The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers new students more than just an academic journey; it provides a distinctive community experience immersed in Alaska’s wilderness and vibrant traditions.
As students embark on their first semester, they can look forward to participating in a variety of time-honored events that embody the spirit of UAF.
One of the most notable traditions, Starvation Gulch, takes place at the beginning of the fall semester, where students gather to celebrate the new academic year by igniting large wooden structures built by student organizations. This historic event, dating back over a century, serves as a festival and rite of passage for newcomers, solidifying their place in the UAF community.
As the seasons change and winter approaches, the Winter Carnival takes the stage, featuring intricately carved ice sculptures and outdoor games that celebrate Alaska’s long and beautiful cold season. Then, as spring arrives, SpringFest ushers in warmer weather with a mix of music, food, and outdoor competitions, helping students shake off the winter blues and enjoy the return of the midnight sun.
For those adventurous enough to brave the coldest temperatures, UAF offers an unofficial group known as the -40 Below Club.
Joining this unique club is simple; students only need to document their experience of being outside in -40 degree Fahrenheit weather, often by capturing a photo next to the campus thermometer, typically while clad in bathing suits. This quirky challenge highlights not only the extreme weather conditions that students face but also the shared camaraderie and risky fun that embody the spirit of UAF.
To stay informed about these events and much more, students can utilize Nanook Engage, an online platform that details club meetings, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and campus-wide celebrations year-round.
Athletics also play a significant role in the UAF community, with the university proudly supporting the Nanooks. Here, sports bring students together, especially during the harsh winter months.
Men’s ice hockey stands out as a major attraction, competing at the NCAA Division I level and drawing high-energy crowds to the Carlson Center, where exciting games are enhanced by team traditions and the lively Nanook mascot, who occasionally surprises attendees with free pizza and t-shirts.
Moreover, UAF takes pride in its NCAA Division II sports, featuring teams in basketball, volleyball, cross-country running, skiing, and rifle. The rifle team has notably secured multiple national championships, showcasing the competitive spirit thriving at UAF. Students can often access discounted or free tickets to these athletic events, serving as an excellent opportunity to connect with classmates and enjoy spirited competition.
Housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the student experience at UAF, with various options available to accommodate diverse needs and preferences.
The MBS Complex, comprising Moore, Bartlett, and Skarland Halls, offers traditional dorm-style living that includes gender-neutral restrooms, free laundry, community kitchens, and social lounges. This space is particularly popular among first-year students and is an excellent place to forge new friendships. Notably, it also features a Subway for convenient dining.
The recently renovated Wickarsham Hall now serves as the residence hall for first-year honors students, while other options like Cutler, Lathrop, Stevens, and Nerland offer distinct layouts and personalities for students seeking different experiences. Lathrop, Stevens, and Nerland are part of the lower-campus dorms, with this year seeing Lathrop as the only lower-campus residence open for students due to renovation plans for the others.
Graduate students, employees, and families can opt for private living spaces at Chandalar Homes, Garden Apartments, and Hess Village, which come equipped with in-unit laundry and full kitchens, offering a quieter and more independent living environment. On the other hand, Cutler apartments are similar yet have limitations based on availability. Primarily catering to students in their sophomore year or higher, Cutler apartments operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
During Fairbanks’ long, dark, and chilly winters, hot food and warm beverages become essential for survival, making the Wood Center the culinary hub of campus life.
This facility presents several dining options, such as Burger 907 for classic American fare, and Fuse Asian Bowl & Sushi for a taste of customizable rice and noodle dishes.
Dine 49, the main dining hall, delights students with a rotating menu that includes a variety of stations like a pasta bar, taco station, and Mongolian grill, topped off with a tempting dessert counter for those with a sweet tooth. For casual study sessions or quick snacks, Arctic Java remains a favorite among students, while Campus Cache provides made-to-order pizza and convenience items. With coffee shops such as Java Joe’s and the Museum Café offering splendid views of the Alaska Range, students are never short of options to satisfy their cravings.
For those 21 and older, The Pub in the Wood Center presents a relaxed social atmosphere characterized by trivia nights and live music, perfect for unwinding after a long week.
In addition to the vibrant dining scene, UAF encourages students to stay active, especially during the winter months when outdoor activities abound.
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) serves as a key facility that exceeds the expectations of a typical gym, offering weightlifting equipment, cardio machines, climbing walls, multipurpose courts, and an indoor track for all students enrolled at the university.
Nearby, the Patty Ice Arena and Patty Pool provide opportunities for public skating, hockey, swimming, and sauna sessions.
For the adventurous souls, Outdoor Adventures rents equipment for activities such as cross-country skiing, ice climbing, fat biking, and backpacking, ensuring that even those who are not regular gym-goers can remain active throughout the winter.
Participating in intramural sports, enjoying bowling at the Wood Center, taking yoga classes, or sledding down the famous UAF sledding hill are all excellent ways for students to maintain their fitness and social connections.
Keeping connected to campus news also plays an important role in student life.
The Sun Star, UAF’s student-run newspaper, offers updates on campus events, sports, and student opinions in both print and online formats at uafsunstar.com. Students are encouraged to get involved as reporters, photographers, and freelancers.
Furthermore, KSUA 91.5FM allows students to explore their potential as DJs and contribute to the on-air conversation with just a little training.
Life at UAF goes far beyond the classroom, defined by choices made outside of it.
Students are urged to greet fellow adventurers on trails, dress in layers to combat frostbite, and fully engage in the unique traditions that make UAF extraordinary.
Whether gathered around the flames of Starvation Gulch, celebrating in the crowds at a hockey game, or enjoying a snowshoeing expedition beneath the auroras, students should remember that their time at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is not just about earning a degree; it’s about joining a community and creating lifelong friendships.
Welcome to UAF, where academic growth meets unforgettable experiences.
image source from：uafsunstar
