Search

How students can make the most of tuition and fees

CU Boulder students have access to a plethora of resources, programs and events each semester supported by their tuition and student fees. These programs touch all aspects of their college experience and well-being. From workshops with Career Services to free bus rides, students can maximize their tuition by taking advantage of these resources. 

Here are a few opportunities you can encourage your student to take advantage of. 

Transportation 

Getting around campus and Boulder is often easier without a car. Instead, students can bike, walk or take the bus.  

  • Bus pass. The Buff Bus is a free service offering transportation around campus. Students can simply hop on and off at their destinations. Buff OneCards also work as a transit pass that allows students to ride RTD bus and rail routes in Boulder and regionally. It even includes the sky bus to Denver International Airport. 
  • Bike. Students with bikes can register with the Environmental Center at the bike stations on campus. Once registered, they can access free basic bike maintenance services, like safety checks, brake adjustment and flat tire repair. 
  • BCycle. Students can sign up for a free CU Boulder Student Pass with BCycle, giving them unlimited e-bike rides for a year. 
  • NightRide. CU NightRide offers free evening transportation on campus and in the city of Boulder to help students get home safely. They can request a ride by downloading the CU NightRide app.

Entertainment 

There is something fun to do every day on the CU Boulder campus! The Division of Student Affairs offers hundreds of events each semester. Events are updated throughout the semester. Plus, many other departments and programs offer free entertainment for students. 

  • Friday Night Film Series. Hosted by Program Council, students can enjoy a different movie almost every Friday at 8 p.m. in CHEM 140. Showings include new releases and cult classics. 
  • The Connection. The Connection’s weekly event calendar includes many free options for students. They can enjoy trivia or participate in billiards, ping pong, poker or Super Smash Bros. tournaments. 
  • Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC). CISC offers events for students to connect, learn and have fun. Some events are specific for affinity groups, while others are open to all students. They can check out the CISC event calendar for details. 
  • DIY Nights. DIY Nights are a great way for students to meet new people and take home a craft. All the supplies are provided at the event, and registration is required to reserve a spot. 
  • Buffalo Nites. These themed events change weekly, allowing students to have fun and connect with others. Events include Party in The Connection, guided painting classes, ice skating and more.

Food 

Students who live in the residence halls can take advantage of their meal plan to eat in the dining halls, grab-and-gos and some on-campus restaurants. But students can also find other free food around campus. 

  • I Love Mondays. This event highlights a different campus department, student organization or event each week. Students can stop by the UMC North Dining Area from 2-3 p.m. on Mondays to learn, meet other students and get free food. Options vary weekly with items like breakfast burritos, a mashed potato bar, hot cocoa and more. 
  • CU in the Community. Students can sign up for one-time volunteer opportunities to gain experience and give back to the community. These events include free food and transportation. 
  • Food for finals. Students can enjoy Late Night Breakfast on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. or stop by the Grotto in Village Center on Dec. 15 starting at 9 a.m. for a free breakfast box. 
  • Other campus events. Often, campus events and celebrations include free food. Students can check out the events calendar or CU Boulder Life app to stay on top of upcoming opportunities.

Fitness and wellness 

College can feel busy and stressful at times. Students can find free ways to focus on their well-being by staying active and participating in wellness activities, which can help their mental and physical health.  

  • Inclusive Rec. All Inclusive Rec events are free with a Buff OneCard. Students can check out events like climbing, ice skating, cycling and more aimed at building a more connected and inclusive community. 
  • Outdoor Fitness Court. The main student Recreation Center has an outdoor fitness court east of the front entrance that is open to all students. 
  • Feel Good Fridays. Students can participate in a meditation session and learn about a work of art with Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the CU Art Museum on Fridays at 12:15 p.m.  
  • Wellness Wednesday Yoga. Students can join a free yoga class at the Rec Center on select Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m.

Housing and residence halls 

Most first-year students live on campus in the residence halls, which grants them access to amenities included in their housing fee. When they transition to live off campus, students can continue to tap into resources to make their experience smooth. 

Tutoring and academic support 

The rigor of college academics can mean students need support for classes or assignments. CU Boulder offers tutoring and learning resources to support their academic success. 

  • ASAP tutoring. First-year students and all students living on campus can receive free tutoring services from the Academic Support and Achievement Program (ASAP). 
  • Writing Center. Students from all academic disciplines and skill levels can work one-on-one with a professionally trained writing consultant for free. 
  • Advising. Every student has a primary academic advisor. They can also take advantage of campuswide advising drop-in hours on Mondays from 1-3 p.m. 

Health services 

Your student’s health matters for them to thrive at CU Boulder. They can access free resources to support the different areas that impact their well-being. 

  • AcademicLiveCare. Students can use this free telehealth platform for mental health or medical appointments. The service is free for all students regardless of health insurance plan. 
  • Flu shots. All CU Boulder students can receive a free flu shot from Medical Services. Drop-in clinics and appointments are now available. 
  • Nutritional consultations. Students can schedule a free appointment with the Nutrition Resource Clinic in the Fitness and Wellness Suite located in the Main Student Recreation Center. This appointment includes a consultation with a registered dietitian nutritionist for various concerns.

Career preparation 

Career Services offers programs, events, workshops and resources to help students prepare for life after college. They can find options throughout their student experience to help them gain experience, learn skills and feel confident in their job or internship search. 

  • Career workshops. Students can attend free workshops offered by Career Services to learn about topics related to the job search. Topics cover subjects like resume writing, networking and interviewing. 
  • Online tools. Career Services also provides online tools to aid with the job search. Students can access Handshake, AI resume builder by Quinncia and the Forever Buffs Network.  
  • Professional photo. Students can stop by the photo booth in the Career Services office between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to take a free professional photo for their online profiles.

Take advantage of all CU offers 

College is an investment of time and money. Students can make the most of their tuition and fees and enhance their time at CU Boulder by participating in events, programs and other resources.