From a small university of seven structures in the wilderness on the main roadway between Tuscaloosa and Huntsville (currently University Boulevard) in the 1830s, UA has grown to a large 1,970-acre (800 ha) school in the heart of Tuscaloosa today. There are 297 structures on university consisting of some 10,600,000 square feet (980,000 m2) of space.

The university likewise maintains the University of Alabama Arboretum in eastern Tuscaloosa and also the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Dauphin Island, simply off the Alabama Gulf Coast. In 2011, the Sustainable Endowments Institute offered the university a College Sustainability Report Card grade of "B+".

UA is residence to several galleries, social facilities as well as historic spots.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History at Smith Hall displays Alabama's rich nature. The oddest artifact there can be the Sylacauga meteorite, the largest well-known extraterrestrial challenge strike a person who survived. The Paul W. Bryant Museum homes memorabilia and also displays on the history of UA sports programs, most especially the period of football train Paul "Bear" Bryant. Athletic trophies as well as honors are presented at the Mal Moore Athletic Building, named for the college's video here previous sports supervisor, near the Bryant Museum. The Sarah Moody Gallery of Art at Garland Hall hosts revolving exhibits of modern art, consisting of from the university's very own permanent collection. The Ferguson Art Gallery at the Ferguson Center also organizes revolving art events. The Jones Archaeological Museum at Moundville displays the background of Mississippian society in Alabama.

Countless historical spots dot the university, including the President's Mansion, Denny Chimes, Foster Auditorium (a National Historical Landmark), the Gorgas-- Manly Historic District, and also Maxwell Observatory.

A cemetery next to the Biology structure consists of the graves of two servants who were owned by professor prior to the Civil War. Both males passed away in the 1840s, as well as their tombs went unmarked until 2004.

University society centers consist of the Allen Bales Theater, the Marion Gallaway Theater, Morgan Auditorium, and also the Frank M. Moody Music Building, which houses the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and also the UA Opera Theatre, as well as 3 resident choirs.