Campus in the mountains
Joseph Starkloff
Nestled in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks lays Northern Arizona University (NAU). While Arizona State University (ASU) and University of Arizona (UOA) offer warm weather and city surroundings; NAU presents its students with an alternative.
Located in Flagstaff, NAU is surrounded by small town life and ski resort luxuries. The mild winters and cool summer may be attractive for those who are burnt out with the desert atmosphere that presides in the major cities of Arizona.
The 738-acre campus itself is littered with modern structures like the Health and Learning Center, and classical architecture such as Old Main. Dorms are average size and don’t provided students with any extra frills beyond a convenient built-in closet organizer.
Campus life is one area NAU prides itself on during tours. There are 275 student clubs, $3 movies every Friday through Sunday, Astroturf fields that are plowed and useable year round, free attendance to all NAU sporting events, and numerous concerts. While ASU has over 500 clubs, students can be seen all over campus engaging in social and club activities in just as high of a percentage.
The aspect most noticeable about NAU during a campus visit is the staffs and students hospitality.
“(ASU) was really big, (but) when I came up to NAU everything felt more personal. Campus was smaller and everyone was more personal. They knew you were a person and not just a number,” said Brittany Halinka, a NAU student from Chandler.
NAU has only one lecture room that holds over 250 students, which helps them keep their average class size of 30 students.
Off campus activities could possibly be the most attractive aspect of NAU.
Historic Flagstaff has a charming selection of alternative clothing boutiques, music shops, eateries, and pubs. The local train station offers rides to Los Angeles for around $50 when booked ahead. There is always something to see or do.
NAU’s biggest downfall is one that is impossible to ignore.
There is no affordable off campus housing. While there is a plethora of luxury apartments and overpriced houses available for rent, middle to low income students will feel left out. Dorms are average in price, and can cause difficulties when school is not in session.
Low income apartments are a possible alternative, but one of the household members must not be a full-time student and has to work close to 40 hour per week.
Websites such as azdailysun.com and flaglips.com have the best priced options, but these still range around $900 per month for what would go for $700 in the valley.
