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University of Colorado Boulder: A Rocky Mountain Academic Icon

Explore CU Boulder, a flagship university with a stunning campus, rich history, and a vibrant academic and cultural community in the heart of the Rockies.

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The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a public research university nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains' Flatirons. Founded in 1876, it's the flagship university of the Colorado system, boasting a rich history, stunning campus, and a reputation for academic excellence, especially in the sciences.

A brief summary to University of Colorado Boulder

Local tips

  • Take a walk or bike ride along the Boulder Creek Path, which runs through town and the CU Boulder campus.
  • Visit the CU Museum of Natural History or the CU Art Museum to explore diverse collections and exhibitions.
  • Attend a performance at Macky Auditorium, a historic building on campus known for its stunning architecture and acoustics.
  • Cheer on the CU Buffs at a sporting event and experience the school spirit.
  • Explore the University Memorial Center (UMC), a central hub with dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pearl Street Mall, head east towards Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway and walk north for approximately 15 minutes. The CU Boulder campus will be on your left, starting around Euclid Avenue. Cross Broadway at a designated crosswalk and enter the campus. Old Main, the historic first building, is a good landmark to aim for. No cost.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver International Airport (DIA), take the RTD SkyRide bus service (Route FF1) to Boulder Station. From Boulder Station, several local bus routes (e.g., DASH, SKIP) will take you to various stops along the CU Boulder campus. Check the RTD website or Transit app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Cost: RTD SkyRide from DIA to Boulder Station is approximately $9. The local bus fare within Boulder is $3.00.

  • Driving

    From Denver, take US-36 West towards Boulder. As you approach Boulder, follow signs for the University of Colorado. Several parking garages and lots are available on campus, including the Euclid Parking Garage. Note that parking on campus requires a permit or payment. Cost: Hourly parking in campus lots is around $2 per hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and $1 per hour from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights and all day Sunday. Daily permits are also available for purchase online.

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Discover more about University of Colorado Boulder

Founded in 1876, just months before Colorado became a state, the University of Colorado Boulder stands as a beacon of education and research in the Rocky Mountain region. Its picturesque campus, with iconic red-tiled rooftops set against the backdrop of the Flatirons, has earned it recognition as one of America's most beautiful college campuses. CU Boulder's history is intertwined with the development of Boulder itself. Initially named Colorado Seminary, the university was established by the Colorado Territorial Legislature to serve the growing population of settlers. The campus opened its doors in 1877 with a single building, Old Main, and a small class of forty-seven students. Over the years, CU Boulder has grown into a leading research university with nine colleges and schools, offering over 150 academic programs. The university has a strong reputation for its science and engineering programs, sending instruments to every planet in our solar system and fostering astronauts. Its research facilities, such as the Sommers-Bausch Observatory and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, contribute to Boulder's status as a hub for scientific and environmental research. Beyond academics, CU Boulder contributes to Boulder's vibrant cultural scene. The campus hosts museums, theaters, and sporting events, enriching the lives of students and visitors alike. From the Fiske Planetarium to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, there's always something to experience. Visitors can explore the campus, take a tour, or attend a performance.

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