold mock interviews and refine skills. As President of the Eller College Dean’s Council, I have the opportunity to work very closely with Eller faculty and student leaders to improve the Eller Experience and make the most of our time here!

Outside of school, I am a member of the Beta Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and love spending time with my sisters. Being a member of Greek Life has brought me so many amazing opportunities to grow my green thumb, raise money for philanthropies that I care about, like CASA, and meet so many amazing people. I also love all things fashion, food and art - so Tucson really is the perfect place for me!

Being a student at The University of Arizona has changed my life for the better and I have truly loved every second of it. I can’t wait to share some of my favorite things with you!

A Word on UofA:

If I’m being honest, I didn’t always want to go to UofA. I wanted to get out of Arizona and go experience something new. But let me tell you… the UofA IS something new!

The University of Arizona truly is the most spirited school in the state. You can feel the energy from the moment you step onto campus and at every business in the city of Tucson. Everyone is ready to Bear Down!

It’s not widely known that Tucson is a great hub for foodies of all kinds. You can always find somewhere fun to try whether you’re looking for something new and trendy, or wanting to try something that is a part of local Tucson culture! Not to mention all of the events constantly going on around town and on campus, AND the trendy boutiques that are ready to dress you to the nines for everything!

If you have any questions, please fill out the contact form found on the "BIO" page!

University

Where To Eat:

Illegal Pete’s: Okay so everyone’s had Chipotle… what if I told you this was better? I swear! Illegal Pete’s is a build-your-own Mexican style restaurant with nothing but the freshest ingredients. AND they have potatoes. Yes! Potatoes!

Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co.: We’ve all seen that iconic picture of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick at UofA. Did you know it was at Gentle Ben’s? If that doesn’t show you how beloved Ben’s is then I don’t know what will! Gentle Ben’s has great bar food, a chill atmosphere and lots of live music to watch with your friends. A true Tucson staple!

No Anchovies: One of the best pizza slices in Tucson, just check out Dave Portnoy’s Pizza Review! They have everything from cheese, to meathead, to hot potato, to nacho chicken. And I can’t forget to mention their loaded tots while we’re here!

Frog N Firkin: Frogs is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and watch any sports game on, UofA related or not! It has a great atmosphere, delicious menu and lots of fun games and events. Can’t miss out on Tuesday Karaoke!

Jimmy’s Pita & Poke: I know it sounds like Pita and Poke don’t belong in the same restaurant, but at Jimmy’s they most definitely do! Jimmy’s serves it up with great Pita sandwiches and pockets, made-to-order poke bowls, refreshing salads and smoothies!

Bacio Italiano: From the East Coast and miss mom’s homemade Italian cooking like I do? Enjoy some delicious pizza, pasta or try a calzone while you listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night! You can also feel good about your purchase with their participation in a semester-long fundraising event with different greek life philanthropies!

Scented Leaf: A true staple of the UofA student life experience. Scented Leaf has more flavors and variations of tea than you could ever imagine. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and chat with friends or put on some headphones and grind on studying!

What To Do:

Bear Down Friday: Every Friday from 5-7pm in Main Gate Square come experience true UA spirit at Bear Down Friday! Join the Tucson community in cheering on our football team at the pep rally that starts at 6pm featuring the Pride of Arizona Pep Band, Wilma & Wilbur Wildcat, UA Cheerleaders, UA Pom Line, Twirlers and some surprise guests. After the pep rally head over to the stadium or get a table at any of the restaurants above to cheer on the team!

Arizona State Museum: Go experience the ancient indigenous and Native cultures of Arizona, the American Southwest & Northern Mexico. The Arizona State Museum is the largest anthropological research museum in the west, is affiliated with The Smithsonian and houses the largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery and American Indian basketry. It’s a perfect way to explore Arizonian culture and escape the heat for a few hours!

Jim Click Hall of Champions: The University of Arizona athletic heritage museum displays over 100 years of superior athletic performances, school spirit, events and traditions. Rotating displays feature historic and current legendary moments in UA sports. You can find this museum on the north side of McKale and won’t miss the entrance with the huge statue of Coach Lute Olson!

Campus Arboretum: Not only is The University of Arizona’s entire campus an arboretum, but it is also the longest maintained public green space in the state of Arizona! The campus houses a diverse variety of plants that grow in dry climates throughout the world. Walk the campus yourself with the printed or mobile-guided tour or take a guided tour with one of our UA experts!

Biosphere 2: The University’s Biosphere 2 has recently been named one of the 50 wonders of the world! This laboratory is able to control weather variables and gather empirical data on tropical rainforests that is virtually impossible to gather elsewhere. Definitely make sure you’re setting aside half of your day for this attraction!

Where To Shop:

Colette Clothing & Boutique 816: These sister stores are locally owned women’s boutiques, founded by UofA alumni and employ UofA students so the stores are up to date on all events going on around campus. They have the best customer service on University Boulevard and are constantly updating their inventory for the trendiest, up-to-date styles! You can also shop online at shopcollette.com or check them out on Instagram!

Swindler’s: Looking for a mix of new styles and timeless vintage? Swindler’s is your dream come true! Their goal is to provide their shoppers with items you can’t live without and enjoy for a long time. They have recycled packaging and sell lots of gently used, vintage clothing in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

A-City: Want new UofA gear? A-City has anything and everything you could ever want! This really is a one-stop-shop for all things that any Wildcat could need - men’s, women’s, unisex, children’s, infants, even that weird neighbor back home that says he wants a souvenir...

4th Ave.

Where To Eat:

Boca Tacos & Tequila: Boca is all about truly experiencing Mexican food as an art. Chef Maria means it when she says to come with an empty stomach, open heart and open mind! You won’t want to stop trying new tacos!

The Boxyard: This Fourth Ave shipping container development (I know… sounds weird) opened as a community gathering in 2019. You can choose from five different restaurants: Percheron Mexican Grill, Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food, Spice Box, Sal’s Fat Slice, and BC Cafe & Cocktails.

Cafe Passe: I have to say this is my favorite cafe in all of Tucson! I love the coffee, drinks, snacks, bakery items and ambiance of Cafe Passe. The best part is their hidden patio out back with a garden of trees and vintage decor. Going here for a coffee when it’s time for finals is an unmatched experience!

Bison Witches Bar & Deli: A sandwich lover's dream! Bison Witches features gargantuan deli sandwiches, bread bowl soups, and delicious salads. My personal favorite is the Veggie Sandwich and the Boston Clam Chowder Bread Bowl… a must try!

The Drunken Chicken: Sweet, simple and quirky: that's the name of their game! The Drunken Chicken keeps their menu short and sweet with some fun and quirky options to explore. Don’t believe me? Go try The Beast - a bacon-wrapped chicken strip deep-fried in waffle batter. It’s okay, my mouth is watering too!

Desert Dream Ice Creamery: The perfect stop for a much needed cool down in the Arizona heat! Pick from their delicious, house-made flavors and make sure to try the limited edition gingersnap when it’s available!

Lindy’s On 4th: Lindy’s is a true staple for my friend group. It has burger options for everyone, and theirs are truly a form of art. There are vegetarian options, chicken options and the best philly cheesesteak in Tucson. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their 12 lbs. Patty featured on Man vs. Food!

Martin’s Comida Chingona: Chef Martin Fontes wanted fresh and authentic Mexican food, and Martin’s Comida Chingona does just that. This is also one of the only places in Tucson that offers Molé, so you have to try the Chicken Molé and Veggie Molé Tacos!

Tumerico: If you’re plant based and looking for delicious Mexican food, Tumerico is a great spot for you! The 4th Ave location opened in 2019 and offers a super yummy rotation on their plant based Mexican menu.

Time Market: This is a super unique and loved spot for all people in Tucson, UofA students and locals alike! They have a bakery with lots of delicious options, pizza that will have you coming back so quick, and a market with foods, cards and gifts.

What To Do:

The Rogue Theatre: Rogue Theatre’s mission is to create the highest quality theatre possible, challenging, stretching, and invigorating our community. They present plays that offer different points of view on important social, political and personal activations. Check it out in The Historic Y building!

Tucson Improv Movement: Looking for a good laugh? Tucson Improv Movement has fast-paced improv, sketch and stand up shows every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm and 9:30pm. It’s also a really fun way to meet new people because every show starts off with input from the audience!

Old Pueblo Trolley: Founded in 1983, Old Pueblo Trolley is a non-profit organization that was created to literally “bring back the trolley”! The volunteers built their own railway system throughout the city, but it was eventually taken over by Tucson’s modern street cars. You can go check out The Museum Division operated from the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum located at the historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot where Locomotive 1673 is on display.

ZUZI! Dance: ZUZI! Dance is a non-profit organization committed to providing artists the opportunity to discover and navigate their creative paths. The company promotes a community centered dance space and hosts performances of all kinds at The Historic Y!

Where To Shop:

Food Conspiracy Co-Op: Hands down my favorite place on 4th Ave! The Co-Op was created in 1971 and to this day remains a place where local produce and products are provided to the Tucson community. You have to try the vegan carrot cake if you go… it is to die for!

Pop Cycle: Pop-Cycle is a shop run by local Tucson artists and aims to support other local artists who use repurposed materials as their medium to create. The founding artists only create art from repurposed materials, so their ultimate goal is to support and encourage other artists to do the same. A super fun and creative way to reduce your carbon footprint!

DDco Design: DDco Design also sells repurposed and refurbished art! They sell exclusively handmade products from local artists in Tucson, and are always putting out new items. DDco is a great place to go when you want to start decorating your new home!

Hippie Gypsy: Easily the COOLEST place to shop in Tucson! Tie dye t-shirts, boho fashion, tapestries, posters, sunglasses, CBD products, incense galore and so many other handmade products!!

Hurricane Records: If you love music, you have to stop by Hurricane Records and shop from local musician Rich Hopkins! They have everything any music lover could ever need. New and old vinyl records, CDs, turntables, speakers, amps and shirts to rep your fav new store!

Antigone Books: Antigone Books has been voted the best independent bookstore by Tucson Weekly for years running, and with good reason! They have books for everyone, as well as cool gifts and cards from friends and family.

Generation Cool: Trust me, this store lives up to its name. Generation Cool has all things vintage toys, movies, shows, products and more! Looking for an old Nintendo? What about Easy Bake a cake while watching Karate Kid? Generation Cool is your one stop shop for all things… cool!

Downtown

Where To Eat:

MSA Annex: If you’re looking for a vegan burger Beaut Burger in the Annex is the place to go! You can’t go without getting one of their vegan shakes while you’re there. And on the other side of the Annex, Kukai where you can get quick service, traditional Japanese dishes. If you’re feeling lucky, try to get their ramen dish only available on Thursdays until they run out!

Diablo Burger: Wanna talk about a quality burger? Diablo Burger only uses 100% local, grass-fed, open-range raised, antibiotic-free, and growth-hormone-free beef. You have to try their DB House Burger with blackening spice, homemade pesto sauce and a fried egg!

Ceres: If you’re like me and you miss grandma’s homemade pasta, Ceres is the next best thing! The handmade pasta really is the star of the menu, but the focaccia sandwiches, pastries and full espresso bar are not to be forgotten. The salted caramel cheesecake is the perfect bite for any sweet tooth!

Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress: If you are going to choose one place to try in Downtown, this has to be it!! The menu is full of comforting yet adventurous meals to try and it’s always accompanied by refreshing drinks. And no small thanks to Hotel Congress for the live music and entertainment for the full experience!

HIFI Kitchen & Cocktails: Want some pub food with a twist? Or maybe a spike? Restaurant by day, club by night, constant good time with adult milkshakes!

Miss Saigon: They’re Tucson famous for the delicious pho, noodle soups and spring rolls. Miss Saigon is the best place for some late night pho slurping!

Nook: I’m starting to think brunch is my favorite meal because boy oh boy does Nook have the best brunch menu! Maybe it’s the Godfather Benedict or maybe it’s the hidden outdoor courtyard that makes this one of my favorite places. Who knows! But whatever it is, it has me coming back time and time again!

What To Do:

Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block: The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is an art museum and art education institution located in the Presidio District of downtown Tucson. The museum spans over four acres and features nine exhibits including some really cool international and traveling exhibits. This is such a great way to see Tucson art culture!

2nd Saturdays: Once a month on the second Saturday, hence the name, local vendors, musicians and food trucks gather in downtown Tucson on Congress Street. Vendors change every month and it’s such a fun way to join the community!

191 Toole: Live music with a non-profit twist! 191 Toole is the coolest place to go for live music and a good time with friends.The Box Office opens one hours before posted door times for every show so make sure you get there early!

Carnival of Illusion: Hold onto your hats because Carnival of Illusion is one that will knock your socks off! Their style of up close magic and illusion combine old-world magic and culture from international performers. Definitely something to check out if you have the time!

Where To Shop:

MSA Annex: Not only does the Annex have amazing restaurants to try, but also features cute shops from local owners!

Why I Love Where I Live is a shop with a mission to do pretty much exactly what it sounds like… get people to love where they live and engage in their local communities!

Desert Bloom Boutique: This boutique gives a perfect mix of new trends and beautiful avant-garde pieces perfect for walking around downtown and seeing the art museums. Desert Bloom is very unique in the way that they provide a cultural exchange between high-fashion European designers and wearable art.

Old Paint Records: Here you can find the perfect mix of new and vintage records to add to your collection. Owners Kevin and Lana opened Old Paint in 2014 when they decided that they should share their extensive record collection with Tucson! They also sell books, comics, apparel, stickers, buttons, magnets and so much other cool stuff you won’t want to leave without!