Best area for UAA student housing? (Anchorage: to rent, crime, dorms)

[LucyKowalski]

Hey all,

My niece will be attending the University of Alaska, Anchorage and I was hoping to ask you Anchorage residents out there about your opinion on a nice neighborhood to live for a college student.

From reading the Anchorage threads, I figure we should avoid renting in Mountain View, Fairview, Muldoon, and Spenard. However, my niece doesn't really know too many people in Alaska, so the neighborhood being safe is great, but if it's just families/senior citizens kinda safe, I'm sure she would have more trouble meeting friends.

Has anyone in Anchorage noticed any neighborhood(s) that college students seem to prefer to rent in? Thanks!

[stiffnecked]

What about the student housing on campus??

[asphodell]

I, too, am moving up to Anchorage this Summer to attend UAA. From what I've read, and heard, the housing on campus is very limited.

Off campus housing is also generally cheaper when you can find a roommate or two, however, I'm not sure if this is the case up in Anchorage.

[AADAD]

Google map the campus. Any place west east and south should be fine. Anchorage is a safe city IMO. Most crime is gang on gang and alcohol related. We have had a few high profile cop shootings in the past 6 months and those were in the areas you already know to avoid. Closer to the campus is wise. However in that area, remember moose are not your friends. =)

[ASpilot2be]

As a current UAA student I recommend staying in the dorms for the first semester or two. That allows her to meet new people, and find possible roommates. The general campus area doesnt seem to be too bad. I felt safe there for the most part.