Incoming Graduate Student Resources
Resources for completing UAB requirements, finding housing, getting settled, and connecting with the graduate student community.
Before You Arrive
Official UAB onboarding steps and useful student-created guidance.
Start with the official Graduate Admissions checklist for university-wide steps such as orientation, immunizations, insurance, registration, and your ONE Card. Confirm course selections with your advisor before registering in BlazerNET.
Activate your BlazerID for UAB email, Canvas, and BlazerNET. Then register for B-Alert emergency notifications.
International graduate students should also complete Office of Global Engagement steps that are unique to F-1/J-1 status:
- Form I-20 and student visa process
- SEVIS fee and pre-arrival checklists
- New International Student Orientation (NISO) and graduate welcome sessions
A student-created guide with practical tips for settling in at UAB. Written for Graduate Biomedical Sciences students, but useful for many incoming graduate students. It does not replace official UAB or program instructions.
Explore the Unofficial GBS GuideFinding Housing and Getting Around
Apartment listings, housing guidance, and transportation options in Birmingham.
- Search apartments, shared housing, and roommate options through UAB's off-campus housing service
- Review lease guidance, tenant responsibilities, and commuting tips in the Off-Campus Student Guide
- Evaluate each property and landlord carefully before signing a lease
A free Birmingham apartment locator (not affiliated with UAB). Renters are not charged; apartment management companies pay RentMonster a commission.
Visit RentMonster- Blazer Express: Fare-free campus buses with a valid UAB ID (weekday hours vary by route)
- Safety Escort: Late-night on-demand vans within the UAB footprint, about 9:00 p.m.–5:30 a.m. via TapRide or phone
- Parking: Review student parking options and permit requirements before you move
- MAX Transit: Birmingham-area bus routes; plan trips with MAX Connect
- Birmingham On-Demand: Shared rides in designated zones for $1.50; book in the Birmingham On-Demand app
Academic and Campus Support
Student ID, academic policies, and campus services.
Your student ID for building access, parking, meal plans, BlazerBucks, and other campus services.
Get ONE Card InformationAcademic policies, degree requirements, forms, and deadlines.
Help with student accounts, financial aid, residency, and referrals to other UAB offices.
Visit One Stop- UAB Libraries
- University Writing Center
- Disability Support Services
- Student health and counseling
- Career support
Graduate Student Community
Organizations and peer groups for connecting with other graduate students.
Find registered graduate organizations on Engage by program, identity, professional interest, or activity.
Find Graduate Student Organizations- UAB Labs Slack: Includes an active datascience channel
- UAB Graduate Students GroupMe: General graduate student discussion and community