Welcome to UAF
By Autumn McPherson
Starting your first semester at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a bit like stepping into a whole new climate – and not just because of the freezing temperatures. UAF is more than a campus; it’s a tight-knit community surrounded by Alaska’s wilderness. Student life is shaped by tradition, resourcefulness and a shared love for adventure. Whether you came here for academics, northern lights, or simply to try something different, there are a few essential things to know to live and thrive at UAF.
UAF has its own set of traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. At the start of the fall semester, students gather for Starvation Gulch, a historic event dating back over a century. Large wooden structures, designed and built by student organizations, are set ablaze in a massive bonfire to welcome new Nanooks and mark the beginning of the academic year. It’s part festival, part rite of passage, and one of the most photographed events on campus. As winter approaches, the Winter Carnival takes over with ice sculptures, outdoor games, and activities that celebrate the beauty of Alaska’s long cold season. By the time spring rolls around, SpringFest sweeps across campus with music, food trucks, and outdoor competitions, helping students get away from the freezing temperatures and welcome back the midnight sun.
UAF also has an unofficial “club” called the -40 Below Club. All you have to do is prove you’ve been outside in -40 degree Fahrenheit weather, usually by snapping a photo next to the campus thermometer, mostly done in bathing suits. This “club” shows the extreme weather conditions and the questionable judgment many students have to get this picture. Though admittingly it is a fun and unique experience. If you want to keep track of all these events and more, Nanook Engage is your go-to online platform. It lists club meetings, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and campus-wide celebrations, making it easy to stay involved year-round.
As for the athletic side of the university, UAF is home to the Nanooks. Athletics here are about more than just competition; they're a way to bring the community together, especially through the harsh winter. Men’s ice hockey is one of the main attractions of UAF sports, competing at the NCAA Division I level. Games at the Carlson Center are high energy events, complete with roaring crowds, team traditions, and the occasional appearance of the Nanook mascot, who sometimes gives out free pizza and t-shirts. Beyond hockey, UAF also competes in NCAA Division II sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, cross country running, skiing, and rifle. The rifle team has won multiple national championships. Attending games and meets is a great way to connect with classmates. Student tickets are often free or heavily discounted. Students can find information about each sport’s meets on the UAF Athletics website.
Where you live at UAF will shape much of your daily routine. The university offers a variety of housing options. The MBS Complex, made up of Moore, Bartlett, and Skarland Halls, provides traditional dorm-style living with gender-neutral bathrooms, free laundry, community kitchens and lounge areas. These halls are a hub for first-year students and a good place to meet people. Not to mention they have a Subway. The Wickarsham hall was recently renovated and is now the residence hall for first year honors students. Other residence halls, like Cutler, Lathrop, Stevens and Nerland, each have their own layout and personality. Lathrop, Stevens and Nerland are each considered “lower-campus” dorms. This year, Lathrop will be the only lower-campus dorm open, while the others are due for changes, including one building that may eventually be converted into a hotel. For graduate students, employees, and families, UAF offers Chandalar Homes, Garden Apartments, and Hess Village, which feature more private living spaces, in-unit laundry and full kitchens. These are great options if you’re looking for a quieter environment or more independence. Cutler apartments are similar but are based on first come first serve. Typically Cutler is reserved for students in their sophomore year or above.
In Fairbanks winters, hot food and warm drinks are more than a comfort, they’re survival tools. The Wood Center is the heart of campus dining, offering several food options under one roof. Burger 907 serves up burgers and fries, while Fuse Asian Bowl & Sushi has customizable rice bowls, noodle dishes, and fresh sushi. Dine 49, the main dining hall, rotates menus daily with options like a pasta bar, Mongolian grill, taco station, and a dessert counter. For coffee and snacks, Arctic Java is a student favorite, doubling as a casual study spot, right below Dine 49. If you need something quick, Campus Cache is known for its made-to-order pizza and convenience items. Across campus, you’ll also find Java Joe’s, Nanook Bagel Co. in the Murie Building, and the Museum Café for coffee with a view of the Alaska Range. Also in the Wood Center is The Pub for those 21 and older, complete with trivia nights, live music and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Fairbanks winters are long, dark, and cold, but that doesn’t mean life slows down. The Student Recreation Center, or SRC, is free for enrolled students and offers far more than a typical gym. In addition to weightlifting and cardio equipment, the SRC includes climbing walls, multipurpose courts for volleyball, basketball, and pickleball, and an indoor track.
Nearby, the Patty Ice Arena and Patty Pool host public skating, hockey, swimming, and even sauna sessions. For the adventurous individuals, Outdoor Adventures rents equipment for activities like cross-country skiing, ice climbing, fat biking, and backpacking. Even if you’re not a “gym person,” staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mood up during the winter months. Regular exercise boosts energy, improves sleep, and helps fight the winter blues and encourages one to be social. You can join an intramural sports team, go bowling at the Wood Center, take a yoga class, or grab some friends for sledding down UAF’s famous sledding hill.
Finally, don’t forget to stay informed. The Sun Star, UAF’s student-run newspaper, is available in print around campus and online at uafsunstar.com. It covers campus news, sports, event announcements, and student opinions. It’s also a great way to get involved. Reporters, photographers, and freelancers are always welcome.
And don’t forget to tune into KSUA 91.5FM for student run radio. Want to explore your own DJ potential? With some light training you can have your own show.
Life at UAF is shaped by the choices you make outside the classroom. Say hello to people you pass on the trail, dress in layers (seriously, this will save you from frostbite), and take part in the quirky traditions that make this university unlike any other. Whether you’re warming your hands at Starvation Gulch, cheering at a hockey game, or snowshoeing under the northern lights, remember that you’re not just here to earn a degree, you’re here to be part of a community and make life long friends. Welcome to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.