How to make the most of your tuition and fees

As a student at CU Boulder, you have access to a plethora of resources, programs and events supported by your tuition and student fees. These programs touch all aspects of your college experience and well-being. From classes at the Recreation Center to free bus rides, you can maximize your tuition by taking advantage of these resources. 

Here are a few opportunities you can 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. Simply hop on and off at your destinations. Your Buff OneCard can also be used as a transit pass that allows you 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, you can access free basic bike maintenance services, like safety checks, brake adjustment and fixing flat tires. 
• BCycle. Students can sign up for a free CU Boulder Student Pass with BCycle, which gives you access to unlimited e-bike rides for a year. 
• NightRide. CU NightRide offers free evening transportation on campus and in the city of Boulder with the goal of helping students get home safely. You 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. Plus, many other departments and programs offer free entertainment for students. 

• Friday Night Film Series. Hosted by Program Council, you can enjoy a different movie almost every Friday at 8 p.m. in CHEM 140. Showings include new releases and cult classics. 
• The Connection. Check out The Connection’s weekly event calendar, with many free options for students. You can enjoy trivia, participate in billiards, ping pong, poker or Super Smash Bros. tournaments, or cheer on the Buffs at a football watch party. 
• 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. You can check out the CISC event calendar for details. 
• DIY Nights. If you love to craft, DIY Nights are a great way to meet new people and take home a craft you create. All the supplies are provided at the event, and registration is required to reserve a spot. 
• Buffalo Nites. These themed events change weekly and offer students a chance to have fun and connect with other students. Events include Party in The Connection, guided painting classes, ice skating and more. 

Food 

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

• I Love Mondays. This event highlights a different campus department, student organization or event each week. You 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. 
• Lug Your Mug. Bring your own mug for free coffee outside ATLAS main corridor on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. - noon.   
• CU in the Community. Sign up for one-time volunteer opportunities to gain experience and give back to the community. These events include free food and transportation.  

Fitness and wellness 

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

• Inclusive Rec. All Inclusive Rec events are free with your Buff OneCard. 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. 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. 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 you access to amenities included in your housing fee. As you transition to live off campus, you can continue to tap into resources to make your experience smooth. 

• Free laundry. Students living in the residence halls have free access to the laundry facilities.  
• Maintenance. Living in the residence halls means you can request free maintenance services for common areas or issues in your room.  
• Lease reviews. Students looking to move off campus next year can schedule a free lease review with Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations or Student Legal Services. 

Tutoring and academic support 

The rigor of college academics can mean you need support for classes or assignments. CU Boulder offers tutoring and learning resources to support your 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. You can also take advantage of campuswide advising drop-in hours on Mondays from 1-3 p.m.  

Health services 

Your health matters to thrive during your time at CU Boulder. You can access free resources to support the different areas that impact your well-being. 

• AcademicLiveCare. You 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 a variety of concerns. 
• Naloxone. Anyone with a Buff OneCard can pick up Naloxone at the Health Promotion desk on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Always call 911 in the event of a potential overdose.

Career preparation 

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

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

Take advantage of all CU offers 

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