Are you Bama Bound??
- May 17th, 2017
- in Uncategorized
I’d like to start by saying congratulations on committing and Roll Tide! As your senior year of high school comes to a close, I wish you the best finishing the year strong. Perhaps you may have already graduated- in which case, congratulations again! The end of high school can be difficult for many students. After all, graduating signifies the end of a chapter in your life. One of my favorite sayings is this: don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. It is important to reflect fondly on happy memories, but it is even more important to remember that the best is still to come! Some of you (like myself) may already be ready to start classes in the fall, while others may still be a little hesitant about the transition- and that’s understandable! As an out-of-state student from Illinois, I was freaking out about moving across the country away from my family. However, looking back on my freshman year, there’s not a thing I would change. Well, that’s not entirely true- but that’s a story for another time.
In just a few short months, you will take the first steps on a four year journey that will completely change your life. That step? Bama Bound! My first recommendation, prior to anything else, is to go on myBama and get all the information about where to go and things to bring. There will be plenty of students and volunteers to help guide you upon arriving to campus, but we can’t really help if you forget your toothbrush or your nightlight (yes, it’s completely ok if you still have a nightlight). Second, I recommend talking to other students ahead of time- both upperclassmen and fellow freshmen. Upperclassmen have already experienced Bama Bound, and if you have any questions they are both capable and willing to answer. It is also good to make contact with fellow incoming freshman through Facebook. I guarantee if you have a question, there are at least fifty other freshman who have that same exact question. Feel free to ask! It is also nice to know people prior to attending Bama Bound- it may make meeting people feel a bit easier if you already know someone.
When I agreed to write this letter, I was asked about things I wish I would’ve known when I was standing in your shoes. So here it goes. Naturally, the first thing I’m going to talk about is food- who doesn’t love food? Tuscaloosa is home to some fabulous restaurants, including Glory Bound, Buffalo Phil’s, Mugshot’s, and many more. Going out to eat with new friends and family is the perfect way to break the ice or get to know them better. I would also recommend getting some Alabama gear from either the SUPe store in the Student Center or one of the several shops located on the Strip. In case you were unaware, school spirit is definitely “cool” at UA. Finally, please just be yourself. Don’t discount the relationships you build and create during Bama Bound, you never know if you’ll end up meeting your best friend! I went in the hopes of making a friend or two, and ended up meeting the girl I’d end up dating several months later (and for anyone who cares, we’re still together). My point is this: take orientation as an opportunity to put yourself out there- let people see the real you. Regardless of your interests or your hobbies, there is a community waiting for you at the University of Alabama. It’s time to meet your new family- and in case you haven’t heard, there’s a lot of us.
Roll Tide!
Zach Smith
Contributor for Campus Resources