Whether you're pulling an all-nighter, stopping in with the besties, or just need an iced latte to survive the Tucson heat, this city has a thriving coffee scene worth exploring. Here are the top five coffee shops every University of Arizona student should check out.

Coffee shops you need to try as an UofA student!

• Presta Coffee Roasters — Mercado San Agustín
  Location: 100 S Avenida del Convento
  

  Presta has earned a reputation as one of the best specialty coffee roasters in Tucson. The Mercado San Agustín location offers sleek architecture, open-air vibes, and expertly brewed coffee. It’s a little west of downtown but totally worth the trip for a high-quality experience.

  Website: prestacoffee.com

• EXO Roast Co. — 6th Ave
  Location: 403 N 6th Ave
  

  EXO is everything. Housed in a historic building with a rustic interior and an ever-changing seasonal menu, it’s ideal for students who want quality coffee in an artsy, lowkey setting. It's close enough to campus to be convenient, but just far enough to feel like a local discovery.

  Website: exocoffee.com

• Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
  Location: 2458 N Campbell Ave
  

  Raging Sage is a cozy, family-owned spot known for its house-roasted beans and laid-back patio. It's one of the most established local coffee shops in Tucson and a great place to get work done without the distractions of busier downtown cafés. Try a scone, and thank us later.

  Website: ragingsage.com

• Cartel Roasting Co. — Downtown
  Location: 210 E Broadway Blvd
  

  Cartel is one of the most recognizable names in Arizona’s coffee scene. The downtown Tucson location is bright, industrial, and full of energy. With plenty of seating and a commitment to high-quality coffee, it’s a favorite for UofA students, locals, and tourists.

  Website: cartelroasting.co

• Yellow Brick Coffee — The Benedictine
  Location: 800 N Country Club Rd, Ste 3180
  

  If you're looking for a unique café off the beaten path, Yellow Brick delivers. Located inside The Benedictine, a renovated historic monastery, the space is as beautiful as the coffee is bold. It's ideal for weekend study sessions or when you just want a change of scenery.

  Website: yellowbrickcoffee.com

Honorable Mentions

Want to branch out even more? These other spots are worth adding to your Tucson coffee tour:

• Savaya Coffee Market — Thoughtfully sourced, roasted, and brewed with serious attention to quality
• Decibel Coffee Works — A hidden gem at MSA Annex with a creative, indie vibe
• Caffe Luce — Downtown mainstay with fast service and solid Wi-Fi
• Ombre Coffee Roasters — Quiet and clean, great for solo studying
• Black Crown Coffee Company — Known for artsy interiors and small-batch coffee
• Ren Coffeehouse — Great outdoor seating at St. Philip’s Plaza
• Le Buzz Caffè — On the east side, perfect for a weekend coffee and brunch trip

It doesn’t matter if you’re a cold brew loyalist, matcha enthusiast, or a straight-up espresso kind of person, Tucson has a coffee shop for you. Whether you're headed to class or just need a reason to leave your apartment, these spots offer more than just caffeine. Exploring Tucson is part of what makes the UofA student experience unique.

FAQ

• What is the closest coffee shop to the University of Arizona campus? EXO Roast Co. on 6th Ave and Cartel Roasting Co. Downtown are both close and convenient for UofA students.
• Which coffee shop is best for studying in Tucson? Raging Sage Coffee Roasters and Yellow Brick Coffee are known for calm, comfortable spaces perfect for focused study sessions.
• Where can I find specialty or third-wave coffee near UofA? Presta Coffee Roasters and Cartel Roasting Co. are both highly regarded for their specialty coffee programs.
• Are there coffee shops in Tucson with unique atmospheres? Yellow Brick Coffee offers a historic monastery setting, while EXO Roast Co. combines rustic charm with creative seasonal menus.
• Which coffee shop has the best food or pastry options? Raging Sage is loved for its house-made scones, and Cartel Roasting Co. often pairs great coffee with fresh pastries.

5 Benefits of Signing Your Lease Early as a UofA Student Living in Tucson

When you start looking for an off-campus apartment at the University of Arizona, it might surprise you how early students are signing their leases. In Tucson, it’s common for students to start looking a year in advance.

At The Cottages, we understand the stress and uncertainty that can come with trying to find your home away from home. We have helped hundreds of students navigate the leasing process, and we know how important it is to find the right place for your college years.

Whether you are a freshman looking into leaving the dorms or a returning student ready for a change, it’s time to understand the benefits of signing your lease early as a student at the University of Arizona.

What Do We Mean by “Early”

At the University of Arizona, “early” really depends on your priorities and situation. UofA Wildcats involved in Greek life or athletic programs can sign leases more than 12 months before the intended move-in date. But for most, students start getting their off-campus housing spots for next fall in October of the current year.

Here at The Cottages, we typically begin renewals and new leasing early in the fall semester. So if you want your choice of floor plans, roommates, and parking options, it’s almost time to find your home in Tucson.

5 Reasons to Sign Your Off-Campus Housing Lease Early in Tucson

• 1. Lower Rates and Leasing Specials:
  Most off-campus apartments in Tucson use tiered pricing, which means that the earlier you sign your lease, the lower the rate is likely to be. As more units are leased, prices usually go up. Signing early can help you secure the best possible rate, especially at high-demand properties. Even if prices only rise incrementally, you’ll notice those changes adding up over the course of a 12-month lease. Off-campus student housing properties also usually offer leasing specials early in the leasing season—such as waived fees, gift cards, and discounted VIP rates—so signing early puts you in the best position to take advantage of limited-time offers.


• 2.Better Chance of Securing Parking:
  Parking around the University of Arizona can be a challenge, especially during peak class hours or game days. While some students rely on biking or walking, many still prefer to have a car on campus. Parking spaces at off-campus apartments can be limited. By signing early, you have a better chance of reserving a spot that is close to your unit or near amenities. Waiting too long can leave you without a parking space or force you to rely on street parking.


• 3.More Floor Plan and Room Options:
  One of the most overlooked benefits of signing early is having more options. The earlier you begin the leasing process, the more likely you are to get your preferred floor plan, unit location, and bedroom layout—it’s pretty much first come, first serve. Plus, some units offer exclusive features such as balconies, upgraded finishes, or proximity to the pool or clubhouse. If these features are important to you, signing early gives you the best chance to secure them. This also applies to individual bedrooms in multi-bedroom floor plans—some rooms may have more windows and natural light, be slightly larger, or be in quieter locations. The earlier you sign, the more flexibility you and your roommates will have to choose the best arrangement.


• 4.Flexibility in Roommate Selection:
  At The Cottages, our specialty is keeping the whole friend group together. When you sign early, you can guarantee you’ll be sharing the same standalone, cozy cottage with the besties. If you have chosen your roommates, signing your leases around the same time ensures the leasing office can place you together. If you wait too long, there may not be enough availability in a single unit to accommodate your group. If you’re still looking for roommates, most housing communities offer roommate matching services that can help connect you with people who share your interests and habits. When you wait too long, the pool of available matches becomes smaller, sometimes making it harder for you to find the right fit. Pro tip: Talk with the leasing team if you are waiting for others to sign so they can hold your spot. We’ll always try our best!


• 5.Reduced Stress and Increased Security:
  College life is demanding, and housing is one area where planning ahead makes a big difference. Signing your lease early provides peace of mind and removes one of the biggest tasks from your to-do list. Once your housing is secured, you can begin thinking about furniture, décor, and logistics without the stress of finding a place last-minute. You’ll have more time to coordinate with roommates, prepare for your move, and get excited about your new space. Securing your apartment early allows you to enjoy the rest of the school year knowing that your living situation for the next term is already taken care of—seriously, don’t wait until finals to find housing unless you want the most stressful semester of your life.

If You Want to Live in UofA Off-Campus Housing, Sign Your Lease Early

From lower rates and better room options to increased flexibility and peace of mind, there’s really no reason to procrastinate.

At The Cottages, we’re here to help you find the right UofA off-campus home just for you! Our team is happy to answer your questions, walk you through the floor plans, and help you and your roommates secure your ideal apartment.

Interested in living at The Cottages?
Contact our leasing office to schedule a tour or learn more about our floor plans, rates, and availability. We’re excited to help make Tucson, AZ feel like home!

FAQ

• When should UofA students start looking for off-campus housing? Many students begin their search in October for the following school year, though some involved in athletics or Greek life sign leases more than 12 months in advance.
• Why does signing early save money? Most student housing properties in Tucson use tiered pricing, meaning rates increase as availability decreases. Signing early locks in the lowest rates and leasing specials.
• How does signing early help with roommate arrangements? It gives you the flexibility to live with your chosen roommates or use matching services while the pool of available matches is still large.
• Are parking spots guaranteed at student apartments? Not always. Parking is often limited, but signing early increases your chances of reserving a convenient spot.
• What’s the biggest benefit of signing early? Peace of mind. Once your housing is secured, you can focus on school and preparing for your move without last-minute stress.