A wide range of cultural events is provided by the University and civic organizations. Outdoor recreational facilities and collegiate athletics flourish in a climate that allows year-round participation in outdoor activities. The UA was established in 1885 as a Land Grant institution. Less than 100 of 3,000 institutions have this classification. The University of Arizona Library has over 5,000,000 items and ranks in the top twenty research libraries in the nation.
University students display remarkable diversity in geographic and ethnic origin.
Students come from every state of the Union and over 100 countries throughout the world. The population is divided almost evenly between men and women. Mexican American, African American, and Indian American populations are steadily increasing. The University is a complete community offering housing, health services, food services, recreation, libraries, theaters, organizations, open space, and, most of all, interesting and diverse people. The area is known for its moderate climate, beautiful environs, and fostering of the arts, sciences, and sports.