Department of Residence Life

The terms "residence hall" and "dorm" are often used to mean the same thing, but UAF recognizes a significant difference between the two. The term dorm originates from the Latin word dormitus, meaning to sleep. An important objective of residence hall communities at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is to provide not just a place to sleep, but also a safe and productive environment to study and learn, and opportunities for social interaction. Residence Life staff through activities and programs held in every hall make important contributions to this objective.

There is a live on requirement for any first-year UAF student. Second-year and beyond do not have to live on campus, but we highly recommend it. Living in the residence halls has many advantages over living off campus, such as convenience to classes and campus services, cost, and the benefit of living in a community of other college students.

You will find that living on campus is much more convenient than living off campus. Basic cable service, laundry, and security are provided as part of your housing costs. You pay for your room for the entire semester, so you have less to worry about. Residence hall communities are a great advantage for students. Studies show that students who live on campus get better grades and are more likely to finish their degrees. This figure is due in no small part to the support system that other resident students will provide for you.

EDGE stands for Education, Development, Growth, and Experience. This program is designed to provide traditional first year students (first-year students under 20 years of age with less than 20 college credits) with an extra support network. EDGE provides extra staff members, including Academic Peer Mentors. EDGE is currently housed in Moore Hall and Skarland Hall, which are alcohol free communities. All traditional first-year students that live on campus are required to participate in this program.

Complete the online application with the $40 nonrefundable fee and $315 refundable damages deposit. The earlier we receive your application, the better your chances of getting the space you want. We are usually able to add new students for spring semester.

Returning students go through a process called Room Selection in the spring, where they choose their room and roommates. Traditional first-time freshmen are obligated to participate in the EDGE program, but we will do everything we can to accommodate roommate requests. Please indicate your preferences on the housing application.

A limited number of single rooms are available on upper and lower campus. There are no single rooms available in the Cutler Apartment Complex. Residents of certain halls have the option of a Super Single, a double room with an occupancy of one, if available. Most first-year students share a double room. For more information, please contact our office for more information.

Yes! Each hall has professional and student staff assigned to it that assist with check in and check out, provide social and educational programs and activities, conduct conflict resolution, enforce policies, and help students in time of need. These staff members are specially trained to help residents cope with the challenges of being in college. Resident Assistants are students just like you who have lived in the halls for at least a year. They are chosen for these positions because they exhibit a genuine desire to help students achieve personal and educational success. RD's are professional live-in staff who supervise RA's and help provide counseling and guidance for resident students. We encourage all residents to get to know your hall staff!

All residence halls are open during Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks. There is no additional charge to stay in the buildings during these times. Most buildings are closed during Winter Break and Summer Break. Residents wishing to stay on campus will be consolidated into as few buildings as possible. If you wish to stay on campus during Winter Break or Summer Break, you must apply via your UAOnline account