When choosing off-campus student housing, one factor consistently ranks at the top of every student’s list: location. For students attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the right apartment isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a launchpad for academic success, social connection, and city exploration. That’s exactly what Alight Birmingham delivers. Perfectly positioned just a block or two south of the UAB campus, this student-focused community places you within reach of the best Birmingham has to offer, making it one of the most desirable shared student apartments Birmingham has available for UAB attendees.

Whether you're commuting to classes, exploring city life, or just trying to grab coffee before an early morning lecture, Alight’s strategic placement ensures your daily routine stays seamless. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Alight Birmingham’s location & surrounding convenience, and why that sets it apart from other student living options in the area.

Proximity to UAB: A Commuter's Dream

Let’s start with the basics—Alight Birmingham is practically on UAB’s doorstep. Located at 1300 3rd Avenue South, this student housing community sits just one to two blocks from the university, depending on your route. That means students can easily walk to classes, labs, libraries, and campus events without worrying about parking or traffic.

For UAB students, this proximity translates into real-time savings, reduced commuting stress, and increased flexibility. Want to head home between classes for lunch or a quick nap? It’s not only possible—it’s easy. Late-night study sessions at the library or early morning labs? You’re never more than a 10-minute walk from your front door.

This level of location & surrounding convenience becomes even more valuable during exam periods, campus events, or bad weather. You’re always close to home, and that adds peace of mind on top of everyday practicality.

Walkability and Bike-Friendliness

While Birmingham is known for its revitalized downtown and emerging innovation corridors, not every neighborhood offers true walkability. Fortunately, Alight Birmingham scores relatively well across the board for student-friendly transportation options.

• Walk Score: 40–43, depending on the block, which means the area is moderately walkable. Students can easily reach restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, and campus facilities by foot.
• Bike Score: 56, indicating the presence of some bike-friendly routes. Biking around UAB and the nearby Parkside District is both common and convenient for many residents.
• Transit Score: Around 47, meaning some public transportation is available, including city buses and the Blazer Express shuttle system.

These scores demonstrate that while having a car can be helpful, it’s far from necessary. The location & surrounding convenience of Alight supports multiple transit styles, allowing students to customize how they move around the city. For many, this means fewer transportation costs, less dependency on rideshare apps, and more environmentally friendly commuting.

Access to Dining, Entertainment, and Daily Essentials

What makes Alight’s location truly special isn’t just how close it is to UAB—it’s everything that surrounds it.

Food & Coffee Spots

Within a short walking or biking radius, you’ll find:

• The Essential – A trendy bistro known for brunch and craft cocktails
• Filter Coffee Parlor – A student favorite for studying or catching up with friends
• Dreamland BBQ – A local staple offering authentic southern flavors
• Zoe’s Kitchen and Five Guys – Perfect for quick and casual meals

Whether you’re into sit-down brunches or late-night burgers, everything is nearby.

Shopping & Convenience

Running errands is easy thanks to nearby options like:

• Highland Plaza – Includes stores like Walgreens, a local grocer, and boutique retailers
• Urban Supply Shops – Offering stylish apparel, gear, and unique finds from local brands
• Publix Super Market at 20 Midtown – Just a short drive or bike ride away

You won’t need to drive across town to get what you need. That’s the power of location & surrounding convenience in action.

Nearby Attractions and Recreation

Student life isn’t all about study sessions and lectures. Having convenient access to recreational activities, cultural institutions, and green spaces is key to maintaining balance. Alight Birmingham gives residents front-row access to some of Birmingham’s most popular attractions:

• Regions Field – Home of the Birmingham Barons, this minor league baseball stadium is just a few blocks away. Perfect for a weekend outing or a night under the lights.
• Railroad Park – A 19-acre green space with walking trails, free fitness events, and panoramic skyline views. It’s ideal for jogs, picnics, or studying outdoors.
• McWane Science Center – A hands-on museum offering engaging exhibits and an IMAX theater. Great for both personal enrichment and fun weekend plans.
• Birmingham Museum of Art – Home to more than 27,000 pieces spanning centuries and continents—easily accessible for a quiet afternoon escape or cultural inspiration.

Living at Alight means these experiences are not only accessible—they’re practically in your backyard.

Events and Social Life Near Campus

UAB is known for its dynamic student life, and Alight Birmingham’s location only amplifies it. Being walking distance from campus means residents can easily participate in:

• Club meetings and student organizations
• Campus concerts and cultural events
• Tailgates and sporting events at Bartow Arena or BBVA Compass Field

But the social scene doesn’t end on campus. The surrounding Parkside District and Five Points South offer plenty of off-campus events, like:

• Food Truck Fridays at Railroad Park
• Live music at Iron City or Saturn
• Seasonal festivals and farmer’s markets nearby

For students looking to strike the ideal balance between academic and social life, location & surrounding convenience is a massive advantage.

Transportation and Connectivity

Even if you need to travel further across Birmingham or head out of town, Alight Birmingham offers easy access to major transportation routes.

• Interstate 65 and U.S. 280 are just minutes away
• Blazer Express stops nearby, offering free rides for UAB students
• Birmingham Xpress and BJCTA buses serve the surrounding area
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about a 10–15 minute drive, making holiday and semester break travel stress-free

For students who rely on public transportation or regularly travel home, this level of connectivity provides another layer of value that shouldn't be overlooked.

Safety and Peace of Mind

While amenities and walkability are important, students and parents alike are increasingly concerned with neighborhood safety. Alight Birmingham offers:

• Controlled-access entry
• Secure bike racks
• Well-lit outdoor areas
• On-site maintenance and management teams

Additionally, being located in a well-trafficked, student-heavy area increases safety through community presence. The surrounding neighborhoods are patrolled regularly, and proximity to UAB Police services offers extra reassurance.

Why Location Still Matters in the Age of Online Classes

With many universities offering hybrid or online learning options, some students may wonder: does proximity to campus still matter? The answer is yes—and perhaps even more so.

Living close to campus encourages involvement in extracurriculars, makes accessing campus resources easier (like tutoring centers and health services), and supports student mental health through in-person interaction and spontaneous social encounters. Alight Birmingham’s location & surrounding convenience helps foster a more immersive college experience—even in a blended academic setting.

Final Thoughts: Where You Live Shapes How You Learn

Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions a college student makes. It's not just about square footage or fancy finishes—it's about what your living situation adds to your college journey.

At Alight Birmingham, the prime location just south of UAB, combined with convenient access to transit, entertainment, groceries, recreation, and cultural venues, creates an environment where students can truly thrive. When you factor in amenities, walkability, and proximity to everything that matters, it’s easy to see why this community stands out among UAB student housing options.

If you’re a current or prospective UAB student seeking a place that offers both comfort and connectivity, Alight Birmingham delivers the full package. It’s more than an apartment—it’s your home base for everything college life has to offer.