Aug. 15, 2024

U of A move-in spending generates millions for local economy; fall move-in starts Aug. 20 

TUCSON, Ariz. — A survey from University of Arizona Housing & Residential Life found that during the week of dorm move-in, new Wildcats and their families from outside of Tucson contribute almost $10 million to the local economy through visitor spending. 

This year, dorm move-in will take place Aug. 20-24, and Housing & Residential Life will welcome more than 7,500 students to their new on-campus homes. All 23 dorms are at capacity. 

"People come from all over the country to move their students into their dorms at U of A," said Alex Blandeburgo, chief housing officer and executive director of Housing & Residential Life. "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."  

Housing & Residential Life sends a survey annually to thousands of Wildcat families following the week of move-in, seeking feedback on their experience. The 2023 survey included questions designed to collect data from non-local visitors about on-campus and off-campus spending during move-in week. 

The economic impact survey focused exclusively on the influx of money into Tucson. During fall 2023 move-in, which took place Aug. 22-26, visiting families contributed $4.1 million to the hotel and lodging sector and $2.4 million to the restaurant and food economy. They also spent $2.4 million on consumer staples (dorm goods) and $700,000 on other activities. Additionally, they spent $65,000 on parking on campus, bringing the total economic impact to more than $9.6 million.

This year's move-in dates and times are: 

  • Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, Aug. 21, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Aug. 22, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • Friday, Aug. 23, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Classes begin Monday, Aug. 26.

Additional move-in information is available on the Housing & Residential Life website.

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Media contacts:  
Dana Robbins-Murray 
Housing & Residential Life
520-403-3033 
robbinsmurray@arizona.edu

Ali Santander 
Housing & Residential Life
520-247-1833  
asantander@arizona.edu

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