Student information

Accessible housing

UAF provides comparable, convenient, and accessible housing to students with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation based on your disability and/or condition, start the process by applying for housing and applying with Disability Services to confirm your disability status. Disability Services then will assist Residence Life in providing you reasonable accommodations tailored to meet your needs.

Below are some examples of accommodations UAF Residence Life has provided:

  • Accessible room: A room on the ground floor with moveable furniture. The door to the room may have an automatic door opener; the room may also have a roll-in shower.
  • Accessible toilet/sink: A sink that can accommodate a wheelchair; usually no more than 34” in height with minimum cabinet space underneath for knee clearance.
  • Remote control access: A door equipped with a power-operated mechanism and controls that help to open the door automatically or relieve the opening resistance of a door upon receiving a signal.
  • Private bathroom: A bathroom that is not shared between roommates.
  • Modular bathroom: A bathroom that is shared between two people. This bathroom is enclosed within the living space itself.
  • Roll-in shower (no lip): A shower with no barriers; a wheelchair can easily roll in.
  • Strobe light fire alarm: A flash lamp that produces high-intensity, short-duration light pulses that is attached to the fire alarm and used to aid individuals with hearing impairments during emergency situations.
  • Ground floor/First floor room: A room that does not require the use of stairs; room has access to the main level.
  • Visual doorbell: A light above the door that will light up when someone is at the door (typically for students with hearing impairments).
  • Room with additional space for medical equipment.
  • Substance-free environment.
  • Private room: Single room or a double room for a single occupant.
  • Service or assistive animal.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage you to contact Disability Services with specific questions. Approved accommodations provided to students with qualifying disabilities are not subject to surcharges.

Your best bet: COMMUNICATE EARLY! Although modifications can be made to rooms at any time, the best plan is to communicate early with Disability Services and Residence Life about your specific needs. With information from Disability Services and Residence Life and your assistance, we can look for a space that best meets your needs. Housing is limited and not guaranteed. An approved housing accommodation does not guarantee a housing assignment. UAF does not discriminate in the provision of housing to students with disabilities.

How to apply for a housing accommodations

STEP 1: If you intend to live on campus, complete the Housing Application as soon as possible. When applying for housing, make sure to indicate that a disability-related accommodation is requested. 

STEP 2: Register with UAF Disability Services by completing all necessary Forms and providing documentation as required by Disability Services. Please submit your request early to allow time for the determination process. For more detailed information on how to start the registration process, please visit our Registration Process page. 

Housing accommodation requests for Fall 2024 must be submitted and processed by UAF Disability Services by June 15 to allow for full consideration. Those received after June 15 will be subject to availability.

STEP 3: At the conclusion of the registration process and the initial appointment an accommodation letter will be drafted and emailed to you and Residence Life. Please note that you will be responsible for updating your accommodation plan with Disability Services and Residence Life each academic year prior to the Fall Semester.