Campus Life
Your student's college experience will be more than hitting the books and attending class. At UAF, they've got so many ways to connect with friends, get involved, have fun and grow as an individual.
Living on Campus
Living on campus is a proven way for students to succeed academically, connect with
their peers and engage with campus life. That’s why the University of Alaska Fairbanks
requires that all first-year students live on campus.
Most first-year students live in the Moore, Bartlett or Skarland residence halls (students
call this the MBS Complex). The Hess Recreation Center connects these three residence
halls and serves as a meeting and events area, hosting concerts, conferences and trainings.
Living in MBS is an easy way for your student to find their community — students are
always out and about, playing a game of pool, studying or just hanging out in their
floor's lounge.
Living on campus is not only the best way for your student to be successful academically,
it's also very practical — on-campus housing and food costs are actually lower than
almost all off-campus housing and food costs in the Fairbanks area. Plus, living on
campus maximizes convenience for your student — their classes are a short walk away,
all meals are hot-and-ready and their new best friend may just be their roommate match.
Fun fact: UAF’s residence halls are the only ones in the nation to boast a view of
the Alaska Range and Denali — the highest peak in North America.
Dining on Campus
UAF offers a variety of dining locations for students — both those living on campus
and those commuting to campus. Wood Center’s Dine 49 facility has several types of
fare, including Mongolian grill, homestyle meals, deli sandwiches and wraps, pizza,
pasta, and a salad bar. Other retail options at the Wood Center include freshly made
sushi and American favorites off the grill.
Arctic Java is the main coffee spot on the UAF's campus, where students can enjoy
early-morning and late-evening service, as well as special events and programs on
the coffee house stage.
Students living on campus in the residence halls or Cutler apartments will choose
a meal plan that fits their lifestyle. Meal plans supply two payment types on a student's
Polar Express ID card — blocks and Munch Money. Students use blocks at Dine 49 and
Arctic Java to cover a full meal, while Munch Money is used like cash or a debit card
at all UAF dining locations.
Student Clubs and Organizations
College is more than classes and exams. It's also friendships, shared experiences
and learning to live life on your terms.
UAF students are a friendly, down-to-earth, free-thinking bunch. They make their own
paths — exploring, researching and innovating in and out of the classroom. The opportunities
for your student to challenge themselves in Alaska are endless, not only at school
but also in life.
- Student Activities — UAF's Student Activities Office organizes events designed to entertain, educate and inspire the UAF community. Your student can keep up to date on everything going on using the Nanook Engage app.
- Clubs and organizations — With more than 100 student organizations and clubs, there's something for everyone. Your student can join UAF's nationally acclaimed sustainability program, bead, discuss films, play frisbee, do aerial silks — or even start their own club!
- Leadership and volunteering — The Student Leadership and Involvement Office offers opportunities for your student to expand their leadership toolbox and make a difference in their community.
- Wood Center — The Wood Center student union not only houses student dining, a coffee shop, lounges, a games area and the Esports center, but is also home to the Student Activities Office, UAF's student government and the student-run newspaper, The Sun Star.
