A Chinook helicopter glided over the University of Alabama quad, giving students the single breeze they needed to survive the sweltering heat and first day of classes Wednesday in Tuscaloosa.

The fall 2023 semester has officially begun at the Capstone, and as temperatures hit triple digits, students showed up in droves with all kinds of activities set up for them across campus to make their first week a bit more manageable.

The Quad, the campus’ central hub and green space, had a volleyball net, cornhole boards and spike ball surfaces where they could take a break and get active. Despite baking in the sun, several indulged in some sport, with the help of a table full of snacks and drinks.

And people kept it moving — tossing beanbags, sauntering to their next class or riding bicycles or electric skateboards — we didn’t spot anyone lounging in the area’s Adirondack chairs, Gorgas Library steps or shaded spots where the unforgiving sun might reach them.

With football season just two Saturdays away, Tuscaloosa is already bustling. Locals felt that the last week-plus, with students filing in according to various move-in dates. University Boulevard was bumper-to-bumper, from Hackberry Lane almost all the way up to Queen City Avenue. Yep, it’s fall again — even if it doesn’t quite feel like it.

See the photos from the first day of classes on campus in the gallery above or below.