University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL, USA

Reviews

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Mae Lin from Birmingham, AL

a current student here
41 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has many tools to help students succeed in their classes. Many of the science and courses have sessions every week to discuss the lectures. Students are able to ask questions and get answers from students who have taken the class before and have done well.
The professors are always willing to take the time to help their students when they ask for help. The professors always seem to care about the success of each student in their classes. Many give advice the first day of school on ways to keep up in class and tips on studying for their specific subjects.
Am enjoying being here
I love UAB's campus! The student body is very diverse. Everywhere I look I always see many ethnicities and not always in their own groups. I am also very involved on campus. I am a member of a sorority, a non-denominational Christian association, and I love volunteering with Into the Streets, Down the Alley, and anything I can do to help the community. It is also very different from most colleges because it is in the down town area of Birmingham.
There is always something to do on campus whether it is hanging out with friends or joining the many organizations.
Bang for the buck
All of the professors are well qualified to be teaching their subjects. You will learn what you are supposed to know for your major by the time you finish.

The different facilities available to students are well kept and offer a wide variety. The Recreation Center is very nice and offers classes such as ballet, hip hop, aerobics and more to students for free.
Tips for prospective students
Come prepared to experience a college not like any other.
Great for these types of students
There is an organization on campus for everyone to be involved in and to make friends.

Simone from Butler, AL

a current student here
33 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If you're interested in the medical field, then this is the place for you. UAB has several resources that can help you get a head start on your career in no time. I have learned a lot from the professors here. They are very helpful and are willing to assist in any way that they can so that you can succeed, whether it is during class, office hours or even outside of class.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here!!!!! I have never been happier at UAB. They have so much to offer. There are plenty of activities on campus throughout the academic school year, from seminars that are informative about the academic process, financial aid, etc. to study abroad opportunities. Another reason why I enjoy UAB. Gang Green Rules!!!! When football season rolls along or any other major sport, Gang Green is there to raise spirits with enthusiasm and of course, free T-shirts and other items for the Blazer Fans!
Bang for the buck
As with any university, the price can be expensive, especially since the economy becuase of the current economy status. Nevertheless, I would say that you get your money's worth from this university. There are several resources available that can provide you with financial aid support.
Tips for prospective students
Words of advice:
If you are up for the challenge of your life with hard course work, networking with faculty and other students, participating in fun-filled activities and programs, then pursue it! You will not be disappointed. I am currently a sophomore at UAB, and many people would say that after a year or so it gets boring. Well, it doesn't. There is always something new happening each day, which makes UAB so wonderful. That's what makes it so unique.
Great for these types of students
UAB is for you if you are interested in -
-Sciences, such as chemistry, biology, etc.
-Graduate school-dentistry, medical, health professions, etc.
-Diversity
-Long-life friendships

Amber from Birmingham, AL

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a great college! I am a freshman here, and have just finished my first semester. I couldn't have expected a better experience! UAB offers many programs and organizations to help you switch from a high school setting to a college setting. Although the two are very different, you don't have to be nervous! UAB makes sure you are enjoying your new college life.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here at UAB. There are many activities to keep me involved in, such as sports, games, club activities, volunteering opportunities, church organizations, and weekly weekend outdoor pursuit trips. The dorms also hold events almost everynight. You are never bored at UAB. There is always something going on!
Bang for the buck
College can be expensive, no matter where you go. UAB is definitely worth your time and money though. UAB offers tons of scholarships and financial aid to help keep the costs down! So, you are sure to be able to afford it.
Tips for prospective students
The most important thing I learned from my first semester is to get involved! Attend meetings, club organizations, and games. Getting involved will help you meet new people as well as become more aware about things happening on campus. They also look great on your resume! (Oh, and at all the events, there is usually free food and tshirts! I've gotten almost fifteen shirts since I have been here, and haven't had to buy any of them! That's always a great bonus.)
Great for these types of students
UAB has always been known for its wonderful Medical School. However, it is now also an Art school as well. Therefore, UAB is great for all majors! Another great thing about UAB, is that we are ranked number THREE in the country for diversity. UAB has so much to offer, and you will love it here!

Retta from Pleasant Grove, AL

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This college has a lot of good professors to offer. So far I have no complaints about the teachers, they have all been fair so far and are concerned about my succeeding in their courses.
Am enjoying being here
The college offers what they call a FLC or freshman learning community. The objective of these courses is to get you the student in a group of friends that share common interests. Honestly if I had not been in a FLC I would not have made the great friends I have now.
Bang for the buck
As with any college it is expensive, but I do feel like I am getting the good education I am paying for.
Tips for prospective students
If I were to offer any tips they would have to be to make good friends that are going to have your back and support you. Friends will drag you to class and to study sessions even when you don't want to go, and trust me you will thank them later.
Great for these types of students
This campus is great for students who was a good variety of people. There is always something interesting happening on campus even if it is after midnight. It is a very exciting place to be.

Allyse

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm learning a lot here at UAB. I'm only a freshman and this is my second semester, but the professors that I've had have all been wonderful and the material they taught was interesting. I really believe that you'll learn as much as you want to learn and I'm sure making the most out of my education. The advisors help a lot with recommending the classes that you should take. Over all I can't complain about my school, its perfect.
Am enjoying being here
I love being at school and it's not just the freedom either. I've met some really good people who I believe will be life long friends. We laugh together all the time and we have fun even when there is nothing to do.
Bang for the buck
The money you pay to go to school at UAB is money well spent because the campus is beautiful and it looks exactly like the pictures in the brochures. There are activities for the students to participate in all the time and facilities that we can use are amazing, clean, and up-to-date.
Tips for prospective students
My tips for students who want to attend UAB are keep a positive attitude about everything, work hard, but have fun too, and prepare yourself because college is a lot of freedom all at rushing in at one time. I learned that talking to people about what to expect helped me a lot, but somethings I had to learn for myself. Explore the campus, get to know people, and enjoy this experience!!!!!!!!!!
Great for these types of students
UAB is a great school for anyone who loves diversity and a good atmosphere, but particularly best for students who want to major in health professions and the medical field. I am a political science major and I love the school and the people here, but we are all different so make a choice that has your best interest in mind.

Lindsey from Alabama

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am amazed at how much I have learned so far and I only have one semester completed. In addition to all that I learned in my coursework – Chemistry, English Comp, Pre-Calculus Trig, Psychology, and Public Health – I have learned so much outside of the classroom. I have meet people from different cultures and countries and with different beliefs. I learned how different and at the same time how similar they are to me. I have learned that I can’t wait until the last minute to start studying for a test like I could when I was in high school! I have learned to try not to get caught up in everything that goes on every single day. There is always something going on in the dorm and in every other part of campus. I learned that I need to stay focused on school work while still participating in the fun stuff. I have learned how to get involved, while still making time for fun and meeting new friends. I have learned that you don’t wash white clothes with anything red!
Am enjoying being here
I love it at UAB. I have the best classes, teachers, friends, boyfriend, dorm and family anyone could ask for. My life is amazing right now and I am so excited for the future and to see what is in store for me, but I'm definitely not rushing it. I am living my life a day at a time and loving every minute of it.
Bang for the buck
Attending UAB and living on campus is not cheap but the education I am getting is going to be worth it. I have great parents who are paying for my education although I need to get a part time job soon to help out. UAB is well known and respected and is a great school (it is ranked among the top 15 percent of U.S. colleges and universities by The Princeton Review) so I believe I am getting an above average ‘bang for my (parents) buck’.
Tips for prospective students
Before you come to UAB, find out about all of the amazing services and opportunities available for you and all the other students at UAB. There are numerous organizations that you can research and join so you can make friends and become involved in UAB. A good place to start is at orientation. Part of the orientation is similar to a trade show – the different organizations have booths set up and you can walk around and talk to the representatives to find out more about what they do. Take this part seriously and find a group or groups that will work for you.
One more thing, read and follow the ‘list of what not to bring to campus’ which is on the UAB website! The rooms are small and you really don’t need to bring anything on this list.

Great for these types of students
UAB is a great school for students who don’t want a college that is too big or one that is too small. Students who like a city campus instead of a rural campus will like UAB. UAB is a fantastic school for anything in the medical field so if you plan to major in nursing, nuclear medicine, medicine, etc., UAB would be a great choice.

Joann from Montgomery, AL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
As a student enrolled in the University Honors Program (UHP), I will be replacing the traditional required core courses with what the university calls interdisciplinary seminars in order to prevent students from simply sitting through the same courses they have been taking since the 1st grade. I think that this really helps students understand the subject better in relation to their respective majors .
Will enjoy being here
UAB has consistently made the Princeton Review's Happiest Students and Most Diversity lists. I think it is absolutely amazing how students from so many different backgrounds are able to come together in harmony. It really allows students to experience a plethora of different cultures, especially since the school hosts many different cultural festivals and activities throughout the school year.
Bang for the buck
For those with a strong academic and testing record, receiving scholarships should not be a problem at all. The scholarship department is dedicated to helping you find a means of financing/paying your tuition, housing, and other fees. Students who have been accepted into UHP can also apply for the Honors Program's own scholarship. Housing scholarships are also available. Honors students get honors housing without having to pay higher housing fees, which are required for honors housing at many other colleges and universities. Any student who has earned college credit through high school courses will be pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of education they receive for the price of tuition.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early ! For those who wish to apply for any of the four honors programs, you should definitely apply to the university ASAP because your Honors College applications will be accepted but will NOT be processed until you apply to the university itself. If you plan on applying for more than one honors program, you must keep in mind that there will be different essay topics for each of the programs. You definitely do not want to wait until the last minute to write them. Also, prospective students should ask for recommendations from their teachers well in advance of application deadlines. It is never a good idea to have your teacher write you a recommendation in a hurry. In-state students who want to apply for scholarships should understand that UAB has a different system than most universities. The higher your ACT/SAT score is, the lower your GPA has to be to qualify for a certain scholarship, but the lower your ACT/SAT score is, the higher your GPA has to be. For example, getting a 33 ACT with a 3.0 GPA will qualify you for consideration for the Presidential Scholarships (ranging from $7000-full tuition/require fees/housing), while a 32 ACT and a 3.7 GPA will only get you the Golden Excellence Award ($6,000/yr.) So my advice is -- STUDY HARD FOR THOSE SATs/ACTs and work hard on maintaining/raising your GPA by the end of junior year !
Great for these types of students
those who love a diverse student body, pre-med, pre-dental, pre-optometry, most pre-professional majors, psychology majors, those who love a city feel to the campus, those who like to live in a bigger city, those who want a non-traditional honors program, those who love having a more personal relationship with instructors instead of being just another statistic

Moe

researching this school
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
This is the place to learn if you're in the medical field
Will enjoy being here
Wonderful atmosphere
Bang for the buck
Out of state applicants will need to review this category closely
Great for these types of students
This school appears to be one that will take you to the next level in education.

Danielle from Grove Hill, AL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UAB is a school of excellent. The one thing you won't find here is a professor just giving you a grade. They have high expectations with little room for excuses.
Tips for prospective students
Come prepared and ready to work and earn your degree. It's not in the partying and trying to be most popular. I say use your first year wisely. Learn a routine get use to being away from and hold on the home teaching. It's very easy to get sidetracked by excitement of being on your own. Don't let no teacher nor friends tell you you're grown now. It's not true. You leave home to go to college and you're suddenly grown. You're dumber now than ever. Focus,pray,trust what you've learned and what's been instilled in you. Grip to family values as if it your very life. Finally go in with a winning attitude and come out great. With a degree you know you deserve because you know you've earnEd it.
Academic Rigor
Take it serious.
Dorm Life
The best dorm I had was with three other roommates your own room, but with the living room kitchen and dining area. So you have space to mingle and you share your bathroom with only one person yessss. I didn't like the other dorms with no refrigerator and stove. Just a room with two people and a bathroom
Food and Dining
We have many places to dine. Wings joints. Cafe has great food and we now have a Denny's. You would really need to explore all of the restaurants. I'm a foody and I'm still checking out places.
What to do for fun
We swim, workout go to games. The campus is always having something on the green. We go to probated to support friends who are crossing over. Movies and different clubs have events.
Bang for the buck
It gets very expensive so you have to make your time count and spend wisely.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well we now have a lot of new buildings and hey we have our football team back. We believe in standing up for what's right. So come take a stand with us.
Great for these types of students
We have tutoring, libraries,media centers. The campus have the best hospitals and medical centers. If you're into medicine this is the school for you. The band is very good as well.
Clubs and Activities
Wow you have many clubs and different community fun we work right on campus. Really to many to name. However we have information all over campus for volunteers
Greek Life
I haven't really gotten into the Greek life as of yet. They stroll and party. Not my lifestyle. Didn't really come here for that. I found out that if you're serious about learning you don't really have time unless you're a brainiac.
Campus Safety
We've had a lot of things go very wrong on campus. I say stay with someone, trust no one and be aware of surrounding. Never feel like you're safe because you're on a school campus. At times you have great sightings of police other times none. Truthfully there is crime on this campus.

Candace from Washington, DC

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Coming from a different high school system in Washington DC, UAB has reinforced many of the things I have learned in high school. The curriculum is tailored to your specific major, and the professors are great overall!
Am enjoying being here
Although UAB is not categorized as a party school, there are plenty of things to do. Whether it's a boys or girls sports event, to dorm sponsored socials or comedy shows, you shouldn't get bored! If you have a car it's an added bonus because you can go off campus to other events.
Bang for the buck
At UAB you get world class education for a fraction of the price of other major research institutions. Especially if you are an in-state student, its a great investment in education. The dorms are moderately priced, although the meal plans are a bit on the expensive side and there is a dining fee in the form of dining dollars.
Tips for prospective students
Apply Early!
If you come from a long distance, make friends on face book beforehand! There are others just like you!
Be prepared to work!
Great for these types of students
UAB is a great school for all those interested in medicine, engineering, nursing, or medical technology. However the art department is expanding. There is even a build-your-own major program, so there is something for everyone.