A Guide To CU Boulder

Introduction
CU is a very unique school situated in one of America's most unique cities. Boulder is 36 miles North-West of Denver and is connected by a series of upscale towns along the way including Broomfield, where leading telecom companies call home. Boulder itself is a small-mid size town of about 150,000 people with 14 square miles of undeveloped space for recreation. Rated by "Men's Health" and "Men's Journal" for numerous years as America's healthiest/best small town for men and is referred to in "Sports Illustrated" as "the closest thing a college campus can get to heaven." I came here for the big campus life, the diverse campus, and quality of education. Prospective students who are not interested in meeting lots of diverse people should probably not consider this school.

Campus Life and Social Life
The best part about campus is that it is extraordinarily predisposed to partying. Hermits with no social or networking skills can find a party on any night of the week simply by walking on the "hill." Even better is that almost all the parties are open and populated by very cool and welcoming people. Fraternities also throw large bashes that are often themed (a big trend here). A tip though: either get on the guest list, have a member go with you, or roll up with 3-4 good looking women, otherwise entry can be difficult. The bars here are equally awesome. Pearl street is roughly six square blocks packed with over 34 bars and numerous more restaurants and shops from the 5 star variety to the greasey spoon. The bars are no exception. You have the irish bar (Connor O'neils), the piano bar (The Reef), hookah bar (The Boulder Republic), martini bar (styr), Warehouse bar (The Foundry), and my favorite: The Basement College Dive Bar (The Walrus) complete with big bowls full of peanuts, $2.00 32 oz. beers, air hockey, pool tables, etc. Football games are absolutely the best. Most games are in the morning so most of the student body is up and tailgating by 7 a.m. On the "hill" every street is packed with tons of parties with kids all around and plenty of refreshments. Games are held in the Folsolm field which has the very picturesque flatirons in the background. Skiing/Snowboarding is VERY popular here. Boulder is within 4 hours of 12 different skiing resorts and usually you know someone who has a condo so you can party and ski all weekend long. Every year I always go up for the Winter X Games in Aspen, and from campus you only need to drive 5 minutes to be in the mountains. We were rated the #1 party school nation in the country in 2003 and we're very proud of that fact and try to maintain that credibilty.The worst aspect is that it is very easy to get allured into the party scene and lose track of school. Oh, and after a semester, Keystone light goes down like water. Advertisement
Academics
We have a motto here: study hard, party harder. And while the party scene is fun, the campus life can be rewarding as long as you keep your discipline. Our school is renowned for its sciences and has three Nobel laureates on staff. Our business school is also recognized as being exceptional by putting high standards on ethics as well as social and enviromental impacts. We also have a great film school. Our Liberal Arts schools are quite liberal and wide with very laid back professors from every walk of life - but don't be complacent, they can take a hard line if meddled with. Other than that, academia here is pretty normal

Student Body
A very diverse group with a homogenous feel to it. It's the only school where I now that you can sit in class next to a stoned hippie and the heir of Exxon Mobil.

In Closing...
What's not to like? Boulder's a very cool place to live an learn.