19 things to do: Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and more
Welcome back to Boulder, Buffs! This week brings to campus the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, a winter housing fair, free movies, a party at The Connection, women's basketball, a game night and more.
Monday, Jan. 12
2–3 p.m. C4C N238
Kick off your semester with strategies to stay organized, manage your time and set yourself up for success. Learn practical tips to keep stress low and motivation high!
Tuesday, Jan. 13
5 things to check off your to-do list
- Kickoff at The Rec: Join The Rec for free events and classes during Spring Kickoff this week!
- Submit your art: The Student Arts Program is collecting original student art to be displayed in the Rec Center. Deadline is Jan. 19.
- Register for intramural sports: Spring Session 1 registration is now open through Jan. 22.
- Apply for a scholarship: Scholarships available for student leaders and UMC student employees. Applications due Feb. 15.
- Register to attend the Ignite Social Justice & Leadership Conference: Join this annual one-day conference-style social justice program on Feb. 21.
2s-Days in the Gaming Lounge
Noon–10 p.m. UMC, Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge
Level up your Tuesdays! Drop by the Gaming Lounge any time between noon and 10 p.m. on Tuesdays for two free hours of gaming.
DIY Diamond Coasters
5–7 p.m. UMC 235
Feeling creative? Join the Center for Student Involvement for the first weekly craft program of the spring semester! All supplies provided. Space is limited. Registration in BuffConnect is free and required to participate.
Spring Recruitment Kickoff
7 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
Sko Greek this spring! Stop by Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council spring kickoff event to learn about Greek life and meet current members.
Poker Night
7 p.m. The Connection
Ready to raise, bluff and go all in? Join our free Texas Hold’em tournament—no pressure, just cards, competition and a shot at some sweet prizes. It’s free to enter and open to all skill levels. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. at the front desk, and there are prizes for top finishers.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Build a Buff Leadership Luncheon: Leadership Styles
12:30–1:30 p.m. UMC 330
Join the Center for Student Involvement for free pizza and great conversation, while learning how to identify your strengths and leadership styles.
CU PIIE Application Best Practices
2–3 p.m. Virtual
Thinking about applying for the Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) program? This experience connects students with summer internships at nonprofit or local government organizations. Join this workshop packed with insider tips and best practices to make your application stand out.
Stress Less
2–4 p.m. C4C N238
Kick off the semester taking on your stress! Make your own slime, aromatherapy roll-on and stress balls as part of the monthly Stress Less event. Snacks and supplies included.
3–5 p.m. C4C Abrams Lounge
Get ready to unleash your creativity at this Lego mini Pride parade! Join to build your own parade float with Legos, learn about the origins of Pride and compete for awesome prizes for the best floats.
4–7 p.m. Village Center
Join the Off-Campus Life Housing Fair to find off-campus housing and meet with landlords, city offices and vendors. The fair also offers a chance to learn more about the leasing process and tips for living off campus. Free giveaways when you attend!
Buffs vs. Iowa State basketball
7 p.m. CU Events Center
Come cheer on the Buffs as they take on the Iowa State University Cyclones in women's basketball.
Thursday, Jan. 15
11 a.m.–2 p.m. UMC 235
Are you interested in working on campus? Gain valuable work and career experience through on campus jobs that can grow your skills and may even be within your field of study! Departments from across campus will be there to showcase their job and professional experience opportunities, including mentorship, internships, research, volunteering, skill certificates, entrepreneurship and more. Hourly and work-study positions are available. This event is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students.
Club sports
Get out and support your Club Sport Buffs! With 30 clubs on campus, there's plenty of action each week. Find your game.
2–4 p.m. Kittredge Central
The mobile food pantry is free and open to CU Boulder students, faculty and staff, and community members of Boulder and Broomfield counties. Attendees will receive up to 30 pounds of food (weight can vary). Be sure to bring your own reusable bags or boxes! Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
4–6 p.m. Village Center, Wellness Suite
Think you know the facts about vaping? Put your knowledge to the test and learn about the real risks. Health Promotion will have a vape/e-cig takeback bin so you can safely dispose of your device. Plus, grab free resources to help you quit nicotine for good.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation 2026
6–7:30 p.m. Macky Auditorium
Join CU Boulder for a free event open to students, staff, faculty and local community members to commemorate one of the country's most influential civil rights leaders: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
8–10 p.m. The Connection
Join the Center for Student Involvement 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, Jan. 16
5–9 p.m UMC Aspen Room
Cozy games with friends are the best way to unwind from a stressful week. Play your favorites or try something new in good company! This month’s event will feature your favorite tabletop and board game student organizations—Boulderite Chess Club, CU Board Game Club, CU Warhammer Buffs and CU Mahjong Club.
8 p.m. CHEM 140
Join Program Council to watch "Princess Mononoke" on the big screen, with free popcorn and concessions!
Saturday, Jan. 17
8 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
Start the new year with a free screening of "Back to the Future" and craft your own vision board to set goals for 2026. No RSVP needed—just show up and bring your creativity.
These events are open to all and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal and Regent law.