Students walk in the Auburn University Homecoming Parade in downtown Auburn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Auburn University is truly unmatched in both spirit and tradition, making the week of Homecoming one of the best weeks of the year here on the Plains. We are counting down the days until this year’s Homecoming festivities commence. Homecoming week is beloved as it gives us the opportunity to welcome all members of the Auburn Family back home to campus.
Auburn’s Homecoming tradition dates back to the 1930s and the Auburn Omega Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national honor society for student leaders with exemplary demonstrations of scholarship, athletic achievement, service, skillful communication, and artistic ability. Auburn’s Circle of ODK presented the idea to the student body of crowning a Miss Homecoming to be honored at halftime of the Homecoming football game for outstanding service to the University. The proposal was well received, and the tradition continued to take shape and in the 1960s, the Homecoming Parade was created.
Homecoming week is comprised of several events, all centered around welcoming Auburn Family members home to campus. Here is everything that you need to know about Homecoming 2022:
Homecoming Kickoff
Homecoming week will begin with Homecoming Kickoff hosted by the Student Government Association and the University Program Council. This year, Kickoff will be held on the Campus Green Space on Tuesday, September 20th, and will include a short program. The program will allow students to hear from this year’s Top 5 Miss Homecoming Candidates, and candidates will be able to share a bit about themselves and their platforms before campaigning officially begins. Immediately following kickoff, at 5pm, ODK will be having its 93rd annual Cake Race.
Homecoming Parade
At the end of the week, the annual Homecoming Parade will be held. The Homecoming Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd and helps cultivate a sense of community, as we welcome all generations of the Auburn Family to campus. The parade will feature floats from campus organizations, as well as participants from the local community. Additionally, the Auburn University Marching Band will perform, along with the Tiger Paws, and Auburn University Cheerleaders. The parade route runs from Samford Hall through downtown Auburn before wrapping up in front of Samford Lawn.
Campus organizations create floats as part of the Auburn University Homecoming Parade in downtown Auburn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Homecoming Pep Rally
At the conclusion of the parade at 6:30 p.m., there will be a brief pep rally to excite fans as the tigers gear up to play the University of Missouri in the Homecoming Football game on Saturday. After the pep rally, the Auburn Family is invited to stick around and to participate in ‘Come Home to the Corner’, an event that will run until 9 p.m. and feature live music.
Auburn University Marching Band performs in the Auburn University Pep Rally on Samford Lawn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Homecoming Game and the Recognition of Miss Homecoming
Homecoming Week ends with Auburn University taking on the University of Missouri with an 11 a.m. kickoff. Throughout the week prior, students will participate in Miss Homecoming campaigns and will have the opportunity to hear from the Top 5 candidates on the concourse. Students will cast their ballots on Friday. This culminates in the new Miss Homecoming being recognized at halftime.
The 2021 Top 5 Miss Homecoming Candidates were recognized during the game at halftime on Pat Dye Field. Photo Credit: Greg McWilliams/For the O-A News
We are looking forward to having all generations of the Auburn Family on campus as we celebrate Homecoming 2022! Together we say, War Eagle!
As an undergraduate student here at Auburn, I really wanted to study abroad but never committed to making that dream a reality. During my time as a master’s student, I realized just a little too late into my program that the College of Education had an opportunity for graduate students to study abroad in Australia. Needless to say, I was disappointed in my poor planning and had resigned myself to continuing to live vicariously through other students who were studying abroad.
Everything changed for the better and my dream of studying abroad became a reality after I began working on my Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration a couple of years later. I am incredibly grateful for the support that I received from this office, which allowed me to spend three incredible, life-changing weeks in Australia during the summer of 2019.
During those three weeks, we learned about the Australian education system, toured a variety of schools across all levels of education, and engaged in several immersive experiences that centered the lives and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our trip began in Hobart, Tasmania – now one of my favorite places on earth. The bulk of our time was spent in and around Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Because of my education and professional interests in higher education, I completed a brief internship at the Nura Gili: Centre for Indigenous Programs at the University of New South Wales where I was able to learn more about national policies, initiatives, and programs that help to support Indigenous student success at Australian universities.
From Left to Right – Picture 1: The Auburn (Tiger) Family was represented on the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania; Picture 2: This Aboriginal dot painting is located at the Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens – the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia; Picture 3: The Three Sisters (rock formation on left-hand side of picture) is located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales; Picture 4: The Sydney Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay (pronounced like “key”) at sunset one evening.
While this brief summary of my experience cannot fully encompass its true impact, I will end by my saying my life as graduate student, higher education professional, and human being are better for the time I spent in Australia. Like Auburn Abroad said in their blogpost earlier this summer, studying abroad is “an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons through cultural immersion and international experiences.” Ultimately, I’m grateful that this dream became a reality of mine, and I hope that all of you will consider studying abroad during your time as an Auburn student!
Allow us to introduce you to the newest building on Auburn’s campus…the Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex! Or simply, the ACLC. The ACLC is a 151,000 square-foot building that can seat a total capacity of 2,000 students in cutting edge academic space. The ACLC contains 20 adaptable classroom/laboratories, 6 engaged active student learning (EASL) classrooms, and 5 lecture halls.
Only second to the Haley Center in total classroom space, the ACLC will offer the largest collection of active learning instructional space on campus. Engaged active student learning (EASL) space will increase by 40%. The classes held in the ACLC will mostly consist of Biology labs, Geosciences, Math, and Physics, but the building will be available to all students.
With plenty of seating outside of the classrooms, the ACLC also functions as a place for students to hangout between classes, study together, or grab a quick bite to eat from the Edge Dining Hall located right next door!
The large lecture halls on the ground floor double as tornado shelters, and there are two rows on each level so students can turn to the table behind them for group work. These classrooms may be able to hold up to 300 students, but the opportunity for easy collaboration will keep the classes feeling smaller.
The design of the building includes wood from the pine trees that were removed from the site during construction of the building.
We would be remiss to not include the view overlooking the amphitheater. An entire hallway of windows provides a panorama of one of our beautiful green spaces.
The ACLC isn’t just a place for students. All university faculty have access to the Biggio Center faculty lounge designed as a place for them to gather and unwind. There are lots of great resources and amenities available to faculty in this area!
Our Fall 2023 admissions application opened today, and we couldn’t be more excited! You can find more information on our admissions website, and we have included information below that you may find useful as well. Please reach out to your Admissions Advisor if you have questions. We are here to help!
Where do I apply?
You can apply through our website or through Common App, we do not prefer one application over the other.
How do I apply?
Submit the application through Auburn’s website or Common App (If you apply through Common App, be sure to watch for an email from Auburn with instructions on how to set up your Auburn portal and SET ONE UP! The portal is where you can see your application checklist and status. If you do not receive an email, and it’s not in your spam folder, contact your admissions advisor.)
Pay the $50 application fee or submit a fee waiver
Have your official ACT/SAT test scores sent to Auburn directly from the testing agency. ACT Code: 0011 College Board/SAT Code: 1005
Upload a copy of your high school transcript/s (official or unofficial) into your portal if applying through the Auburn website, or have your school counselor send a copy to us
When should I apply?
There are three Early Action rounds and one Regular Decision round. Early Action is non-binding, and students must apply and be accepted in the Early Action rounds to be eligible for scholarship consideration and the Honors College. The application deadlines are not just the dates that we need your submitted application by, these are also the deadlines to receive all required materials. If a required material (high school transcript, official ACT/SAT scores) has not been received by the deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed in that round.
Here’s the scoop on the deadlines:
1st Early Action Deadline: September 15th
Decisions for 1st round released: Mid-October
2nd Early Action Deadline: October 15th
Decisions for 2nd round released: Mid-November
3rd (and final) Early Action Deadline: December 1st
Decisions for 3rd round released: Mid-January
Regular Decision Deadline: February 1st (this is the final deadline for the Fall 2023 semester as an incoming freshman)
Decisions for Regular Decision round released: Early March
Is Auburn test-optional?
Great question.
Auburn extended a test-flexible option for 2023. Freshman admission is based primarily on your high school courses, grades, and academic rigor. While we encourage students to submit standardized test scores, they are not required to be considered for admissions or scholarships.
Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA who cannot secure a test will be considered for admission under our test-optional pathway. If you select test-optional on your application but do not meet the 3.6 minimum GPA requirement, your application will remain incomplete until official ACT or SAT scores are received.
It is more competitive to be admitted through the test-optional pathway.
Does Auburn superscore the ACT/SAT?
YES! Auburn calculates superscores for both the SAT and the ACT. Only your best testing result will be used in the review of your application. To ensure accurate superscoring, Auburn does not accept ACT Superscore report. You may use the Score Choice feature of both the SAT and ACT. Sending all test scores is recommended but not required. No preference is given to the SAT or the ACT. Your superscore will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.
What do I need to know about scholarships?
Students who apply and are accepted in the Early Action rounds will receive automatic consideration for competitive merit scholarships and select need-based scholarships. Competitive merit scholarships are only awarded to first year students and are based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. These scholarships are awarded competitively and are not guaranteed. Consideration for select need-based scholarships is based on financial need and high school GPA. To be considered for need-based scholarships, we must also receive a copy of your FAFSA by February 1st.
Accepted students must complete the AUSOM scholarship application by February 1st to be considered for first year achievement & leadership scholarships and general & departmental scholarships. Current students can apply for general and departmental scholarships each year. More information on undergraduate scholarships can be found here.
Does Auburn consider resumes, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, or essays for admissions purposes?
No. Admissions decisions are based on a review of academic achievement.
If I apply during the Early Action rounds but have improved my test scores after the admissions deadlines, can I still send them in for scholarship purposes?
Yes! The deadline to receive updated official ACT/SAT scores for scholarship purposes is January 10, 2023.
By Kara Mautz, senior in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Journalism
I grew up an Auburn fan all of my life and always dreamed of going to school here ever since I was a little girl. Both of my parents met at Auburn, and we grew up coming to games as a family. When it was time to apply for college, Auburn was my number one choice, and I was so excited to finally be a student.
As a freshman, I was so nervous that I would feel homesick or have a hard time adjusting to life in college. However, it was the total opposite. From day one when I moved into my dorm room, I immediately felt that I was where I was meant to be. I felt so accepted by the people in my dorm, and my suitemates became some of my best friends at Auburn and helped me make it through my first year as a student. I kept waiting for that feeling to fade away and to get homesick, but it never came. I always tell people that I truly believe in the power of the Auburn Family. I think what made it so easy to transition from high school to college, was the acceptance and friendliness of the students and faculty I have encountered throughout my time at Auburn. I have had professors offer to bring me groceries when I was sick and students in my classes who have become some of my best friends.
As a first-year student, I was nervous about where I would fit in and what organizations I could join to be active in the Auburn community. There are so many ways to get involved at Auburn. It felt very overwhelming when I would scroll through AU Involve looking at various clubs and organizations. However, as a senior now I always tell freshmen that they will find where they are supposed to be and the people they are supposed to meet. My favorite thing that I have done in my time as a student at Auburn is joining The Auburn Plainsman, the student newspaper. Throughout my time on staff, I have had so many opportunities to meet people and go to events I never would have had if I had not applied and joined this organization. For me, this is where I was supposed to be. However, my sister is a freshman at Auburn and her favorite thing at Auburn so far has been becoming a member of a Panhellenic sorority. I think that what makes Auburn so special, and the reason I love Auburn is that there are endless opportunities to try new things and find yourself and so many ways to get involved and make the most of your time here. Even in hard times, I know that my professors and fellow students all love Auburn too, and we are always rooting for each other to succeed.
The Honors College at Auburn University is designed to provide a select cohort of high-ability students a means to experience, explore, engage, and elevate their academic dreams. The college offers four types of graduation distinctions, smaller class sizes, priority registration, undergraduate research and internship opportunities, study and travel experiences, access to graduate-level courses, peer tutoring sessions, flexible curriculums, and designated Honors housing and study areas. Students engage in an academically challenging set of courses and programs to provide a deeper understanding of the class material.
The Honors College houses students from every major and discipline across campus creating a diverse and collaborative community. Honors students participate in numerous student organizations, community service, and leadership opportunities.
Honors Student Interviews
Molly Grubb, Senior from Knoxville, TN
Major: Economics and Global Studies, Minor: Spanish and Public Health
HC: As a graduating senior, can you reflect a little bit on your time in the Honors College and how it has impacted your Auburn experience?
MG: The Honors College has impacted my time at Auburn both inside and outside the classroom. I would say that the connections made with the honors faculty and staff are what really helped me the most. I am able to experience this large school and all of its benefits while also having a smaller community through the Honors College. I truly believe that without my involvement in the Honors College, I would be graduating with less confidence than I have now. I cannot wait to see what I do next and that is all thanks to the amazing relationships I have formed at this University.
HC: Can you study abroad as an honors student and what do those opportunities look like?
MG: You most definitely can study abroad as an honors student. I had the chance to study in Italy last summer for almost three months! The Honors College also offers multiple opportunities to study abroad through the college under a program called Honors Study and Travel. If I had more time, I would have for sure participated in one of these amazing programs.
HC: What kinds of research opportunities have you been able to participate in as an honors student?
MG: The Honors College has so many amazing research opportunities that you simply cannot do them all in just four years! I participated in a research fellowship after falling in love with a research project I completed for an Honors contract. This fellowship turned into a publication which was such an amazing experience. I really do wish I had more time to participate in more of the research opportunities offered by the Honors College such as the Honors Research Scholar program.
Camylle Lollar, Junior from Hoover, AL
Major: Chemical Engineering
HC: How does the Honors College curriculum fit within your major curriculum?
CL: I am a Chemical Engineering student and even with our very unique course track, I have still been able to easily weave my Honors classes into my schedule. I personally decided to take most of my core classes as Honors and have had no problem contracting the more specific courses that do not offer an Honors section. I had a lot of help from my advisor on how I could map out my time at Auburn to easily fit within my Honors graduation requirements.
HC: What other things are you involved with outside of the Honors College?
CL: I am on the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChe) executive team, a Cupola Engineering Ambassador, and involved in research on campus. I’ve found that being an honors student on top of these involvement opportunities has allowed me a wide range of friendships and experiences outside of the classroom. One of the best things about Honors is that it is designed to fit in with what you’re already involved in! Taking on numerous roles has not interfered with my being an Honors student but rather enhanced my time here at Auburn.
HC: What is your favorite thing about being in the Honors College?
CL: My favorite thing about being in the Honors College is feeling like I am valued for my accomplishments. Honors makes every effort to support its students both academically and socially and you feel that as soon as you become an Honors student. You do great things on Auburn’s campus, and you get a family of people who support you and your goals in return!
HC: Why did you choose to join the Honors College?
JJ: Being an out-of-state student, the notion of coming to college without friends or connections was daunting. However, the tight-knit fellowship, personalized advising, smaller class sizes, priority registration, and social events advertised by the Honors College were highly appealing. These available resources made my transition to college a breeze and was the beginning of some of my closest friendships at Auburn.
HC: Tell us a little bit about your involvement in Honors.
JJ: While at Auburn, I have remained involved with the Honors College through several student-led honors organizations. Before my first semester, I was a participant of the Week of Service, where I later served as a counselor responsible for planning the activities and service locations. I have also served as an Honors College Ambassador for three years. In this role, I have had the opportunity to network with current Auburn students and played a role in recruiting prospective Honors College students. Before the Covid-19 Pandemic, I volunteered with Honors Serves at Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental and as an ACT Tutor at Loachapoka High School.
HC: What has surprised you the most about being in the Honors College?
JJ: One of the most surprising aspects of the Honors College is the diversity of the student population and available resources. The Honors College has students from every college on campus, so there are many opportunities to interact with students of differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences. The available Lyceum and Seminar classes further allow students to diversify their studies and learn about topics they would not have been exposed to otherwise.
Allen Li, Junior from Birmingham, Alabama
Major: Political Science and Economics, Minor: Philosophy
Honors student Allen Li was awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship this year, thanks to his work with LGBTQIA+ issues at Auburn University. As a sophomore Li developed the Inclusive Housing Project, which specifically addresses LGBTQIA+ student issues regarding the roommate matching process. Li developed a three-phase plan with Auburn SGA that focuses on prioritizing a safe space for students who may be dealing with harassment, misgendering, fear and anxiety.
HC: What does this award mean to you?
AL: It means a lot that an organization like the Truman Foundation recognizes the intersectionality of my communities and the work that I did through Auburn SGA and HRC (Human Rights Council). I am so excited to have a platform to magnify the work I’ve done at Auburn on a bigger stage and talk about issues in the LGBTQIA+ and AAPI community with leaders all around the nation.
HC: How did the Honors College assist you with this award?
The Honors College gave endless support and reassurance, as well as help with application edits – and of course caring deeply about the LGBTQIA+ community. Honors was also able to connect me with alumni that were incredibly helpful for interview preparations.
For more information about the Honors College please visit honors.auburn.edu. There you can learn about the many benefits of being an Honors College member, any requirements you may need, and an admission timeline. You can also set up a time to stop by for a meeting in-person or online.
Auburn University was founded in 1856 in Auburn, Alabama. Did you know that the original name of our school wasn’t actually “Auburn University”? Our school has gone through three different name changes since we opened our doors in the mid-19th century. Auburn University was originally named the East Alabama Male College and held that name until our first name change in 1872. Auburn then became the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama and operated under this namesake for close to 30 years. In 1899, our university was renamed a second time to boast the name of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Finally, in the year 1960, Auburn University became the official name of our beloved university, keeping with its location, size, and mission. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these names.
East Alabama Male College (1856 – 1872)
The beginning talks of establishing a college in Auburn took place at the Methodist church annual conference in Autaugaville, Alabama in the year 1853. Local residents called on the Alabama Methodists to support the construction of a college in their hometown of Auburn. Auburn was outbid by Greensboro, Alabama for the location of the newly promised school in December of 1854. The Auburn citizens would not go down without a fight, making sure the Alabama legislature heard their plea. In 1856, the Alabama legislature pulled through for the citizens of Auburn and overturned the governor’s veto in favor of incorporating the East Alabama Male College in Auburn.
The new school in Auburn consisted of a preparatory division that opened in January of 1857 with an enrollment of one hundred students. When the East Alabama Male College officially opened in 1859, the preparatory division now had 113 students, with the entire college supervised under the leadership of our first president Reverend William Jeremiah Sasnett. The East Alabama Male College had to close its doors during the Civil War to operate as a hospital, although the preparatory school remained open. After the college reopened, the East Alabama Male College fell on hard times financially and was unable to recover. This is when the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama was introduced and officially opened in 1872.
Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (1872 – 1899)
In the year 1857, a congressman from Vermont, Justin S. Morrill, introduced a bill that we now know as the Land-Grant Act. This bill was eventually signed into law in 1862, granting each state 30,000 acres of public land for a college to be built. With the Morrill Act and the benefits that came along with its passing, the state of Alabama was awarded 240,000 acres of land to establish a college. Where would this college be located in Alabama? This was a lively discussion had by the citizens of Alabama for a few years, many people proposing different ideas. People wanted this land-grant college to be added to the University of Alabama, B.F. Taylor of Lauderdale County proposed Florence, and Auburn’s very own Sheldon Toomer and J.L. Pennington proposed a bill for their hometown.
The Alabama Legislature formed special committees to choose a location for the land-grant college in December of 1871. Florence, already home to the Florence Wesleyan College, seemed the most viable option for the land-grant school to be established. Auburn, the long-shot in this case, was still hoping for a chance to host the new college. On February 13, 1872, the minority report of the selection committee was read over the majority report and Auburn was announced as the proposed location. Eleven days later on February 24th, this bill was read for the third time and passed. Auburn would be the new home of Alabama’s land-grant college.
William Leroy Broun became the president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama in 1882. He was then unanimously welcomed back as president in 1884, after a one-year stint. One of the recommendations he made as president was to change the name of the college to be called the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, to encompass the “enlarged sphere of educational work”, said Broun. Near the end of his tenure as president, the Alabama legislature successfully renamed the land-grant college, bearing the namesake of Alabama Polytechnic Institute or API as students have come to refer to the old name.
No president’s tenure was more foundational to how Auburn University functions today than that of Ralph Brown Draughon’s. Draughon became President of Auburn University in 1948, making him the school’s eleventh president. The GI Bill caused enrollment at API to double from the year 1944 to 1948, putting strain on the structure and mission of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. This new president oversaw the expansion of API from the land-grant role to providing both undergraduate and graduate coursework for our complex world. To align itself closer to the central mission of the college, the Alabama legislature approved the final name change of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, officially becoming Auburn University in the year 1960.
Our beloved school has now borne the name Auburn University for over 60 years. Being ranked as a top 50 public university year after year, holding the title of the #1 university in the state of Alabama, and having some of the happiest’s students in the nation, much is owed to the people who have gone before us. I can’t think of a more eloquent phrase than that of Ralph Brown Draughon who states, “Owing much to the past, Auburn’s mission makes its greater debt ever to the future.” Come be a part of fulfilling that mission here at Auburn University.
As the world becomes increasingly global, international experiences are integral to fostering foreign relations and creating a diverse and inclusive student body here at Auburn University. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons through cultural immersion and international experiences. Auburn Abroad, housed within the Office of International Programs, is committed to contributing to the internationalization of the university and is dedicated to helping students and faculty travel abroad!
Study Abroad Options
Auburn Abroad offers a variety of study abroad opportunities for students. Programs are flexible for student needs.
Auburn Abroad Programs
Auburn study abroad programs are led by Auburn faculty. Students can receive both direct Auburn course credit and/or transfer credit for the courses they take while abroad. Programs vary in length (anywhere from one week to a full year) and span a wide range of geographic regions, subject area, and credit type (major, minor, internship, elective, and core). Housing options include residence halls, apartments, homestays, and hotels. Programs are available for all majors and student levels, although students need at least two semesters of college coursework to be eligible to study abroad.
Fun Fact: students can use Auburn scholarships and financial aid toward Auburn study abroad programs!
Non-Auburn Programs
If students cannot find an Auburn program that suits their needs, they can still study abroad with a program from another school or provider. Credit they obtain from courses while abroad can be carried back to Auburn as transfer credits. All students that participate in a Non-Auburn Program will register with our office so that they will still receive guidance and support when preparing for their program. This guidance and support includes knowledge of non-Auburn options, receiving transient/transfer credit, and signing up for insurance.
What We Offer
Study Abroad 101
Study Abroad 101 is a weekly 30-minute group session to help students learn about the study abroad process and all that the Auburn Abroad office has to offer. Students will learn how to choose the right program and are provided the opportunity to ask any general questions they have about studying abroad.
Peer Advising
With Peer Advising, students work one-on-one with our student peer advisors to find the right program and get help with their applications. Peer advisors can also answer any specific questions students have about studying abroad.
How to Find a Program
Our Program Search tool makes it easy to find abroad programs that fit each student’s needs. With simple and advanced search options, students can find programs based on college or school, academic term, location, or type of credit offered. Auburn Abroad offers a number of major/college specific programs as well as more broad programs such as the Core Curriculum program in Barcelona, where students receive two core curriculum credits over four weeks in the summer.
We recommend students speak with their academic advisors when considering studying abroad in order to determine which programs and terms are best fit for their needs. Peer Advising is also beneficial for students who know they want to study abroad but aren’t sure where to start.
Student Stories
If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad at Auburn from the student perspective, please head over to the Auburn Abroad blog, Global Tiger Tales. Here you will learn more about specific programs as students detail their own international experiences.
Auburn offers so many wonderful, delicious restaurants that it can sometimes be difficult to choose just one. If you are looking for a place that not only excites your taste buds but also your ear buds, be sure to visit Ariccia Cucina Italiana. Ariccia is named after Auburn’s abroad campus in Ariccia, Italy and features a jazz lounge called Piccolo 241 Jazz and Cocktails. Fresh pasta made in-house daily, wood-fired pizzas, an impressive wine list…you can’t go wrong. Try the focaccia. I cannot say it enough times, try the focaccia! It melts like butter, and you will not be disappointed. You’ll love listening to live jazz played by local artists in Piccolo. The aperol spritzes and the blue notes are always on pitch, and don’t forget about the affogato or tiramisu for a nice sweet treat. Delizioso! -Virginia Elliott
Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge
Photo by Merideth DavisPhoto by Merideth Davis
Plaza Bar is relatively new to the Auburn area, having opened just over a year ago. You can find this spot just across from Niffer’s Place on Opelika Road in the new Midtown community, formerly where the Plaza Motel was located for those alumni that may remember. Plaza Bar is our favorite place to go to for delicious “pub” food. I would say that it falls into the definition of a gastropub. There is a great bar with weekly drink specials and features, but we love going here for the great food. Surprisingly they have the BEST gumbo in town! There are not many places you can even find gumbo in our area, so it is a treat to be able to get this any time we stop in. They also have a delicious creation called “soul rolls,” which is an “egg roll-like” appetizer with collards, bacon, smoked pork, and cream cheese with a mustard BBQ dipping sauce. They are out of this world good! They have cheesy tots, Alabama boiled peanuts, and a delicious house-made onion dip. We often order one of each of these appetizers and share amongst the table tapas-style. Plaza Bar is also the home of “The Original Warburger,” which was created by a friend, Auburn-alumni group during their college tailgating days, and is now a feature item on the menu. They are yummy! All beef patty, sweet onions, Wickle’s Dirty Dill pickles, French’s mustard, and house BBQ sauce. There is nothing on the menu that we have tried and did not like. They really did a great job with curating the menu and the ambiance of this restaurant/bar. There is also a pet-friendly outdoor patio seating area that faces the downtown of the Midtown community. Super cute spot and I highly recommend you try it out! -Merideth Davis
It is never a question…I always make sure to stop by Big Blue Bagel at least once when I am in town for a Tiger Melt, bagel chips, and jalapeno cream cheese. The Tiger Melt is a toasted, open-faced chicken salad bagel sandwich with a slice of Colby jack cheese melted over the top, and hands down my favorite bagel sandwich!
Located downtown on College Street within walking distance of campus, Big Blue Bagel, with its unmistakable blue awning, has been an Auburn breakfast and lunch staple since 2000. Some popular items include fruit on a bagel and the breakfast sandwiches. The line can be long at certain times of the day, but it is worth the wait! -Heather Rodgers
Byron’s Smokehouse
Byron’s has been an Auburn staple since Glen and Stephani Gulledge opened the restaurant in 1989. It is by far the best place to go in Auburn if you are wanting a southern style barbecue meal. You absolutely cannot beat their barbecue and southern sides. The only argument you might get is that their breakfast is even better than their barbecue. My personal favorite is the chipped barbecue sandwich and okra but the Brunswick stew and cornbread are a close second. If the full parking lot is any indication of how great the food is, you know you will be in for a treat. -Rebecca Estes
An Auburn favorite and a staple of the downtown scene, Taco Mama is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner any time of the year. When the weather is nice, the patio is an ideal place to hang out, catch up with friends, and even people watch. It has a hole-in-the-wall vibe with some of the best tacos and margaritas around. My personal favorite is the Yo Mama burrito with a side of the cilantro-lime rice and a skinny margarita. If you’re looking for great food and a great time, Taco Mama is the place to be! -Ansley Phillips
“Who are these students calling me, and why should I pick up the phone?” If you’ve ever received a phone call from Auburn University’s Tiger STRIPES, you may have asked yourself these two questions. We get it. We would be a little skeptical too, so we’re here to put you at ease. So, who are these students? Tiger STRIPES are student telecounselors who build relationships with prospective students and their families over the phone. Why should you pick up the phone? The answer is simple: You get to hear real stories from real students. We may be slightly biased, but we also think they’re pretty cool, and they’re available to answer all of your lingering questions about Auburn University. Check out stories from Kara, Cassi, and Victoria –current telecounselors who give you the inside scoop on all things Auburn: the admission process, student life, and more!
Kara Mautz, senior in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Journalism
I decided to apply to be a telecounselor because I thought it would be so rewarding to speak with students considering Auburn and make their application process a little easier. I am a senior this year at Auburn, and I have loved my experience and time at Auburn. However, I remember how overwhelming and stressful the application process was when I was applying to colleges. When I saw the application to become a telecounselor for Tiger STRIPES, I knew I had to apply. Working as a telecounselor has been one of my favorite experiences at Auburn. I have had the opportunity to help hundreds of students complete their applications, register for housing, apply for scholarships and so much more. Through my job at Tiger STRIPES, I have been able to spread the Auburn spirit and help potential students experience the power of the Auburn family through the phone.
Cassi Taylor, senior in Finance & Business Analytics
The Tiger STRIPES are a group of students who share information regarding the application process, as well as the admitted process. We help answer questions about the admissions process and applications, such as the admission application, On-Campus Housing application and the AUSOM Scholarship Application, as well as simply give out information such as key dates and deadlines. We are also here to simply give the incoming freshmen a “student’s perspective”, and that immediately builds a certain kind of relationship that cannot be built with staff members of the university. The connections made and real advice given to incoming students is remarkable and helps the new students really get a feel for what their new life will be like. I was afraid of how my life would change at Auburn and wish I had a resource such as the Tiger STRIPES to be able to talk with someone in a safe environment. The Tiger STRIPES are also a diverse group when it comes to majors, as we all are in different colleges. This gives us the ability to connect with most students because we have the experience to share. It is a great program filled with kind and helpful individuals who love Auburn and want incoming students to love it as much as we do.
When I came to Auburn for my campus tour, I immediately fell in love with Auburn. I also fell in love with how much the students loved Auburn as well, especially the recruiters who take time out of their busy days to help incoming students. I knew I wanted to be involved in that process, and I came across the opportunity to work with the Tiger STRIPES. There could not have been a better fit for me personally; I love to talk, as well as give advice to those willing to listen. I also love Auburn, and I take pride in being able to share my love for Auburn. I am a big people person, and being a Tiger STRIPES allows me to connect with people from all different locations. Being a Tiger STRIPES has helped me gain better speaking and communication skills, those of which I did not have before. It also doesn’t hurt that the university provides such great benefits to those who work for Auburn. As an employee of the university, I am allowed priority registration to build a schedule perfect for me, which is something you cannot have when working off campus. We also do not have to work during any student breaks, such as Christmas/Winter break, as well as Spring Break. The kicker, though, is that you are allowed to work extra hours when available, meaning if I wanted to work during those breaks, I can. There are also opportunities for extra hours during the regular weeks, so if I do not have a lot of schoolwork, I can come to my favorite place and get some hours in! Besides the phenomenal benefits, being able to share my love for Auburn daily never gets tiring, and I learn more about myself and Auburn every day.
Victoria Pitman, senior in Exercise Science
I am Victoria and I am a senior at Auburn University in Exercise Science. I am an out-of-state student who decided to come to Auburn and fell in love with the community it provided me. Talking to a telecounselor allows for a direct line to students who experienced things that you are going to go through or are already experiencing. We are here to help and love talking especially about Auburn University. We can help clear up questions you may have or just provide you insight on student life.
I love being a telecounselor because I find joy in talking to potential students about Auburn University. Being a senior, I have experienced so many great memories in Auburn, so, when talking to incoming freshmen I love being able to talk about how life-changing this university was to me. I also love this job because it gives me an opportunity to connect with the future of Auburn University. I will never forget having the ability to call a student and let them know that they were accepted. The joy in the voice of the student will always stick with me. The benefits of this job are plentiful but my kind and outgoing coworkers as well as the low-stress work environment cultivate the best conversations with incoming students.
