If this is your student’s first year of college, they can start classes in the summer, fall, or spring. Typically, most freshmen start in the fall. Below you can find your parent and family orientation information based on when your freshman’s orientation session is scheduled. Parent and family orientation will occur at the same time as your student’s Bama Bound orientation session.
Summer Orientation
This two day orientation in late May, June, or July is for parents and families whose first-year student begins classes in the Summer and/or Fall semester.
January Orientation
This one day orientation in January is for parents and families whose first-year student begins classes in the Spring semester.
Sibling Orientation
To assist our students and their families in the transition to college, we offer the Sibling Orientation Program that allows siblings who are rising high school freshmen – rising high school seniors an opportunity to get to know UA, the place where their sibling will be living and learning during the next few years. Along with the Bama Bound New Student and Parent & Family Orientation programs, our Sibling Orientation Program works to make the entire family’s orientation experience enjoyable. Sibling Orientation is only offered during 2 Day Orientation Sessions in May, June, and July. Siblings can be registered by the new UA student through MyBama.
Additional information will be posted on the Orientation website as it becomes available. Sibling Orientation Questions: Contact 1-800-933-BAMA or orientation@ua.edu.
Housing for Orientation
Housing for Parent & Family Orientation is only available for two-day and one-day summer sessions in May, June, and July. Family Housing is not available for August sessions.
For students attending Bama Bound, one night’s stay in Ridgecrest South a suite-style residence hall, is included in their Bama Bound New Student Orientation fee. Students may request to stay one additional night prior to session beginning and one additional night after session ends. Additional fee of $35 per additional night is applicable and will be included in the Student Account.
For Parent & Family Orientation, you have your choice of staying on campus (details below) or you may choose to stay off campus. Learn about off-campus hotel options.
Staying On Campus
If parents and family members would like to stay overnight on campus, you can make your reservation through the Orientation Registration System located in the student myBama. There are several options for your reservation, depending on how many guests you have. Parent & Family Orientation participants staying on campus will be housed in Ridgecrest West. Ridgecrest is a residence hall and does not have many of the comforts offered by a hotel.
The Ridgecrest South and Ridgecrest West front desk number is 205-348-8253.
Students and parents/family members will not be assigned into the same suite. Students will be assigned to suites with other students in a different building than parents. If siblings attend Bama Bound they will be staying with the guest/parent not the student.
What to Bring if Staying On Campus
If you will be staying on campus, please plan to bring the following:
- Set of XLong twin sheet with blanket (Residence halls tend to be on the colder side.)
- Set of towels (including washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and an extra towel to use as a bath mat)
- Pillow
- Alarm clock, long phone charging cord
- Soap, toiletries
Check In
Staff will be available at Ridgecrest South from 4 to 6 p.m. on your arrival date to check parents and students in. If you need to check-in after 6 p.m., there may be a delay in your check-in process.
Check Out
You will need to check-out at Ridgecrest West between 6 and 7:45 a.m. on your check out date. Luggage hold if needed is available at Ridgecrest South. Ridgecrest South Desk staff will be available for luggage hold assistance.
Housing Options
All housing fees related to Orientation are non-refundable.
3-4 People
- 4 bedroom (twin beds)
- Assigned to a four bedroom unit with two bathrooms shared by occupants
- $130 per night
- Amenities include: Four private bedrooms with one twin bed in each; spacious living room; kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave (no cooktop or stove); internet service (no television or computer)
2 People
- 2 single bedrooms (twin beds)
- 2 bedrooms within a 4 bedroom unit with two bathrooms shared by occupants. (other single bedrooms in that same unit will be occupied by other parents of the same gender)
- $65 per night
- Amenities include: Two private bedrooms with one twin bed in each; spacious living room; kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave (no cooktop or stove); internet service (no television or computer)
1 Person
- 1 single bedroom (twin beds)
- Parent coming by herself/himself
- Assigned to a single bedroom in a 4 bedroom unit with two bathrooms shared by occupants (other single bedrooms in that same unit will be occupied by parents of the same gender attending by themselves)
- $35 per night
- Amenities include: twin bed; spacious living room; kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave (no cooktop or stove); internet service (no television or computer)
Directions
Driving to campus is easier with our campus maps and directions.
If staying in Ridgecrest South or Ridgecrest West during Bama Bound, you will park in the Student Center parking deck which is close to both Ridgecrest buildings. There is no parking or unloading in front of the Ridgecrest residence halls. Please see the campus maps and directions page for guidance to the Student Center parking deck.