Travel, Parking and Visitor Information

Special note regarding the 2008 Democratic National Convention: The 2008 Democratic National Convention is scheduled to be held in Denver, August 25 to 28. This corresponds with the first week of classes on the Boulder campus. We do not anticipate the convention will interfere with orientation activities the week before, but we do encourage students and parents to make their flight and hotel reservations early. The City of Boulder predicts increased demand for hotel reservations and flights after rather than before the convention.

Residence Hall Check-in

Regular residence hall check-in begins Thursday,  August 21. First-year students attending the last orientation session for the College of Arts and Sciences, the Leeds School of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Architecture and Planning, or the College of Music may move in on Tuesday, August 19.

Students who attended a College of Arts and Sciences or Leeds School of Business orientation in June or July may move in on Thursday, August 21 at your assigned time. Your residence hall assignment letter will also provide more information about your assigned move-in time. Students attending orientation have only enough time to move possessions into their residence halls before attending mandatory orientation programming. Students who miss required programming are sent to late registration.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation is available from Denver International Airport to Boulder via RTD bus or SuperShuttle van service. Both services are located in the main terminal.

• RTD skyRide runs between DIA and the downtown Boulder bus terminal. Stops are made along Broadway (the street that forms the western boundary of the campus). Upon arriving in downtown Boulder, local bus or taxi service can help you reach your final destination. For RTD skyRide schedule information, go to www.rtd-denver.com or call 1-800-366-7433.
• SuperShuttle offers direct service to the following Boulder hotels: Broker Inn, Millennium Hotel, Boulder Marriott, and Hotel Boulderado. There are also SuperShuttle stops on demand on the CU-Boulder campus at Kittedge Commons, Sewall Hall, and the University Club. No reservations are needed from DIA to Boulder stops. Reservations ARE required for Boulder to DIA routes. Contact SuperShuttle at www.supershuttle.com or 1-800-525-3177.
• Rental cars should be reserved well in advance of your travel.
• Taxi service is not recommended unless fares are agreed upon in advance.

Directions from DIA to CU-Boulder (on Major Highways)

• Start by taking Peña Boulevard out of the airport (a four-lane road about 10 miles, dead-ending at I-70).
• Follow I-70 west to I-270 northwest.
• I-270 becomes U.S. 36 west, and goes straight into Boulder.
• Once in Boulder, the first intersection is Colorado Avenue. Turn west (toward the mountains). Turn left onto Regent Drive, and proceed to the Kittredge lots.

Parking During June/July Orientations

Free parking is available in the "KITT ZONE" (Lots 409, 414, 416, and 418 near the Kittredge residence halls), and in Lot 436 (near the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Regent Drive). To get to the Kitt Zone lots, take Regent Drive to Kittredge Loop Road (see V-18 on your Parking and Transportation Map) or check the map on your parking permit. Optional paid parking is available at on-campus meters and at the Euclid AutoPark near the UMC on a space-available basis The Office of Orientation sells discount stickers for Euclid AutoPark at the rate of $3.75 for five hours of parking, which is half the hourly rate. Euclid AutoPark stickers will be sold at check-in and at orientation headquarters. Please display your permit properly and DO NOT park outside permitted lots, which could result in a ticket. Persons requiring disability accommodations should contact the Office of Orientation at least two weeks prior to attendance at orientation.

Parking During Move-in

The August student move-in at CU is a very large campus event spread over several days. August 18, 19, and 21 are move-in days in 2008. Parking and traffic control personnel and many volunteers are available on campus to facilitate the process.

• Please follow the Housing & Dining Services day and time assignment for your move to campus.
• Parking near residence halls is authorized for 30 minutes for unloading. You will be given a parking permit to display in your vehicle. After unloading is completed you will be directed to outlying parking lots so that others may take your place near the residence hall.
• Move-in and move-out periods are the only times parking restrictions are relaxed at yellow curbs on campus Please be aware that during move-in and move-out, parking enforcement policies are in effect in lots, at parking meters, in disability spaces, in service vehicle zones and in all areas not designated for parking. Vehicles obstructing disability zones, or parked on sidewalks, driveways or in roadways may be cited or towed. Each campus residence hall has an identified loading dock area. These areas are available for loading or unloading throughout the year for 15 minute periods.

Boulder Hotel/Motel and Visitor Information

You can receive information on local lodging, as well as visitor’s information by calling the Boulder Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 303-442-2911 or visiting www.bouldercoloradousa.com. The Boulder International Hostel provides affordable lodging. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance.

Special Notes: Boulder’s altitude, in excess of 5,000 feet, can be a significant factor for individuals who are not acclimated to such an elevation. With the lower oxygen content in the atmosphere, you may experience a reduced energy level. Remember to keep a moderate pace in any activity, drink plenty of water, and bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will probably be traversing campus a great deal during orientation!