We have compiled this page with resources to assist your journey to the Boulder community and our campus. Although we are currently working remotely and our physical office in the University Memorial Center 313 is currently closed, we are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email (och@colorado.edu), or phone (303-492-7053) or LiveChat here on our website during regular business hours (9-5 pm MST).
Our Charge & Mission
- Helping students make informed choices about housing and roommates
- Encouraging students to become knowledgeable and responsible tenants and community members
- Assisting students in gaining the proficiency to problem solve when landlord and roommate difficulties arise
- Advocating an off-campus student perspective in the residential rental market as well as city policymaking
Who Lives Off-Campus?
-
On average, a majority of upper-division students live in Boulder and other surrounding localities (72% of CU Boulder enrollment or around 24,000 students)
Housing Options for Students
- Residence Halls
- Bear Creek Apartments
- Graduate & Family Housing
- Off-Campus Housing
Our Student Services
- Ralphie’s List provides a comprehensive listing of available housing in the area. Property managers sign-up with our campus provider, On-Campus Partners, to list on RL. Students can also post sublets or search for roommates. Unlike many of the other student-fee-funded resources we provide, RL is available to the entire campus community including faculty and staff.
- Apartment Complex Guide This guide provides pricing, room options, and information about properties throughout Boulder. In addition, it lists resources such as vendors and other places students can search for housing.
- Annual Housing Fairs Our 3 annual housing fairs (often in October, December, and January) are our largest events of the year with over 45 property management companies and landlords.
- All CU Boulder community members (students, faculty, and staff) receive an RTD EcoPass or CollegePass for use on any of RTD’s transit network. This includes the US 36 corridor, to DIA, Union Station, and light rail. Many upper-division and graduate students who choose to live outside of Boulder commute daily to campus on the bus. For more info on RTD routes, please visit the RTD website.
Lease Types
- Short Term / Temporary: A short-term lease is one that is generally 3 months or less. These options are less available and may come furnished with a bed or other accommodations.
- Academic Year: An academic year lease term is generally for the length of the academic year (August-May) although in Boulder these options are usually rare.
- Yearly Lease: A yearly lease is one that runs 12 full months from the date of signing. Generally speaking, this is the most common lease type available. Many yearly lease options come unfurnished.
- Sublet: A sublet can be any length term as you are taking over a portion of a lease already signed by another party.
Selecting a Roommate
In many cases, you may be able to select your own roommate when living off-campus provided you are not subletting.
- Many properties are now leasing with individual liability vs. joint liability. This means that you are responsible for your rent and any damages to your living space (which may or may not include common areas such as a patio, living room/kitchen/bathroom) but that your roommate or roommates will be responsible as well for their respective areas.
- You do often have the right to select your utility services such as cable, electricity, and water if they are not included. Some properties may strongly recommend usage of a particular company or service. This is a good thing to speak to potential roommates about to determine how responsibilities will be distributed for these services.
- You can complete a roommate agreement.
- You can also create a roommate profile on Ralphie's List to search for other CU Boulder students who may also be searching for a roommate.
Questions to Ask
Think about the following questions as you begin your search for housing:
- What is your budget?
- Do you want to have a roommate(s)?
- Do you want/need furnished housing (ie: bed, desk, dresser) or unfurnished housing?
- How far do you expect/want to commute to Boulder/University? (Most students choose to live within Boulder to be within close proximity to classes and social activities)
- What resources might you need within the community or close proximity? (ie: grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacy, laundry, etc.)
- How long will you need a place for? (Most leases are 12 months although you may also find limited 6 month or shorter leases)
- Will you need a guarantor or co-signer?
What Students Should Know
- Get to know your potential roommates / know your landlord
- Know the occupancy limit of the unit
- Take a tour of the place
- Talk to past tenants to get a good feel for the place
- Get ALL communication in writing or e-mail
- Don’t sign too early- you might change your mind
- Get a free lease review (UMC 313)
- Know your lease and sign a roommate agreement
- Fill out a check-in sheet and take pictures
- Contact utility companies to receive service