What to Expect When Touring The Cottages Near the University of Arizona
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What to Expect When Touring The Cottages Near the University of Arizona
Are you a University of Arizona student searching for the perfect off-campus housing in Tucson? At The Cottages, our knowledgeable leasing team helps UofA students find a home that fits their lifestyle through personalized, one-on-one tours.
Touring an apartment community is one of the most important steps in the housing search process. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve created this guide covering what to expect before your tour, how to prepare, and what happens after you find the right fit at The Cottages.
Before Your Tour
Before visiting The Cottages, take some time to think through your housing priorities. Knowing what you’re looking for allows your tour to be more efficient and tailored to your needs.
Consider questions like:
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•Do you already have roommates in mind?
•How many bedrooms do you need?
•Do you want your own bathroom?
•Are pets part of your plan?
•Is parking a priority?
•Do you prefer a certain layout or home style?
Having clear answers helps our leasing team guide you toward the best available cottage or townhome option.
Things to Think About Ahead of Time
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•Budget and price range
•Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
•Parking needs
•Pet-friendly options
•Furnished vs. unfurnished spaces
•Community amenities
•Outdoor space or private yard
You should also come prepared with a list of questions. Since this is typically a year-long commitment, understanding all the details upfront is key to making the right decision.
Booking a Tour in Tucson
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences, schedule a tour with our leasing office. Tours are available by appointment, and you can choose a date and time that works best for you.
If you plan to live with roommates, we recommend booking a time when everyone can attend together. This ensures everyone hears the same information and can discuss options as a group. The Cottages offers both in-person and virtual tours for added flexibility.
Plan to spend about an hour on your tour. This allows enough time to walk the community, view model homes, ask questions, and review floor plan options.
Arriving at The Cottages
When you arrive for your tour, you’ll be greeted by a member of our leasing team who will guide you through the community, explain the features, and answer any questions along the way.
They’ll walk you through what makes The Cottages unique, from our spacious home-style living to our student-focused amenities designed for University of Arizona students, including an indoor and outdoor fitness center, cold plunges, the largest pool in Southern Arizona, and more.
Touring the Community
During your tour, you’ll get a feel for daily life at The Cottages. You’ll explore shared community spaces and outdoor areas designed for relaxing, studying, and socializing.
You’ll also see key amenities such as:
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•Resort-style pool and outdoor lounge areas
•Fitness center
•Clubhouse and study spaces
•Pet-friendly features
•Gated or controlled-access areas
Your leasing team will explain how residents use these spaces throughout the school year and what sets The Cottages apart from traditional apartment living.
Touring Model Homes
A highlight of the tour is walking through model cottages or townhomes. These fully furnished spaces allow you to see bedroom layouts, shared living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms firsthand.
This is a great opportunity to picture what your daily routine could look like as a UofA student living off campus and to get a sense of space, storage, and finishes.
Reviewing Floor Plans
After touring the community and model homes, you’ll sit down with a leasing team member to review available floor plans.
Now is the time to reference your priority list. The team will walk you through:
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•Available bedroom and bathroom combinations
•Lease-by-the-bedroom options
•Layout differences and pricing
•Pros and cons of each option
While no floor plan is perfect, our team is there to help you find the best match based on your needs, budget, and preferences.
Starting Your Application
Once you’ve chosen a floor plan, you can begin your application to secure your spot at The Cottages. The application typically takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be done in the leasing office so our team can assist if needed.
Be sure to bring a government-issued ID. International students are encouraged to complete their application in person so the leasing team can help with any questions that arise.
Guarantor Information
Most University of Arizona students will need a guarantor to complete the leasing process. A guarantor is typically a parent or guardian who agrees to take financial responsibility for the lease if needed.
Before starting your application, talk with your guarantor and gather their contact information. After you complete your portion of the application, your guarantor will receive an email with instructions to complete their section.
Signing Your Lease
After the application is approved, you’ll be prompted to sign your lease. Take your time reviewing each section and ask questions if anything is unclear. Once everything is signed, you’re officially a future resident of The Cottages!
Ready to Tour The Cottages?
We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and confident when touring The Cottages near the University of Arizona. Touring in person is the best way to see if our cottage-style living is the right fit for your college experience.
If you have questions or are ready to schedule a tour, our leasing team is happy to help you take the next step toward your new home in Tucson!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tour at The Cottages usually take?
Tours typically take about an hour, allowing time to explore the community, view model homes, and review floor plan options.
Can I tour The Cottages with my roommates?
Yes, touring together is encouraged so everyone receives the same information and can discuss options as a group.
Does The Cottages offer virtual tours?
Yes, both in-person and virtual tours are available for added flexibility.
What should I bring to my tour?
No documents are required for the tour, but having a list of priorities and questions is helpful.
Will I need a guarantor to lease at The Cottages?
Most University of Arizona students will need a guarantor to complete the leasing process.
