A Visit to CU Boulder
This summer, I visited another school within the University of Colorado system with my daughter: the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder).
CU Boulder is a large public research university located in Boulder, Colorado, about 30 miles northwest of Denver. The campus sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, giving students easy access to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities while still being relatively close to the Denver metropolitan area.
One of the things that stood out to me about CU Boulder is that the campus does not feel isolated from the surrounding community. Instead, it is woven into the city of Boulder. Pearl Street, with its many restaurants, shops, and businesses, is within walking distance of campus. The campus buildings have a distinctive and cohesive look, with many constructed from local sandstone. This architectural style helps the university blend naturally with the surrounding landscape and community.
Academics & Student Support
Students apply to CU Boulder through the Common Application and select a major as part of the application process. Tuition varies depending on the college or school in which a student's major is housed.
First-year students are required to live on campus, and each freshman is assigned an on-campus advisor whom they meet with at least once a semester.
CU Boulder also has its own university police department. Students can request assistance with late-night transportation or walking escorts, and residence halls use key or access-controlled entry for security.
As an R1 research university—the highest level of research classification— CU Boulder provides students with numerous opportunities to become involved in research. For students who are interested in research, this can be a significant advantage.
Another feature that stood out to me is the flexibility students have to customize their education. CU Boulder offers 120+ degree programs, 60+ minors, certificates, electives, and thousands of courses across different fields of study. Students can combine different areas of interest to create an academic path that is uniquely suited to them.
Campus Life
There is a lot of school spirit at CU Boulder, and Greek life is a significant part of the campus culture. Football games are particularly popular and draw large crowds. The football program has also received significant attention under former NFL player and celebrity Deion Sanders ("Coach Prime"), who became head coach in 2023.
One of the university's most beloved traditions involves the baby buffalo, the university's live mascot, which makes appearances at sporting events and other campus activities.
CU Boulder also has seven libraries across campus. The libraries have designated quiet areas, with different floors offering different levels of noise. So, if you are visiting the main library, be mindful of those quiet zones—you may want to leave the flip-flops and anything particularly jangly or noisy at home! 😊
My Takeaway
Although I visited during the summer, I was able to speak with several students. One thing they emphasized was that, despite the size of the university, professors can still show a very human side, particularly when students experience personal emergencies or difficult circumstances.
They also offered an important piece of advice: if you want to get to know your professors and stand out in a large university, you need to take the initiative. They recommended attending office hours and making an effort to build relationships with professors rather than waiting for professors to notice you.
Overall, CU Boulder struck me as a university that offers the resources and opportunities of a large research institution while being located in a community that provides a strong sense of place.
And, of course, no CU Boulder visit would be complete without saying:
“Sko Buffs!” 🦬
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