Not every individual is a big fan of taking a long walk between their classes across campus. And oftentimes, scheduling classes results in a short window between two, and they are not always conveniently located near each other. Sometimes there will be inclement weather like rain or cold temperatures that will discourage you from attending class or heading out to buy groceries. Having these other options can be beneficial for students needing extra motivation. Similarly, having a car on campus is not always an option for students living in an apartment in Tuscaloosa. Whether it is because apartments with parking garages have limited (and expensive) spots or because the student does not have a car, being able to drive on campus is not a privilege every student is rewarded. Luckily, there are other options that make getting across campus easy and convenient.
UA Electric Scooters
One of the options for students to get across campus is the electric scooters provided by the university. There are parking stations all over campus, and the bikes have an app for iOS and Android that makes it easy to check them out and use them for the day. This is a very popular option for students in a rush, as they move quickly and renting and returning them is extremely inexpensive.
Bikes
Students with more wiggle room in their budget should consider purchasing a bike or skateboard to use on campus. Bikes and skateboards are very efficient for getting to and from campus buildings and nearby stores or Tuscaloosa apartment buildings. When you are short on time, or if it is raining or too cold, biking or skateboarding are great options to get you to your destination more quickly. Almost every building on campus is equipped with bicycle parking stations, and the roads feature a bike lane that allows for safety while riding.
Buses
The University of Alabama also offers buses that drive to and from campus and the surrounding areas every day. These buses can take you anywhere from your on-campus classes, to the university recreation center, to UA off-campus housing that is located too far for walking. The bus drivers are exceedingly kind and accommodating, and the routes are relatively easy to learn. UA offers an app that displays the routes each bus takes and when they are running so students can plan to take them and make it to their destinations on time. Many students appreciate this option and even enjoy riding the bus around campus.
Joyride
Another great option is Joyride or Quik-Kart. These two businesses are golf carts driven by students during the week, on gamedays, and late at night for students to get home safely. The drivers are required to go through training and background checks before getting hired, so this is a safe and very popular options for students in a hurry. Joyride and Quik-Kart both have apps and can also be reached by phone number or GroupMe. It costs $5 for individual riders, and $3 per person when there is multiple. Whether you need to get to an evening event or to class on time, these golf cart services are another great option.