The First-Year Experience
Inspiring great people to do great things.
You've got skills to master, records to set and discoveries to make. Here, you'll forge friendships to last a lifetime and ideas to change the world. We believe extraordinary people don't live ordinary lives. We invite you to explore the possibilities of the Last Frontier -- where inspiration is around every bend, independence is championed and adventure is inevitable.
Designed to help you succeed.
The First-Year Experience program, housed in the Department of Residence Life, aims to exemplify the very best in student-centered learning and scholarly teaching for all new college students. Our professional live-in staff focus steadfastly on promoting student success by providing entering students with support and cultivating student development through the transition period between previous learning experiences and college. Our Resident Assistants, and Resident Directors help students learn how to build the foundation for a successful and enjoyable college life, culminating in graduation.
Moore hall is one of the largest halls on campus, with a housing capacity of up to 320 students. The 6th floor is part of our Gender Diversity Living Learning Community.
Skarland Hall is a tight-knit community of 100-plus students who are academically respectful and diverse. It is home to the Honors, Engineering and Outdoors Adventure Living Learning Communities.
All incoming first-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus.
The live-on requirement is a commitment between the first-year students and the University of Alaska Fairbanks to enhance the students' experience and success. Living on campus for at least the first year gives students significant advantage as they will be part of a community and make connections to other students, faculty, and staff. Living on campus also connects students to services that support them as they transition to college life at UAF.
Who is a first-year undergraduate student?
A first-year undergraduate student is enrolled in 9 credits or more and under the age of 21 (this includes international students). You are required to live in a UAF residence hall for one academic year (fall/spring not including summer and winter breaks).
What if I'm enrolling for the spring semester?
Incoming spring transfer students who are still in their first matriculated year are required to live in a university residence hall.
What about international students?
All undergraduate International students in their first year of study in the United States are required to live on campus their first year. Requests for permission to reside off-campus for other reasons are considered on their own merit, taking into account individual circumstances.
Can first-year students be excused from the live-on requirement?
To qualify for an exemption to the live-on requirement, a student must meet one or more of the following criteria, subject to validation. Other exceptions not listed below will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fill out an Exception Form in the Housing Portal and wait for confirmation that the exemption has been granted.
- Student is married, in a registered domestic partnership or civil union.
- Student is a parent with custody of a child or children or caring for a dependent who is living with them.
- Student is living with family or a legal guardian. Family or legal guardian must also live within a 40-mile radius of campus.
- Credits are 100% eCampus.
Explore UAF by taking a virtual tour. See 360s, photos and maps to help get acquainted with our Fairbanks campus. Our online guided tour helps you see the UAF campus at any time, from any location. Student guides lead you through the places they live and learn, including residence halls, classrooms, the Rasmuson Library, the Wood Center Student Union and much more.
Welcoming new students to UAF at Rev-it-Up where we provide all the information new students need - from photo ID cards to IT connection services. Followed by orientation, team building, friend making and getting settled into college life.
24-hour security is provided with required key card access to the building, and key access required to access rooms.
There are two processes to switch rooms, Room Swaps and Even Room Changes.
Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a student-led organization the coordinating body of the residential community.
Any room or hall maintenance issues can be submitted through your Resident Assistant or Resident Director.
Learn all there is to know about your meal plan and dining service.
Residents are permitted to bring one refrigerator to be used in their residence hall room.