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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Climbing up Tumamoc Hill.
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!
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!
El hot dog sonorense de EL Güero Canelo fotografiado en el 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.
The first Eegee’s was a truck, founded with $2,500 of investment capital.
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.
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.
Do you agree with this one?
Probably the most common nickname for Tucson you'll hear is The Old Pueblo.
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.
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