If you have applied to The University of Alabama and were accepted, the level of "lit" probably exceeds any good news you have ever heard. UA is literally the best university there is. Period.
However, there are a number of things you may not know before getting to the amazing campus that is UA.
Here's just a few:
1. It will rain EVERY SINGLE TUESDAY.
Clearly, there's no way to know that it will rain every Tuesday but it does seem to rain at least once a week. Always keep an umbrella and rain jacket. It is your lifeline.
2. Your Crimson email is your best friend.
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR EMAIL. You will find out every important piece of information from your crimson email. Class cancellations, deadlines, homework/test information etc. You can save yourself from so much just by routing your notifications to your phone!
3. Never buy your textbooks before classes start!
You may or may not need the books that you think you need! Waiting until you get the syllabus is always your best bet when getting textbooks.
4. The SupeStore is not your only option for getting textbooks!
Nine times out of 10, you will be able to find books/access codes for way cheaper on websites like Chegg, Amazon, Barnes and Noble etc.
5. Rent > Buy
If you can rent a textbook, RENT IT! Do not buy a textbook if you know you're never going to open it again. Even if you try to sell it, you're not guaranteed to get even a portion of what you paid for it.
6. Unlimited Meal Plan = Gold
Many freshman do not take advantage of the meal plan their freshman year. It is literally 1000 swipes and you're able to go as many times as you want in a day. USE IT!
7. Dining Dollars will vanish right before your eyes.
UA's Campus has 2 Chick-Fil-A's, 2 Subway's, Panda Express, Wendy's etc. You get $325 to spend on food from these locations and vending machines every semester. It sounds like a lot, but students have ran out as soon as September. USE THEM WISELY.
8. Bama Cash is not Dining Dollars!
Dining Dollars = Money you pay before the semester begins to use at on-campus restaurants
Bama Cash = Money you or your parents load to your Action Card that you can use at many places all over Tuscaloosa and the Publix on the Strip.
9. Your Action Card = Platinum
You will not be able to get into your dorm, get food or get into certain parties without your Act Card. It's your UA access card. Keep up with it! It's about $35 to replace!
10. Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected!
Do not let anyone scare you about college! Have fun, make friends, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Always keep in mind what you're in school for (Academics).