Roughly 12,000 students attend UAA each year and of those, approximately 700 live in student housing. While living on campus has many benefits, UAA does not have a requirement that students live on campus and is often referred to as a "commuter campus" with the majority of students living outside of student housing and commuting to classes. UAA also does not provide family housing, so students with non-student spouses, partners or dependents would need to find housing off campus.
UAA does not have partnership or endorse any specific housing off campus, but we hope that the information below can help students who wish or need to live off campus navigate the process of finding housing that will meet their needs. An internet search for apartments or housing in Anchorage will bring up links to explore options in the area.
UAA is located in midtown Anchorage in an area often called the "U-Med District" which houses two universities (UAA and Alaska Pacific University) and two hospital complexes (Providence Hospital and the Alaska Native Medical Center complex) in close proximity.
Midtown Anchorage is a hot spot for stores, restaurants, services and bars, as well as the U-Med District. Housing is tucked into neighborhoods throughout the area.
Like other metropolitan cities, Anchorage’s downtown is rich with entertainment, culture, the arts, shopping and restaurants/bars. Downtown houses federal, state, corporate, local and private offices.
East Anchorage is closest to the Glenn Highway, which takes you north towards the interior part of the state and includes family housing, with some local businesses ranging from restaurants to small shops. This area includes large parks and useful trails.
West Anchorage consists of family housing in residential neighborhoods as well as a popular commercial business area along Dimond Blvd. This area includes Kinkaid Park with a vast network of popular trails.
Southside and Hillside consist of many larger family homes and a lower amount of businesses. This area includes Hilltop Ski Area and Glen Alps Trail-head.
With a population of 23,000, Eagle River is located approximately 16 miles north of Anchorage and has a small-town feel with local and commercial businesses. Eagle River offers easy access to many outdoor activities.
The towns of Palmer (Pop. 5,000) and Wasilla (Pop. 10,000) make up “The Valley” approximately 46 miles north of Anchorage. This area has a loaded backyard with all the amenities of a city.
As a renter it is your responsibility is to pay your rent on time, pay your utilities on time, sign and keep a copy of your lease, and follow all the terms of the lease. Use your judgment as to whether you should do/change anything on the premises. If it harms the property or you’re unsure if it will, don’t do it.
You are protected from unlawful entry as a renter. Your landlord can only enter your apartment (without permission) in very specific instances. View the law in its entirety at https://www.law.alaska.gov/department/civil/consumer/3403010.html.
Try to keep your apartment in nice condition. Remove garbage in an efficient and timely manner, and follow all garbage collecting measures. Don’t store things next to heaters or overload power outlets. Notify your landlord as soon as possible if a repair needs to be done.
Brought to you by UAA's Justice Center, below are in-depth guides into your rights and the laws governing renting in Alaska.
Moving in a new place can be super stressful, but it doesn't have to be! The first step when moving is inspecting the premises. Set up a time with the landlord to view the property before your move-in date. Bring a camera with you to document any damages you notice and the conditions of every room. Some landlords will provide their own checklist for you to fill out or will fill one out themselves. However, keeping a record of things yourself provides extra proof should a misunderstanding arise. Take photos to prove any damages existed before you moved in. When/if you have repairs done document them and have the landlord approve them. Setting up utilities and other services will also need to be done prior to moving in. Some common expenses include gas, water, cable and Internet. Remember to ask your landlord which utilities are included with the rent.
Below is a quick move-in checklist
Living with another person and sharing the space can be enjoyable and educational. It not only decreases the amount of rent you have to pay, but it also provides some sort of social support within the home. Consider whether you want to live with a friend or stranger and see if your interests/study habits mesh. Roommates don’t always fit together perfectly. Some work well right off the bat while others need time to adjust. Keep this in mind when choosing a roommate.
It’s important to understand and respect one another in order to live harmoniously. Be aware of the other person’s schedule and adjust your habit accordingly. Be considerate; don’t have friends over after midnight if your roommate works at 6 a.m. Be courteous and care about your roommate’s wellbeing.
If you are living with a roommate, no matter who it is, friend, family or partner, you should come up with a roommate agreement. Physically writing down and signing what is expected of each other is highly recommended. Chores, rent and rules are some things you’ll want to include in your roommate agreement.
(adapted from the Anchorage Daily News article, How to recycle like a pro in Anchorage, by Devin Kelly)
When moving out, the most important thing to do is notify your landlord. Many landlords will require that this notice be given when rent is due and at least 30 days prior to move out. Give your landlord at least 30 days notice of your departure in writing and keep a copy of the notice yourself. Check your lease to make sure you aren’t violating the terms of the lease in any way by moving out. If for any reason you must move out before your lease is up, be prepared to pay additional fees. Remove all your belongings and clean the premises by the day you’ve stated. Follow the terms of the lease during the process and repair or replace any items you may have broken during your stay there. If the property was furnished before you moved in, move all the furniture back to its original position. If you do not, you may be charged additional fees or lose part or all of your security deposit. Make sure you leave a forwarding address for mail.
The Municipality of Anchorage has two great resources for residents to stay informed on important community developments to your safety and well-being. Check out the resources below.
We all learned “Stop, drop and roll” years ago, but there are lots of other fire safety basics to keep in mind. Take the American Red Cross Fire Safety Quiz to see how savvy you are on fire safety basics. After taking the quiz, make sure to download the Home Fire Safety Checklist and Home Fire Escape Plan. Use these resources at home to ensure your safety!
Information provided by SafeHome.org
Protecting your home can be a daunting task and there's lots to consider. Below are just a few steps you can take to secure your home.
For a comprehensive guide on protecting yourself, your belongings, and your identity, we encourage students to check out SafeHome.org. SafeHome.org is the industry leader in providing education, resources, and information around home security.
Protect your assets with renters’ insurance. Did you know your landlord’s insurance usually does not cover your personal property? Renters need special insurance for their belongings. Your clothes, jewelry, stereos, televisions, bicycles, computers, furniture, artwork, and other valuables are not protected against loss or destruction. Renters' insurance is surprisingly inexpensive and covers many situations that may surprise you. Check the options outlined below first. Then shop around. Your auto insurance agent may be a good place to begin.
The University does not provide coverage for student’s personal property, but students may insure their valuables through a parent or guardian's home owners insurance or a renter's policy. Parents may also be able to purchase an economical addition to their policy to cover the student’s property. If this is not available to the student, insurance can be purchased through URMIA Student Property. This provides personal property insurance to students worldwide. A one-time premium provides 12 month protection (even after graduation). Coverage details and instant quote available online on the URIMA website.
Whether you live on or off campus, connecting with your fellow students and being aware of campus resources will help enrich your experience at UAA.
Beyond the classroom, discover ways to engage, get involved on campus and make an impact in your community.
Top 10 Social Media Accounts to follow
For all of your basic needs, the following services are available on campus.
For students in crisis, check out the following campus and community resources. Whatever your situation, there are resources to help you stay focused on your educational goals.
