Commuting to CU Boulder this winter? 4 tips to prepare for snow and cold weather
Winter weather can make getting to campus a little less predictable. Whether you drive, take RTD or bike to CU Boulder, checking conditions and planning ahead can help make your winter commute safer and less stressful.
Here are four tips and resources to help commuter students prepare for snow, ice and changing conditions this winter.
Check conditions before you leave
Colorado weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and travel conditions before heading to campus. Giving yourself extra time can also help on days when snow, ice or traffic may slow down your commute.
CU Boulder may delay or close campus when weather conditions affect operations. Make sure your contact information is up to date in Buff Portal so you can receive CU Alerts by text, in addition to email notifications through the campus alert system.
If you're driving on major highways or interstates, check COTrip before leaving for current road conditions, closures and travel alerts. If you take public transportation, use the Transit app to check routes, arrival times and service updates.
Commuter tip: Check conditions again before heading home. Roads and transit conditions can change throughout the day, especially during a winter storm.
Have a backup plan for getting to campus
Your usual commute may not always be the best option on a snowy day. Knowing your alternatives ahead of time can make it easier to adjust when conditions change.
All enrolled CU Boulder students can use their Buff OneCard to ride RTD buses and rail at no additional cost. Explore RTD routes and Park-n-Ride locations near you, and use the Transit app for real-time information about arrivals, delays and cancellations.
Sunny days are also common throughout Colorado winters, so biking may still be an option when paths and roads are clear. If you bike to campus, register your bike through the Environmental Center for access to campus bike stations and maintenance assistance. CU Boulder students can also activate a free BCycle membership to use electric-assist bikes around Boulder.
Weather, traffic and transportation delays can occasionally affect your class schedule. If you know you'll be late or need to miss class, contact your instructor as soon as possible. Explain what's happening and ask about any material or assignments you'll need to catch up on.
Prepare your car for winter weather
If you drive to campus, a few preparations can help you navigate snowy and icy conditions more safely.
- Give yourself extra time. Slowing down can help you maintain control on snowy or icy roads.
- Leave more space. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to allow more room for braking.
- Clear off your vehicle. Remove snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights and roof before driving so you can see clearly and avoid creating hazards for other drivers.
- Keep your gas tank full or battery charged. Winter delays can leave you on the road longer than expected.
- Pack a winter emergency kit. Consider keeping a blanket, warm clothing, flashlight, phone charger, jumper cables, water and nonperishable snacks in your vehicle.
Before driving during a storm, check current weather and road conditions and consider whether another transportation option makes more sense for that trip.
Make the Commuter Lounge your winter home base
Once you make it to campus, you can stay warm and comfortable between classes without making an extra trip home.
The Commuter Lounge in the University Memorial Center (UMC) gives undergraduate commuter students a place to study, recharge and connect throughout the day. Stop by to:
- Warm up with free coffee or tea
- Heat up your lunch in the microwave
- Store food in the refrigerator
- Print assignments
- Use lockers while you're on campus
- Study, relax or spend time between classes
The lounge is also staffed by beyond campus advisors, fellow students with experience commuting to campus who can answer questions and connect you with helpful resources.
First-year undergraduate students automatically have access to the lounge. Returning undergraduate commuter students can complete the access form to use the space and receive updates about commuter events and resources.