University of Arizona Parents & Families Guide

Tucson, the campus, and getting here

The University of Arizona's main campus covers nearly 400 acres in central Tucson. For most families flying in, Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the easy answer: the university's visit page puts it about a 15 minute drive from campus. If fares or nonstops work better through Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Groome Transportation runs a shared shuttle to its University of Arizona stop at 501 N. Park Ave. in about two hours.

Once you are here, the free Sun Link streetcar ties campus to Main Gate Square, Fourth Avenue and downtown, which matters if you book a hotel off campus and would rather skip the visitor garages.

How the year runs

Arizona runs on two semesters, with an optional winter session in between. For 2026 to 27, fall classes run Aug. 24 to Dec. 9, finals wrap up Dec. 17, and the dorms close at noon on Friday, Dec. 18. Spring classes start Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027, spring break is March 6 to 14, and the year ends with finals May 7 to 13. Commencement is Friday evening, May 14, at Casino Del Sol Stadium, the same day the dorms close at noon.

October is the big visiting month

Family Weekend 2026 is Oct. 2 to 4, with Friday events across campus and a home football game. Homecoming follows on Oct. 18 to 24, opening with the Lighting of A Mountain and closing with the Iowa State game on Oct. 24. If you can only make one trip in the fall, pick your weekend early and book a room soon after.

Where students live

Housing & Residential Life runs more than 20 dorms, including Árbol de la Vida, Likins, Coronado, Yuma, Colonia de la Paz and Honors Village. Rooms come with an extra long twin bed, a desk and chair, a dresser and a closet or wardrobe, and Housing says air conditioning and heating are included in rent. There is no extra storage space in the buildings, so whatever your student brings has to fit in the room.

The office that works with families

Parent & Family Programs runs Family Weekend, the Parents & Family Association and the Arizona Family Experience Platform, an online hub where families can get campus updates and alerts. You can reach the office at (520) 621-0884 or UAFamily@email.arizona.edu. It is the best first call when you are not sure which office handles your question.

What is in this hub

Use the pages here for the full 2026 to 27 dates, flights and hotels, move in and move out details, and local health, safety and mail information, plus a parent FAQ with the right phone number for each office.