FreshMoveIn
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University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

๐Ÿซ Public UniversityEst. 1831๐Ÿ”— www.ua.edu

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

  • Julia Tutwiler Hall

    Traditional ยท Coed

    First-year only
  • Lakeside Hall

    Suite-style ยท Coed

    First-year only
  • 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

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with University of Alabama's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

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.

Get the checklist

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