There are a lot of reasons students from all over the world choose to study at the 鶹ý. But let’s go beyond and spotlight a current student experience.
Sadman, a (CSE) major from Rangpur, Bangladesh, shared why he chose the 鶹ý, and the top five reasons he’s flourishing here.
1. Academic Excellence
“I chose the 鶹ý for its mix of academic excellence, especially CSE as a major,” said Sadman.
at the U of A provides students with a strong foundation in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning with courses spanning theory, systems, hardware and applications.Students complete projects and research using technology, tools, languages, and methodologies in a range of applications.They graduate with skills to lead in one of the fastest-growing fields, with AI-related jobs expected to grow 23% by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“鶹ý has been the perfect launchpad for my academic and career goals,” stated Sadman. “My engineering courses have given me a strong foundation in computing, and opportunities like working in and collaborating with other departments have helped me discover my passion for media and communication.”
Looking beyond degree programs, Sadman appreciated the and the diverse and supportive campus culture of the U of A.
“The U of A provides flexibility, diversity, and real-world opportunities,” he said. “The top tier research, strong international support, and welcoming campus culture made me confident I could grow here, both as a student and as a person.”
2. World-Class Faculty
“But what’s made the biggest difference is the people,” Sadman added.
“The professors and grad students I’ve met here have been my mentors, always ready to guide me, encourage me, and challenge me to do better. And my department head has been a true beacon of light, guiding me and reminding me why I started this journey in the first place.”
3. Strong International Support
As an international student who journeyed thousands of miles from his hometown, Sadman was grateful for the many avenues of support and community he found at the U of A. The diverse student body, sports community, and cultural resources on campus all helped him connect and thrive.
“U of A has been like a passport to the world for me,” commented Sadman. “I’ve made friends from so many countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Every conversation is a cultural exchange, and that’s helped me grow in ways I never expected. That cultural exchange is truly my favorite part.”
He also found community through sports, especially soccer, he said.
“At the, I met students from the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America who shared the same passion, and we bonded instantly over the game.”
“On top of that, joining the connected me to my Bengali community here,” added Sadman. “Most countries have their own student associations, so I encourage new Wildcats to reach out to their regional groups; it’s one of the fastest ways to feel at home.”
In turn, Sadman has advice for international students looking for support and connection on campus.
“My biggest advice for new international students is simple: explore everything.”
“Your first year is the perfect time to get out there, attend every event you can, and take advantage of all the opportunities the campus has to offer,” Sadman shared.
He noted that some of the most helpful resources for him have been:
4. Welcoming Campus Culture
“What I love most about the U of A campus is how alive it feels,” said Sadman. “You can stroll from a peaceful, palm-lined spot perfect for studying straight into the middle of a buzzing event or pep rally. There’s this perfect blend of calm and energy that keeps you inspired.”
The energy picks up on game days, he noted, and withNCAA Division 1 sports teams plus ZonaZoo, one of the largest student sections in college sports, that’s no surprise to Wildcats.
“On game days, the whole campus transforms; you can feel the excitement in the air before you even see the stadium,” said Sadman. “The energy, the sea of red and blue, the chants; it’s something I’ll cherish forever. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about feeling like you are part of one big Wildcat family. That’s the Wildcat spirit, where everyone’s part of the same story.”
Sadman works on campus, too. He found a convenient and enjoyable on-campus job through,the free online career hub used at the 鶹ý. He started out byvolunteering, and was later hired as an Outreach Student Assistant for.
“In this role, I wear many hats,” he said. “The best part? The satisfaction of helping new students get admitted to the 鶹ý, guiding them through the process, and sharing my own experiences to make their journey easier. Knowing I might be the reason someone feels confident enough to say ‘Yes’ to U of A? That’s the kind of impact that sticks with you.”
5. Warm Tucson Environment
Sadman added that the warm and welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the 鶹ý campus, into the city that surrounds it.
“What I enjoy most aboutTucson is the combination of friendly people, amazing food, and endless outdoor adventures,” he said. “The mountains here are perfect for hiking and camping, and the local food scene is always a treat. But my absolute favorite? The sunsets. No matter how busy the day gets, watching the sky turn into a painting every evening is something I’ll never get tired of.”
To Sum It Up …
Sadman shared that this mix of skills, experiences, and genuine support he’s experienced as an international student at the U of A has shown him how he can blend his passions – sports, media, and technology – into a future career as a data analyst or cybersecurity expert, all while feeling like a part of the larger Wildcat family. This, in turn, will bring him full circle.
“In the long run, I hope to pursue my master’s degree and use my experience to create a meaningful impact back home in Bangladesh's tech industry.”
Why do students from across the world choose the U of A?