10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went To Orientation At Alabama

From the right Facebook groups to join to your class schedule, we have your essential guide to orientation at Alabama!

1. Join or start a Bama Bound GroupMe

If you have not already joined the ‘The University of Alabama Class of 2021’ Facebook page go do so NOW. It is a great way to meet people and get any questions you have answered. There you can get added to all the GroupMe’s: orientation, rush, dorm, major, etc. Joining the GroupMe for your orientation helps you to get to know the people at your Bama Bound and can allow you all to find something fun to do if you get there early.

2. Pack well

The summer weather in T-Town can be very unpredictable. Sunny and 95? Raining and 65? Pack for either situation. It would be smart to pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella. There is no dress code for orientation. I would suggest wearing something comfortable since you will be walking around campus and playing games at Rexpo. If you get cold easily bring a jacket; the rooms stay rather cool to accommodate for all the people.

3. Actually use Degree Works

The most important thing you do at Bama Bound is create your schedule for the fall semester. The process takes about 15-20 minutes and classes fill up FAST. The best way to make sure you get the classes you want to take is to use ‘Degree Works’ on you MyBama account. There you can look up the different classes and what time they are offered. If you like to sleep in the last thing you want is to get stuck with an 8 a.m. class. So I’ll say it again: PLAN OUT YOUR SCHEDULE.

4. Go to every booth at the Intro Fair

After signing into orientation, you go to the Intro Fair. If you like free things, the Fair is for you. There are booths for almost anything you can think of on campus. Crimson Ride, Fate Club, Crimson Chaos, First Year Experience, and many more. Go up and talk to the people at these booths. They are happy to talk to you and answer any of your questions. And here’s the best part… They give you free goodies! Anything from candy to shirts to fidget spinners and headphones. Here’s another helpful tip: you get a draw string backpack when you sign in but it’ll help to bring a purse/backpack to carry all your goodies as well.

5. Don’t be shy

DON’T BE SHY! GO UP AND TALK TO EVERYONE! College is a new experience for everyone at orientation. Everyone is eager to talk and make new friends. Have conversations with as many people as you can. Bama Bound is a great way to meet people before you get on campus in the fall.

6. Utilize your Avanti

For those of you who don’t know, your Avanti is the leader of your small group. They are students who have spent at least one year at UA. They want to make Bama Bound a great experience for you. Talk to them. Ask them any questions you have. They are your inside guide to Alabama.

7. Ask questions

I’ve said this several times so far: ask questions. There are many people there who can answer any question you could possibly have. Don’t be worried that a question sounds “dumb”, other people are probably wondering the same thing.

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8. Plan out which interest sessions you want to go to

After meeting with your counselors to work on your schedule you have time to go to get your Action Card at the SupeStore and to go to two interest session meetings. Make sure you check the times and where is session is located. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to get to each one because not all sessions are held in the same building.

9. Let loose at Rexpo

If you like to play games or be be active you will LOOOOVVVVEEE Rexpo. Rexpo is held in one of the recreational centers on campus. There you have the opportunity to rock climb, play bubble soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance and other activities. It is tons of fun and a great way to meet people who were not in your small group. If you are under 19 years old and want to participate in Rexpo, you must have a parent sign the form given to you when you sign in. If you came by yourself, don’t worry. Your parent can call or email their consent.

10. Have a plan when choosing your schedule

The morning of the second day you create your schedule. You have a chance to ask your Avanti last minute questions. Take advantage of this time, you don’t want to get into the computer lab and have to ask a silly question about how to log into your MyBama account. But when you do get into the lab remember CLASSES FILL UP FAST. It helps to have the classes you want written out so you can make the process as quick as possible. If you don’t get your schedule exactly the way you want don’t worry. You can always go back later and add/drop classes.