The University of Alabama Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

Jeffrey

The majority of the students at the University of Alabama come from semi-affluent backgrounds, at least when one judges by the vehicles they drive around campus or the way they are dressed. Many have financial assistance in the form of scholarships or family assistance, which lends them to be of a more elitist social standing to a degree. In terms of diversity, the student population at the University of Alabama still has a long way to go with regards to progress along the lines of racial politics, socioeconomic justice, and LGBT rights. Students at the University of Alabama are often moderate in mindset with regards to their political beliefs. Some are definitively progressive and Leftist in their activity, but there is definitely still a conservative base.

Sara

The students at The University of Alabama embody the creed of the Capstone. They have integrity, values and a unity that makes life in Tuscaloosa wonderful.

Mackenizie

The students here are hard working, but also know how to have fun. And at the end of the day we all love and support the tide (a.k.a our football team).

Alyssa

My classmates seem interested in the subject we study but bored with the classwork/assignments.

Melissa

My classmates are hard working and enjoyable.

Hayden

I just completed my freshman year at the University of Alabama and I met so many new classmates who were so diverse...they were from different backgrounds and they were intelligent, funny, caring, and most of all motivated, which is easy because of the school pride that inspires all of us towards our goals.

Catherine

My classmates are driven and work hard.

Davis

Very very diverse. Over 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the school is from out of state so you see people from different cultures and customs. I've lived in the South my whole life so it was very interesting to hear about how things are in the North.

Sylvia

My classmates are intelligent and spirited individuals with diverse backgrounds and passions who are anxious to succeed.

Mallori

eager to learn more about the field we are in.

Ibukunoluwa

I am constantly surrounded by brilliant musicians whose talent, dedication, ambition, and artistry daily remind me of why music is my first love and push me to strive for excellence, dream bigger, and, above all, sing my heart out.

Lauren

Everyone is prety friendly and they are not hard to get along with.

Michela

At UA we have students coming from all over the world. While walking around our beautiful campus one can usually see a variety of students. At UA it matters where you were born, where you come from, or where you want to go next, because all these things make us who we are, and by sharing our experiences and cultures we can learn more about the world and be better men. I am Italian-American, I was raised in Italy and never once I was afraid or concerned about sharing my past, my culture, and my point of views with my fellow students. Everyone is accepted and appreciated for his characteristics. At UA everyone matters.

Caleb

At U of A, most people are considered social butterflies. Everyone is really nice.

Ryan

For the most part, the campus of UA is an integrated place but there are always certain groups of people who tend to segregate themselves from the greater community. There have been a couple racial incidents on campus but the administration jumped on it quickly and showed the integrity of the university. I am involved in the religious community and there are many more people who love Jesus on this campus than the stereotype would suggest. All sorts of campus ministries are available such as nondenominational, Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and plenty more. The main political side I hear actively on campus is the left side so it seems most students tend to lean to the left. There are definitely groups such as the LGBT which are left-based groups who make their name known. But there is at the same time a large right-based populous which may just be less outwardly spoken.

Ryan

For the most part, the campus of UA is an integrated place but there are always certain groups of people who tend to segregate themselves from the greater community. There have been a couple racial incidents on campus but the administration jumped on it quickly and showed the integrity of the university. I am involved in the religious community and there are many more people who love Jesus on this campus than the stereotype would suggest. All sorts of campus ministries are available such as nondenominational, Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and plenty more. The main political side I hear actively on campus is the left side so it seems most students tend to lean to the left. There are definitely groups such as the LGBT which are left-based groups who make their name known. But there is at the same time a large right-based populous which may just be less outwardly spoken.

Joseph

UA has a diverse student body and a very respectful one at that. This is the south and southern value are evident. Coming to UA, you will see everyday student life and immediately fall in love with it.

Jeri

With a campus as large as UA's, you are going to run into people of all different opinions, religions, races, etc. Around B.B. Comer, the hall of international studies, you will always see people from the Middle East or Asia standing around talking to each other in their native tongue. I think it's kind of cool ... if they came from the Middle East, a lot of them are Muslim and maintain the dress-code of the Qu'ran here in the states. You do have segregated sororities and fraternities, but that's another complicated matter in and of itself. LGBT is gaining a lot of ground; in almost every building you will see a teacher's door with a rainbow triangle outside the door that says "Safe Zone" meaning no judgement will pass through those doors and it gives people who are fighting with their sexuality to talk to someone and know that it will not be spread around. Then, homecoming comes and during the parade the LGBT group has a section in the parade and a lot of ultra-conservative families get very angry when a guy wearing makeup walks by in high heels. Every year, Kami-Con happens in which Manga and Anime geeks get to dress up, gather, and talk about their favorite show/book/movie. Overall, I do not think anyone would feel out of place on campus, you just have to find your group, if you will. Attire is a funny thing: you would think sorority girls would dress up because, they're sorority girls. But actually, this is how you tell whether someone is a sorority girl or not: if they wear giant shirts with leggings in the winter and nike shorts in the summer, with tennis shoes (may or may not have calf-high socks), and maybe a hat under which their hair is thrown up in a ponytail, it's more than likely a sorority girl. I am not being judgmental by any means, I have friends in sororities and they talk about it too, it's just a fact. Frat pledges wear a particular color polo on a certain day and wear a suit every Wednesday. If you forget what day it is and can't check a calendar, look for guys in suits, if you see guys in suits, it's Wednesday (I did that today). As for the rest of us, we wear whatever we want: jeans, t-shirts, dresses, daisy duke shorts, whatever you want to wear...except a bathing suit; haven't seen that one yet. Different types of students interact quite regularly. I mean if they are frat/sorority they are going to have their obligations to their frat/sorority but as for classes, a sorority girl will not snub nose a non-sorority girl because "they aren't good enough for them to talk to them". Most of the time.. If there were four tables in the dining hall, they would be: blacks, sorority girls, frat boys, Asians/geeks. (no disrespect intended) Most students are from the surrounding states or within the state: Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, etc. Most students are middle class - unless they are in a frat/sorority in which case they would have to have money in order to be in the frat/sorority. Most students are politically aware, but I am not. I hate politics. But most are, predominantly, I would say they are right but I could be wrong and they could very well lean more towards center. I think a lot of students were reared in a conservative home but their views are slightly more liberal but not so so liberal as to say they are left winged. In my experience, students do not talk about how much they'll earn one day. We are more concerned with getting through college than to concentrate on the future.

Emily

It is very diverse here, there are students from all over the country. It definitely seems like there are a lot more girls here too. And all of them are gorgeous! Its intimidating, especially the sorority girls, they start to all look alike. Everyone is nice here and social, even the awkwardness in elevators you can carry a conversation with someone you don't know. Or I took the bus to the gym one time and met a girl from MD too where I am from and we started asking each other people we knew and we had a lot in common and she added me on facebook. Its such a small world at Alabama, you never know you you will meet!

Kristin

I believe the majority of people I see at this school dress and act like they are part of the Greek community. I would love to see other clubs and organizations getting equal recognition. Most students wear baggy, oversized t-shirts, Nike shorts, leggings, and tennis shoes or Chacos. Although most students are from Alabama, there are a large number that come from out of state and even out of the country.

Kristin

I believe the majority of people I see at this school dress and act like they are part of the Greek community. I would love to see other clubs and organizations getting equal recognition. Most students wear baggy, oversized t-shirts, Nike shorts, leggings, and tennis shoes or Chacos. Although most students are from Alabama, there are a large number that come from out of state and even out of the country.

Kiandra

The Students here are your average college students. We wear sweats and hoodies to class, sometimes we dress up. But we all have that same feeling of rolling out of bed to go to class then come home and sleep.

Tupei

Most of the students are nice. Some of them are from different counties.

kreg

The great thing about Alabama is that everyone can find a nitch that they fit into and no one really feels out of place. Most students dress nicely to go to class polo and vineyard vines are popular the Greeks have their own dress code that is apparent on campus. Different types of students interact on a personal basis but not so much on a larger scale. A large number of the students are from the south east but i have met students from Alaska and California. Political views change with the different social groups but mostly conservative.

Paige

There are many different types of students at the University of Alabama.

Jeovankha

The students here at The University of Alabama are here to get an education but have fun while doing it. Everyone gets along and learns from each other, whether it's learning about a different state someone is from to learning about what a persons major is, everyone here is always willing to learn. While most of the students are from Alabama and the surrounding states, such as Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, there are many student who are here from around the country. From New York City to Rockford, Illinois to Dallas, Texas and even Seattle, Washington there are students who come here to learn and experience something new. Since we are in college, no one really bothers to get dressed up to go class. After all we are here for an education, not to impress one another. On a typical fall day, you can expect the girls to be in a baggy tee shirt, leggings, and athletic shoes, and guys to be dressed in a Crimson Tide tee shirt and shorts. Students here wear a lot of tee shirts because we get the majority of them for free from people handing them out all around campus.

Jeovankha

The student here at The University of Alabama are here to get an education but have fun while doing it. Everyone gets along and learns from each other, whether it's learning about a different state someone is from to learning about what a persons major is, everyone here is always willing to learn. While most of the students are from Alabama and the surrounding states, such as Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, there are many student who are here from around the country. From New York City to Rockford, Illinois to Dallas, Texas and even Seattle, Washington there are students who come here to learn and experience something new. Since we are in college, no one really bothers to get dressed up to go class. After all we are here for an education, not to impress one another. On a typical fall day, you can expect the girls to be in a baggy tee shirt, leggings, and athletic shoes, and guys to be dressed in a Crimson Tide tee shirt and shorts. Students here wear a lot of tee shirts because we get the majority of them for free from people handing them out all around campus.

Jeovankha

The student here at The University of Alabama are here to get an education but have fun while doing it. Everyone gets along and learns from each other, whether it's learning about a different state someone is from to learning about what a persons major is, everyone here is always willing to learn. While most of the students are from Alabama and the surrounding states, such as Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, there are many student who are here from around the country. From New York City to Rockford, Illinois to Dallas, Texas and even Seattle, Washington there are students who come here to learn and experience something new. Since we are in college, no one really bothers to get dressed up to go class. After all we are here for an education, not to impress one another. On a typical fall day, you can expect the girls to be in a baggy tee shirt, leggings, and athletic shoes, and guys to be dressed in a Crimson Tide tee shirt and shorts. Students here wear a lot of tee shirts because we get the majority of them for free from people handing them out all around campus.

Austin

UA is nearly 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Greek, so everywhere you look you see frat guys and sorority girls. Polo and Sperrys are the most common brand guys wear, basically everywhere from class to the bars to church. Sorority girls have a unique style; they proudly wear their greek letters on oversized shirts and Nike Tempo shorts. The first time I visited UA I was actually surprised to see all these girls in unflattering,unfitted outfits. BAMA's overall style is preppy and classy, so students who wear "skater" clothes or have an alternative look are often looked at with an odd eye. It is unfortunate that many students are judgmental, especially when it comes to brand names and appearances. This may be because many students at UA come from money. If I had to guess, I would say 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students are from the state of Alabama, 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} from Georgia, 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} from Texas, and the remaining 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} from other states. Most students stay in their own groups, especially Greeks. Students at UA are largely republican, but from what I have seen not many are actively involved. Most students come from a "country-club" background so they aspire to be just as wealthy.

Ayanna

There is a group of racist students on my campus, but I feel that they are just a small group who make a whole group look bad. Students at my are consumed with being Greek, either you are Greek or you are trying to be Greek.

Brittney

We have students from everywhere! This is a culture shock! I am from Birmingham, AL and when I came here I was able to immerse myself into a melting pot of cultures on this campus. There is a history of racial tension, but we have come such a long way. We are always talking about diversity of thought on campus. We have a diversity hub on campus and they promote programs about religious, sexuality, and even socio-economic acceptance. I think this is very beneficial for us as students to learn. Students come from everywhere to come here, because some of the academic programs are ranked very high.

Jennifer

We have a clear divide between international students and "normal" students that needs to be resolved. We take foreign students and put them all in one dorm (our worst ones) and give them classes separate from domestic students and all in one building. Assimilation could use some work. Most students, especially the Greeks, all dress alike and live ridiculous party lifestyles. It's ridiculous how they treat non-Greek students like trash.

Taylor

There are all kinds of students at UA. We get a lot of exchange students so it really is cool to hear their opinion during class discussions. I don't think any student would feel out of place at UA because there are all types. Most students wear t-shirts and shorts or jeans to class every day, but there are also some that dress nicely. It is really up to you and you won't feel out of place no matter what you wear. You get to know a lot of people in your classes especially if you have a major where you work in groups. You will learn to be able to work with different types of people and even become friends.

Emily

There are so many types of students at UA. Every nationality, religion, race, gender, etc has a place on campus. There are clubs and organizations for every type for anything you think you fit into. The average outfit on campus for girls in Nike Shorts and Tshirts, for boys its khakis, PFG shorts, a polo, or a Frat T-shirt. Its dress for fun every day!

Courtney

One good thing about UA is its diversity. Students from all over get the opportunity to major in something of their interests. In fact, 34{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students who attend the university are from out of state and 4{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} are international. The ethnicities of students range from African American to Asian American. The University of Alabama is anything but a narrow-minded school. Everyone is welcome.

Chelsea

The University of Alabama is home to some of the most diverse people in the world ranging from selfless volunteer and relief workers to fun-loving Greek members along with everything in between.

Preston

My classmates are all friendly and cool.

William

Get involved with people and seek after the meaning of life. This is your one opportunity to be in the same place with 30,000 other people with the same stage of life - looking for purpose and meaning. Take advantage of it.....Life is meaningless without purpose. Seek the things from above.

Courtney

My classmates range from underachivers to those who exceed the required work. A student can choose who to surround themselves with in order to do thier best.

Keeley

Everyone stays in their own head, doing their own work, to get done with class to party that night.

Susan

Students at the University of Alabama are the most friendly and helpful young people you will ever find!

DeAndrea

My fellow classmates have been eager to learn and are never afraid to share their opinions.

Jessica

My classmates enjoy alcohol and drugs more than academics, but they end up making passing grades at "crunch time".

Casey

In one sentence, I would describe my classmates as spirited, hard working, tenacious, and motivated.

Candy

My classmates of course vary from class to class. the one's that stand out to me are people who frequently ask questions to better understand what is going on in class. Other classmates inlude the louder people who seem to know everything. I have noticed that these people seem like the only people that talk and answer questions in class.

Curtis

Focused on preparing for college.

Margaret

My classmates came from all over the world, and were bright, intelligent, and fun people.

Tiffany

My classmates are friendly, talkative, interesting, and are always willing to share notes, form study groups, and answer questions.

lauren

My classmates are students from around the world who have come to one of the best colleges and get the best education possible, for they eager for their wonderful future to begin, and this will be made possible because they chose to attend the University of Alabama where all your dreams can be made possible with they education you will receive, and they know this.

Robert

They are Hungry for Success.