If you’re Bama Bound for Tuscaloosa, congratulations! Whether you’re an incoming student or a parent making the trip for orientation, you’re about to get your first taste of life in T-Town. Between campus tours, information sessions, and checking off your to-do list, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where we come in. We’ve gathered some of our favorite guides covering everything from move-in day and local restaurants to game day traditions and getting around town. Bookmark this page now, and you’ll have everything you need as you prepare for your first semester and beyond.
Before You Unpack
Before you can enjoy Tuscaloosa, you’ve got to get here. These practical guides cover the essentials so nothing gets left behind (or forgotten in the car until October.)
College 101: Your Basic Checklist of Move-In Must Haves
As part of your family’s tribe in Tuscaloosa, WestGate is here to help you master move-in day with a comprehensive list of must-haves for your kid’s new college abode.
Tips to Help Get Your Freshman Ready for College
As the parent of a soon-to-be freshman at the university, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Here are some tips to help get your freshman ready to start college that involve working smarter, not harder.
5 Reasons WestGate in Tuscaloosa is Perfect For Parent Weekends
If you’re the proud parent of a University student, you’re likely to visit a time or two (or 20) during their college career. WestGate condos are perfect for parent weekends, offering the chance to stay in spectacular luxury just steps from the campus.
Get to Know Your New City
Once you’ve unpacked, it’s time to figure out where everything actually is. From campus landmarks to the attractions that make T-Town more than just a college town, here’s how to get your bearings fast.
Get to Know Tuscaloosa’s Walkable Downtown
Our downtown district is a charming and vibrant space, with walkable streets that are lined with unique shops, historic landmarks, eclectic bars and eateries, and famous attractions.
Summer Season in T-Town
During the summer season, visitors and locals alike enjoy low crowds, warm weather, and city blocks full of fun outdoor activities. Here are some of the best spots to spend your summer season in T-town.
5 Great Spots to Experience Tuscaloosa Nightlife
Whether you’re looking to drink, dance, catch a show, or just hang out with good company, you’re sure to find a place to keep the fun flowing with your fellow night owls. Tuscaloosa is a college town, after all.
10 Terrific Activities in Tuscaloosa
Although the college is certainly the town’s claim-to-fame, Tuscaloosa is also home to businesses, parks, museums, lakes, and local people who live – and play – here year-round. Here are 10 terrific activities you can enjoy in Tuscaloosa.
Where to Eat (Because You’ll Definitely Be Hungry)
Whether you’re celebrating move-in, treating the family to dinner, or searching for your next study-break spot, these local favorites are worth adding to your list.
4 Great Burger Spots in Tuscaloosa
Burgers are the perfect companion to football games, late-night study sessions, and all-around hardy appetites looking for a mouthwatering bite to eat. We’re sharing four of our favorite spots for well-topped patties in T-town.
Tuscaloosa Food Trucks: A Delicious Tour of Local Street Eats
T-town boasts a rich food truck scene that combines restaurant-worthy flavor with convenient meals on wheels and are perfect for quick stops between classes. And with various locations across the area, it’s easy to find something delicious near every destination.
6 Best Brunch Spots in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa takes this weekend staple so seriously that you can find a different brunch spot on every block, from historic spots that feature southern selections to chic cafes with make-your-own bloody mary bars.
Top 4 Wings in T-Town
When you need a wing fix, nothing else will do – which is why Tuscaloosa is home to some top-notch wing joints. Whether you’re in the mood for thick drumettes or tender flats, check out one of these top wing spots to enjoy a tall pile tossed in your favorite sauce.
Best Spots for Steak in Tuscaloosa
Whether you just won the game, closed a big deal, have a special celebration, or just love a good steak, you won’t regret sinking your teeth into some of Tuscaloosa’s best steak hotspots.
Game Day & Alabama Traditions
Football weekends have a rhythm all their own. These guides will help you experience them like a seasoned fan.
Football Season 101
A little bit of pre-game prepping can equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate gameday weekends like a pro. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth T-Town gameday, here are some football season tips to help you have a smooth roll in this college town.
Where to Buy Your Gameday Gear in Tuscaloosa
If you’ve ever spent a fall Saturday in Tuscaloosa, you know our fans take their gameday fashion very seriously. The big-box stores might cover the basics, but the real style points come from local boutiques and specialty shops that add a little flair to your fandom. Here are some of the best places in town to pick up gameday gear before kickoff.
The Ultimate Gameday Packing Checklist
What do you need for a full day of football in Tuscaloosa? Here’s a comprehensive list of must-haves to make your gameday experience smooth from start to finish.
T-Town Tailgating 101
Here in Tuscaloosa, tailgating is more than a fun pre-game party–it’s a core gameday tradition. If you want to avoid getting flagged by your fellow fans, follow our playbook to tailgate like a pro in Tuscaloosa.
5 Top Crimson Tide Traditions
From good-luck superstitions (never change your gameday shirt in a winning streak) to must-do gameday activities (grabbing a bite at Rama Jama’s), Alabama fans take our tailgating as seriously as our wins. So you know how to get the true experience, here are some of the most iconic Crimson Tide traditions.
However you’re arriving in Tuscaloosa this fall, know that the best part of college isn’t just the classes. It’s the city that becomes home for the next four years. And when family comes to visit (parent weekend, game days, graduation, all of it), WestGate Condominiums puts them just steps from campus so they can be part of it, too.