Starting college at the University of Alabama is exciting, overwhelming, and honestly a little chaotic. Between moving into a dorm, figuring out classes, and trying to make friends while also not getting lost on the Quad, freshman year can feel like a blur. Looking back, there are definitely things I wish I knew when I first got here … tips that would have made life easier, less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.
So whether you’re packing for move-in or already walking to class for the first time, here’s the real talk guide to what I wish I knew as a UA freshman.
1. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Freshman year feels like everyone else has their life together. Spoiler: they don’t. People change majors, switch friend groups, and figure things out as they go. It’s okay not to know what you want to do with your life the second you step on campus.
- Don’t be afraid to explore different classes.
- Try clubs, even if you’re not sure you’ll stick with them.
- Give yourself permission to learn what works and what doesn’t.
Your freshman year is about experimenting and adjusting, not about perfection.
2. The Dining Hall Isn’t Your Only Option
Yes, you’ll spend a lot of time at Lakeside or Burke dining halls, but Tuscaloosa has so many food spots you’ll want to check out. Freshman year, I thought eating off campus was only for upperclassmen, but grabbing Chick-fil-A on campus or walking to Heritage House for coffee is normal.
Pro tip: Stock your dorm with quick snacks (protein bars, fruit, microwave popcorn). Dining hall hours don’t always match your schedule, and being hungry in class is the worst.
3. Get to Know Campus Early
The University of Alabama campus is big. Freshman year, I definitely underestimated how much walking was involved. The best thing you can do is spend your first week exploring; find your classrooms, figure out the fastest way from the Quad to Lakeside, and learn which bus routes actually save you time.
Google Maps works, but nothing beats walking the campus yourself. Plus, the more familiar you are, the less stressful the first week of classes will be.
4. The Rec Center Is Free, So Use It
I didn’t touch the Student Recreation Center until halfway through freshman year, and I regret it. Your tuition already covers UREC, so you might as well take advantage of it.
- Group fitness classes (yoga, spin, HIIT) are included.
- There’s a pool, basketball courts, and tons of equipment.
- Even if you don’t love “working out,” walking on the treadmill with a podcast is a great study break.
Making fitness part of your routine helps balance out all the late-night Cane’s and Insomnia Cookies.
5. Friends Will Change, and That’s Normal
The people you meet the first week might not be your best friends forever, and that’s okay. Freshman year is full of shifting friend groups, random roommates, and meeting people through classes, clubs, or Greek life.
Don’t stress if your first connections don’t stick. Stay open to new friendships. Some of the best ones come later in the year when you least expect it.
6. Game Days Are a Whole Event
Alabama football isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. As a freshman, I underestimated how intense game days are. Plan your outfits, know where your friends are tailgating, and get to Bryant-Denny early if you want good seats in the student section.
Pro tip: Bring a clear bag (stadium rules) and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing all day.
7. Professors Actually Want to Help You
I used to think professors were unapproachable, but most of them want you to succeed. Go to office hours, even if you don’t have specific questions. Introduce yourself early. It pays off when you need help later in the semester or when you’re looking for recommendation letters down the road.
8. Budgeting Is a Lifesaver
Freshman year is full of random expenses: books, game day gear, Uber rides, and late-night food runs. It adds up fast.
Set a weekly budget for yourself, even if it’s small. Track your spending so you don’t end up broke before the semester ends. Learning to manage money early will save you so much stress.
9. Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in everything – staying out late, eating poorly, pulling all-nighters – but it catches up to you.
- Get enough sleep.
- Drink water (yes, your Stanley or Hydro Flask is basically a campus accessory for a reason).
- Don’t skip class just because you “don’t feel like it.” Skipping once easily turns into skipping a lot.
Freshman year is the perfect time to set good habits that will carry you through the rest of college.
10. Enjoy It — Freshman Year Flies By
It feels long when you’re in it, but freshman year goes by so fast. One day you’re moving into your dorm, the next you’re packing up for summer wondering how it’s already over.
Say yes to things — go to the events, meet new people, walk the Quad at sunset. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The memories you make freshman year will stick with you long after college.
Wrapping It Up
Looking back, there are so many things I wish I knew as a freshman at UA. I wish I knew I didn’t have to figure everything out immediately, that the Rec was free, that game days were a full-day commitment, and that it was normal for friendships to shift. Most importantly, I wish I knew how fast it would all go.
If you’re starting your freshman year, remember this: it’s okay to be nervous, it’s okay to not have everything perfect, and it’s okay to figure it out as you go. The best part of college is learning, not just in class, but about yourself, your friends, and what you want from your time here.
So take a breath, grab your backpack, and step onto campus. You’ve got this.
Click here for tips for a morning routine that works.
