<p>jrt336, mom2collegekids has great descriptions of the UA in other threads, which I suggest you check out if you haven’t already. In short, Alabama (the school and the state itself) is as southern as you want to make it. Many instate students are not originally from Alabama as their families came for jobs/the military. UA is recruiting nationwide and has students from all 50 states, with many from the North. I myself am from WA and know there are a few non-southerners that post on the UA board. On campus, it is difficult to find a student with a “southern” accent. Sure we might have a #1 football team, sing “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Dixieland Delight” at those games, and serve sweet tea in the dining halls, but we are not “stereotypically southern” unless the student is determined to view us that way. Come visit UA and experience the campus. After one visit, many students (and parents) fall in love with the University and the many things it has to offer.</p>