29 things to do: Meet puppies, enjoy a food fest and more
This week brings to campus Senior Sunrise, a chance to learn about foraging right here in Boulder, the first home volleyball games, International Coffee Hour, gaming and pingpong tournaments, the Latin America Food Fest, a pizza party in The Connection and more.
Monday, Sept. 8
BetheOne Training
1–2 p.m. Virtual
Join this workshop for an open and honest conversation about suicide prevention. Learn how to recognize warning signs, start meaningful conversations and connect someone to the support they need.
I Love Mondays: Brownies & Arnold Palmers
2–3 p.m. UMC North Dining Room
Start your Monday off right! Enjoy a snack and learn about ways you can get involved at CU Boulder.
Academic Coaching Workshop: Notetaking
3–4 p.m. C4C N238
Join this workshop to learn about notetaking strategies and the importance of organized notetaking. Learn a handful of ways to take notes, followed by an opportunity to work with academic coaches to find a note-taking strategy that works for you! Please bring an example of your class notes to make the most out of this presentation.
Trivia Night
7–9 p.m. The Connection
Think you’ve got the brains to beat the best? Grab your friends (or fly solo) and head to The Connection for a night of trivia, laughs and prizes! Free to play. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. at the front desk. Prizes for top teams.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Professional Experiences Showcase
11 a.m.–2 p.m. UMC 235
Want to build your resume? Gain skills? Meet people and figure out what you want to do in your career? Drop by the Professional Experiences Showcase to learn about programs on campus that will set you up for success at CU and in your career beyond. There will be booths set up with information, sign-ups and free swag! Undergrads and grads from all majors are welcome.
Latin America Food Fest
11 a.m.–2 p.m. Farrand Field
Attend this event hosted by CIEE and Education Abroad for free Latin American food from local vendors, and games, giveaways and entertainment, while exploring study abroad programs in Latin America.
Paws for a Cause
1–3 p.m. Visual Arts Complex plaza
Stop by for puppy play time with dogs from Lifeline Puppy Rescue and learn how to best support your fellow Buffs during Suicide Prevention Week. Spending time with dogs can reduce feelings of stress and loneliness and make you feel happier.
Weekly Writing Center drop-in
2–4 p.m. C4C N238
Stop by Access+ to work with a writing consultant from the Writing Center on Tuesday afternoons.
2s-Days in the Gaming Lounge
3–5 p.m. UMC Gaming Lounge
Level up your Tuesdays! Drop by the Gaming Lounge for two free hours of gaming every week. Whether you’re into co-op, competition or just chilling with fellow players, staff will be there to help you get the most out of your playtime. Bring your crew or make new friends—either way, it’s game on.
DIY Night: Beaded keychains
5–7 p.m. UMC 235
Feeling creative? Join fellow Buffs at this weekly craft program on Tuesday evenings! All supplies provided; space is limited. Registration in BuffConnect is free but required to participate.
Pingpong tournament
7–9 p.m. The Connection
Ready to serve up some serious competition? Whether you’re a casual player or a table tennis champ, swing by The Connection for a single or double elimination tournament. Free to enter. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. at the front desk. Prizes for top finishers.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Senior Sunrise (Senior Class Council)
8:30–11:30 a.m. Farrand Field
Calling all seniors! Stop by Farrand Field for an early-morning coffee and enjoy the vibrant sunrise. Pick up some swag and a light breakfast before classes. This event is in collaboration with Senior Class Council. Buff OneCard required.
Build a Buff Leadership Luncheon: Setting your Org up for Success
Noon–1 p.m. UMC 330
Join other student organization leaders for some free food and tips/tricks on how to successfully set up your organization for the year.
Meditation
12:30–1 p.m. C4C N238
Take a midweek pause with the Mindful Campus team at CU Boulder. This 30-minute weekly session offers a rotating mix of contemplative practices led by Crown Wellness Institute facilitators and community members.
Super Smash Bros tournament
4–10 p.m. The Connection
Think you’ve got what it takes to dominate the arena? Join CU Gaming and The Connection for an epic Super Smash Bros tournament! Free to enter; sign-up starts at 4 p.m. at The Connection front desk.
Graduate and Family Housing Bike Repair and Registration
5–6:30 p.m. Newton Court
Stop by for free bicycle repair and registration at Newton Court.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Mental Health First Aid
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. TBA
Mental Health First Aid training is designed to help individuals assist someone experiencing mental health or substance use concerns or crises. Participants will learn about risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities, discuss professional and self-help resources and practice a five-step strategy to provide support. Mental Health First Aid for higher education provides tailored information for college and university communities. Training location will be shared after registration.
Industry and Non-profit Job Search Seminar Series
Noon–1 p.m. Virtual
Grad students and postdocs—ready to break into industry or nonprofit work? Join our four-part seminar series. We’ll cover everything you need to stand out: networking tips, resumes, cover letters, salary negotiation and more. Sign up on Handshake.
Anxiety Toolbox Workshop
Noon–1 p.m. C4C N352
Are you feeling anxious about classes, making new friends or life in general? This two-part workshop provides practical, life-long tools to help you manage and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Buffs Balance Room
Noon–2 p.m. Wardenburg, Wellness Suite
Take a well-deserved break and recharge at the Balance Room—a peaceful drop-in space designed to help you de-stress. Enjoy free chair massages, gentle acupressure and calming aromatherapy. Whether you stay for 10 minutes or an hour, this is your time to reset and reconnect with your well-being. No appointment needed—just drop in and relax.
Native Fall Foraging
3–5 p.m. C4C, Abrams Lounge
Curious about edible plants growing right in your backyard? Join us for a hands-on, two-part foraging experience that blends cultural wisdom with practical skills. First up, Arapaho Elder Ava Hamilton will share invaluable first-hand knowledge about the significance of foraging from our land. Then, get ready to experience the thrill of foraging chokecherries and coneflower (echinacea) yourself!
AAPI Game Night
5–6:30 p.m. C4C N320
Join us for mahjong, carrom or bring your own game to share! Connect with others and have a blast.
Free Fiske Thursdays
7–8 p.m. Fiske Planetarium
Grab your Buff OneCard and head over to Fiske Planetarium to enjoy Free Fiske Thursdays! All 7 p.m. shows and star talks are free for CU Boulder students on Thursdays.
Buffalo Nites: Party in The Connection
8–10 p.m. The Connection
Join this event for a night of free bowling, billiards, pingpong and pizza at The Connection. Bring your friends, play some games and enjoy the vibes—it’s all free!
Friday, Sept. 12
The Buff Cup: Fortnite
3–7 p.m. UMC Gaming Lounge
Compete head-to-head in a yearlong competition with other CU Boulder students to earn the Buff Cup! Each event features a different game genre, from Battle Royales to Survival to Roguelikes. Players can win each event and earn points in the yearlong competition. At the end of the year, the player with the most points will be awarded CU Boulder’s Buff Cup. No-skill, novice and pro players are always welcome!
- Sept. 12: Fortnite
- Oct. 17: Dead by Daylight
- Nov. 14: Marvel Rivals
- Dec. 5: Fall Finale
International Coffee Hour
4–5:30 UMC, across from Alferd Packer Grill
Stop by for free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation! International Coffee Hour is open to all members of the CU community. Students, faculty, staff— everyone is welcome!
CRC Bowling
5–6 p.m. The Connection
Enjoy a Sober Bowling Night with Collegiate Recovery Community! Stick around after the community meeting and enjoy some friendly competition in a supportive, recovery-focused space.
2025 Volleyball Buffs Invitational Tournament
Sept. 12–14 CU Events Center
Come cheer on the Buffs women's volleyball team as they host the Buffs Invitational tournament. CU students with a valid Buff OneCard get free admission in general admission seating.
Saturday, Sept. 13
CU in the Community: Operation Conservation
9 a.m.–2 p.m. Various locations
CU in the Community: Operation Conservation gives student volunteers the opportunity to engage with local organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. Through learning and direct service, participants will contribute to ongoing sustainability efforts, while gaining the tools and inspiration to continue action beyond this day of service. Students will be partnered with three different community organizations to make an impact! By signing up for CU in the Community, you will have the chance to make new connections, practice leadership skills and make a positive impact.