2026 Bama Bound Schedule

2026 Bama Bound Schedule

Bama Bound Schedule Overview

During Bama Bound, students and guests will connect with multiple campus partners and student leaders.

Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. Following the conclusion of the day’s sessions, campus offices will be open to answer any remaining questions before you depart. 

Important Reminders:

  • Students must attend all scheduled sessions to be cleared for course registration.
  • Nametags must be worn at all times.
  • The schedule is tentative and subject to change. A more detailed itinerary will be provided at check-in.

One-Day Bama Bound Schedule

On-Campus Lodging

If you choose to stay on campus during Bama Bound, your lodging will be at Ridgecrest South.

Check-In

On the night you check in, please plan to arrive between 4 and 6 p.m. at Ridgecrest South (students only). You will be assigned suitemates at check-in.

If you arrive before your session begins, please leave your luggage in your vehicle if possible. If you do not have a vehicle with you, ask a member of the professional staff for assistance.

Check-Out

You will need to check out at Ridgecrest South between 6 and 7:45 a.m. on your check-out date. If needed, a luggage hold is available at Ridgecrest South.

TimeSession Information
7:45-8:20 a.m.ORIENTATION CHECK-IN
Student Center, Great Hall

Pick up your nametag, schedule and Bama Bound bag!
7:45-8:30 a.m.CAPSTONE CONNECTIONS INFORMATION FAIR
Student Center, 2nd and 3rd Floors

Meet with campus departments around UA, learn about their services and how you can get involved.
8:40-9 a.m.WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Welcome to the Capstone! Hear from university leadership and get excited for the start of your journey.
9-9:15 a.m.BUILT BY BAMA
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Learn more about The University of Alabama’s general education curriculum.
9:15-9:30 a.m.GET ROLLING AT BAMA BOUND
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Hear about expectations during orientation and tips for making your time here a success.
9:45-11:45 a.m.COLLEGE AND SCHOOL VISIT #1
Follow Your Orientation Leader!

Explore academic traditions at UA. During this session, you will learn about opportunities within your academic college, meet your advisors and plan your schedule of classes for fall.
noon-12:45 p.m.SESSION I
Group 1: Lunch | Student Center Food Court
Follow your Orientation Leaders!

Group 2: The Tide Experience | Student Center
Learn important inside information about campus life from the student perspective.

Freshman Experience: 2nd Floor Theater | Transfer Experience: Ballroom
12:45-1:30 p.m.SESSION II
Group 1: The Tide Experience | Student Center
Learn important inside information about campus life from the student perspective.

Group 2: Lunch | The University of Alabama Student Center Food Court
Follow your Orientation Leaders!

Freshman Experience: 2nd Floor Theater | Transfer Experience: Ballroom
1:40-1:50 p.m.TIDE HEALTH & WELLNESS
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Student Health Center and Pharmacy will detail their services and provide information on the benefits of staying well.
1:50-2:05 p.m.THE ROAD TO SUCCESS WITH CCSS
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Capstone Center for Student Success Learning Commons will offer advice and tips for being successful in your first year at UA, and information about their resources.
2:05-2:20 p.m.UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Learn more about the fantastic programs hosted by the UP team and discover ways to stay involved throughout the academic year.
2:20-2:35 p.m.STUDENT ACCOUNT SERVICES AND FINANCIAL AID
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Find out more about your student bill, payment options, and ways to pay.
2:35-2:50 PMHOUSING
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Hear about on- and off-campus housing and how to be a good community member.
3-5 p.m.COLLEGE AND SCHOOL VISIT #2
Various Locations

Work with Orientation Leaders and advisors to register for your first semester courses!

Two-Day Bama Bound Schedule

On-Campus Lodging

On-campus lodging during Bama Bound is located at Ridgecrest South.

Check-In*

If you have requested housing for the night before or the night of day one, please plan to arrive between 4-6 p.m. to check in at Ridgecrest South (students only). You will be assigned suitemates at check-In.

Check-Out

You will need to check out at Ridgecrest South between 6-7:45 a.m. on your checkout date. Luggage hold, if needed, is available at Ridgecrest South.

Day One

Students must attend all required sessions to be cleared to register for classes. Sessions with an asterisk are optional but encouraged. Nametags must be worn at all times.

TimeSession Information
7:45-8:20 a.m.ORIENTATION CHECK-IN
Student Center, Great Hall

Pick up your nametag, schedule and Bama Bound bag!
8:30-8:50 a.m.WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Welcome to the Capstone! Hear from university leadership and get excited for the start of your journey.
8:50-9:05 a.m.BUILT BY BAMA
Student Center, Ballroom, 3rd Floor

Learn more about The University of Alabama’s general education curriculum.
9:05-9:20 a.m.GET ROLLING AT BAMA BOUND
Student Center, 3rd Floor

Hear about expectations during orientation and tips for making your time here a success.
9:30-10:10 a.m.ORIENTATION SMALL GROUP
Follow Your Orientation Leader!

You’ll meet the rest of your group and your Orientation Leaders! You’ll get information about transitioning to the college environment and kick off your Bama Bound experience.
10:20 a.m.-noonCHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

10:20 a.m.noon | Capstone Connections Information Fair
Student Center, 2nd and 3rd Floors
Meet with campus departments from around UA, learn about their services, offerings and how you can get involved.

10:20-11:45 AM | Big Al’s Breakout Sessions elephant
Student Center, Various Locations
Block 1: 10:20-10:45 a.m.
Block 2: 10:50-11:15 a.m.
Block 3: 11:20-11:45 a.m.
See session descriptions below table.
12:05-1:15 p.m.LUNCH
Lakeside Dining Hall

Meet your Orientation Leaders downstairs in the Student Center Plaza at 12:05 p.m. Follow your orientation Small Group to enjoy a taste of what your Bama Dining experience will offer.
1:30-2:15 p.m.MY DAYS AT UA
Russell Hall Auditorium

Learn how to make the most of your time at The University of Alabama with a presentation from our UA First office.
2:30-5 p.m.COLLEGE AND SCHOOL VISIT #1
Follow Your Orientation Leader!

Explore academic traditions at UA. During this session, you will learn about opportunities within your academic college, meet your advisors and plan your schedule of classes for fall. Family members will meet up with you at the College and School Visit location.
5-6:30 p.m.DINNER
Lakeside Dining Hall

Enjoy dinner with fellow students and Orientation Leaders! Family members may join you in lieu of their optional Parent & Family Orientation evening programming.
7:30-9:30 p.m.LATE NIGHT WITH THE TIDE*
Ridgecrest South, Various Locations

Take some time to relax after a long day! Wind down with some cookies, UA trivia, cozy conversations and board games, and get to know more about your future classmates.

elephant Big Al’s Breakout Sessions

10:20-11:45 a.m. | Student Center,  Various Locations

Attendees will select one breakout session from the list of available offerings to attend per breakout block. 

Sessions Include: 

  • School of Leadership and Policy | Room 3114
    This session introduces the School of Leadership and Policy and explores how leadership and public policy shape careers and everyday life. Students will learn about the School’s undergraduate majors, hands-on learning opportunities and how SLP prepares graduates with skills that apply across fields.
  • Financial Aid | Room 3104
    The Office of Financial Aid will provide students and their families with comprehensive information about types of aid available, requirements for aid and managing expenses.
  • UA First | Room 3107
    Starting at UA is an exciting and transformative time, and UA First is here to help you have a successful and enriching first year! Learn about their programs and services tailored to help you transition to the Capstone.
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life | Theater
    Explore Greek life at UA with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Get an understanding of opportunities, benefits and commitments associated with joining a fraternity or sorority.
  • Learning Commons | Room 3108
    The Learning Commons is the go-to place for taking your academics to the next level! Learn about academic coaching, tutoring and supplemental instruction. Our peer-led skill session will show you how to transition to academic life.
  • Education Abroad | Room 3111
    Discover the transformative power of studying abroad in this session designed for students who are curious about international education opportunities and their ability to enrich their academic journey with global experiences.
  • Meal Plans | Ballroom
    Discover all the delicious dining options on campus in this flavorful breakout session and the meal plans available to students.
  • University Honors Program Admits | Room 3700
    This session is for students who have already been admitted to the University Honors Program with the Honors College. The program staff will provide information about classes to take, requirements and resources.
  • Veteran & Military Affairs Briefing | Room 3115
    The Veteran and Military Affairs Session is mandatory for any students using VA Benefits.

Day Two

Students must attend all required sessions to be cleared to register for classes. Nametags must be worn at all times.

TimeSession Information
8:30-9:45 a.m.MORNING STUDENT GROUP SESSION
Russell Hall Auditorium

UA Police Department
Learn tips to stay safe while on campus.

Student Conduct
Learn more about important student policies and how these improve the UA community.

Ways to Pay: Student Account Services
Find out more about your student bill and important deadlines to keep you on track.

University Programs
Wondering what to do on campus? UP will introduce you to their engaging events where all students feel welcome.

Housing and Residential Communities
Hear about move-in, what to bring and how to be a good roommate and community member.
10-noonCOLLEGE AND SCHOOL VISIT #2
Follow Your Orientation Leader!

Work with Orientation Leaders and advisors to learn about the registration process and then register for your first semester courses! Family members are not allowed at registration. You can meet back up with them after you have finished registering.

Departure from Bama Bound

Your departure time from Bama Bound will vary based on your college’s registration process. After Bama Bound, please check your Crimson email account regularly for important information and ensure you have met all requirements on the new student checklist.

Looking to explore campus further? Check out these historical places!

Gorgas House Museum

Built in 1829, the Gorgas House Museum is the oldest building on The University of Alabama’s campus. It originally served as a dining hall and steward’s residence, and later as a lecture space, post office, and campus hospital. The Gorgas House is one of four main buildings to survive the destruction of campus in 1865 near the end of the Civil War. Now, named for the Gorgas family that occupied the home from 1879-1953, the Museum houses original Gorgas furnishings, memorabilia and a collection of 19th-century artifacts. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Guided tours are given upon request, and the museum is always available for self-guided tours during open hours. Admission is a recommended donation of $2.00.

Gorgas House Museum front lawn

Alabama Museum of Natural History

For over 115 years, the Alabama Museum of Natural History has celebrated Alabama’s natural history through exhibitions, collections, and high-quality programs of teaching, research and service. Explore Alabama through remarkable exhibitions and specimen collections detailing the state’s natural history and ancient past. The museum is located within Smith Hall just off the Quad, and is open Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.


Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for K-12 students, and free for UA faculty, staff and students (including Bama Bound students).

Alabama Museum of Natural History

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