When it comes to selecting a university, some of the most important things to consider are the size of the school, its location, and the opportunities you can experience there. At the University of Alaska Southeast, you’ll find a small but tightly knit community of students and faculty that are passionate about the world and the creatures in it.
Think life at UAS sounds like your type of vibe? Read on to learn more about this northern marvel.
Fun Facts About University of Alaska Southeast
There is a Strong Indigenous Culture: There are three indigenous cultures that are native to Alaska, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, and the curriculum at UAS is centered around uplifting these cultures. On top of this, a little over 20% of the student population at UAS are of indigenous decent.
Their Mascot Makes a Splash (Literally): If you want to represent UAS, you need to know who Spike is! He’s the University of Alaska Southeast’s mascot, a humpback whale with stylish little fishing boots. In fact, whale imagery is everywhere you look at UAS, from the student newspaper (turned podcast) called Whalesong, or the literary magazine, Tidal Echoes.
Getting to Know UAS Juneau
What is the acceptance rate for UAS?
The acceptance rate for University of Alaska Southeast is 62.7%. The minimum GPA cutoff is 3.0, so if you want to land a spot here, you better hit the books!
The landscape is unlike anything else: On of the most notable qualities about UAS is that it was built right on Auke Bay. The school’s proximity to the ocean gives the university an opportunity to use wet labs, allowing students to study small marine animals like shrimp or octopi. In fact, odds are you’ll be able to spot a whale or seal in the bay!
UAS Juneau is only 10 minutes away from your local U-Haul, making it the perfect spot to have your belongings shipped to! Forget about paying premium prices to move your things, Collegeboxes is here to make it quick, easy, and affordable!
Packing for the Weather
In Alaska, don’t expect the weather to peak above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cool 60 degrees being the average during daylight. On top of this, Juneau is wet and rainy, so you’ll definitely need to pack a few raincoats, boots, and warm clothing to keep you feeling dry and snug during those winter months. Need help making a packing list? We got you!
What is UAS known for?
Other than the breathtaking landscapes, 8 national parks, and endless adventuring opportunities in Alaska, the University of Alaska Southeast has plenty to offer on its own!
For example, the student recreation center is shared with the Alaska Army National Guard, which means it’s decked out in a lot of cool amenities. Other than the usual courts, tracks, and studios, this recreation center also comes with a thirty-foot climbing wall. You can also rent equipment for outdoor sports like skiing, snowboarding, or kayaking.
Or if you’re feeling artsy, you can see some of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal art at William A. Egan Library. Coincidentally, this is also where you’ll probably be going to do homework or cram for finals!
The Other Campuses of UAS
UAS Ketchikan
Known as Alaska’s first city, in Ketchikan, you can expect to hear about some world-class fishing. In fact, salmon are notorious for populating local streams, making this a hotspot for fishermen from all over the world. You’ll also be able to see cultural relics like totem poles, historical buildings, and the Misty Fjords, seeing a whole new layer of what Alaska has to offer.
UAS Sitka
Sitka is usually a city that’s enjoyed from afar, with day trips, cruises, and flightseeing being some of the most popular attractions for this coastal town. People love to kayak in the waters, hike along the hills and mountains, and enjoy the flora and fauna the city has to offer.
Pro Tip: If you and your family aren’t from Alaska, you may not realize how limited shopping there can be. Your student may start to miss little pieces of home, like Velveeta macaroni and cheese or their favorite brand of peanut butter. If you want to show your child some love, send them a care package that includes some of their hard-to-get favorites to help cure that homesickness.
Planning Your Move
Wondering where you’ll live once you step foot in Juneau? UAS makes it easy! First year students are all required to live in John Pugh Hall, a co-ed dorm with probably the best view you’ll ever get in a dorm room.
Like almost all other schools, all housing residents at UAS need a meal plan. The minimum plan is the 11-meal plan, which will run you about $2,050 or $18.00 per day. Your plan can be used at local joints like the Lakeside Grill or Spikes Café and even vending machines around campus, but each plan expires when the semester ends so make sure you make the most of it!
Make Going to School an Adventure with Collegeboxes
When you attend the University of Alaska Southeast, you’re signing up for an adventure. Luckily, Collegeboxes is here to help you get there! All you need to do is pack up your things and we can handle the rest. That way, all you need to worry about is getting yourself to campus and exploring what UAS has to offer.
Don’t miss the wave, sign up with Collegeboxes today!