With views of the Flatirons, sunny days and plenty of things to do, Boulder is a great place to be when you’re a college student. As a Buff, you’re a part of the larger Boulder community. And whether you live on or off campus, you play a role in the well-being of your community. Here are some ways to explore and get involved this year.
1. Support local businesses
Boulder is known for a lot of things, and great food is near the top of the list. As a “foodie” town, Boulder has some of the best restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in the area. Take time to explore and check out local favorites on The Hill, Pearl Street and beyond. Many restaurants offer discounts and specials for college students, so make sure to bring your Buff OneCard with you.
The Boulder Farmers Market is also a great way to support local food and businesses. Held on Saturday mornings until Nov. 19, the farmers market near Pearl Street is a great opportunity to shop from local vendors and enjoy delicious food.
2. Make your voice heard
As Boulder residents, you have opportunities to express your views, get involved and make change in your local community.
Register to vote and plan to participate in local and state elections. Stay informed with what’s going on in your community and about issues that are important to you. You can access local news publications like the Boulder Daily Camera and Denver Post through University Libraries.
There are many ways to be an active and engaged community member. Use this democratic engagement guide to get involved and find resources. You can also attend the DIY Activism with the DSCC event on Oct. 12 to learn about voting resources and more.
3. Enjoy the great outdoors
Between hiking, biking, camping and climbing, many people enjoy Boulder for its outdoor recreational activities. Take time while you’re here to explore open spaces, trails and parks in the Boulder area. Review these essential tips for hiking, and check out Outdoor Pursuits to rent equipment for camping, backpacking, climbing or other activities.
As you explore, be mindful of your surroundings and stay on designated trails. Be sure to follow all rules and regulations, which are critical in protecting visitors, wildlife and our beautiful parks and trails. Pick up all trash and dog waste, and be considerate and respectful to those around you who are also enjoying time in nature.
4. Volunteer
A great way to get more involved in Boulder is to volunteer. There are many benefits to volunteering, in addition to giving back to your community. Volunteering allows you to:
- Meet new people
- Support a cause you care about
- Develop professional skills
- Gain experience you can include on your resume
Visit the Volunteer Resource Center to learn about opportunities that fit your interests and schedule. You can also participate in the CU in the Community events for one-time service opportunities or consider applying for the Volunteer Placement Program in the spring to make a larger investment of your time.
And whether you’re a part of an organization or not, you can also participate in many fraternity or sorority philanthropy events. Each chapter on campus has a local or international cause that they support. This includes cancer research, mental health, accessibility and more. Chapters raise money and awareness for their dedicated causes by holding various philanthropy events each semester, many of which are open to all students. Information about joining those events will be announced closer to the event dates.