University of Alaska Anchorage from Texas?? (Palmer: crime rates, dorms, neighborhood) - (AK) - City-Data Forum

Texan95 · 07-20-2013, 01:33 AM

I'm planning to apply to UAA this fall ( rising senior) as a nursing major from Austin, Texas.
I know it is a big change from Texas, but I moved around before from countries to countries so I am pretty good at adapting to new environments. Also, I love outdoorsy stuff, love exploring.

Is it necessary for me to get a car when I go up there?? Like, how far is UAA from the areas that has stores and all that? ( I don't wanna be stuck in the campus just in case I don't get a car...)

I heard Anchorage is not the safetest city and crime rates in Alaska is pretty high... Is that true? I mean I know if there's people, there will be crimes, but if I just use my common sense to not wonder around at night by my self and etc, would it be just fine??

If anyone knows, how is UAA's campus? I saw some pictures on google but that was about it. Do I need to get a bike or something to go from classes to classes?

Please feel free to throw in any advices and opinions!
Thanks in advance!

sandman441 · 07-20-2013, 01:44 AM

I don't remember the area too well but I know your school ID is also a free bus pass, so as long as your not in a hurry you can get to where you are going. I'd probably get a car though.

The campus is pretty small I believe it takes about 10-15 minutes to get from one end of the campus to the other end. not sure how far the dorms are as I didn't stay in one. it is spread out but there are shuttles that are free and go between the classes and buildings. Walking isn't too bad and you can mostly stay inside walking from building to building. You are mostly I think going to be in the main campus.

go on ratemyprofessor.com and research your professors first if you have options. I graduated from there in December but I went to the university center for most of my classes and I did alot of them online.

Texan95 · 07-20-2013, 01:53 AM

Thanks sandman for the info!
But when you say " as long as i'm not in a hurry", what do you exactly mean? Does the buses detour around a lot of different stops or are they usually not on time or something?

sandman441 · 07-20-2013, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan95

Thanks sandman for the info!
But when you say " as long as i'm not in a hurry", what do you exactly mean? Does the buses detour around a lot of different stops or are they usually not on time or something?

mostly your classes will be in the winter and there could be possibly problems with the busses running late, just depends on the weather. Then your standing outside which can be anywhere from 20 degrees to -20 degrees so you have to dress for the weather too.

For your classes and stuff it won't be a problem as UAA runs a free shuttle between everywhere UAA is at I think.

AKStafford · 07-20-2013, 01:36 PM

Any chance you could fly up for a visit before you make your final decision?

Texan95 · 07-21-2013, 12:07 AM

AKStafford: Hmm... Im not totally sure... If I find a plane ticket within an appropriate price range, then yes.

Harrier · 07-21-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan95

AKStafford: Hmm... Im not totally sure... If I find a plane ticket within an appropriate price range, then yes.

Shoot - there are lots of good fares from Austin to Anchorage.

roadfamily6now · 07-21-2013, 11:11 PM

I also recommend coming up here.
The public buses are pretty good but tend to run about 10 minutes late all the time and their are few buses the the wait time between routes it long. Like the bus from our neighborhood to my son's work only comes by once an hour. So, he's either 45 minutes early or 15 minutes late. But it's free for ID card holders

Anchorage is really spread out and I would recommend getting a car at some point.
Good Luck!

dragracing57 · 07-22-2013, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan95

I'm planning to apply to UAA this fall ( rising senior) as a nursing major from Austin, Texas.
I know it is a big change from Texas, but I moved around before from countries to countries so I am pretty good at adapting to new environments. Also, I love outdoorsy stuff, love exploring.

Is it necessary for me to get a car when I go up there?? Like, how far is UAA from the areas that has stores and all that? ( I don't wanna be stuck in the campus just in case I don't get a car...)

I heard Anchorage is not the safetest city and crime rates in Alaska is pretty high... Is that true? I mean I know if there's people, there will be crimes, but if I just use my common sense to not wonder around at night by my self and etc, would it be just fine??

If anyone knows, how is UAA's campus? I saw some pictures on google but that was about it. Do I need to get a bike or something to go from classes to classes?

Please feel free to throw in any advices and opinions!
Thanks in advance!

Came from Texas myself two months ago and is not the way people painted. Much better than what you see it on tv and the state trooper is not seen in this area as of Palmer or other deep inside land. Is does not have the advantages we had in Texas but in some ways reminds me Austin. Diversity is very high. many places for hiking, jogging, running etc... The view of some areas is amazing......and of course, you are going to see places that will disappoint you because there are no perfect cities. I came for two years and my wife and i decided to stay for much longer than that and even retire here....everyone i talk has gone trhough the same thing. poeple came for a week or a month vacation and that happened 15, 20 years ago.....just to let you know.

Texan95 · 07-22-2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

I also recommend coming up here.
The public buses are pretty good but tend to run about 10 minutes late all the time and their are few buses the the wait time between routes it long. Like the bus from our neighborhood to my son's work only comes by once an hour. So, he's either 45 minutes early or 15 minutes late. But it's free for ID card holders

Anchorage is really spread out and I would recommend getting a car at some point.
Good Luck!

Thanks Roadfamily for your advice! But I was just wondering. How bad does it exactly get during the wintertimes when it snows? Being Texan and all that, I never had an experience driving through ANY kind of snowy weather... I see on the news sometimes that cars in the colder region freeze and have many engine problems because of it? Is it possible to drive around when it snows heavily there?