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One of the most exciting times of year is parents’ weekend season in Tuscaloosa, AL. Although there are multiple, as different organizations establish their respective parents’ weekends at different times, there is a distinct few weeks of out the year when parents are in town visiting their students. Parents and students can be found walking around campus, eating at the best restaurants in town, and visiting the places that students love most.
Parents weekend can be a stressful time for all involved. Between students trying to make sure their parents are having a great time and seeing all the sights, and parents checking out the scene and making sure their students are safe, to navigating wait times and lines across campus, there can be a lot that goes into planning and executing the perfect parents’ weekend. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that your parents have a great and memorable time in Tuscaloosa.
Hotels
Before your parents come to town, finding a place for them to stay is pivotal to ensuring that they have a great and easy time in Tuscaloosa. Hotels are booked very quickly, especially during the fall semester. Planning far enough in advance will help your parents to have a set plan for their weekend that will not be too costly.
Many hotels in the area have apps or websites where you can check pricing and availability as continuously as you need and have special deals and offers during the school year for the families and visitors in Tuscaloosa. One of the most popular hotels for parents to stay is the Hotel Capstone, which is close to campus and has the Bama feel that your parents are looking for.
If you choose to have your parents stay with you at your dorm or your UA apartment, there are a couple of things to remember. They are as simple as making sure to do your chores around the house, like taking out the trash, washing the sheets and towels, and checking to make sure the area is clean enough for them to stay. If you live with roommates, also check with them to make sure that they do not mind having guests in the dorm or off-campus Bama housing residence, as you want everyone to be as comfortable as possible for the weekend.
Meals
When your parents get to town, you’ll want to make sure they hit all of the highlights that UA has to offer. For meals, this means taking them to town and student favorites. Here are a couple of the most popular restaurants in Tuscaloosa to bring your parents.
Events and Activities
If your parents are looking to get the full Bama student experience, there are all kinds of events to attend that will show them what student life is all about. Here are a couple of fan favorites for your parents to have a great time experiencing the University of Alabama.
- Sporting events: Sports are always in season at Bama, and we have great teams for all of them. At different points during the school year, you can take your parents to baseball, softball, gymnastics, basketball, football, or soccer games to watch Bama beat their opponents.
- Greek life: Many fraternities and sororities host their own parents’ weekends and invite members’ families to come spend the weekend at philanthropy events, house meals, sorority, or fraternity parties, and to see the apartments on fraternity row where the students spend so much time.
- Campus tour: Take your parents on a tour of campus. Although you likely took a tour together before deciding to attend UA, giving them a new tour that is from your perspective can be a fun way to spend a Sunday morning.
When is the Best Time for Your Parents to Visit?
Parents are welcome in Tuscaloosa any time, but to ensure you can have the best and most productive weekend, try to plan for some time when the weather is warm; popular times are the middle of first or second semester when it is still nice outside, but not too hot or too cold to walk around campus and see the sights.
Try out these tips when your parents want to come stay for the weekend, have a great time and Roll Tide!
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