Published: May 10, 2019

boulder, coLocated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a unique city that your student will soon call home. To help you and your student become more familiar with the area, here are some insights on living in Boulder.

300 days of sunshine at 5,430 feet

With roughly 300 days of sunshine combined with high altitudes, Colorado is a pretty special place to be! Boulder has a mild and dry climate and experiences all four seasons throughout the year. With these elements, make sure your student arrives with sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.

While Boulder is often sunny, it is not always warm. During the winter months, Boulder can experience blizzards that leave 8 inches of snow on the ground and temperatures below freezing. Have your student pack plenty of warm clothes, winter boots, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and scarf.

If your student is new to the Boulder area, it may take some time for them to acclimate. Boulder’s elevation, combined with its dry climate, makes it extremely important to stay hydrated. Students are encouraged to gradually increase activity level to avoid altitude sickness. Learn more about preventing altitude sickness and the signs of dehydration before arriving.

Boulder life

The city of Boulder has a lively atmosphere with many unique attractions around campus. For local shopping, entertainment and great food, students can visit either The Hill commercial district or downtown Pearl Street. Both areas are within walking distance to campus.

Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly cities in the country. The Boulder Creek Path runs throughout the city, allowing for easy biking or walking without the stress of traffic. If your student plans to bring their bike to campus, share these tips from the CU Police Department about preventing bike theft. Students are also able to rent bikes through the Environmental Center each semester.

Outdoor recreation

Between hiking, climbing, camping, backpacking and more, there are many options to explore Colorado's great outdoors. If your student is interested in visiting state and national parks, encourage them to check out the Rec Center’s Outdoor Program. Through the Outdoor Program, students can rent gear and plan their adventure.

Boulder is also close to many downhill ski areas. The CU Ski Bus provides students an affordable and convenient way to get to the slopes and back. Remind your student to check snow and weather conditions if they plan on skiing or snowboarding. Storms can approach quickly during the winter, and chains or adequate snow tires might be needed for traveling on mountain roads.

Visiting Denver

The Mile High City is only about 30 miles away from Boulder, and your student can easily visit Denver with their free RTD bus pass. Denver offers opportunities for concerts, shopping, restaurants, professional sports games, museums and more!