Celebrate your way: Finishing the year and graduating
Wrapping up the academic year is a big deal. Whether you’re getting ready for graduation, sticking around Boulder for a bit or just enjoying that “classes are done” feeling, this is your time to celebrate in ways that feel good to you (and to do it responsibly).
Make it meaningful
Not every celebration has to be big or loud to count. With thousands of students celebrating at the same time, it’s easy to feel pressure to do a lot. Smaller celebrations often mean less stress, more connection and fewer things to manage. Focus on the people you genuinely want around you as you close out the year.
Ideas to keep it personal:
- Grab brunch or dinner at your favorite local spot with friends or family.
- Take a short road trip or go camping with friends (you can rent gear from the Rec Center).
- Visit your favorite places on campus or around Boulder one last time.
- Recreate memories—photos, walks, routines—you’ll want to remember later.
Hosting a gathering off campus? Register your party with Off-Campus Life. It can help reduce the risk of noise complaints, tickets and other issues.
Plan ahead and look out for each other
Celebrations tend to go more smoothly when everyone is on the same page—especially if alcohol or other substances are involved.
Before you head out:
- Choose your people. Spend time with friends or family who respect your boundaries and will check in on you.
- Agree on a plan. Talk through where you’re going, how long you’ll stay and how you’ll get home.
- Stay connected. Start a group chat and share locations or addresses if you split up.
During the celebration:
- Set limits and stick to them. Decide ahead of time how much (if at all) you want to drink or use substances.
- Watch for changes and encourage water, food or a break. Looking out for each other also goes beyond substance use—if something feels off, it probably is.
- Hydrate often. Warm weather and alcohol don’t mix well—alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
Getting home:
- Stick together and leave together.
- Don’t leave someone behind, even if they want to stay.
- Use safer options to get home like CU NightRide, rideshares or a sober driver.
Check out more tips for partying smarter.
Know when to get help
If you or your friends decide to drink or use other substances during celebrations or parties, be prepared to act.
Signs of alcohol poisoning or overdose include:
- Unconsciousness or not responding
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Vomiting while passed out
- Pale, bluish or clammy skin
- Gurgling or heavy snoring sounds
- Very small pupils
What to do:
- Call 911 right away
- Use naloxone if you have it (it won’t hurt someone if opioids aren’t involved)
- Put the person in the recovery position
- Stay with them—don’t leave them alone
Free and discounted naloxone is available on campus, and at other locations in Boulder and Broomfield counties. Free fentanyl test strips are also available at Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg.
CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.
Be a good neighbor
Celebrating outdoors or heading to a gathering? Help keep our campus and Boulder a place we all enjoy.
- Bring trash and recycling bags if you’re hosting or hanging out in a park.
- Pack out everything you bring.
- Keep noise levels down, whether you’re at a gathering or walking through neighborhoods.
- Don’t set off fireworks—fireworks are illegal in Boulder.
- Clean up glass, cans and food waste before you leave.
Taking care of shared spaces makes celebrations safer, reduces harm to wildlife and helps prevent fines.