The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa (UA)

Founded in 1831, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa offers an educational experience ripe with "significant academic resources and infrastructure." Students can enroll in "strong academic programs that rank highly," and while there is a range of difficulty across different fields of study, many classes "provide the opportunities for deep, sustained, and interesting engagement with the course material." The undergrad experience is elevated by "many outstanding, passionate, and brilliant professors" who "teach from a real-world perspective" and provide "extensive research opportunities." Instructors are known for putting "a ton of strategy and preparation into their lectures," and many faculty members are "amazing and care deeply about teaching." There are "opportunities to be challenged academically through honors classes and higher-level courses," which can mean everything from "[interviewing] prominent people from the Civil Rights Movement" to studying "the science of baking." Non-traditional subjects are popular, and "Many students take a class that allows you to make a book from the paper to the binding."

"Most students are here to have fun and learn at the same time" and have "no shortage of enthusiasm for the school." Undergrads agree that "One of the greatest strengths of UA is the strong community," as demonstrated by the way enrollees are known to "stand up for things they believe in." They truly create an atmosphere where "everyone is willing to help everyone." The University of Alabama campus is full of "smiling faces" and students "eager to learn from one another." It's an environment where "People always ask how you are doing even if you've never seen them before." With "such a large student body, there are so many different skills and talents present," providing undergrads the opportunity to make "friends of all sorts of ethnicities, backgrounds, and personalities." Students come from all around the world and "The out-of-state population brings different perspectives and backgrounds to the school."

Outside the classroom, "There is so much to get involved in" at the University of Alabama. UA's Crimson Tide athletics give the school "a well-known name" and "are such a fun part" of undergrad culture. As one student puts it, "Saturdays in the fall are 100% dedicated to game day." This strong sense of school spirit also allows individuals "to unite with students of varying backgrounds on game day." Greek life is a major part of Alabama life, with organizations "unlike anywhere else in the country" that create connections across the entire student body: "Even those not involved still support [Greek life's] philanthropy and service events."

Tuscaloosa's warm climate provides plenty of opportunity for getting outdoors, and "There is a strong campus culture of keeping active and enjoying time outside." Exploring nature tops the list of students' favorite activities, with many taking advantage of the "good hiking spots near campus" and "adventuring through the surrounding wilderness of Alabama." On campus, students "[play] sports on the quad or sand volleyball at the courts," and "The club sports have lots of funding," making them as accessible as they are enjoyable.