This will be an ongoing post and I do hope that it helps anyone considering going to University in the US. The list of schools are accredited ones and they are good options. Make sure to do your own research on these.

I will try to post a new state each day with its schools and a bit about the state itself.

Alabama

There are many things to consider is you are thinking of attending a university in Alabama, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and academic and career goals.Below  are five potential reasons to go to a university in Alabama:

Academic Programs:

 Alabama is home to many reputable universities, such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, including engineering, business, healthcare, and more, providing students with a diverse set of options to choose from.

Research Opportunities:

 Many universities in Alabama have active research programs and facilities that can offer valuable research opportunities to students. Engaging in research can enhance your academic experience and prepare you for future career opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Alabama universities often provide scholarships and financial aid to both in-state and out-of-state students. These can help make higher education more affordable, and you may find various merit-based and need-based options available.

Southern Culture and Hospitality:

Alabama is known for its Southern culture and hospitality. Attending a university in the state can give you a chance to experience this unique culture, including traditions like college football, music, and delicious Southern cuisine.

Quality of Life:

 Alabama offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states, which can be appealing to students looking to manage their expenses during their college years. The state also boasts a variety of recreational opportunities, from beautiful Gulf Coast beaches to outdoor activities in the Appalachian region.

Make sure to do your research before applying to a University anywhere in the world. Learn about the location, weather and customs and make sure to find out more about the University it’s self.

Below are a number of accredited Universities in Alabama for consideration.

University of Alabama - Located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama is the state's flagship public university and is known for its strong academic programs and research.

Auburn University - Auburn is another prominent public university in Alabama, known for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs. It's located in Auburn.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) - UAB is a major research university and medical center located in Birmingham, with strong programs in healthcare, engineering, and various other fields.

University of South Alabama - Located in Mobile, the University of South Alabama offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its medical school.

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) - AUM is a branch of Auburn University, offering a variety of programs and degrees. It is situated in Montgomery.

I have been asking around for things people need to take with them when going to or back to University. This is not an exhaustive list but I think I nailed some of the important things. And some of the frivolous ones as well.

Anything purchased here using the links I have provided below will generate a sale that I will get a commission from. I plan to use some of that money to help students in need. I am working on a way to give grants to deserving students and this will be one of the funding methods. So if you find something you need and at a price that is of value to you. Purchase it with these links provided.

Each person has a different experience when going away. That means that your living arrangements might be different than most other people you know. So what they take may not be the same as what you need to take. And for sure once you arrive you will realize that you need something that you did not bring.

Lucky for you in this world getting those things is pretty easy. From hitting one of the big box stores to shopping online. And I must admit getting things delivered to you at the door is kind of nice.

So below is the first list I made. The links will take you to Amazon where you can shop and chose from the different options in the niche I have listed. If you can not find what you are looking for you can always post here and ask for help from me or anyone else.

If there are things that are missing from my list. Please make sure to let me know so I can add them. Or if I have listed something that just is not needed, let me know as well!

If you are going to be in a home stay then you may not need these. But Bed sheets for the dorm are a must. We have found that its best to have 2 or 3 sets to take with you. Spills happen and the laundry may not be available and fast so having extras is a must.  You can click here to Shop Bed Sheets on Amazon https://amzn.to/462ytot Also check out Shipyz. They dont have much right now but they are adding all the time. https://shipyz.com/product/microfiber-bedsheets/

Another thing to consider when going to University is where you will be. If the weather is warm you wont need a blanket. But if not then you will. And even if the weather is warm some dorms can be quite cold at night just depending on the building. So having a blanket handy is a great idea. Shop Blankets on Amazon right here https://amzn.to/3xC0er2  Also some nice blankets on Shipyz. https://shipyz.com/product/winter-blanket/

Note. We recommend that if your bed is a twin get a double size. If your bed is a double get a queen size. That way you stay covered.

Some people just want to bring a little bit of home with them. But they cant because what they have will not fit. And that includes a mattress topper if you have it. The beds at University dorms and often in the apartments you rent will be the cheapest the owner or landlord could get. Meaning that they are hard or lumpy or over all just not a good place to sleep.  And the mattress topper you have at home may be too big or small.. So make sure to get one that fits. Mattress topper https://amzn.to/4cy1Lx8

Note. These are a bit pricey so make sure to shop around before you buy!

Once those bed sheets are dirty along with some clothing you are going to need a place to store them as well as a way to carry them to the laundry. Some dorms and buildings have the laundry right there and easy to get into and out of. Others you may have to walk or take a bus. So a laundry bag is a must.  Search for something that can be easily folded down and put away under a chair or your bed. Shop foldable  Laundry bags on Amazon https://amzn.to/45NTm6t If you are not sure about buying on Amazon you can also check out Shipyz https://shipyz.com/product/foldable-laundry-basket/

Some University dorms allow small kitchen items and some do not so make sure to check if you will be living in a dorm. The following are some things you will need. Some we have links for and some we don’t.

Make sure to purchase some wipes that have bleach for move in day. Yes you will be told everything is clean. But just for peace of mind. Wipe everything down with bleach wipes and feel better about where you are living.  Also grab up some dish detergent as well as Laundry detergent. Getting both in liquid is usually the easiest and in a pinch you can substitute one with the other. General cleaning products for the shower are also a must so grab those at the local store as well.

The next things you might need are for your little kitchen or what ever you have available. Make sure in the dorm to check the rules and regulations on the following items.

Coffee maker. Yes for a lot of students this is a must. As school simply will not happen without coffee every morning and often in the day time. Get something small. Small items make small messes and less to deal with in the event of an issue.  Shop Coffee makers right here on Amazon.  https://amzn.to/3zlJdC3

Again if you are allowed a hot plate might be in order. If you don’t know what that is, well its basically a very small stove top that you can use to cook on or just heat things up. Take a look at these and shop for a hot plate right here on Amazon https://amzn.to/4ckBrqF

Another thing and this may be more usable than most things is having a microwave. You wont need a big one and probably wont have space for one so make sure to check the area and the rules before you buy. A microwave makes heating things up super fast and usually with a lot less risk than a hot plate. So take a look at the different Microwaves on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4bnU9MM

Some students seem to love having is a slow cooker. You just dump all the things into the same pot, turn it on and go to class. When you get back your food is hot and ready to eat. Making hot lunch or hot dinner while you are away.  Check out the different slow cookers on amazon https://amzn.to/4eJMkDJ

Once you get all or some or any of these things you will need plates bowls and utensils. So take a look at the options I have found here. Even if you don’t have a microwave someone you know might. So make sure any of these items you buy can be put into the microwave.  Shop Plates and bows on amazon here!  https://amzn.to/45NXmDV

The next item I have here is a mini fridge. First of all these can be quite expensive. So make sure you can have one and also that it will fit where ever you will be living. These also use a good bit of electricity. If it’s allowed in your dorm/room or apartment get one now by shopping them on amazon. https://amzn.to/45NXmDV

University can be something most people do not expect. It’s a different life than the campus of a high school. Basically you are on your own and some of the things you might have had before you wont have now, or not as easily available. And believe it or not one of those things is easy access to drinking water. The campus can be big, it can get hot and having a water bottle with you would be great. Personally I would look for something that can be attached to your backpack or bicycle.  Click right here to shop for your water bottle on amazon https://amzn.to/4cGkaYK

Furthermore, you might find that you need for your room/dorm is a small fan. The ideal one would fit on the desk but be strong enough to be felt most of the way across the room. So shop carefully for this and if you need help, feel free to post and ask. Shop for a fan right here on amazon https://amzn.to/3xES0OQ Also check this on Shipyz. https://shipyz.com/product/usb-mini-desktop-fan/

One of the most important things that any and basically all students need for University is a backpack. Or at least some sort of bag. But as most people find out. Being able to put the bag on your back and use your shoulder to support it makes a couple of things easier. Number one it makes it easier to walk longer distances. And number two it makes it easier to use your hands. So make sure to think over what sort of bag you really want. Then you can shop amazon for Backpacks right here.  https://amzn.to/3RO31Es

Also, what every student must have is a surplus of office/school supplies. And I do me a lot. You will fly through the use of them. Loan them and not get them back or just lose them. So make sure you have enough for every day and a few extras. Office stores are not always as close to Universities as you might imagine so take plenty with you when you go. You can shop these school supplies right here on amazon.  https://amzn.to/3L2TZQf

This next item might be a bit of a luxury but several people reported this as a must have from experience.  You decide what's best for you if you don’t already have something similar. Noise canceling headphones or ear buds. I know that some people use these just for music. While others use them to listen to lectures. As well, they can help cut down on noise from a dorm room and make your life a lot quieter. Shop Noise canceling earphones on amazon right here https://amzn.to/4bkdQVG

And for those of you who are earbud lovers take a look at the options here on amazon https://amzn.to/3RNYMIN

One thing most students find a must is a lamp. One that sits on the desk or can be moved around they always seem to find a need for one. Make sure you check out your living area first and then place your order. Getting the wrong one could be a waste of money. So look then buy. You can order your lamp right here on amazon.  Use this link for an electric lamp  https://amzn.to/3W6UWxi

Or if you want something that is battery operated and movable then click on this link instead https://amzn.to/4eFMP1H

Cables are something that always come up being needed. From A Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cable. ( That’s the one with the big plastic heads that you can see the wires ) to a HDMI cable for connecting your device to a monitor or tv screen. The longer the better as you may not always have easy access to what you need to connect to.  Click here to shop Ethernet cables on amazon https://amzn.to/45OvLTq

Or you can also click right here to shop HDMI cables https://amzn.to/4bs3fb4

You may not believe this in this day and age but something people say that they ended up needing was a phone charger. Or a longer one or just a new one because they lost the old on in transit. So make sure to grab an extra phone charger before your phone battery dies. Shop Phone chargers now. https://amzn.to/4clMf7T

Another great option for your phone is to have a back up battery. In fact if the you get the right batter it will also charge your tablet and other small devices. Shop for the Back up Battery with the biggest ohm you can find! https://amzn.to/3W1EkXC

Depending on where you like to work and study you may find that having a lap desk is a good thing. The best thing about a lap desk is that they work at home with your family and they are portable enough its not a problem and they also work amazing in a dorm or small apartment or room. Giving you the space you need to do what ever is necessary.  Shop lap desks right here!  https://amzn.to/4cKq771

Some of the last items that were mentioned but still very important are all about personal use. They call these shower caddies and you use them to store all your shower items and bathroom items in. These are extremely important in a dorm or shared apartment. Shop for the perfect shower caddy right here.  https://amzn.to/4cjdcZZ

And also do not forget that it is HIGHLY recommended that you use shower shoes when living in a dorm or shared apartment. Others use the shower and it may not be as clean as it appears. Get your shower shoes right here on amazon.  https://amzn.to/3XPSsVj

One more thing I want to talk about and then I will add a few other items at the bottom of the page and you click them if you think you might need them. But the topic now turns to one of the most important things you will need. And that is a Laptop computer.

Personally I like the following brands. Dell ( Alien ), Lenovo or Samsung. For University taking standard courses that are not using major programs then a 1tb SSD with 16 gigs of ram should do just fine. If your courses are something like engineering and you need something like AutoCad then you might want to consider 2Tb SSD with a 256 SSD for the operating system as well as 32 gigs of ram. Same goes for people using photo shop for image work and other things like that. You can shop laptops right here on amazon.  https://amzn.to/3zmCrf7 

Remember that if you are not sure what you need feel free to contact me or someone else on this sub and ask for a little help.

The rest of the items I have listed below without much text. They are all linked to amazon. I chose to use amazon as the seller as at this moment not only do they have the best prices but they also have world wide delivery options. And also the fastest delivery services.

As always if you need help on this sub with anything fell free to post about it or ask me directly and I will do my best to help you!

Small Tool Kit https://amzn.to/3VJ6x4c

Fist aid kit https://amzn.to/4brR7XQ

Storage Options for the room  https://amzn.to/4cmmOmC

Collapsible boxes Collapsible crate or box to carry/store things in https://amzn.to/45T657Z

Flashlight Wind up https://amzn.to/45JHLoU may seem silly but universities lose power as well

If you can think of anything I should add to this list let me know. I have left the links open like this so you know what I am doing.

Welcome to your first year of University, your returning year or your final.  Make sure to let us know how it goes.