Whether you're a freshman or a senior, Tuscaloosa is undeniably the best city in America to be in during the fall season. There's so much to do and so much to see but so little time to do it. I've compiled a list of the things every student at the University of Alabama must do before going home for the semester.
1. UA Gameday
The University of Alabama is known for its title-winning football program so this one is a no-brainer. Everyone's waving their crimson and white shakers and singing along to the fight song. There's not a bad seat in the student section and it's pretty easy to get tickets if you enter the lottery draw.
2. Tailgating on the Quad
I mean, it's like a huge party with all your best friends. Everyone's saying "Roll Tide" as they pass you and everyone is dressed up and the whole place smells like barbecue and a good time. And you're almost guaranteed to see somebody you know while walking from one end to the other.
3. Walk of Champions
If you can't already tell, football and all the festivities that accompany it are a big deal at Alabama. It's a chance to honor and recognize the pride and joy of the Crimson Tide: their football team. The Walk of Champions is a staple game day tradition that all Bama fans and students should witness at least once in their life. Maybe you'll even get to brush shoulders with Nick Saban.
4. Band parties
UA is also known for it's Greek Life, and its fraternities throw some great parties. During the fall, most of the houses will throw big parties and host bands and those are always fun. The fraternities have hosted multiple artists, including Old Dominion, Moon Taxi, Sean Kingston and Riff Raff.
5. Buffalo Phil's
While Bphil's may not be a Tuscaloosa original, it is definitely a Tuscaloosa favorite. It's typically the first place people want to go when they get back from summer and if you haven't tried their Buffalo Chicken Dip, you haven't lived.
5. Iron Bowl
The Iron Bowl is hosted by Alabama every other year and it always happens the Friday or Saturday of Thanksgiving break. No matter what the schools are ranked or how well they have done during the season compared to the other, this is the most highly anticipated football game of the year in the state (and sometimes in the country). Rivalry games are always unpredictable so whether the game's in Tuscaloosa or not this is a must see every year.
6. Get On Board Day
This event takes place outside of the Ferg at the very beginning of the school year. A lot of on campus clubs and organizations set up booths and tents and try to recruit people to join them. It is the perfect opportunity to get involved for anyone who is looking to do so.
7. Bid Day
This is one of the first events that happens at Alabama and it marks the beginning of the new school year. Whether you're rushing or simply plan to observe, thousands of screaming girls running down the street and getting buddy-buddy with complete strangers is quite the spectacle.
8. Cliff jumping at Lake Tuscaloosa
Grab a big group of you're friends and drive 20 minutes down the road to Lake Tuscaloosa. There are cliffs of all different shapes and sizes so take your pick. And if you aren't much of a daredevil (like myself) it's still fun to go and watch your friends jump. This one is best to do at the beginning of the semester while the water is still warm.
9. Listen to the chimes
If you're a student at Alabama, it's inevitable that you will be walking past Denny Chimes everyday on the Quad. Every hour, on the hour, the chimes will fill the campus with ringing and music. Occasionally they will even play a special song in honor of a distinguished accomplishment of a student or staff member.
10. Visit Downtown Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa has one of the cutest downtown areas of any college city. Whether you're looking for a bite to eat or want a night out on the town, downtown is home to a variety of restaurants and bars that are sure to please.
