Living in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is ready for you
Every year, Birmingham becomes a spot on more maps as a rising travel and career destination. And it makes sense, with food, art, culture and industry you just won’t find anywhere else.
Birmingham is also a top up-and-coming tech market. Numerous successful startups have launched in the city, such as Shipt, a grocery delivery service, and Daxko, a software for health and wellness organizations.
Arts: Whether it's on-stage performances, art galleries, film festivals or vibrant murals, the creativity in the Magic City is hard to beat.
Parks: Explore the city’s massive green space. Oak Mountain State Park will soon be double the size of New York City’s Central Park. Ruffner Mountain is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the US.
Sports: Check out Birmingham’s sports scene, from major to minor league. Be sure to catch one of UAB’s highly-ranked teams playing!
History: Learn about Birmingham’s history and heroes at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. At the heart of the Civil Rights movement, you can visit other museums throughout the city.
Blazer Express is free transportation for UAB students and takes you to the campus and medical district.
MAX Transit is the public transit system in Birmingham that operates 20+ bus routes.
The Birmingham Xpress (BX) is a new regional public transit system that serves the communities of Birmingham.
Electric scooters and pedal-assisted bicycles are available to rent using downloadable apps.
If you have any questions or need help getting to places around Birmingham, contact INTO UAB.
You can find the perfect eatery, from barbecue and soul food to food trucks and the Pizitz Food Hall. Check out:
Al's Deli and Grill: A 24-hour diner serving Mediterranean and American food nearby campus
Carlisle's: A family-run restaurant with BBQ plates, sandwiches and Southern sides
Botega Cafe: A fusion of Italian and Southern food with a great atmosphere
Bettola: A brick-front pizza place with signature Neopolitan pies
Chez Lulu: A fun French cafe and bakery with gourmet sandwiches and tarts
Great Wall: A classic Chinese restaurant with hibachi and pad thai
To view more places to eat, click here
Birmingham has a great selection of stores for all you need during your study abroad experience. Some shopping highlights in the city include:
The Summit: upscale shopping complex with clothing stores, gourmet food options and a movie theater
Brookwood Village: large mall with department stores and specialty shops like Target, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) and Bath & Body Works
Old antique shops: all over Birmingham, with fun collectibles and unique items
Specialty supermarkets: Hometown Supermarket, the largest Asian market in Birmingham; Mi Pueblo, for Latin food; and the African International Market
Birmingham has four distinct seasons, with the average temperature ranging from 12° C in January to 32° C in July.
You will need clothes for both hot and cold seasons. If you need to buy clothing items, you can find them in Birmingham upon your arrival.
There is no official dress code at UAB, and most students dress in casual clothing.