Pre-arrival Programs

students on a mountain

Pre-arrival Programs   Engineering Pre-arrival Programs   Incoming Student Trips

CU Boulder's Pre-arrival Programs offer students the opportunity to move in early and meet people who share similar interests. Pre-arrival Programs focus on environment and sustainability, adventure and getting involved on campus and in the community.

Students living in campus housing will be required to select a move-in appointment, you will get more details to your CU Boulder email account about move-in appointments. Those accepted to a pre-arrival program will be assigned a move-in date of Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. More detailed instructions will be communicated to each student after they have been accepted by their respective program.

If you are interested in multiple programs, we recommend that you apply to all programs that appeal to you, keeping in mind that each program has a different capacity limit. Staff from each program will work together to review applications and send offers of acceptance.

For the best chance of acceptance, submit your application by the June 14 priority deadline. All applications must be submitted by the final deadline of July 19.

Complete your application

Pre-arrival Programs

EcoReps

This group of first year and transfer students embarks on a year-long journey to learn about sustainability and green living through experience-based leadership programs, field trips and training sessions. EcoReps share this new-found knowledge with their residence hall communities through active programming and dialogue that builds community and provides invaluable professional experience for the EcoReps themselves.

Learn more and apply for EcoReps

Stampede Leadership Camp

Students will learn about clubs and organizations at CU such as RHA, CUSG, the Herd and more! Students will connect with upper-division mentors to learn about the CU experience. Students will have focused time with other camp participants that are passionate about student leadership. Students will discover and participate in various activities and leadership development sessions hosted by Residence Life, Student Involvement and other Student Affairs departments. 

Learn more about Stampede Leadership

SKO Serve Fall Welcome

Join the Volunteer Resource Center on SKO Serve Fall Welcome, where you will volunteer with an incredible local non-profit, to make a positive impact in the community. Participating in SKO Serve Fall Welcome gives you the chance to create friendships, build networks, confront social issues and appreciate the difference you can make through service!

Learn more about SKO Serve Fall Welcome

This program has reached capacity for 2024.

Mind and Body Buffs

Passionate about promoting your own wellbeing and supporting the wellbeing of your community? Join us for the Mind and Body Buffs pre-arrival experience where you will learn new mindfulness practices, how to strengthen your wellness and get the opportunity to lead your fellow Buffs in these wellness practices.

Learn more about Mind Body Buffs

This program has reached capacity for 2024.

Hallett Living Learning Communities

Planning to live in Hallett Hall? Move in a week early and build a strong community with other new Buffs from the start! There will be fun activities every day hosted by Peer Mentors and RAs, allowing you to meet and make new friends!

Students interested in living within one of these LLCs, please list the specific LLC in your housing application as a top preference and we will reach out to you with the link for the essay to apply.

*Please note you must live in Hallett Hall to participate in this LLC.

Learn more about Hallett LLCs

Fall Gateway

TRIO Student Support Services is federally funded grant to increase retention and graduation of low-income, first-generation students. Fall Gateway is a 2-day academic intensive for newly admitted first-year and transfer program participants. Fall Gateway supports a successful transition to CU Boulder, prepares participants for the academic demands, connects campus resources and builds a sense of belonging.

*Please note you meet eligibility requirements to participate in Fall Gateway.

Learn more about TRIO Student Support Services

Engineering Pre-arrival Programs

Broadening Opportunities through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Programs Orientation

BOLD scholars will engage in supporting one another’s academic and professional journey with their BOLD advisors, academic services, programming and student societies throughout the academic year.

*Please note you be an engineering student to participate in this program.

Learn more about BOLD

Engineering Honors Program RAP

Honors Engineering Program RAP is committed to the idea of community and bringing together students and faculty that are ambitious without being competitive, serious without being obsessive, committed to the success of others without sacrificing their own achievements and who enjoy engineering without being defined by it.

*Please note you be an engineering student and meet eligibility requirements to participate in this program.

Learn more about Engineering Honors Program RAP

Global Engineering RAP

This program prepares students to be the next generation of engineers working in a global context. Coursework and extracurricular activities build a community of engineers who are interested in how we can work together toward global poverty reduction while also improving students’ global awareness and fluency in language and culture.

*Please note you be an engineering student and meet eligibility requirements to participate in this program.

Learn more about Global Engineering RAP

Incoming Student Trips

Outdoor Pursuits: CU Bound

Want and unforgettable adventure, but not ready to swap your bed for a tent? We've got you covered! Get to know other incoming students while exploring our scenic mountain base and sleep in the comfort of cabins. Sample a variety of activities including hiking, climbing, canoeing and more! No prior experience needed.

This program is at capacity

Outdoor Pursuits: CU in the Rockies

Spend time backpacking and getting to know other incoming students in the Rocky Mountains! This trip starts with activities to help you get to know your group before heading out for a scenic float trip on the Colorado River. Afterwards you will head to the Flat Top Mountains for an unforgettable 5 days of backpacking. No prior experience needed.

This program is at capacity

Outdoor Pursuits: CU Mountain Fest

At CU Boulder adventure is right in our backyard! Spend a few days exploring your new surroundings, making new friends and learning new skills! A nearby state park will serve as the basecamp for the duration of the trip and provide the backdrop for a variety of activities. Hike, climb and fish during the day and take in the beautiful expanse of the Milky Way at night.

Learn more about CU Mountain Fest