10 Things That Make Going To College In Alaska So Worth It

If you are thinking about going to college in Alaska, my first words to you are do it! There are so many things to love about this amazing state it’s hard to put them into words. But if you aren’t sold yet on committing to a semester, school year, or the full four year haul, consider these following things that make going to college in Alaska totally worth it.

1. The Northern Lights

Seriously these lights are as beautiful and magical as they seem in all those movie scenes, but even better in person. The best part is, is that they are just as likely to be spotted in the Spring semester as well as the Fall, so you have an equal chance of viewing this natural wonder even if you come for one semester.

2. Snow Days

If I know one thing, it’s that there is nothing better than waking up to find out school is canceled and being able to fall back to sleep until noon. Alaska is so prone to crazy weather conditions, I can pretty much guaranty you will get at least one snow day per semester.

3. Summer Break

If you stay for more than an academic year, you will be rewarded with the longest summer break of your educational life. The best part about the summer days having sunlight until the middle of the night is that it makes the summer feel like a 5 month break rather than the usual 3.

4. A white Christmas

We are not about palm trees decorated with Christmas lights or green lawns with plastic reindeer, we do Christmas right in Alaska. White snow piled high, real reindeer at the festivals, hot cocoa at every corner… Alaska is a Christmas dream. You can even visit the North Pole here.

5. Snowboarding/Skiing

We have snow, we have mountains, and we have a lot of both. Which means we have some of the best snowboarding and skiing conditions in the country. Even if you are not a slope bunny, you probably will be after you spend a winter here.

6. Wildlife

Moose, bears, bald eagles, whales… the list goes on and on. One of the best parts about Alaska is getting to see the wildlife you would only catch on the nature channel if you lived anywhere else.

7. Endless Adventure

If you want adventure, Alaska is your state. I’m not sure what it is about Alaskans. But we love our outdoor activities. Anything from rock climbing to backpacking to mountain biking, Alaskans do it all. Which means you will too if you are up here.

8. Nature

I have nothing against cities, but that’s not Alaska’s thing. If you want to see some natural beauty, there isn’t a place that has more to offer than Alaska. Ocean, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, endless forests… Alaska will blow your socks off with its natural beauty.

9. Classes

I know no one wants to think about school, but it’s a little less painful when you go to school in Alaska, especially because you get to take classes like backpacking, sea kayaking, and ice skating. I mean, who doesn’t want a course load like that?

10. Experience

Going to Alaska is a once in a lifetime experience for most people. Its location makes it expensive to travel to and from, and feels more like another country than another state. If you get the opportunity to come here, even if it’s for school, you will have the adventure of a lifetime.