As homecoming week here at UA is upon us, I’ve been thinking and reflecting on all the reasons why I absolutely love this school. My time here is flying by and I can’t believe I’m already halfway through this semester. I feel like so often we can get caught up in being stressed out about school and forget how truly blessed we are to be able to attend college and receive such an incredible education at such an amazing school. I wanted to take a minute to talk about all the reasons why I LOVE this school and why I am so thankful to be a student here. It really is something special.
1. It’s big, but it still feels like home.
In a school of about 38,000 undergraduate students, you would think that it’d be easy to feel like a little fish in a big pond but I love how the atmosphere here on campus is the exact opposite of that. While there are tons of students, I almost always see familiar faces wherever I go (let me use this opportunity here to stress the importance of getting plugged into a community!!!). The campus is large but still small enough that it’s not too far to walk to wherever I need to go. It didn’t take long to learn my way around and it quickly felt like home.
2. FOOTBALL GAMES
I know this goes without saying, but there is nothing quite like Alabama football. The atmosphere on campus during game day is truly unreal, it’s almost as if you can feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. Being in the stadium, singing the fight song, shaking my shaker, and screaming along to Dixieland Delight is really unlike any other college football experience and it’s such a privilege to be a part of the student section here.
3. The Panhellenic Community
Greek Life at Alabama is one of my favorite parts about this school. It’s no secret that greek life has been quite influential in my experience here at Alabama and I couldn’t be more thankful for the memories, friendships, and opportunities that have arisen from it. Alpha Chi has sincerely changed my life and I wouldn't be who I am today without these girls and this house. Greek life might not be for everyone but it has truly transformed me and my college experience for the better.
4. Homecoming Week
It seems fitting that as this is homecoming week, I highlight the fun traditions that go along with it! I love the traditions and the way the entire community and alumni come see all the excitement that revolves around this week. From the elaborate pomps decorating each sorority’s front lawn, to the homecoming parade, dance competition, and bonfire/pep rally on Friday night… Homecoming truly is such a special week that I have come love so much. I can’t wait to bring my future kids and family here one day and share in these traditions with them as well!
5. The Churches + College Ministries
The abundance of churches to get plugged into and the amount of college ministries available to students is incredible and has made all the difference in my college experience. I love that there is something for everyone and that there truly is an opportunity for each person to find which place is the best fit for them. Jesus is so present on this campus and I have absolutely loved the community I’ve found in church here. Not to mention the incredible event that is Without Walls— a worship night where all the ministries and churches come together to collectively worship God alongside one another. Praise Jesus for the ways He is moving at UA!!!
6. The Quad
Whether it be during a game day covered with tailgating tents, during the school week surrounded by food trucks, or having picnics on the weekends in the spring— the quad is such a fun part of campus. The atmosphere on game day is awesome and I love going on walks to find my favorite food trucks throughout the week. Also— you can almost always find students walking their dogs here which never fails to make my day!
7. There are so many fun Restaurants.
Regardless of what you might be in the mood for, Tuscaloosa is FULL of so many incredible restaurants. In my opinion, it’s really underrated in terms of how many options there are available! Anytime friends or family come to visit I always have my favorite spots that I want to take them to, and there’s new spots popping up all the time. Some of my absolute favorites include Taco Mama, River, Frutta Bowls, and Surin.
8. The Weather + the SUNSETS
Being a midwestern gal who is used to below freezing temps in the winter, the 45-50 degree days we experience in Tuscaloosa in the middle of January definitely don’t suck. August and September are HOT, but it’s more than worth it once “winter” rolls around. Not to mention the school cancellations for even the slightest chance of snow— it’s definitely a plus. And regardless of the weather… Tuscaloosa sunsets really are something special.
9. The Abundance of Coffee Shops
In addition to all the fun restaurants, there are so many coffee shops around Ttown. I don’t love studying at the library and so it’s super convenient to have so many places around town where I can go, grab a yummy iced latte, and study for a bit. From Heritage House, Turbo, UPerk, Five Java, Monarch, and more… there’s definitely a spot for everyone no matter what your preferred coffee shop vibe/atmosphere is.
10. School Spirit
Going to a big high school with lots of school spirit was one of the main thing that drew me to UA— I knew I wanted to experience that in college as well, and Alabama surely did not disappoint. Given the fact that I love the football, the school spirit and pride in our community here is unmatched. I love that there are so many traditions and that so many alumni come back for games and events. To have been a student here is so special and I can without a doubt say that I’ll be a Bama fan for the rest of my life.
These 10 things only begin to scratch the surface about why I love UA and going to school here so much. I truly couldn't love it here more and couldn’t have picked a better school for me. As always, ROLL TIDE!
