Boulder is a bumpin' town with an eclectic mix of inhabitants who share a similar passion for the outdoors. In the "People's Republic" as it is common called, there is never a dull moment. One of the most exciting and interesting areas of Boulder is The Hill. Located directly across the street from campus, the Hill is always swarming with CU students. Here is an insiders guide to where to do what at CU-Boulder.
Where to Study
Buchanans Coffee Pub is located on the corner of Broadway and Pennsylvania [Where: 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Boulder, CO 80302] is hands down the best place to study on the Hill. It is also the hands down most difficult spot to get a seat in! In addition to serving up great java, bagels, juices and pastries, I like this place because it features an array of local and student artwork. It could technically double as an art gallery. The best seats in the house are the overstuffed chairs located in the upstairs loft area.
If a coffee shop is too distracting for you, head across the main quad to Norlin Library. This giant house of education has plenty of places to sit and has its own coffee bar in the basement. My favorite spots are the seventies-themed private "cubbies" located on the second floor.
Where to Eat
Eating is one of the most important parts of being a college student. Luckily, CU is not running out of food anytime soon. The most famous restaurant on the Hill is The Sink [Where: 1165 13th St., Boulder, CO 80302]. Also known as the "Boulder Burger Institution," The Sink is jam-packed full on football game days and during happy hour pretty much every day. It also opens at 6 a.m. on graduation day so seniors can get their fill before the 2 hour ceremony starting at 8 a.m. Fun Fact: Robert Redford worked here as a janitor for a stint after he dropped out of CU.
On campus, catch a "free" meal in one of the many dining halls. The dining halls have definitely improved over time, but one aspect that hasn't changed is the looming presence of "Chef," the man who inspired the creation of the famous "South Park" character. You'll know when you see him, but I wouldn't recommend asking him about the show.
The best tip about eating at CU is that sorority houses are a gold mine for meals. If you have a friend who is a member of a sorority, do your best to get invited in for dinner. It's absolutely free (for the guest anyway) and all of the houses have professional chefs so the grub is gooood.
Where to Live
The Hill is full of off-campus housing options, although living in this hoppin' area is more expensive than on the eastern side of campus. Neighborhoods near Williams Village and off of 28th street are more wallet friendly, but also less convenient to classes. Check out apartments for rent in Boulder.
Where to Drink
The Sink is a key watering hole that serves everything you can think of plus more. It is especially great on Mondays when they host "Flip night" and you can get beers for 25 cents.
The best spot on The Hill to grab a drink after class is Half-Fast Subs [Where: 1215 13th St., Boulder, CO 80302]. Located on 13th street, their patio is especially popular in the Spring when great weather makes it difficult to get to class. Half-Fast serves a wide variety of great sub sandwiches, but the real reason people come here is to order Margaritas, Long Islands and Hurricanes by the pitcher. Your own pitcher. With a straw. Limit of 2 per person.
Where to Break a Sweat
Just step outside your front door! There are hundreds of outdoor activities in Boulder. Hiking is probably the most popular activity and is accessible to everyone. Head up Baseline Road to Chautauqua Park to access hiking trails of all levels. My favorite trail is the climb to Royal Arch. Take plenty of water and a snack, this is a long one. The arch overlooks the whole town and gives you a great view of the beautiful CU campus, not to mention a great workout.
Down on the CU campus, heads up for neon disks whizzing around. Norlin quad is frequently used as a playing field for frisbee golf.....and sometimes regular golf. FORE!
These activities aren't so fun in two feet of snow, however, so head inside during the winter to the CU Recreation Center. Sign up for a killer kickboxing class or hit the weight room to pump some serious iron. In addition to being a great fitness facility, it's not a bad place to socialize either. At the rec center you are bound to rub sweaty elbows with a cute CU coed.
Click here to see where these spots are located on a Boulder map. Keep an eye on the hubbuzz neighborhood blogs, too, for event updates and perspectives from within the Boulder Bubble. These tools are great resources for prospective and out-of-state CU-Boulder students.
University of Colorado, Boulder [where: 552 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309]
Photo Credit: Photo: Casey A. Cass (CU-Boulder)
