Did you know that 75% of UAB students live off campus? UAB’s Off Campus & Family Engagement office aims to provide a sense of community for off-campus and non-traditional students. Here are five resources their office provides:
1) Off-Campus Student Lounge
A common challenge among off-campus students is feeling out of place in-between classes. The Off-Campus Student Lounge, located in Suite 140 of the Hill Student Center, provides students with a dedicated space to hang out, study or just decompress throughout the day. Complete with tables, couches, and outlets, this lounge also serves as a central hub for events and information sessions to provide and direct students to additional off-campus resources.
2) Wake Up Wednesdays
One of UAB Off-Campus Student Engagement’s goals is to keep off-campus and transfer students engaged. Join their staff each week to wake up with the right start during “Wake Up Wednesdays.” Every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., students can come to the Off- Campus Lounge to enjoy free coffee and doughnuts while talking to local apartment complexes.
3) Adulting 101
The Adulting 101 workshop series teaches students a variety of valuable life skills. Their most recent workshop included a partnership with UAB Transportation’s Motorist Assistance Roadside Service (MARS) to give a demo on car maintenance. Participants learned basic skills such as jump starting a car and changing a tire while receiving tips on supplies that should be kept in everyone’s vehicle.
4) Off-Campus Housing Resources
One valuable resource is their access to a large network of local apartment communities focused on housing students. With this, they host an annual housing fair in March and pop-ups throughout the year to give students direct access to leasing office representatives. Additionally, staff are available onsite to help students read and understand their lease, mediate various issues that may arise later on and direct students to resources to find roommates.
5) Magic City Adventures
Each semester Off-Campus Student Services partners with related organizations such as Blazer Productions Assistants and Student Involvement & Leadership to immerse students into the history and culture of the city of Birmingham. Recently their office hosted an excursion to learn about Birmingham’s industrial history at Sloss Furnace. Click here to stay up to date on their next great adventure!
To learn more about these resources and everything else that Off-Campus Student services has to offer, stop by the Hill Student Center, Suite 140, or check out their website.