The start of a new school year is ripe with possibilities. It’s the perfect time to start strong in all aspects of your life as a student. As you begin another school year, consider ways to build community, focus on staying healthy, tap into campus resources and create good habits.
CU Boulder offers many ways for students to find support through programs, departments and other resources. Whether starting your first year of undergrad, wrapping up your graduate degree or anywhere in between, you can find support to help you thrive academically and personally.
Dealing with change
Each year of college comes with changes and sometimes challenges. In some cases, the change is significant, like living with roommates for the first time or transferring from a different school. Other times the change is small, like starting a new on-campus job or adjusting to a new class schedule. Whatever the transition, you can take steps to prepare for possible changes and find support when needed.
If you need help preparing for the new academic year, consider meeting with a peer wellness coach. Peer wellness coaches are trained students that can help you navigate academics, create a routine, connect with campus resources and access peer-to-peer support.
If you are stressed or homesick, it’s important to stay connected with a support system. This can include family, friends, your RA or a mental health professional at Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). They offer free drop-in sessions, consultations, workshops and interpersonal process therapy groups that can help you navigate a number of concerns.
Staying active
With the start of a busy school year, finding time to stay active and connect with others can feel challenging. Setting aside time to be active can benefit not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. This year, consider joining an intramural sports team, participating in a fitness class at the Rec Center, signing up for small group training courses or finding a student organization where you can meet others who share your hobbies.
Often, students who get involved and feel like they belong at CU Boulder experience improved well-being and academic performance. Check out all the Rec Center has to offer to have fun and take care of yourself.
Academic support
Start strong academically by creating a routine and staying on top of class expectations. Avoid falling behind by attending scheduled classes, reviewing your syllabi, going to office hours and completing assignments on time. College is rigorous, and it can be challenging to catch up if you fall behind. Ask for help early and tap into tutoring resources to avoid a problem later in the semester.
If you find yourself struggling with the stress of school, you can find support from a dedicated mental health provider within your college and school through the Embedded Program. They’re available to support you with a variety of concerns.
Staying healthy
Germs can spread quickly, especially on college campuses. You can do your part to stay healthy by practicing good hygiene and other healthy habits. Remember to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, eat balanced meals and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Staying current on vaccines can also help protect you against common illnesses like the flu, meningitis, HPV and more. Wardenburg Health Center provides free flu shots to all CU Boulder students. You can also schedule an appointment to get additional vaccines.
If you do get sick, Medical Services offers primary care appointments for all students, regardless of their insurance plan. You can also stop by the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg or order a Buff Box to your residence hall to get free cold and flu supplies, like honey sticks, tea, cough drops and more.
Make the most of wellness events
Health & Wellness Services hosts a variety of events to help students practice self-care, create healthy habits and find connections on campus. Check out all the upcoming events for the semester.
Get connected with resources
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources on campus that can help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs urgent, same-day support, please call Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at 303-492-2277. You can also visit the Emergency & Crisis Care page for additional resources and support.
Student Wellness Experience
All students are invited to join Health and Wellness Services on Wednesday, Sept. 13 for the Student Wellness Experience. This interactive fair will feature a variety of demos and activities, including painting, F45 and CrossFit, meditation sessions and much more!
Peer Wellness Coaching
Peer wellness coaches are trained students who can help you meet new people, make friends, create study plans, practice self-care, set goals and more. Coaching sessions are free and open to all CU Boulder students.
Let's Talk
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services during Let’s Talk. Counselors are available to help students identify concerns, make a plan and connect with resources on and off campus.
AcademicLiveCare (ALC)
ALC is a telehealth platform that allows you to schedule counseling, psychiatric, nutrition and medical appointments virtually. This program is free for all students, regardless of your insurance plan.
Tutoring resources
CU Boulder offers various tutoring and learning resources to support you and your academic success. Some are specific to certain classes, departments or groups of students. Most are free, while some require a fee.
Medical Services
Medical Services provides comprehensive care on campus at the Wardenburg Health Center. Services include sexual and reproductive health, illness prevention, x-ray, vaccinations, physical therapy, nutrition and more.
Embedded Program
CU’s Embedded Program is intended to help connect students with counseling, wellness and trauma services directly through their college or school. Students can access this program on their own or be referred by a staff or faculty member.
Wellness Programs
Health Promotion offers a variety of wellness events, activities and training opportunities for students to engage with throughout the academic year.
Commuting Buffs
While CU Boulder is a traditional campus with many incoming students living in our residence halls, we want our commuter students who live off campus to feel welcome and engage in our community.
You can connect to a Commuter Peer Mentor, visit the Commuter Lounge and join the Commuting Buffs community.
Transfer Buffs
Transfer students are a valuable part of the CU Boulder community, and we are here to support you throughout your time as a Buff.
Find resources, events and opportunities to build community with your fellow Transfer Buffs on campus.
Recreation Services
Recreation Services offers various facilities, classes, programs and resources for students.
Learn more about how to get involved and stay active.
Graduate School resources
Graduate students at CU Boulder are supported through resources, services and events to address your specific needs.