Is there transportation provided from the Airport to APU?
Yes, there is transportation. Please contact the Orientation Leaders to make arrangements as soon as possible.
Do I get a mailbox? Can I send some of my belongings prior to my arrival?
Yes, all residents will have a mailbox assigned to them prior to their arrival. Once you are assigned a mailbox you need to visit to the mailroom in the Base Camp store (bookstore) to learn more about how our mail system works. Our mailroom is a full service facility Monday through Friday and closed on the weekends. You may purchase stamps, envelopes, boxes, and mail out packages and letters. Yes, you may send some of your things ahead of time. Make sure that they are properly packaged and sealed. Label your package with the following information:
Alaska Pacific UniversityYour Mailbox Assignment (if you don’t have one assigned yet please put c/o Campus Life Office),
4101 University Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99508
Where do I buy my text books?
You can choose to purchase your APU text books through APU’s online bookstore.
What if I get hungry? Where do I go to eat?
Dining Services, located on the 2nd floor of Atwood Center offers meals at the following times during the academic year:
Monday-Friday
- Breakfast 7:15 am-8:30 am
- Lunch 11:30 am-1:30 pm
- Dinner 5:15 pm-6:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday
- Brunch 10:30 am-12:00 pm
- Dinner 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Orientation mealtimes may differ from the times above. See the Student Track Orientation schedule for more information. Individuals not on the meal plan may purchase meals if they choose.
When can I show up?
Check-in begins Thursday, August 20th at 9:00 am in the Atwood Center
Do I need to come to Orientation?
New students are highly encouraged to attend Orientation. A lot of important information will be discussed during this time and it is a great opportunity to meet the APU staff and faculty, as well as other APU students.
Do I have to live on campus?
Research on the residence experience indicates that students living on campus tend to earn higher grades, express more satisfaction with their college experience, are less likely to drop out, are more involved in campus activities, and experience greater personal growth. In short, the residence experience contributes significantly to a student’s education. For this reason, APU has made living on campus part of its educational design. All incoming freshman under 21 years of age are required to live on campus their first year. This also applies to incoming transfer students who have fewer than 32 credit hours. Early Honors students who elect to live in the Residence Halls will also be held to a similar housing standard and expectation.
Can I bring a vehicle?
Yes. Parking is free to all students and visitors! All vehicles are required to have an APU Parking Sticker which can be obtained at the Campus Safety Office located in Atwood Center. Anchorage also has the People Mover public transportation system that is free for APU students that show a current student ID.
How can I get involved on campus?
ASAPU (Associated Students of Alaska Pacific University) ASAPU is the student government of APU. ASAPU is run by a group of 11elected student representatives. ASAPU serves as the voice of all students by promoting and coordinating student involvement and by representing the interests, needs and welfare of the student body to the staff, faculty and the Board of Trustees.
RAP (Resident Activity Programming) The RAP Board is a group composed of current residents who are tasked with the creation and execution of events that are designed to help bring the resident community together. These events vary from semester to semester and can range from pool parties to movie premieres to camping trips. If you are living on campus this is a great way to get involved!
Student Activities The Student Activities Office is in charge of putting on events for the entire student body. These weekly evens range from movie showings, prizes and scavenger hunts, state fair trips, different artisan classes as well as concert venues and off-campus trips. The Student Activities Office is always looking for new ideas and suggestion so feel free to contact them to get involved!
Outdoor Programs APU’s Outdoor Programs has what you’re looking for to get outside. Whether you simply want to try something new or an experienced adventurer looking to teach or lead a clinic, we have something for every skill level.
Recreation Programs Recreation Programs strives to provide fitness and wellness opportunities for the APU Community as well as members of the Anchorage community. We also strive to provide leadership opportunities for APU students to work for Recreation Programs and Outdoor Programs.
Turnagain Currents Turnagain Currents is composed of an active group of free thinking individuals looking to share their talents with fellow students. It is an excellent opportunity for students wishing to increase their writing foundations in a fun and equally challenging environment. We pride ourselves in producing a high quality publication that is also a creative outlet for all of the community to gain current insight here at APU.
What is the weather like?
Alaska weather is very unpredictable. In Anchorage it can vary from -10 (deg. F) to high 80s depending on the season. We recommend you bring warm clothes or purchase them when you arrive.
What if I need something?
Shopping trips with Campus Life are scheduled during Orientation for students to pick up any essentials they may have forgotten. The shuttle will depart from Atwood and will run a circuit between local outdoor outfitters, bookstores, and grocery stores.
Housing conflicts?
We get it, moving from home is a new experience for a lot of first year students, and it can be hard. Sometimes we don’t always get along with new roommates, or maybe we just don’t like our room/bed/dresser/carpet pattern. While we hope to foster an environment where students can manage individual conflicts in a mature and respectful manner. The APU Resident Advisor (RA) staff is available to help you through the tough times in the first few days and into the school year: 907-244-7955.
What if I arrive early?
Plane flights into Anchorage can sometimes arrive at unconventional times, and you may need a place to stay if you arrive before check-in. Please be sure to provide your detailed flight information (flight number, arrival time, city of departure) to the Orientation Leaders as soon as possible so that we can plan airport pickups and help arrange temporary housing. In the event of any delays or flight cancellations please contact the Orientation Leaders.
What do I do with the parentals?
Your parents love you and you love them. But we get it, this is independence day for you and you want some space. Once you’re all moved in and the heavy lifting is done, you may want to shed your protective shell and experience what college has to offer on your own. For this inevitable event, we have designed a Parent Track orientation to keep them occupied while we keep you occupied! The ‘rents will be provided with all of the information they need to calm their nerves as well as some tasty food and beverages, however at the end of the night parents are responsible for their own accommodations. For more information please click here.
