Whether you're making your first journey to Tuscaloosa or back again to experience the wonderful college town, we thought it might be helpful to share our learnings and knowledge to help you completely enjoy your stay.
Being current students we thought we'd share our experiences and compiled feedback from parents as well to try and provide key points to make your TTown visits stress free and full of great memories.
This time of year we thought it would be useful to share some tips and experiences as you attend BAMA Bound for the first time or prepare to return to campus for your 2nd year+.
BAMA BOUND:
First - there's a lot going on and a lot of emotions flowing as it's an exciting time but usually also a time of leaving your child for the first time into the world. It's a time of a lot of questions and uncertainty but as you'll find during Bama Bound the University is a well oiled machine. Also know your children are surrounded by a great community and they aren't alone. There are around 6,000 freshmen each year and the students and families are in similar situations.
As much as you prepare and prep they'll be something forgotten or not complete but don't worry easily fixed with your student's quick trip to the store or never fail AMAZON delivers !
AC Hotel Downtown offers a discounted rate when available.
Dress: Summer casual with comfortable walking shoes - It's HOT outside and AC inside so add a sweater or layered top.
Parking: Plenty of parking in the assigned parking deck even if you're coming in hot on two wheels.
Day 1: You start with your student and then you are apart for much of the day until you're reunited in the afternoon. THere's a lot of information and walking around campus so don't worry if you don't catch all the answers there's always someone with you who can provide insights and resources.
Dorms - Students had a great time and make new friends. After regrouping in the afternoon we walked their stuff over from the carpark and they got sorted. Take a few pictures outside the dorm.
There are planned events and a great way to test the waters for the year to come. Pack toilet paper, paper towels, etc.. act as if you're renting a house vs a hotel on what to expect on toiletries, etc.
Roof Top Bars: This is put here on purpose as far as order of information goes. You can thank my dad for this :) Also, be sure and try the Yellow Hammer (locally famous drink named after the state bird).
Hotel Indigo - Don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy! Embassy Suites downtown, Homewood Suites, and The Alamite all have rooftop bars to enjoy.
Parent Social: Mixed reviews but great to stop in for a few minutes and force yourself to meet a few other parents on your way from or to dinner. Everyone usually has a question or two to start the conversation. Also, you are all in the same situation so nice to make connections and enjoy the evening.
Day 2: More of the same from Day 1 but shorten to start your journey home. If you're feeling like you got all the info needed Day 1 you could take a stroll across campus while your students are completing their schedules and meet up in the afternoon. Stop by the Bryant Denny museum and a stroll by the stadium and/or a walk through downtown for shopping and lunch.
PACKING for 1st Semester:
Large Soft IKEA like bags that zip up from AMAZON. Dorms the moving army will quickly unload into a rolling bin and meet you in the room. LABEL ! The soft bags have a full side that zips up and easy to fold away and store in their room until they return to exchange close at Thanksgiving break and for when they pack up and move out!
Remember what you bring has to leave at some point a short 9 months away. Either return home or be donated - Goodwill and ReStore are close by. You can also rent storage for the summer and have it picked up and returned when you come back in the fall.
Packing Checklist: If you'd like the complete spreadsheet please use our contact page and request we'll be happy to share the full list prepared for move-in checklist. Use as much or as little as you like.
Sharing a dorm or apartment be sure and reach out ahead with a shared spreadsheet for common items and divide up between families. Make sure parents are included here as us students well we might not remember to communicate everything timely.
Area:
- Vibe: High-energy, rowdy, and heavily tailored to undergraduate students and Greek life.
- Location: Centered along University Boulevard, directly west of the main UA campus.
- Highlights: Packed with legendary college bars (like Rounders and The Houndstooth), casual eateries, and student-focused retail.
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Perks: Highly walkable from campus and Bryant-Denny Stadium.
- Gallettes: Made the Yellow Hammer drink famous
- Rama Jama: Famous all day breakfast, pregame bar and shakes!
Great area close to the stadium for students. Most parents find themselves downtown, by the river or other areas for dinner and entertainment.
- Vibe: Laid-back, elevated, and community-oriented, blending college-town culture with local professionals and visitors.
- Location: Further west along University Boulevard, towards the Black Warrior River.
- Highlights: Features a designated Entertainment District where patrons can stroll with to-go drinks.
- Restaurants: It is home to: Chuck's Fish, Five, Avenue Pub, Taco Mama,
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Shopping
- The Pants Store
- The Shirt Shop - Men's quality clothing and fair prices.
- JNJ Apparel - Great for memory shirts of game days and other specific campus events.
- Alabama Vintage- Recycled Bama gear if you like the retro look and maybe snag a deal. 15% discount with your action card.
Restaurant TIP: No restaurants take reservations
River Walk: Park and walking path along the river just outside of campus on Jack Warner Parkway. Farmers market on Saturdays year round and Tuesday June & July.
Shopping Discounts: When ACT Action Card Presented
Target provides a 20% discount for students through their Circle program.
CMX Cinemas Hollywood 16 & IMAX ($5) student movie tickets every Tuesday.
We'll continue to add and update this page to try and make it most useful for you. If you have input please contact us and happy to include useful information for everyone. It takes a village.