<p>I would say that Bama is a tiny bit of a suitcase school (which is probably true of any public campus). There are some kids who are from Tuscaloosa on campus (altho maybe they’re allowed to commute??). Maybe a few from B’ham go home more often, but I doubt they go home every weekend. Most kids want to stay on campus because of games, fun, off-campus hang-outs, dates, parties, whatever. Many kids have jobs at local stores and restaurants, so they have to stay on campus to go to their jobs.</p>
<p>BTW…I think most kids can handle a part-time job of about 8 hours a week (plus or minus). When DS1 first went to UA, he didn’t have a job. He had too much free time on his hands even though he got involved with a couple of clubs. He began spending too much money at off-campus hangouts… 
So, he got a part-time job and voila. Now he has less time to waste money. Moreover, now when he does have time go somewhere, he has his own money to spend! </p>
<p>:)</p>