alex96@uab.edu
It’s that time of the year when Dining Dollars and BlazerBucks do a special magic trick. Add a hint of Full Moon, a dash of the Den and a pinch of Einstein Bros. Bagels and POOF — your Dining Dollars and BlazerBucks have disappeared. For many returning UAB students, including myself, this magic trick is a tragic reality. However, we just can’t resist that You Pick Two at Panera Bread. This year, there are many ways to save your money, especially during Blazer Welcome. So, instead of spending all of your campus cash, take advantage of the free food and things being offered to you this week.
Panera Bread: Free Daily Bagel
This offer is valid until Thursday, Sept. 1. Panera is giving away their delicious bagels, from blueberry to cinnamon crunch, for free. All you need is a MyPanera card. If you don’t have one, ask for one and someone will be happy to give it to you. This is a perfect option for breakfast on the run. Light, quick and it didn’t cost a dime.
“Trail” Gate Party: August 30
For freshmen and transfer students, this party is just for you. Free hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda. The party will be held right after Freshman Convocation on the Campus Green. For the new students, this is also a great chance to meet coaches, professors and other students. “Trail” Gate will be held from 7-9 p.m.
Pops on the Green: August 31
Alabama has some of the hottest days in the country. 100 degrees is a regular day at the end of August. That’s why it is always a good idea to stay cool with a free popsicle. Popsicles will be given away from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus Green, so be sure to get a nice treat before heading to class.
Student Life Day: September 1
Our city takes pride in its food, especially barbecue. So students being able to savor the delicious flavors of Jim ‘N Nicks for free is a gift. Between sandwiches, barbecue sauce and a good time, there is no reason to buy lunch when there will be free food on Student Life Day. Student Life Day will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m on the Campus Green.
Grillin’ on the Green: September 1
Cru, UAB’s campus crusade ministry, will be blessing students with its 6th Annual Grillin’ on the Green on Thursday, Sept. 1. There students will get the opportunity to learn more about the student organization, enjoy live music, and of course get free food. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m.
BSAC Back to School BBQ: September 2
The Black Student Awareness Committee annually awards students with the Back to School BBQ on the Friday of the first week of school. As you read earlier, Birmingham takes pride in its barbecue, so this is another opportunity for student to enjoy some live music provided by BlazeRadio, and good food at no cost, of course. The barbecue will be available from 2-6 p.m.
For more information and free food opportunities, download the Blazer Welcome app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play, or go to uab.edu/studentaffairs.