The Best College Town In Alaska
Fairbanks, the largest city in the interior region of Alaska, is a bustling metropolis. From its gold rush history and Constitution Hall to the scenic waterfront along the Chena River, there is no shortage of opportunities here. Along with being an economic and tourism hub, Fairbanks is Alaska鈥檚 best college town, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Since the early 20th century, the institute has been ingrained in local culture and offers the perfect environment for students. Students can take advantage of the strong community, ample facilities, and endless activities for a wonderful learning experience. This article takes a deep dive into why Fairbanks is the best college town in Alaska.
History Of The Town And College
Fairbanks was founded in 1901 by Captain E. T. Barnette as a trading post along the Chena River. Soon after, gold was discovered nearby, which began the Fairbanks Gold Rush, a major gold mining movement in the region. Miners from all in came to town and there was a sudden boom in the economy, infrastructure, and population. Soon after, the city grew as a military construction area, followed by a supply point for an oil field, and is now a tourist hub.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks was officially founded during the gold rush in 1917, although it has deeper roots. The origins of this college date back to 1906 as a federal agricultural experiment station. When it was officially set up, the institute was the 鈥淎laska Agricultural College and School of Mines,鈥� and its name stuck for 18 years. It wasn鈥檛 until 1935 that the name was changed to 鈥淯niversity of Alaska,鈥� and it was divided into six colleges, such as 鈥淎rts and Letters鈥� & 鈥淏usiness, Economics, and Government.鈥� Forty years later, the institute became the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the current name. As of 2025, the institute is one of the largest educational facilities in the state and the primary research unit of the statewide university system. Ode to its rich history and prominent impact, the university is a major part of Fairbanks and its heritage.
About The College
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant research university. It is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system and has been active for over 100 years. As of fall 2023, the university has over 6,600 students, out of which 5,600 are pursuing undergraduate courses. Thus, there is a strong social environment, and students can take advantage of the suburban 2,250 acre campus.
Regarding academics, UAF is divided into nine academic colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering and Mines (CEM), the School of Education, and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). Between these institutes, there are 190 different degree programs available for students to choose from.
In addition to academics, UAF is also a hub of research, facilitating over 90% of UA system research. Research activities are divided into various institutes, such as the International Arctic Research Center, which focuses on the circumpolar north and climate change, and the Geophysical Institute, which specializes in seismology and volcanology projects. To this end, students at UAF have ample room for research and related activities, promoting a wide range of hands-on projects and unique learning.
Social Life And Amenities In The College
With nearly 7,000 students, the community in UAF is very active and integrated with Fairbanks. The primary campus is located in the heart of western Fairbanks, connected via Tanana Lp E. Here, the large suburban campus creates a unique vibe, mixing urban and rural, beautifying Fairbanks. Along with this, there are endless historic landmarks and iconic buildings, from Lathrop Hall to the Patty Center. Students create a bustling environment throughout, and a large percentage of the local population studies here. To this end, everything from local shops to restaurants is full of youthful energy, often full of kids eating, studying, or out for a party.
To make the college experience optimal, the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides ample amenities for students. Housing is one of the main considerations, and several residence halls are spread throughout the campus. Each hall has a kitchen, laundry facility, and maintenance services for a comfortable living experience. Once rested, students can also participate in athletics, which is supported at UAF and Fairbanks. There are plenty of courts, arenas, and facilities for sports, such as the Patty Ice Arena, a nearby rugby field, and the Student Recreation Center. UAF鈥檚 team, the Alaska Nanooks, also competes at the NCAA Division I in hockey and is supported by the entire city. Along with this, the college has teams in women鈥檚 volleyball, basketball, and women鈥檚 swimming, with their polar bear mascot becoming a local favorite.
Community And Events In Fairbanks
The town is also committed to creating a bustling social environment; its events are a testament to this. July is one of the best months for festivals, with Golden Days, the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, and the 海角社区 Eskimo Indian Olympics. Golden Days is a parade wherein locals and tourists come together to celebrate the city鈥檚 past. Students often join the five-day event, creating a wonderful environment with dance, comedy, and contests like the Hairy Man Contest.
On a larger scale, the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival is a collection of creative works that showcase music, dance, theatre, and more. The fest runs for around two weeks, with over 120 artists performing all kinds of artistic talent. Moreover, there are courses and activities, such as break dancing, pilates, and gospel choir. Ending the July events, the 海角社区 Eskimo-Indian Olympics is one of the most unique. This event focuses on Native American athletics, with people completing various sports rooted in ancestral hunting and survival techniques. It showcases native skills and is also aimed at preserving their culture.
A few days later, the Tanana Valley State Fair is a must-visit. This fair takes place in early August and has been active for nearly 100 years, making it the oldest in the state. Students, locals, tourists, and everyone in between can join in for amusement rides, food stalls, competitions, live performances, and more. Each year has a unique theme, such as 鈥淪heep Herder in Paradise鈥� in 2022 and 鈥淭hank You For Bee-ing a Friend鈥� in 2024, so each fair is unique. UAF is also involved with the event, and they hosted UAF Day at the fair in 2024. Students and alumni came together for corn hole games, scientific exhibits, a mobile planetarium, and to click photos with the UAF mascot, Nanook.
Top Attractions In Fairbanks
Along with the scenic UAF campus, which has eateries, landmarks, and more, Fairbanks is full of activities and attractions. The college town bustles with life, whether outdoor scenery or suburban entertainment. Those here for the outdoors will never get bored of the Northern Lights, a natural miracle. Various tour companies such as Evendo provide complete tours to the lights, covering everything from travel and food to a trained tour guide. A single night tour takes around 10 hours, and watching the lights in the night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other tours from Fairbanks include dog sledding routes, Arctic Circle tours, and boat cruises along the Chena River, each a unique way to witness nature.
Fairbanks is not all about nature; culture also abounds. The University of Alaska Museum of the North is the place to be for cultural enthusiasts, showcasing a mix of Alaskan history, natural history, and art. The site has a whale skeleton, a sound room, and more. On a different note, the Fountainhead Antique Museum takes you into automotive history, with 85+ vintage cars like the Argonne and Columbia Mark XIX. Last but not least, you鈥檒l find most students and tourists at the Aurora Ice Museum. This fascinating landmark is made out of ice, with sculptures, an ice bar with ice glasses, and ice furniture for a chilling time in Fairbanks.
The Perfect College Town In Alaska
Fairbanks is the ideal college town, blending education, community, and adventure. The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers top-tier academics, strong research programs, and an engaging student life. The city embraces its university roots with local events, student-friendly amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond campus, Fairbanks boasts stunning natural beauty, from the Northern Lights to the Arctic wilderness, alongside rich cultural experiences like Golden Days and the Tanana Valley State Fair. Whether exploring history, enjoying outdoor adventures, or cheering for the Alaska Nanooks, Fairbanks offers students a dynamic and unforgettable college experience in the heart of Alaska.
