The best things to do in metro Phoenix for college students

 Ah, welcome week. 

You’re starting a new year at a new school, maybe even in a new city, and you’ve probably already been told a zillion things to prepare for your first day of class.

But the classroom is just one part of college, and there’s so much more to the next four (or more) years of your life that a welcome week handbook won’t cover. 

There are the tips you’ll pick up to make college a bit easier (and cheaper), the coffee shops that become your home for all-nighters and the bars that become your go-to for a night out on Mill Avenue. 

Let’s talk about that stuff. 

Here’s a guide to college in metro Phoenix that you can actually use, from cheap eats to nightlife to life hacks.

ALL FREE: 100 no-cost things to do in metro Phoenix

What you won’t learn at orientation

So you made it to move-in day. Now what? The first week — or two weeks, or month — can be overwhelming. We’re here to make the day-to-day stuff a bit more manageable, with everything from tips for carless students to insight from college grads who’ve been through it all. 

► Here are 8 tips for making Phoenix feel like home

► No car, no problem. The college student’s guide to getting around metro Phoenix

► Everything you need to know about biking in Tempe

► What 15 recent grads wished they’d known as college freshmen

cheap eats and the best coffee

Want a quick bite to eat that’s not cafeteria food? Need a caffeine boost before that 7 a.m. class or a place to pull your first all-nighter? We have you covered with cheap eats in downtown Phoenix and Tempe, and all the best local coffee shops.

► 15 places to eat for under $10 in Tempe

► 10 best places for cheap eats in downtown Phoenix

► Forget Starbucks. Here are all the best coffee shops for studying in metro Phoenix

Reasons to pause netflix

Balancing a full course load with all your new “adult” responsibilities is probably going to feel pretty hectic at first. Making time for fun can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the area and don’t know where to look. Here’s a crash course on things to do that even a broke college student can afford.

► All these places will give you a discount with your student ID

► 12 local bands you need to know in metro Phoenix

► Say no to FOMO. Here are 10 metro Phoenix events you have to attend at least once

How to party (responsibly)

A night out on Mill Avenue is basically a rite of passage for Tempe college students. Not to mention, you live in the Valley now, so celebrating your 21st birthday in Las Vegas is more doable than you think. Here’s how to make the most of nightlife in the Valley and beyond — responsibly.

► 6 questions answered about college and drinking

► We went to every single bar on Mill Avenue in Tempe. Here’s your guide

► Vegas, baby! How to do it for cheap 

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