Prospective Students - International

Learn About CU-Boulder

Housing

Finding reasonably priced housing in Boulder can be challenging, but you have several options to choose from.

University Housing
CU offers on-campus housing for just over 5,800 single students in 20 residence halls and also 850 apartments across six properties for students with families, faculty, and staff. Most residence hall accommodations also include meal plans. After your admission to CU-Boulder has been finalized, you may apply for accommodations in a university residence hall. The majority of residence hall students share their room with another person and all halls are coeducational. Men and women live on separate floors, or they are housed in separate wings or areas.

Freshman students are required to live on campus for a full academic year (fall and spring terms) provided that space is available. Transfer and graduate students are not required to live on campus, but may apply for a limited number of residence hall spaces. On-campus housing is limited and in great demand, so apply early if you want to live in a residence hall. See housing.colorado.edu, call 303-492-6673, or e-mail reservations@housing.colorado.edu.

Residential Academic Programs for Freshmen
If you like the idea of taking classes where you live, check out CU-Boulder’s innovative residential academic programs. Choose from one of nine themed residential academic programs where you can take one or two small classes in areas ranging from international studies to leadership development to environmental studies.


Family Housing
Housing is available for families, married couples, and single parents. In addition, there are a limited number of units for single graduate students. Five apartment complexes offer housing within walking distance of campus. There is a choice of furnished and unfurnished apartments, and one-or two-bedroom apartments. For more information visit the housing web site at housing.colorado.edu/fh.


Off-Campus Housing
There are many rooms, apartments, and houses for rent in Boulder. To keep costs down, most students share rental accommodations with roommates. The Off-Campus Student Services office provides updated information about available housing. See www.colorado.edu/OCSS/, call 303-492-7053, or write Off-Campus Student Services, University of Colorado at Boulder, 206 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0206.

Boulder, Colorado

Set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by open land, Boulder has often been designated as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. At an elevation of 5,363 feet (1,635 meters) above sea level, the city is rich in the history of the American West. With a population of 96,000, Boulder has the charm of a small town and yet all the conveniences and services of a larger community. The community and Boulder provide exceptional educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities, and both have a warm appreciation for the international student population. Only 30 miles away, Denver, Colorado's state capital, offers all the attractions of a major metropolitan area. See www.bouldercoloradousa.com/quickfacts.html and www.ci.boulder.co.us.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

As a CU-Boulder student, this office will be one of your most important resources for learning about the university, Boulder, and living in the United States. ISSS provides trained and experienced advisors who can serve as liaisons with your sponsoring agency or home government, assist with orientation and legal matters, and help you adjust to a new culture and educational system. Once you are admitted to the university, ISSS staff will contact you with information about housing, orientation, registration, transportation to Boulder and other matters. ISSS can also be your resource for information about international student clubs, support groups, and recreational opportunities. For information contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at www.colorado.edu/oie/isss, by calling: 303-492-8057 or by e-mailing: oie@colorado.edu.

Activities for International Students

International students have many opportunities to become involved in campus and community life. CU-Boulder is home to more than 300 student clubs and organizations, and several of these clubs are geared specifically to international students. The International Festival, organized by CU-Boulder international students, is a one-day celebration of the various cultures and countries that are represented on campus. Students showcase their country and culture through displays at booths, performances on stage, and a sampling of free ethnic food.

Boulder Friends of International Students (BFIS) is a university-sponsored organization composed of 400 people from throughout the Boulder area. Members host international students by taking them to events in the area, inviting them to dinner, or taking them on trips.

There are approximately 20 different international student clubs including the Cosmo Club, which is one of the oldest student organizations on the campus. Our competitive varsity athletic teams as well as the variety of club and intramural sports programs attract many students.

Our students offer each other a Conversation Exchange Program. The objective is to promote social interaction between people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

For information about these and other opportunities, contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at www.colorado.edu/oie/isss, by calling: 303-492-8057 or by e-mailing: oie@colorado.edu.