University of Alaska Fairbanks Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Alaska Fairbanks know before they start?

Hannah

Find a place that is going to cater to not only who you are now, but also allow you to grow into who you could become four years from now. Ignore reputations, statistics, and the propaganda schools put out to advertise themselves. Listen to those who have been there, and spend time there yourself doing what you would do if you were a student. Don't get suckered by flashy offers, and don't let money be your deciding factor.

jessie

Definitely pick a state that the student will be comfortable in. Visit the five main campuses that are in your list and spend at least two days at each campus. Just hanging out in the student complex or "hang out spot" will tell you so much about the campus. If everyone is secluded and don't talk to eachother it might be hard to make friends, on the other hand if students are bouncing back and forth between groups and sitting next to random people, it shows that the school is friendly and inviting, and it will be easy to meet people and make friends.

Rebecca

Don't kill your wallet in an attempt to pay off your kid's college. Pick a cheap school that they can afford because you can get a top rate education at pretty much any school. You don't need to pay $50 grand a year for it.

BriAnna

I think it is important that parents pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of their child when looking for a school. They should consider the child's interests, and compare them with where the school chooses to place educational emphasis. For instance, is the school Fine Arts, Sciences and Research, or mostly graduate level? Evaluating the social networking of the school is important when looking for a match for their child as well. I truely believe that not only is the quality of education important, but so is the atmostphere that child is to be learning in.

Jeremy

The best piece of advice I can offer prospective students is to visit the campus and speak with students who are actively enrolled in the program you are interested in. This is the best way to understand what you face, instead of taking a brochure at face value. Choose a program you like and have the desire to accomplish and this will help you to keep pushing through when you feel like you would otherwise quit!

Casey

visit the campus to see if it gives you the kind of atmosphere you think you would be comfortable living in. never live with your best friend, ive seen it end badly too many times, dont be afraid to go somewhere just because you dont know anybody, and always join clubs or intramurals, anyway to meet new people, and dont discriminate, some of the best friends i have by most societal standards would be a complete opposite. ive learned by going out of state for a semester that its best to get your required classes out of the way as cheap as possible, for me, that was coming back to alaska. take summer courses, they go by fast and are usually much more laid back then fall or spring semesters and can really help you get done quicker, im graduating in 4 years with 5 major changes because of those classes i took in the summer. all i can really say after that is that everyone has to make their own happiness, so surround yourself with people who care about you, dont give a damn what other people say about you, and just live life to the fullest.

Emily

When I started searching for schools I got so overwhelmed by all the choices, places, and majors that I couldn't decide what to do. I tried college match-makers on the internet, college lists in books, and advice from advisors. I didn't have a major in mind yet and hadn't traveled enough to know where I wanted to spend the next four years, which was also a scary thought. Where do I spend the next four years of my life!? Eventually I decided to join some friends who were staying in state and I couldn't have asked for a better first year of college. I met some of the coolest people (many of which lived in state and visited me in the summer), payed in-state tuition, and took all my required general education classes. Your first year of college is going to be an adventure no matter where you are so don't worry about the small stuff, just pick a school and get used to the college life. When you figure it all out you can always transfer and by then you'll already know exactly what you're looking for.

ashley

when looking for a college keep in mind the climate and type of people you want to be in. It makes a big difference in whether or not you would like the school. Also the class size and what classes are given is also very important!! Some schools have a better science department than others. Don't forget to do what you want. If you don't know, try taking some basic courses close to home until you know what you want and are ready to make the leap into that direction.

James

The best school is not necessarily the closest, the most convenient, or the cheapest. Look for a match based on several of your interests, avaliability of fitness facilities, influence of students in the operation of the school, or anything else you would like to find in a school.

Jessica

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Jessa

Look at the scholarships available for your area of study - I wound up at a school with almost no scholarships for the liberal arts, despite those areas being the ones with higher enrollment. This meant more fighting over fewer scholarships than had I gone to a more liberal arts minded school.

Mikana

Students make sure you pick a college that is right for you and enjoy yourself if it takes you 5 years to graduate instead of 4 no big deal there is no rush enjoy the experiences you have they will last a life time.

KIMRAH

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN ADVISOR AND KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE ADVISOR OR EVEN FORM A RELATIONSHIP...

Matthew

I would highly recommend attending a school that doesn't financially set back the student into debt. Finding an affordable school that has a decent quality programs in the fields the student is interested in is critical. If there is a financial worry, it is hard to focus on the acedemic requirements. Going to an inexpensive school to find your interests may also be a good place to start. For the most part, the quality of lower-level classes is the same at all school. If cost truly isn't a concern, touring the school beforehand would be the most benefical in making the right choice.

Kelley

Go there! See what it looks like. Take a peak at the classrooms, dorms, and common areas. Tour the grounds. Get a feeling for the campus and the atmosphere. Stay the night if possible. Know what the living situation is going to be like before you even start, so you know what to expect. Look at every obstacle with an open mind and be prepaired for change. Nothing is ever set in stone. Talk to people! Ask other students what it was like their first year. Get to know your advisor, they are there to help you. Talk with professors in your field of study. They will remember you when you show up to their class. Look into different clubs or organizations and talk with them, they were once new to that campus too. Make friends Even if you don't choose that campus, there's still email. Let go! This is a new chapter in your life, either wade in or jump in. Parents, let your child know that you are still there when they need help, but let them try to figure it out first! You can't always hold hands, sometimes you just need to let go.