1. Education
That's why you're going to college in the first place, right? Riiiight. But in all seriousness, the University of South Alabama has amazing pre-med, nursing, education, and engineering programs. And so much more than that. Do a little research and you'll see that whatever you're interested in, South probably has. We're a very well-rounded university. (Pictured below: Shelby Hall: Engineering and Computing Sciences)
2. Professors
I can honestly say that I have had some of the most caring people I know as professors. It can make all the difference in the world when you have teachers that are approachable and passionate about what they do. It makes your learning experience a million times better when your organic chemistry professor gets excited over IR spectra, rather than just flying through a powerpoint. I feel much more at ease knowing that my teachers truly want to help me and that I'm not just another student to assign a grade to. Having personable teachers also makes a huge difference when it comes time to get letters of recommendation. You want teachers that really know and believe in you to write your letters of recommendation. When graduate schools or employers see that a teacher has a great appreciation and respect for you as a student, it can make all the difference in you getting into a graduate program or landing a job.
3. Football #gojags
Admit it. Football is the number one reason people choose to go to large universities. For our football team to only be a few years old, we're growing at a pretty fast rate. We have a new coach, played harder teams, went to a bowl game this year, and our tailgates are seriously fun. The amount of people that come out to support the jags and have a good time is constantly growing. Regardless of how we play, we have TONS of school spirit and I love it. Ps: I hear rumors that our next big project is building a stadium on campus. I'll throw my J hand up for that.
4. Dorms
South has some of the nicest dorms you will ever see. If you've ever been to Stokes, you know what I am talking about (Pictured on the left). And we just built another set of dorms that are only a year old. So if you want to get the "dorm experience" you're in luck at South because some of the dorms are nicer than the apartment that I live in now. Oh, and the rec center is super nice and is about a 5 minute walk from the dorms! (Pictured on the right)
5. Undergraduate Research
South is a very research-oriented school. If you are serious about your major and future career, you need to have some research on your resume. Our UCUR program is outstanding and we just got a new director that is the BOMB (S/O to Dr. ST). It is relatively simple to get started and you will learn so much from your mentor.
6. Summer
Speaking of research, a lot of it is done during the summer. And, once you get into your major, you'll see that you probably need to take summer classes so that you're not taking 18 hours a semester. A lot of majors do not let you take certain classes at a community college and even if you do, the process is a headache. So, if you're from Mobile and go to South, you can go home for the summer while still taking summer classes and doing research. If you're not from Mobile, you may not be home for the summer, but guess what? You're closer to the beach! It's only an hour away and since it's hot in Mobile for 80% of the year, you can go during the regular school year too. It's actually amazing.
7. Traveling
Not only do you get to go to the beach more, but you're able to travel more in general. In the past year and a half I have went to New Orleans numerous times, music festivals, Los Angeles, New York, and many other places. Mobile is close to New Orleans and other travel locations. It is also a relatively cheap place to live, so that means more money in your pocket for more adventures.
8. People
If you are from Mobile, you probably have the idea in your head that everyone who goes to South is from Mobile. Totally not true! Most of my friends are from Mississippi or Florida. I am actually friends with very few people from Mobile (still love y'all too <3). We have people come to South from all over for sports and scholarships. Growing up in a small town, I was dying to meet new people and I most certainly did! The friends I have made at South are some of the biggest blessings in my life. I don't know what I would do without them!
9. Greek System
If going greek is something that you're interested in, good news! South's greek program is growing big time. Every year, more and more girls go through rush. Last year, 300 girls came through- a HUGE jump from the year before. We have 5 sororities and 8 fraternities, as well as houses for most of them. Some houses are even planning on expanding!
10. Caf waffles
It's just something you have to experience for yourself.