Congratulations on your admission to the University of Alabama at Birmingham! You’re just a few steps away from becoming a Blazer. Complete this checklist, created especially for transfer and nontraditional students, to help make your transition smooth and simple.
Step 1. Activate BlazerID
You’ll need a BlazerID to make a reservation for orientation, register for classes, and do many other important things. Use your student number (found in your admission decision email) to activate your BlazerID and password.
The BlazerID and password take one hour to activate once you create them.
205-934-8221
Step 2. Explore BlazerNET
BlazerNET is the official portal to the UAB community and the most reliable source of information for UAB students. It’s convenient, secure, and provides easy access to your UAB email, class schedule, financial aid status, any transfer credits, Graduation Planning System (GPS), important announcements and more. Use your BlazerID and password to login.
Step 3. Make a Reservation for Orientation
Blazer Beginnings is a required rite of passage for all new Blazers. During the half-day event, you’ll register for classes, get your ONE Card (UAB ID), learn about support services, meet other new students, and much more. Guests are invited to attend the concurrent Parent and Family Orientation.
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Step 4. Apply for or Accept Federal Financial Aid
All it takes is just one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB.
Priority Deadlines
- Summer/fall students: December 1
- Spring students: Not applicable
If you receive a financial aid award, accept or decline the offer at uab.edu/blazernet.
205-934-8223
Cost & Aid
Step 5. Apply for On-campus Housing
Living on campus is optional—but it’s a very convenient option. Residence halls are a short walk from the Commons on the Green dining hall, Hill Student Center, campus libraries, and classroom buildings. Space is limited, so submit your application soon.
Step 6. Take Course Placement Assessments
If you have not already earned a grade of C or better in a college-level math or English course above the remedial level, you are required to take an assessment to determine course placement. Some exceptions apply – see if you meet the exception criteria.
Deadline: Two weeks prior to your Blazer Beginnings orientation session.
Step 7. Submit Your Immunizations
At UAB, all students have a “Patient Portal” to house (online only) records of healthcare info, including immunizations. You’re required to upload proof of these immunizations to your Patient Portal (instructions at www.uab.edu/newstudentshots).
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Meningococcal (meningitis), and
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
In addition, some (not all) students will be notified through their UAB Patient Portal that a Tuberculosis will be required. Students entering into upper-level courses in the School of Nursing and School of Health Professions students may need additional immunizations. Notification of those required immunizations will come from the academic school. Before you get any new vaccinations, set up your UAB Patient Portal and check your immunization requirements. If you have questions, contact UAB Student Health and Wellness at the contact options below:
205-934-3581
Step 8. Submit Health Insurance
If you’re a full-time student, then you must show proof of the required level of health insurance coverage. Don’t have private coverage? Then you’ll be automatically enrolled in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan and the cost of that insurance will be added to your bill. If you do have private insurance, you must submit a completed waiver form AND proof of personal insurance coverage by the first day of class. Failure to submit proof of your personal insurance will automatically enroll you in UAB's Student Health Insurance Plan and the premium will be added to your student bill.
Have questions? Go to www.uab.edu/students/health/insurance-waivers for answers!
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Step 9. Submit Your ONE Card Photo
Choose a photo of yourself for your ONE Card—your official student ID—and upload it at least 24 hours before the beginning of your orientation session. Be sure your photo follows the guidelines listed on the submission website. Pick up your new ONE Card at your orientation session.
Step 10. Check Out Off-Campus Student Engagement
If you're planning to live off campus, this department is ready to provide you with resources and support. Off-Campus Student Engagement (OCSE) can assist you with finding housing, getting involved at UAB, and more. OCSE also hosts weekly events and houses the Off-Campus Student Council and Transfer Student Organization. Find OCSE in the Off-Campus Student Lounge in the Hill Student Center, Suite 140.
205-996-1580
Step 11. Accept Scholarship Offer
Students who were offered a UAB Merit Scholarship should accept their scholarship offer as soon as possible. All scholarship offers must be accepted in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART).
Deadline: June 1
Additional Steps
Apply for Additional UAB Scholarships
UAB is pleased to offer IB Scholarships, departmental scholarships, performance scholarships and more. Students interested in these scholarships should submit their scholarship application(s) in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART). Submitting the general application in BSMART submits student information to many departments on campus. Some scholarships may require a supplemental application in addition to the general application. Scholarships in BSMART will open on August 1. Check BSMART for specific scholarship deadlines.
Contact Admissions
Do you have questions? Does your family have questions? The UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions—or your admission counselor—is happy to answer them all.
205-934-8221