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Department of Physics & Astronomy

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Is Utah Right for You?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Utah sits on the bench of the Wasatch Mountain range in Salt Lake City. As the flagship university for the state of Utah, we host a wide range of colleges and business ventures dedicated to understanding and improving the human condition. Over the last several years our department has developed cutting edge physics research while evolving what it means to learn and educate. Students who join are program can not only expect to participate in a rigorous academic program, they will also find endless diversions and opportunities outside of the lab and classroom. Read on to find out a little more about what you can expect. 

The mountains and desert at your doorstep

No car? No problem. The University of Utah campus is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch range. Almost every outdoor loving local has hiked the Living Room trail or the sprawling grounds nearby Red Butte Gardens. Each of these locales can be accessed via a short free shuttle ride from the College of Science.

Students, staff, and faculty have access to camping and outdoor gear to fulfill your weekend whims on a grad school budget. The Big 5, Utah's 5 National Parks, are close enough for a Saturday + Sunday excursion. OK, yes you will need a car or a friend with a car to get to the desert.

And, lest we forget, Utah is home to the greatest snow on earth. Students can buy discounted lift tickets and take public transit to the lifts in Park CIty, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. There are snowsports available for every level and outdoor buddies are easy to come by. 

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Food + Drink

Forget what you may have heard about Utah. Salt Lake City is fast developing a food scene to satisfy our global community. You'll find great restaurants and a burgeoning craft drink scene - everything from beer to soda. 

Arts + Entertainment

Utah is home to several award winning theater companies as well as countless music venues and art galleries. Major league men's and women's soccer, basketball, minor league baseball, and every college sport under the sun. Students receive free admission to the Utah Museum of Fine Art, the Natural History Museum, Red Butte Gardens, and reduced admission to other venues. 

Community Engagement

If you have a hobby we have a club for it. The University of Utah has over 500 clubs and organizations, that's not counting the community events available in Salt Lake City. Our own department hosts the Graduate Student Advisory Committee, Women in Physics + Astronomy, and several outreach programs. See our Events tab for more info. 

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Last Updated: 6/29/20