Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email rrsp@ua.edu
A: Yes, all RRS students are recognized as Honors College students if they complete their RRS requirements and GPA requirements for UHP.
A: No, the RRS freshman class will teach you everything you need and coding experience is not required for incoming freshmen.
A: Yes, if you are invited to multiple programs, you may participate in both programs. However, it is not recommended to participate in more than two programs due to time required to successfully complete RRSP.
A: Yes, many students bring a car, however it is not necessary to have a car. Check UA Parking for parking pass prices. About 50% of freshmen in 2018 brought their cars to campus, but the Crimson Ride buses are a great tool to use to get anywhere on campus and even to Target every Saturday. There are also several stores within walking distance of campus (like CVS and Publix).
A: UA offers many scholarships that include housing for four years on campus. Several of our students spend all four years on campus, but a lot of students move off campus after their freshman year.
A: Yes, many RRS students study abroad across the world. Most study abroad during the summer, but some also study during a regular semester. Due to the RRSP’s flexible schedule, studying abroad for up to a year is doable and that student can still complete the RRS minor.
A: Yes. Both are time intensive experiences, so the student must be driven and manage their time wisely.
A: RRSP participates in many intramural sports including flag football, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, softball, basketball, and some one-time tournaments, as well as other events within the program (like an assassins game). RRSP also participates in Homecoming every year which involves events like bowling and dodgeball. The Honors College participates in creating a lawn decoration that RRS students can volunteer to work on.
Luke Rakers coaching the co-rec basketball team, Spring 2022
A: This varies by person, but many RRSers are leaders of other organizations while participating in other extracurricular activities like intramural sports, Greek life, etc. The expected time commitment for research/freshmen year is 10-12 hours per week.
A: It is not required for RRS freshman to be involved in a research project until they enroll in seminar sophomore year. However, some students do start working on projects freshman year.
A: Yes, we have a computer lab on the first floor of Honors Hall. Students have access to resources such as 3D printing for research projects, free printing for all students, access to lab computers. Students have access to the lab 24/7 except on home game days.
A: RRS really is a community. We have programs in place such as a mentor program to help you find your place on campus. The freshmen usually do things like eat dinner together before class or plan small events such as movie nights or things like Spikeball that help them bond.