During the first few weeks of classes, you’ve probably heard a lot about “getting involved” at CU. Participating in groups and events on campus is a great way to make friends, pursue current or new hobbies, stay active or explore different career paths. Whether you choose to join a current student organization, create your own or just attend regular events, there are hundreds of ways to get involved.
Here are a few areas you might be interested in. Be sure to check out BuffConnect to browse all of the student organizations on campus!
Sports, recreation and the outdoors
If you like to be active, play a sport or simply enjoy being outside, check out these groups based at the Rec Center.
- Intramural sports: Students can form teams with their friends or join as individuals and compete against one another in a fun, low-key format.
- Sport clubs: CU fields 30 competitive sport clubs, from crew to figure skating to taekwondo. Teams compete against other college club teams in Colorado and the U.S.
- Outdoor Pursuits: Outdoor Pursuits allows students to explore the outdoors while learning new skills and going on short trips and adventures.
- Inclusive Rec: Inclusive Rec programs are geared towards all abilities, genders and backgrounds on campus, with events like women’s fly fishing and pride skating.
Health and wellness
Learn how to prioritize self-care at these events focused on health, happiness and well-being.
- Weekly wellness events: Join Health Promotion to enjoy wellness activities and learn about health resources on campus.
- Friday Power Hour: Get the endorphins flowing and end your week on a high note with a free class at the Rec Center every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m.
Diversity and inclusion
There are inclusive programs and events, educational workshops and more for students of all identities and backgrounds across campus.
- Dennis Small Cultural Center: Check out DSCC cultural events and celebrate Latinx/e Heritage Month.
- Pride Office: The Pride Office helps LGBTQ+ students and staff build community and belonging through events and workshops.
- First-Generation: Are you the first in your family to attend college? Connect with other first-generation students at First-Generation Programs and Enrichment Office’s events.
- Education and Social Change Office: Take part in educational opportunities and workshops related to social justice and leadership, or join the Peers Educating and Empowering Peers (PEEPs) team.
- Intercultural Engagement Office: Celebrate culture, build relationships and discover leadership development opportunities at regular events and gatherings.
Weekly events on campus
Attending weekly events is a great way to meet new people without the commitment of joining an organized group or team. Check out some of these weekly happenings.
- Buffalo Nites: Go bowling or create a painted masterpiece at these late-night events.
- DIY Nights: Love making crafts? At DIY Nights you can make all sorts of fun items for yourself or others.
- Friday Night Film Series: Watch classic movies on the big screen for free every Friday with Program Council.
- I Love Mondays: Stop by the UMC every Monday for free snacks and learn about all the organizations on campus.
Work on campus
Working on campus is not only a great way to make friends, it’s flexible, you’ll make money and it will build work experience for your resume. Learn more about student employment.
- Event planning: Get involved with planning events and activities on campus.
- Academic: Some student jobs may be related to your academic area of interest, like marketing, education or fitness instruction.
- Customer service: Front desk or customer service positions are a great resume builder for problem solving skills and interacting with others.
- Helping others: Help other students achieve success as a peer mentor or tutor.
- Career Services events: Career Services puts on events every month geared towards job hunting, interview prep or creating a resume.
Other ways to get involved
- Volunteer: Make an impact in the community by volunteering on campus or through the Volunteer Resource Center.
- Environmental Center: Learn how you can make a difference by joining the Sustainable Buffs community, attending events or volunteering.
- Find your gaming community: Hang out at The Connection or the Alienware Buffalo Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge for fun games with others at weekly and monthly events.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life: Make lifelong friends through brotherhood, sisterhood and community service events.
- Beyond Campus Buffs: Students who commute or live off campus can join the Beyond Campus Buffs community and access monthly meetups, beyond campus advisors and the Commuter Lounge.
Other free resources
Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) for more ways to get involved this semester. You can connect to other free resources on campus to help meet your needs and promote well-being.
Basic Needs Center
The Basic Needs Center (BNC) is a campus care collective for students seeking assistance accessing essential food, housing and wellness resources. The BNC provides educational programs on nutrition, housing, money management and well-being.
CU NightRide
CU NightRide is CU Boulder’s student-operated safe-ride service that allows you to request free evening transportation to and from any location within Boulder city limits. Download the CU NightRide app to request a ride.
AcademicLiveCare
AcademicLiveCare (ALC) is a free program that allows you to schedule counseling, psychiatric, nutrition and medical appointments virtually. AcademicLiveCare is free and open to all undergraduate and graduate 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. Many academic departments offer free tutoring or office hours. First-year students and students living on campus have access to free tutoring in any subject through ASAP. ASAP also has a free Lending Library open to all students.
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.