Because the university is near downtown there are pricier apartments for UAB students in the Downtown Loft area. These can hold a serious draw as they often feature some of the best views of the city. Due to recent revitalization, Lakeview is another popular choice with many bars and restaurants and even features Alabama's largest farmer's market. At the heart of Birmingham sits the Parkside District which boasts its own attractions but is still growing with plans to add residential housing and shopping destinations. Other student favorite neighborhoods include Southside, which is the most ethnically diverse neighborhood, Highland Park which is home to many historic but renovated apartments, and Homewood, which hosts many family-oriented events at its nearby library community center, and park.

Dining

Birmingham is a surprisingly food-centric city that many students take delight in. There are some old classic favorites like Café Dupont. Also, there are comfort food favorites, including SAW's Soul Food and Melt. If you're looking for food close to campus, you can find staples like Einstein Brothers Bagels, Panera, Full Moon, and Mein Bowl. You'll also see students lining up for Fried Chicken Thursday on the Commons. All of these places are perfect for students living in apartments near UAB.

Being close to downtown, there is no short supply of bars and nightlife with some places even being within walking distance. Students like to cluster in favorites like Upside Down Plaza and Nana Funks. Iron City Bham often has musical guests and if you're wanting classic American food and atmosphere, head over to Paramount. If students are looking for variety, they may want to head over to The Pizitz Food Hall for lots of options and dining choices.

Transportation

Like many American cities, Birmingham is car-based and does not offer a robust public transportation system. Students living in off-campus UAB apartments usually purchase a student parking pass in order to park on campus during term times. The Blazer Express is a shuttle system for students that may be helpful in getting to and around campus. Additionally, the university encourages students to walk, carpool, and bike to campus through programs like CommuteSmart.

For downtown activities, walking is the easiest way to get between shops and restaurants. Birmingham also offers the Blue Line Dart Trolley which costs only a quarter.

Safety

Students should be mindful of safety when walking on and off-campus, especially because the campus is near the downtown area. The university offers many programs to help students feel safe, including Rave Guardian, which allows you to share your location with UAB police and Safety Escort services, which provides rides for UAB students. Using these resources is essential for students living in accommodation near the UAB campus or further away.

Shopping and Entertainment

Grocery stores near campus include Publix at 20 Midtown, Raymond's Five Point Market, and Wilson Market. If you are living in or near the Loft District, check out Manamoe's Grocery which offers fresh bread and fruits.

When it comes to more non-essential shopping, students can find the closest shopping center at Pickwick Place. A slightly larger shopping center that is a bit further is Brookwood Village. There are also some interesting shops, like Goodyear Shoe Hospital, which holds a lot of history and can fix up your sneakers, or Sojourn's—filled with items from artists around the world. Other nightlife spots in the Downtown Loft area include Rogue Tavern, Urban Standard, and Pale Eddie's Pour House.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Birmingham, check out important Civil Rights sites like the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. You might also notice the Cathedral of St. Paul which was finished in 1893. At some point, you may also seek out the “heaviest corner on earth” where four “skyscrapers” were erected in the early 1900s.