Resources: Activities & Recreation
Parking on Campus
If you plan to park frequently on campus, consider buying a parking permit. A lot will be assigned according to your living arrangement. Permits must be purchased online or in person at Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) and a pick-up location is announced for each semester. Campus parking meters are intended for short-term use. Maps of campus lots may be picked up at PTS or viewed on their website. PTS offers many options for university vehicles, the Buff Bus shuttle, the faculty/staff Eco Pass, and car share programs.
Parties
As a CU-Boulder student, you are part of the university and Boulder communities. Because of this, you have a responsibility to celebrate your accomplishments in a way that keeps your communities safe. Be safe, be successful, be a smart partier. Students living off campus can register their Friday or Saturday night parties with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. offcampushousing.colorado.edu
Performances
College of Music music.colorado.edu The College of Music presents over 400 events every year including guest appearances, faculty recitals, ensembles, and student recitals. The College of Music is also home to the popular CU Presents program, as well as the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, CU choirs, orchestras, and more. For a complete listing of upcoming College of Music events (many of which are free) visit the College of Music events calendar.
Radio Stations
Tune into one of the dozens of radio stations in the Boulder and Denver metropolitan area. Radio 1190 is the student-run station of CU-Boulder. KGNU (FM 88.5) has been Boulder County’s independent, noncommercial community radio station for more than 25 years and offers volunteer opportunities. www.radio1190.org and www.kgnu.org
Recreation Center
Skiing and Snowboarding
Excellent downhill ski areas are a relatively short distance from Boulder. National forest and park service lands are open to cross-country skiers wherever there’s snow. Maps of national forest and park locations are available at retail stores specializing in mountain sports. Wherever you go, be alert to snow and weather conditions. Remember that storms might approach quickly during the winter, and the State Patrol might require chains or adequate snow tires for traveling on mountain roads. Drive and ski carefully!
Student Identification
The Buff OneCard is your official CU-Boulder student ID to be used for your entire career at CU-Boulder. The card is required as official verification of eligibility for many student privileges, including access to residence hall buildings, the Student Recreation Center, all campus libraries, Wardenburg Health Center, dining halls, tickets for athletics events, free use of RTD buses, and more. If you lose your card or believe it has been stolen call 303-492-1212 immediately to have the card deactivated. This prevents others from using it.
Transportation
Buses. You don't need to park it—and all you need is your Buff OneCard to ride for free! Most buses run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours on weekdays and weekends, but schedules do vary.
Tubing
What could be more fun than gliding down Boulder Creek in an inner tube with the spring sun in your face? Have fun, but be aware that in spring most Colorado creeks and rivers are high and fast and the risk of drowning may be severe. Check conditions before jumping in.
University Memorial Center
Voted CU’s and Boulder’s Best Hangout, the UMC is visited by more than 12,000 people every day who come to grab a bite to eat, enjoy free entertainment, catch some sun by the fountain or on the rooftop, shop the retail stores, study, check email, bowl, play pool, and take care of banking, printing, and mailing. With a wide variety of student services and dozens of student group offices in the building, the UMC is an exciting center for community interaction and activism. At the UMC, diversity is celebrated through food, dance, art, music, and the free exchange of ideas.