Wilderness Welcome
Congratulations on your acceptance. Now that you are a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this is the program to start your college experience off on the right foot. Wilderness Welcome has been introducing students to each other and the Alaskan Wilderness for over 15 years. Whether you are coming to Alaska to explore the “Last Frontier” or you are from Fairbanks itself, Wilderness Welcome gives you the opportunity to make friends, challenge yourself and see some of Alaska’s amazing wild areas. This is an excellent way to transition into life at UAF.
No experience is required for Wilderness Welcome trips, but all students must be in good physical condition. Whether you are an experienced outdoors person or looking to learn a new activity, you will be challenged on Wilderness Welcome. It's your gateway to UAF's 360+ million-acre classroom.
What does a Wilderness Welcome trip consist of?
This itinerary varies for the August Orientation program. See the Wilderness Welcome Trips page for more details on that.
August 25th - Arrival Day: Students should arrive in Fairbanks on this day. Transportation from the airport can be arranged. Students who plan to live on campus can move into their room that night. Students living off-campus will need to provide their own housing. Anyone arriving early will need to provide their own housing before this day.
Day 1: This day will consist of pre-trip meetings, brief tours of campus and Fairbanks . It will also serve as a day to allow students to escape some jet-lag. Students will spend in their dorms or in their off-campus housing.
Day 2--4: Students will depart for the field on one of two different four-day adventures. The morning will be driving, but students will be hiking or canoeing by lunch time.
Day 5: Students will return from their trips in the later afternoon. We will have a large group BBQ after all the gear has been cleaned up and stored away. You'll spend the night in your dorm room.
Sunday, August 31:First day of traditional Orientation.
Price
Each August trip costs $250. This includes transportation, food, equipment, instructors, housing. Students must provide footwear, clothing and personal items. A complete packing list will be mailed after we receive your registration. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. We accept cash, check and Visa/MasterCard.