Texas to Alaska for Grad School (Fairbanks: apartments, transporting, house)

[Bristover]

Good morning,

To give you a little background about myself I am 22 years old and hoping to attend UAF to receive my masters degree in Wildlife Conservation Sciences. I have traveled all over the U.S. but I’ve never been to Alaska before. Also I know it’s a whole different animal when it comes to the weather but I did live in Colorado for over 6 years and loved the snow and the cold weather, in fact that’s what I prefer. My question here is how hard is it to make such a big move? I have two cats and a dog that would be coming along in the move and I’m not sure the beat way to go about it. I’m planning on moving there about a year from now or maybe a little less and I dont know if I should try to find some sort of on campus housing (if my animals are allowed) or if there are better places to look for housing. I know that everything is more expensive there but I’d assume that income is slightly higher as well?

[GoldenHair]

All those are fine questions and concerns, but your main concern at this time should be "How do I get there?" Canada is still closed to most non-commercial border traffic. And for those able to cross the border, there is a 14 day quarantine. Doesn't matter that you are driving straight to Alaska with no side trips. And Canada is not allowing cruise ships to stop in port. Flying seems to be the only way. But then you won't be bringing much in the way of personal belongings. Even with the new vaccines available, the Chinese Communist Party virus is still a headache.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Bristover

Good morning,

To give you a little background about myself I am 22 years old and hoping to attend UAF to receive my masters degree in Wildlife Conservation Sciences. I have traveled all over the U.S. but I’ve never been to Alaska before. Also I know it’s a whole different animal when it comes to the weather but I did live in Colorado for over 6 years and loved the snow and the cold weather, in fact that’s what I prefer. My question here is how hard is it to make such a big move? I have two cats and a dog that would be coming along in the move and I’m not sure the beat way to go about it. I’m planning on moving there about a year from now or maybe a little less and I dont know if I should try to find some sort of on campus housing (if my animals are allowed) or if there are better places to look for housing. I know that everything is more expensive there but I’d assume that income is slightly higher as well?

Housing will be tight and expensive, even more so with multiple pets. Can't imagine any campus housing will permit pets. Your professors may know of options that have worked for their other students. As the timing gets closer, I'd be talking to fellow students about what worked or didn't work for them.

Transporting the pets will be a major undertaking too. By the time you make the move, who knows what Covid-19 restrictions will be imposed by Canada, so it is pointless to make those suggestions. Your options, pandemic or not, will be to fly, take the ferry as far as possible and drive, or drive the entire way. Sure, you can fly your pets with you...for a price. The ferry takes pets as long as they can travel in your vehicle. If you drive through Canada they'll need proper vaccinations and health certificates.

Yes, Fairbanks will be cold in winter...but its more than that. Its the extreme unrelenting nature of it, how long it lasts, what it will cost to keep any home warm enough for pets (many students live in "dry" cabins; unheated except with a wood stove you must be there to fire, no plumbing so you're hauling water or using facilities on campus). Plus, you'll be dealing with the dark.

[ketchikanite]

Originally Posted by GoldenHair

All those are fine questions and concerns, but your main concern at this time should be "How do I get there?" Canada is still closed to most non-commercial border traffic. And for those able to cross the border, there is a 14 day quarantine. Doesn't matter that you are driving straight to Alaska with no side trips. And Canada is not allowing cruise ships to stop in port. Flying seems to be the only way. But then you won't be bringing much in the way of personal belongings. Even with the new vaccines available, the Chinese Communist Party virus is still a headache.

For travelers that are allowed to transit through to Alaska that 14 day quarantine does not apply. This has already been hashed out in previous posts.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by Parnassia

Housing will be tight and expensive, even more so with multiple pets. Can't imagine any campus housing will permit pets. Your professors may know of options that have worked for their other students. As the timing gets closer, I'd be talking to fellow students about what worked or didn't work for them.

Transporting the pets will be a major undertaking too. By the time you make the move, who knows what Covid-19 restrictions will be imposed by Canada, so it is pointless to make those suggestions. Your options, pandemic or not, will be to fly, take the ferry as far as possible and drive, or drive the entire way. Sure, you can fly your pets with you...for a price. The ferry takes pets as long as they can travel in your vehicle. If you drive through Canada they'll need proper vaccinations and health certificates.

Yes, Fairbanks will be cold in winter...but its more than that. Its the extreme unrelenting nature of it, how long it lasts, what it will cost to keep any home warm enough for pets (many students live in "dry" cabins; unheated except with a wood stove you must be there to fire, no plumbing so you're hauling water or using facilities on campus). Plus, you'll be dealing with the dark.

As far as I know, for the past few years pets are allowed in residences on campus, even in the dorms (the latter I have no idea if pets are allowed, but they were a year or two ago). But housing is expensive regardless if living on campus or not.


https://www.uaf.edu/reslife/garden-apartments.php

Pets are welcome in campus employee, family, and graduate residence facilities in compliance with policies and procedures established by Residence Life. Appropriate fees and deposits will be applicable.

[GoldenHair]

Originally Posted by ketchikanite

For travelers that are allowed to transit through to Alaska that 14 day quarantine does not apply. This has already been hashed out in previous posts.

My mistake. Thank you.

[Bristover]

What about the ferry? Are they not allowing the ferry from Washington to Alaska?

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Bristover

What about the ferry? Are they not allowing the ferry from Washington to Alaska?

The ferry is operating. Covid-19 info here:

AMHS Response to COVID-19 | Alaska Marine Highway System

But this is present day. Again, you aren't planning to move for a year or more.

[1stimestar]

I know someone who is looking for a grad student to shore his house with. He has a dog so may be open to other pets. He wants someone in his house so he can travel. You might look for other deals like this.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

I know someone who is looking for a grad student to shore his house with. He has a dog so may be open to other pets. He wants someone in his house so he can travel. You might look for other deals like this.

OP hasn't been active here since May.