If you’ll soon attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, congratulations! UAF is a prestigious institution, known primarily for its research programs and large campus, offering beautiful scenery and easy access to outdoor recreation.
But before you can explore the great outdoors and become a “Nanook,” you’ll need to plan your move. Start by researching the logistics of your move, including travel options and the campus’s housing requirements. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with campus and the Fairbanks area.
If that sounds like a lot to do in a short time, try not to worry. This guide – brought to you by the college moving experts at Collegeboxes – will tell you everything you need to know about moving to UAF.
Plan Your Move
Book Your Travel Accommodations
First things first; how are you getting to school? Obviously, Fairbanks, AK is a bit of a drive from most of the lower 48, so flying is probably your best bet. We recommend booking plane tickets early, as flights to Alaska can fill up quickly in late summer.
If you want to avoid pricey baggage fees, consider our convenient Ship to School service. This enables you to bring only the essentials with you on your flight while your other items are shipped to UAF and moved to your dorm room by professional college movers.
Make a Moving Checklist
Make a checklist of everything you’ll need, from travel documents to housing agreements to personal items. Here’s an overview of what we recommend adding to your checklist:
- Important documents: Housing contract, student ID, personal documents (ID, passport, credit card, etc.), financial aid information, and health insurance card.
- Essentials: Consider items you’ll need for dorm life, like bedding, toiletries, and school supplies. Keep in mind that dorm rooms are cozy, so pack smart. Use our ultimate list of dorm room essentials to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- UAF-specific needs: UAF isn’t known as “America’s Arctic University” for nothing! Prioritize warm clothing, including insulated jackets, thermal layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots, as winter temperatures can drop significantly.
Research Housing Options
UAF has housing options for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate housing includes six residences, from classic dorms to apartments. As with many other universities, UAF freshmen are required to live on campus. You can view this page to research housing applications, roommate selection, and other crucial information about moving to UAF as a newly admitted student.
Pack Like a Pro
When it comes to packing, just know that most students end up packing too much. So, try your best to pack light, and remember that some items can be shipped to your residence or even bought after you’ve arrived. In addition to our dorm room essentials list linked above, UAF has provided their own move-in essentials list to help. Be sure to check out our other packing guides for more tips about packing for college effectively.
Get Ready for Move in Day
Getting ready for UAF move in day is as simple as providing your health records, confirming your room assignment and check in time (this is key!), connecting with your roommate, and checking in via the MyHousing portal. Other key steps include attending New Student Orientation (NSO) and having a good time! Learn more on the UAF move-in webpage.
Explore the UAF Campus
Once settled, take some time to explore the UAF campus. Visit the Rasmuson Library, the Wood Center, and the Fine Arts Complex to get a sense of where you’ll spend your time. The campus also offers beautiful outdoor areas, including trails and scenic spots perfect for taking in Alaska’s natural beauty. Be sure to enjoy it to its fullest!
During the semester, try to engage in student activities, clubs, and organizations to connect with your peers. UAF prides itself on being a welcoming, vibrant community with something for everyone, from academic groups to recreational clubs like skiing and hiking.
Getting Around
When you live on campus, you’ll have access to the UAF Shuttles that can take you to most places you’ll need to go. Be sure to download the BusWhere app to track shuttles schedules and services so you’re always on time.
Weather permitting, cycling is also a great way to get around campus. If you live off campus, you can use public transportation, as well as the off-campus shuttle service. However, many off-campus students have found that having a car makes life a lot easier.
Store Your Stuff During Breaks
Fairbanks is a far journey from; it doesn’t make much sense to haul your stuff back home every summer. Collegeboxes has got your back with secure summer storage solutions, so you can keep your things close to campus.
Moving to UAF is a big deal, but with some good planning, smart packing, and help from Collegeboxes, you can make it a smooth ride. Collegeboxes makes student moving stress-free with packing kits, shipping services, and easy storage options, making the whole process simpler for students and families. So, if you’re getting ready for your big move to UAF, sign up for Collegeboxes to get things started!