With exams just around the corner, it’s time to wrap up your bucket list for the semester! The last day of exams is April 30, which means we’ll be leaving for the summer way too soon. So, I am going to tell you all some of the things you need to do before you leave campus for the summer. Let’s make the most of these last couple weeks!

First, spend a day studying for finals with a friend at Heritage House. Heritage House is a coffee shop that originated in Tuscaloosa in 1994. There are two locations – one on Jack Warner Pkwy next to Hotel Indigo and one on Towncenter Blvd. Heritage House has the best coffee, pastries, and food, along with a great atmosphere to be productive and enjoy quality time with friends. That being said, if you would rather spend some time outside while studying for finals, bring a towel and spend a day doing homework on the Quad! You’ll be sure to have beautiful weather and see the cutest dogs!

If you need a break from studying, go to the pool and get some sun! Most apartment complexes in T-town have pools, so even if you do not live in one of these, reach out to a friend who lives in one and spend a day at the pool with them. If all else fails, throw down some towels wherever you are and soak up the sun – no pool needed! There is nothing better than the hot Tuscaloosa weather that we are finally getting back!

Want to spend time with friends, while also getting exercise and fresh air? Meet some friends at the Riverwalk and go for a relaxed walk to decompress from the craziness of schoolwork. This is a good way to check in with friends during finals, while also enjoying the beautiful river and greenery around campus. 

Finally, if you are looking for something a little more fun and upbeat, go to a baseball game and cheer on the Tide! There are home games on April 20 and 30, as well as games in May. Another fun thing to check off your bucket list before leaving campus is going to Rama Jama’s for mimosas on Saturday mornings and crawfish on Thursday evenings! Enjoy the weather, time with friends, awesome food and drinks, and a perfect view of Bryant-Denny! 

While exams can be stressful, it is important to take time to enjoy the little things that Tuscaloosa has to offer before you say goodbye until August. I hope that you and your friends take some of these suggestions and enjoy the next couple weeks in T-town. Good luck on exams and roll tide roll! 

Kate Brooks