A dormitory on the campus of the University of Arizona.
It’s move-in week at the University of Arizona, and a survey conducted by the university found that families coming to move their students into dorms will add nearly $10 million to the local Tucson economy.
"People come from all over the country to move their students into their dorms at U of A," Alex Blandeburgo, chief housing officer and executive director of Housing & Residential Life, said. "With more than 7,000 students and their families coming to campus, staying at hotels or resorts, going out to eat, and shopping, move-in has become a huge driver for the Tucson economy."
During move-in week in Fall 2023, visiting families of students contributed $2.4 million dollars to the food and restaurant economy alone. $4.1 million was contributed to the hotel and lodging sector with an additional $2.4 million on dorm goods and $700,000 on other activities. Families also spent $65,000 for on-campus parking.
This year it seems will be no different. One new freshman, Logan Cobsar, arrived Tuesday from Walnut Creek, California with his parents, who met at the University of Arizona during their undergraduate years. His mom, Daniella, says after buying groceries and any last-minute items Logan may need to get settled into his dorm, they also plan to visit some of Tucson’s most popular restaurants.
“We are probably going to head, I would say, to Frog and Firkin, maybe before we leave and then we are probably gonna go to dinner in like the Foothills, maybe like North Italia or something like that,” Daniella said. “So we'll hit up a couple of restaurants while we're here.”
Other parents like Corryn O’Neill are using the opportunity to savor the little time they have with their students before they leave.
“We're actually staying until Friday morning,” O’Neill said. “We figured tomorrow we could be around and available if he needs anything. We're staying to take the sting out of leaving my firstborn away from me. ”
This year, move-in will take place from August 20th to August 24th when more than 7,500 students will call the university their home. All dorms are at full capacity.
Paola Rodriguez contributed to this report.
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