Northern Arizona University is a breath of fresh air. With its Ponderosa Pine forest, 7,000 ft. altitude level, stunning mountain peaks, and 288 days of sunshine; Flagstaff, Arizona is the perfect place for college.

Being 170 miles away and only a two and half hour drive from Chandler, NAU allows for the distance and scenery for an “out of state school” feel, but also give the reassurance that a homecooked meal or even just a hug from Mom is a short drive away.

Flagstaff maybe close to home, but it’s also close to other fun-loving locations.

Flag is 75 miles from the Grand Canyon, 251 miles from the Vegas Strip, and 464 miles from the heart of Los Angeles. Northern Arizona may be a destination spot for chandler locals, but even hardcore Flagstaff locals need to escape the cold sometimes and take a road trip out of town.

Being a hub for outdoor recreation, students of NAU can enjoy a multitude of activities; from camping to river rafting to skiing at the Snow Bowl during the later months of the year.

The mild wilderness is a perfect escape from exams stress, personal drama, or any other heartache. The fresh air of Flagstaff is purifying, giving students a clear head and an open space to think.

And with only 20 thousand students, most of those in an Undergraduate Study program, NAU offers small class sizes that allow for Teacher/Student interactions and a memorable learning experience. The girl dorming down the hall from you, is most likely in you ENG 101 class, making it easier for a study partner and maybe even a  friend.

The atmosphere of NAU (and Flagstaff in general) is one of welcoming. It’s the perfect “home away from home”. For many of us, college is the first time away from the safety of our parents, away from friends, and away from our comfort zones. However, the sense of Community and Belonging that envelops NAU is overwhelmingly heartwarming.

A newcomer is just as welcome in Flagstaff as a person who was born and raised there.