5 reasons why Birmingham is a great college town, including top-notch education and late-night eats
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College. The days are busy and stressful, but totally exciting and fun—especially when you attend college in Birmingham. What makes Birmingham such a hot college town? Here are a five reasons we think it’s pretty great!
1. The bar scene is a-mazing
Birmingham is a city full of people who like to go, go, go—college students included. Where do many like to go? The bars, of course! And there are so many in Birmingham, all offering something for everyone. And no, you don’t have to drink to go and have a good time.
For the Chill Student
If you like a casual bar atmosphere then Avondale Brewing Co. or Cahaba Brewing Co. are your perfect niche. Anyone can go, and whether you’re of drinking age or not, both bars are chill spots for casual socializing.
For the Energized Student
Need an upbeat atmosphere with loud music and high energy? Nana Funks. Nana wha? Nana Funks! This late-night bar/dance club is one of the most sought-after spots in Birmingham. It offers a vast selection of spirits, trendy craft beers and DJs who get you moving.
Doors are open until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, so as they say, come early and stay late!
2. Late-Night Eats Are Available and Super Yummy
Birmingham is definitely a hub for amazing cuisine. But let’s be honest, as a college student, you probably don’t have a lot of cash to dine at the most luxurious restaurants in town. Trust me when I say it doesn’t matter. Here’s why.
Yes, Birmingham has lots of trendy, upscale hotspots, but it is also home to an incredible list of eateries that are low-cost and super yummy.
As a former college student, late nights are the norm. And let me ask you, is there anything better than a late-night food run? Nope, no way. It’s the best! Luckily, Birmingham has many killer late-night food spots that are just calling your name—and no, I don’t mean McDonalds or Burger King. Come on, you can be more original than that!
I’m talking about Al’s Deli and Grill. Al’s offers:
- Fast service
- Large portions
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Plenty of menu options for under $10.
Plus, whether you’re up all night studier—or ahem!—partying, Al’s hours are perfect for a college student like yourself.
Check out their hours:
- Sun.-Wed. – 10am-3pm
- Thurs. – 4am-12am
- Fri.-Sat. – 24 hours
See what I mean?
3. There’s Always Something New to Do.
Seriously. Say it again. There is always something new to do. This is because Birmingham is undergoing an incredible boom, which means hot new businesses and restaurants, cool new events and more are always happening.
One of the newest forms of entertainment to hit Birmingham’s Southside on 20th Street is The Woolworth. And it’s the perfect spot for a group of college friends looking for something fun to do.
Okay, so the name may remind you of a fabric store or your grandpa’s sweater closet, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right?
The Woolworth is actually pretty amazing because it offers you a place to eat, play games and socialize in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Oh, and join in a game of Duckpin bowling. Oh yes!
What in the world is Duckpin bowling? In a nutshell, it’s bowling with a smaller ball and smaller pins. Learn more about The Woolworth.
4. Sports Are Easy to Watch.
Sports fan? Then Birmingham is the perfect place for you because in this town, going to sporting events or just watching them on the big screen is made super easy.
Like baseball? Hit Region’s Field for a Baron’s game. Is football your game? Check out the UAB BLazers at Legion’s Field.
Alabama or Auburn game calling your name? Birmingham offers easy access to interstates and highways. Bama fans take I-20 W/I-59 S to Tuscaloosa. Auburn fans take Hwy. 280 E to Auburn.
5. College Education is Top Notch.
We couldn’t have an article about why Birmingham is a great college town without mentioning a college or two, now could we? I think not! So here’s the 411 on colleges in Birmingham. Plain and simple, they are fantastic!
Take the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Spread throughout Birmingham’s Southside, the University developed from an academic extension center established in 1936 then became a four-year campus in 1966 and a fully autonomous institute in 1969.
UAB offers students a huge selection of majors/minors, courses and programs. Its most well-known program, however, is their medical program. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of college kids sporting their colorful scrubs downtown.
UAB has also made headlines a lot recently. For instance, this past March, UAB’s women’s bowling team qualified for the USBC National Championship. And don’t forget the new Blaze statue that is located in front of UAB’s new Collat School of Business building.
What other reasons do you think Birmingham makes a great college town? Let us know!
