
The University of Alabama's campus in Tuscaloosa centers on the historic Quad and Denny Chimes bell tower, with first-year students housed in halls including Tutwiler, Lakeside, and Ridgecrest South.
Enrollment
42,360
Total Students
Freshman Class
โ
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 14 - August 15, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
77%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Move-in signup opens mid-June via your Crimson email once your housing assignment is made - times vary by residence hall. Students in certain approved groups (Honors, Band, Greek recruitment, etc.) may be eligible for early move-in in early August.
August 14 - August 15, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Julia Tutwiler Hall
Traditional ยท Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Lakeside Hall
Suite-style ยท Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Ridgecrest South
Suite-style (Honors) ยท Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open University of Alabama's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Bama Bound Orientation (required, sessions May-August)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
May 1 - August 13, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$12,366
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at University of Alabama.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.