10 Things All Alaskan College Students Need To Experience Before Graduation

Being a lifelong Alaskan, I often get asked by other Alaskan college students what they should do during their time here. And whether they are here for a semester in an exchange program, or attending UAA for the full 4 years, my answer always include the same things. So, if you find yourself studying in Alaska, or even visiting, here are ten experiences I believe every student should have before leaving the land of the midnight sun.

1. See the Northern Lights.

This phenomenon can be found from September to April, usually in the late hours of the night to just before the sky starts to brighten. I’ve seen these lights my whole life and still get out of bed at 3 am when they appear. So stay up late. Get up early. Drive to Fairbanks if need be (they occur there often in winter months). Just make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing the Northern Lights.

2. Hit the slopes.

Alaska has mountains everywhere, making it a snow lover’s dream. So, grab a snowboard or some skies and ask some locals where to hit up. If you’re from a warmer state and don’t have a lot of confidence on the board, head 45 minutes south of Anchorage to Alyeska Resort where you can rent all of the necessary gear and take on the mountain or the bunny slope.

The best way to experience Alaska during the winter!

3. Walk on a glacier.

Yup, that’s right, you can physically walk on and in a glacier. So, grab your camera and dress appropriately. Then flip a coin; North to Matanuska Glacier or South to Byron Glaciers.

4. Summer Solstice.

While solstices happen all over the world, it is something special in Alaska. If you stay up all night, you get to see the sun never set. May favorite way to experience this day is good friends, a great backdrop, and a warm fire.

5. The Bore Tide.

Cook Inlet has one of the fastest moving tides in the world. As a result, the water sometimes comes in as a small tidal wave. You’ll need to so a quick search to see when the next one should be, but it’s worth the effort and 20 minute drive from Anchorage. You might spot some brave surfers catching this unique wave.

6. Make the climb.

Alaska is best seen from above, and you don’t need a helicopter to get the height. Pick any of the countless peaks in the Anchorage area and hike up for a panoramic view of this vast state.

7. Road trip.

Alaska is so large, it would take days to drive from end to end. While I don’t recommend you try, I do think a road trip is one of the best ways to see all Alaska has to offer. Some of my favorite destinations are Seward, Homer, and Valdez, all of which can be reached in a good day’s drive.

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8. See the backcountry.

The reason I love living in Alaska is that I’m exploring new places. I’ve been hiking since I can remember and I still find new trails with breathtaking views every day. Take some snacks and some bug spray, and get out of the city and into the backcountry.

9. Go Fishing.

Alaska owes much of its development to fish and it remains a large part of our state’s story. So if you are here during summer and get the opportunity, get on a boat and catch some fish. If you are only here for winter, there’s always ice fishing.

10. See a bear.

I know the last thing you want to do is run into a bear and I’m with you on that. But there are several safe ways to see a bear in Alaska. Just outside of Anchorage is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which only works with orphaned or injured animals as a temporary home during rehabilitation. You might even see elk, bison, and wolves, if you’re lucky.

Can you think of anything else all Alaskan college students need to experience?! Let us know down below!