Student Life at CU Boulder
Whether this month marks the start of your student’s first year or final year at CU, most students will be going through a period of transition. And there are resources to help your student get settled and start out the new year strong. The Division of Student Affairs has many resources and services that support student success outside the classroom—where students live, eat, make friends, build professional skills and find help if needed. Here is a brief overview of what student life is like at CU Boulder, and the resources available to help students in their academic journey.
Making friends and getting involved
At CU Boulder, there are many ways to get involved, make connections and build relationships on campus. Getting involved can be different for every student, and may depend on where they are in their academic journey. Encourage your student to explore extracurricular activities this fall. They can start at the Be Involved Fair on Aug. 25 to meet with hundreds of student organizations,campus departments and local nonprofits. They can also connect with the Center for Student Involvement to learn about more opportunities.
Campus events are another great way for students to get involved. Each semester, there are hundreds of events, workshops and opportunities for students to meet fellow Buffs and have some fun! Encourage your student to follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram and visit the Student Events webpage to find things to do.
Life as a Buff
Whether your student is living on or off campus this year, encourage them to explore in their first few weeks. They can take time to find the best route to their classes, try a variety of dining options and check out some spots to relax or study. Known as the campus “living room,” the University Memorial Center (UMC) is a great place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy free entertainment, study or just hang out. There are also many resource offices located in the UMC including Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, Student Legal Services and more.
Being a Buff also means being sustainable, and the CU Environmental Center is the hub for student-led sustainability. Students started the Environmental Center on Earth Day in 1970. Since then, students have continued to lead campuswide sustainability initiatives. This includes the first student-run campus recycling program and the first bus pass program for students in the nation. Between events, workshops and more, there are many ways for students to get involved at the Environmental Center!
Student growth and development in the areas of responsibility and accountability are also supported. Buffs look out for each other and follow the Colorado Creed, a social responsibility code started by students and run by students for our campus community.
Health and wellness
Holistic well-being is crucial to our students’ academic success. CU Boulder students have access to a full range of comprehensive health and wellness resources to help them feel their best throughout the year. Between recreation services, medical care, counseling, advocacy services and more, Health and Wellness Services aims to keep students healthy so they can succeed at CU and beyond.
Health and Wellness Services has 10 departments working collaboratively to support students and their well-being. Together there are over 200 providers and professionals focusing on enabling student success through comprehensive care and education. Additionally, students can attend a variety of health and wellness events and programs to learn and find support.
Leadership and development
It’s never too early for your student to think about life after CU. And there are many ways for students to develop professional skills, gain experience and prepare for the future:
- Career Services helps students explore academic pursuits and career interests, write resumes and cover letters, prepare for career fairs and interviews and much more.
- The Volunteer Resource Center helps students give back and get involved in their community.
- On-campus jobs offer the chance to connect with staff, gain experience and develop skills. Many departments offer flexible scheduling around class schedules and other commitments.
- There are many leadership programs that students can join throughout the year, including CU GOLD, the Journey Leader program and more.