Academics
At The University of Alabama at Birmingham, professors and administrators “care about you.” “For many of the professors, it’s not just about a grade in a class that you are taking. Rather it’s an experience and preparation for any of our further endeavors.” The professors here are “experts in their fields,” they’re “accessible and exciting,” and “they’re down-toearth enough to give students a real view of what it’s like to enter the world of academia.” Despite the fact that this is a large university, there are “small class sizes in even the 100level classes,” and “many professors are available for help outside the classroom and care about teaching their subjects to the students.” Of particular note, students say professors in the science departments “are great. They do a great job with interactive learning, and they really put forth every effort to make sure that those who want help get it.” Academically, students feel that the workload is rigorous, but “certainly worth the challenge.” As one student notes, a graduate tends to feel like “a better person for having experienced the challenge of UAB as well as the diversity.” With a biannual student forum, “the faculty and administration are very close with students and actively look to pursuing perfection and improving the collegiate experience.”
Student Body
“Everyone is so diverse that there is...something for everyone to get involved in.” With more than 250 campus organizations, students say you’d “have to choose to not become involved.” Many students love “how no one looks down on anyone,” and how “everyone is so down to earth!” Most feel that they all come “from modest households.” Regarding potential changes that could be made, “the meal plan situation could use some serious help.” At UAB students feel, “it is easy to find a place where you fit in,” although the student body will insist that “there is no typical student!” In general, students are “hardworking and serious,” while doing their best to always “enjoy weekend fun with friends.”
Campus Life
“Campus life is vibrant and exciting,” boasts the student body. Students “love the size of the school,” finding it “like a small town in a big city.” The impression is that “the campus is large enough that [you] meet and see new faces daily, but small enough to where [you] have personal relationships with teachers and the administration.” Additionally, “there is a genuine interest among students in learning about the other cultures and religions represented on campus and in other cultures around the world.” UAB “strongly encourages their students to get involved on campus in some shape or form,” presenting the student body with such opportunities as “the widely used Campus Recreation Center where students can take free U-Fit Classes (kickboxing, krunk/hip-hop class, yoga, spin, etc.), swim in the wave pool, climb the rock wall, or play intramurals (flag football, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, slow pitch softball, etc.).” In addition, the surrounding city of Birmingham has a list of attractions that “goes on and on,” such that “students can dine or shop at the many malls located throughout the city. There are also many museums, art shows, concerts, dance clubs, [and] movie theaters to choose from.” As one student puts it, “the problem [is] having to narrow down opportunities, rather than having to find something to do.”
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