Students may also opt for off-campus apartments in historic downtown Tuscaloosa, including The Tower Luxury Apartments. Due to its downtown location, it offers close access to bars, pubs, and eateries in addition to being close to the UA campus.

Other students call off-campus apartments in the Parkwood community of Tuscaloosa home. While it is a further drive from campus, it gives the options of the Bent Tree Apartments, Caleb House Apartments, Fountain Square Apartments, French Quarter Apartments, and Tenth Avenue Apartments.

In the Parkwood area of Tuscaloosa, there's The Lofts at City Center, offering students new apartments near campus. It is just a short bus ride away from the University of Alabama campus, making it a promising spot for UA students. There is also the Claymont Apartments on Claybrook Avenue -- another popular spot, as it is still close to campus.

For those looking for a quieter community for off-campus housing, the Country Club Apartments offers different options for apartments and townhomes and is just minutes away from the UA campus.

Dining

There are plenty of restaurants around Tuscaloosa and close to off-campus apartments. Just off campus, on University Boulevard, there are various eating options to fit UA students' budgets. Students can get a quick bite at Chipotle, Jimmy John's, Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks, Firehouse Subs, Moe's Southwest Grill, or Glory Bound Gyro Co.

For those 21+, there is also plenty of options available to grab a drink at. For a more easygoing atmosphere, there's Galettes, Buffalo Phil's, and The Houndstooth. Students can get a taste of Tuscaloosa nightlife without straying too far at Rounders and The Red Shed.

Closer to downtown Tuscaloosa, there are also more options for cafes, bars, and restaurants. Students can pick up sushi at Ajian Sushi or grub on slow-cooked BBQ at Jim ‘N Nick's Bar-B-Q. Students can hunker down for study sessions at UPerk, Heritage House Coffee, Turbo Coffee, or Monarch Espresso Bar.

Transportation

The University of Alabama offers the Crimson Ride, a free transit service. With 15 bus routes to get around campus and 11 apartment routes to get to and from off-campus apartments, living at off-campus apartments and getting to the UA campus is quite easy. On weekends, students can also use the Crimson Ride to travel to Mid-Town Village, University Mall, and Target for some shopping.

The Crimson Ride apartment routes include Redpoint Tuscaloosa, Evolve Tuscaloosa, The Bluffs/The Lark, Lark Tuscaloosa, Vie at University Downs, The Cottages, The Lofts, East Edge, The Crimson, Campus Evolutions, and Ion.

There is also the 348-RIDE buses and vans. The buses support campus with residential and academic stops, while the vans support campus destinations not on bus routes.

Parking

Students living at off-campus apartments may opt to drive to and from campus instead of using Crimson Ride or a bike. University of Alabama offers permits to those parking on campus on a semester basis.

For students looking to have cars and live in off-campus apartments they can purchase a Commuter permit from UA. Students can purchase a permit for fall for $345, spring for $230, and summer for $100.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the University of Alabama uses UA Alerts for its emergency notification system. They also have a mobile app to offer shelter locations and on-campus safety features -- UA Safety App.

The University of Alabama also highlights safe After-Dark Walking routes across the UA campus, along with multiple emergency phones placed throughout the UA campus.

Shopping

UA students have plenty of options when it comes to shopping near their off-campus apartments. For grocery shopping, there is the Publix Super Market at University Town Center or Piggly Wiggly that is also near off-campus apartments.

As far as retail therapy goes, there are multiple shopping spots down McFarland Boulevard East. At the Shoppes at Legacy Park, there's Cost Plus World Market and Five Below. Further down at Midtown Village, there's Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Best Buy, and the Nike Factory Store. For a traditional mall experience, there's University Mall, where students can dine and shop. As mentioned previously, students can use the Crimson Ride to travel to University Mall on the weekend.