While it’s normal for the job search process to take months, there is still time for you to secure a job that aligns with your career goals before graduation. Career Services offers resources, workshops and career development advisors to help you with your search. Here’s how to effectively plan for life after college, secure a job and graduate feeling prepared for your future. 

Step 1: Set goals and deadlines 

Your last semester in college can be busy, especially with the added pressure of finding a job. To manage your time effectively, make a detailed plan with specific action items and deadlines. For example, set deadlines for creating online profiles, updating your resume and reaching out to people in your network for recommendation letters and informational interviews. Having an organized plan will help maximize your time and resources and make a better impression on employers.   

Step 2: List your key experiences and skills 

Before updating your resume or online profiles, consider the vital information you’ll highlight. Remember, you should tailor your documents to each job description. If you can articulate how your skills and experiences match the job requirements, you may gain an advantage in the hiring process. 

• Request a Skills Report to learn which skills are in demand for the positions or industries of interest to you.
• Experience doesn't have to be limited to formal jobs. Be sure to include any campus jobs, volunteer work, organization memberships and leadership roles.
• Add other activities like participation in sports and the arts as well to show that you are well-rounded and bring diverse skills and perspectives. 

If you’re looking to gain more experience, Career Services offers access to a variety of opportunities that will stand out on your resume as well as to exceptional resources for finding internships. In addition, review this list of foundational skills and ways to build them. 

Step 3: Optimize your online presence  

A well-developed profile takes time to create and it’s crucial for building a positive professional reputation. Sloppy or incomplete profiles can give employers a negative impression. Here are a few tools to help you build an effective online presence: 

• Handshake is the top way college students find jobs. Use these helpful steps to set up your profile.
• Your profile allows you to establish a professional presence, search for jobs and connect with Follow Career Services for .
• Build an online portfolio using to highlight your work and projects.
• Use the free photo booth in the Career Services office to get the perfect professional photo for your online profiles. 

Step 4: Craft effective job search documents 

Your resume and cover letter are often the first impression you make on an employer. Learn how to write an effective resume and persuasive cover letter. 

• Take advantage of virtual office hours to have a peer career advisor review your documents and answer any questions you may have about the job search process.
• Attend programs and workshops on writing resumes and job searching to ask questions and get more tips.
• Want instant feedback on your resume? Quinncia is an online resume AI tool that provides personalized feedback on your resume.
• Once your resume is updated, remember to upload it to your online profiles.  

Step 5: Utilize your network  

During your time at ��ɫ��Ƶ, you’ve likely built an extensive network including professors, mentors, classmates, coworkers and more. Leverage these connections to uncover job opportunities—let them know you’re looking for employment in May and would love referrals to open job opportunities. 

• Join the Forever Buffs Network to start connecting with ��ɫ��Ƶ alumni. They can give resume feedback, help with interview preparation and serve as mentors.
• Use to expand your network, learn about different industries and join conversations related to your career interests. 

Step 6: Start your job search 

You may have a sense of urgency to find a job before graduation but remember to focus your search on positions that interest you and are a good fit.   

• Find job postings on Handshake, and . Set up saved searches on these sites to learn about new postings that match your criteria.
• If you are looking for employment in Colorado, check out This online job board frequently shares jobs in marketing, communications, public relations and nonprofits.
• Check out industry-specific sites like , and .
• Connect with recruiters at career fairs and employer tabling events to learn about open positions and hiring timelines. 

Step 7: Improve your interview skills  

You will also want to prepare for in-person and virtual interviews as you search for jobs.  

• Schedule a practice interview with a career advisor or utilize Quinncia, an AI mock interview tool. This tool records your responses for review or sharing with others for their input.
• Follow these tips for mastering your interview and making a positive impression. 

Career Services is here to help you every step of the way. Learn more about getting started and other tools you can use during the job search process. 

Off

Students living off campus can get nuisance tickets from hosting parties that violate Boulder ordinances. Party-related citations often include things like littering and excessive noise. Nuisance tickets can lead to fines and mandatory restorative justice courses. Review these tips to lower your chances of getting a nuisance ticket.  

Get to know your neighbors 

If you live off campus, introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Download and fill out these contact cards from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) to share with your neighbors or pick up hard copies at UMC 313.  

Let your neighbors know in advance if you plan to host a party. This can give them the option to reach out to you with any concerns or issues before calling the police.   

Invite people you know 

As the host, you are accountable for your guests' actions, including those that could lead to a nuisance ticket. Invite only people you know to manage your party. This can help you communicate issues and take responsibility for your event.  

Watch your noise 

Police are often called to residences because of excessive noise. In the city of Boulder, you may be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of the day or night. Unreasonable noise is defined as amplified sounds that can be heard from more than 100 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and more than 200 feet away between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Keep music or noise inside to avoid disturbing your neighbors and use a decibel app like to check noise levels.  

Clean up your trash 

Boulder code enforcement begins early in the morning. Clean up any trash around your residence immediately after gatherings to avoid receiving a ticket. Secure your trash on your property in bear-proof containers or indoors, as leaving a trash bag next to the trash can or dumpster may result in a ticket. Properly dispose of trash in trash or recycling bins even when you’re not on your property. Free trash bags are available from OCHNR in UMC 313. 

Register your party 

When you register your party with OCHNR,  the police will send you a warning text and email if they receive a noise complaint about your party and you will have 20 minutes to shut things down.  

Registering your party doesn’t guarantee you won’t get a ticket, so you’ll want to take steps to ensure the police don’t get called. Learn more about party registration.  

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Want to host a party without worrying about noise complaints or expensive tickets? Register your party with Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) and the Boulder Police Department. Whether you’re hanging out with a few friends or plan to have a larger event, party registration can help limit your chances of receiving a noise or nuisance ticket. 

Here are three reasons to register your next party

1. Get a warning notification 

Nobody wants the police to crash their party. When you register, you’ll get a warning text and email before the police arrive if a neighbor complains about noise. You’ll have 20 minutes to quiet down.   

2. Registration is free  

Party registration costs exactly $0. It's a free service to help you avoid expensive noise tickets and keep peace with your neighbors. Plus, OCHNR sometimes gives away swag bags or other prizes for students registering parties.  

3. Be a good neighbor  

You may not have to study for a test, go to work the next day or have young children who need to sleep, but your neighbors might. If things get too loud, you can fix it before it becomes a problem—and your neighbors will appreciate the respect. 

Things to know about party registration 

Registering your party is easy— here's a quick guide to make sure everything goes smoothly.  

Size doesn’t matter  

Having just a few friends over who might get loud? You can register that! There's no minimum party size—register any gathering where noise might be a concern. 

Keep it legal  

Just because you register doesn't mean you get a free pass to break rules. You'll still need to follow local laws and ordinances. But here's the good news: that warning call can help you avoid noise tickets by giving you a chance to quiet down first. 

Quick orientation required  

Registering for the first time? You'll need to attend an orientation with OCHNR staff. It's about 45-60 minutes, but here's the sweet part: do it once, and you're set to register parties for the whole school year! 

Fraternities and sororities can register their parties through OCHNR as well, and there’s a Greek-specific orientation for these types of events. Members can make an appointment with OCHNR at partyreg@colorado.edu.  

Learn more about how to register your party.  

Find support

Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations 

OCHNR is here to help you with all aspects of living off campus, from searching for an apartment and roommate to understanding Boulder housing options and providing free lease reviews with our staff attorney. They can also assist with understanding Boulder ordinances and advocating for your rights as a student and tenant.    

Student Legal Services 

Student Legal Services   offers high-quality legal services for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to all ��ɫ��Ƶ students who pay student activity fees. If you get in trouble, Student Legal Services   can help you navigate a wide range of legal issues.  

CU NightRide 

Help your friends get home safely. CU NightRide is ��ɫ��Ƶ’s student-operated safe-ride service that allows you to request free evening transportation to and from any location within Boulder city limits. Download the CU NightRide app to request a ride. 

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Rushing to finish assignments or study for tests can sometimes lead to academic dishonesty—where students engage in plagiarism, cheating or helping another student gain an unfair advantage. Whatever the intention, these actions violate the Honor Code and have consequences.  

Here are four strategies to help avoid these issues. 

Review your syllabus 

Faculty include expectations for their course that you must follow in their syllabus. This information will likely be different for each class.   

Check each of your class syllabi for specific course expectations. For example, some professors don't allow collaboration or use of AI for assignments. Ask your instructor for clarification if you have any questions about the expectations stated in the syllabus. 

There are also campus-wide Honor Code expectations that apply to every class. For instance, resubmitting your own work without faculty permission is a violation of the Honor Code. You also cannot self-plagiarize your work⁠—meaning you must cite any previously written work you use while completing a new assignment. You cannot reuse your own work without that citation. Review the Student Honor Code & Procedures and ask your instructor questions.   

Start coursework early 

Avoid procrastination by starting assignments and studying early. Use a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines. This gives you time to ask for help if needed. 

Complete work on your own 

Academic dishonesty is any act in which a student gains or attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage over other students regardless of intention. Helping another student gain an unfair academic advantage is also considered academic dishonesty.  

With every test, paper, project, lab and assignment, be sure to complete your own work unless the written directions specifically allow you to work with others.    

• You may be able to talk through your work with another student or a study group but don’t share your work. Once you send it to another person, you don’t have control over how it’s shared or used.   
• Don’t search for answers on the internet unless expressly permitted. Especially with online learning, be careful to use resources authorized by your instructors for help. If specific online resources are allowed, write your researched answers in your own words instead of copying and pasting what you found online. 
• Don’t use AI to write papers or answer questions on assignments unless you have permission from your professor. Talk with your professor if you have questions about if and how you can use AI. Learn more about AI and the Honor Code. 
• Nearly any assignment you submit online could be analyzed for similarity to other sources, so cite your sources when appropriate. 
• Exams, including online and take-home exams, should be completed independently unless your instructor states otherwise in the syllabus or exam instructions. 

Find support 

Whether you’re looking for help citing sources or struggling with a concept discussed in class, asking for help is okay. Attend your instructor’s office hours listed on their syllabus, or use academic and tutoring resources.  

Learn more about the Honor Code. 

Did you know using someone else’s clicker in class is a violation? Or do you know what to do if you want to use a project from another course? Test your Honor Code knowledge with this quiz. 

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It can be challenging to talk with people who do not share your point of view. However, talking through differences is an essential skill that can build trust and strengthen relationships. Acknowledging other’s perspectives can allow us to explore differing opinions, learn and grow.  

Here are some ways to turn a difficult conversation into a thoughtful discussion. 

Approach the conversation with an open mind 

Living, learning and working on a college campus offers many opportunities to explore new ideas. We can empower ourselves to think critically about different points of view when we listen with authentic curiosity and give space for others to express their thoughts and opinions.   

Start by recognizing that our cultural backgrounds and life experiences shape our worldviews. Work to understand how others’ beliefs and ideas have been formed and reflect on how you came to hold your attitudes and opinions.   

Prioritize listening 

In a dialogue, people often formulate their response while the other person is talking instead of fully paying attention to what’s being said. When trying to have a thoughtful conversation with someone, the goal should not be to debunk each other’s points or bombard someone with facts or opinions.  

Instead of listening to respond, try listening to understand. Setting the intention to listen will help you approach the conversation more openly rather than coming to it with set points and arguments.  

Give the person you are talking to your full attention when they are speaking. Ask clarifying questions and be genuine when inviting them to share more. This practice helps us become better communicators and makes others feel heard, which is vital for open conversations. 

Ask them to reciprocate these actions when it is your turn to speak. We can create a space to share our views without judgment or jumping to conclusions. When we offer space to others, it helps them understand us in return. 

Practice effective communication strategies 

Having good communication skills can help direct the conversation in a healthy way. Here are skills to use when talking with someone with a different perspective:  

• Be mindful. Our passion for a topic may bring up strong feelings— we are only in control of what we say and how we say it, so our tone and demeanor matter. Arguing may feel satisfying, but it’s often an ineffective communication tool.
• Ask open-ended questions. Get curious about where the other person is coming from and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of how the person has come to their perspective. 
• Use reflections to clarify. Reflecting back to the person our understanding of what we think they are sharing can allow them to explain their meaning and correct misinterpretations. We don’t have to agree with someone to show that we are working to understand them.
• Acknowledge different perspectives. Whether we agree with someone’s position or not, we can acknowledge or affirm what is important to them and the values that form their perspective. Recognizing a shared value (such as caring for others, autonomy, honesty or integrity) that underlies a viewpoint can be a way of bridging differences. 

Before we share our perspective, we can summarize our understanding of where the other person is coming from. We can avoid dismissing them by using “and”—not “but”—when offering our ideas or opinions. For example, we might say, “I hear where you are coming from, and I see it differently. From my perspective...” This transition may help avoid putting the other person on the defensive.  

We can always leave space to revisit an issue and end with an appreciation for the person willing to talk things through. 

Find support 

��ɫ��Ƶ offers programs and spaces for people to share their perspectives and learn skills to have thoughtful conversations. 

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR) 
SCCR helps students develop skills for having challenging conversations through conflict coaching, mediation and consultation services. 

Center for Inclusion & Social Change (CISC) 
CISC offers various events, programs and groups where students, faculty and staff can join fellow Buffs to share their experiences and learn from others in a safe space. 

Center for Student Involvement (CSI) 
CSI offers resources for student activism and guidance for Buffs looking to get more involved in civic engagement.  

CU Student Government (CUSG) 
CUSG, the official governing and representative body of the student population, provides a space for Buffs to bring attention to and respectfully discuss issues they are passionate about. 

Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance (OIEC)  
OIEC offers skills-based workshops for students, faculty and staff to effectively work across differences and build healthy workplaces, classrooms and relationships. 

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For many students, midterms are just around the corner. Here are some underrated study hacks to help you ace your midterms. 

Practice the study cycle 

The “study cycle” is an effective strategy that can help you be more efficient with your time. There are four steps to the cycle: 

• Before class, preview the material you’ll cover. Skim the chapter, note headings and bold words, review chapter summaries and have questions prepared for the lecture.
• Attend class—take notes and ask questions.
• Review your notes as soon as possible after class.
• Schedule time in your week to study the material again. Review your notes, handouts or other readings. 

Know your learning style 

Are you a visual learner? Do you remember things more when you hear them? This find the methods that work best for you to learn and study. Here are some strategies that may work for your learning style. 

• Visual: Underline or highlight your notes. Look for videos, graphs or charts to review information further. Create graphs or charts to organize information.
• Aural: Read your notes out loud and record them on your phone to listen to later. Talk over concepts with a classmate or study group.
• Read/write: Rewrite your notes. Look for other books or resources on the same subject to read.
• Kinesthetic: Think of real-world examples when reviewing your notes. Try to use as many senses as possible when studying. For example, try taking a walk while reviewing your notecards. 

Take breaks 

Taking short breaks during study sessions can help you stay focused and retain information better. Try the Pomodoro Technique to build short breaks into your study sessions: 

• Choose a task to work on—maybe reading a chapter, writing the intro for a paper or solving math problems.
• Set a timer for 25 minutes. Put your phone away and eliminate as many distractions as possible.
• Focus on the task until the timer goes off.
• Set your timer for five minutes and do whatever you’d like during this time. Check your phone, get a snack, stretch—whatever gives your brain a break!
• Reset your timer for 25 minutes and repeat. 

Get creative and try a new approach 

Here are some other study hacks to try: 

• Pretend you're preparing to teach a class on the subject. Think of how you could explain the material to fellow students.
• Think about concepts more critically and try to create examples or practice problems from the material to test your knowledge.
• Rather than studying one subject for a long time, try switching between subjects to allow your brain to form connections and understand the content more deeply.
• Study in testing conditions. Learning the content in a similar setting and with similar conditions to your testing environment can help you form associations between those conditions and the course content.   

Ask for help 

If you’re stuck on a problem or a concept discussed in class, ask for help and use your resources. 

• Talk to a classmate. 
• Visit office hours or a help lab.
• Consider joining or starting a study group.
• If you live on campus or are a first-year student, check out the Academic Success & Achievement Program for free tutoring support.
• If you need help writing a paper, visit The Writing Center.
• If you have a large research project, University offers consultations to help you get started.
• Review more academic resources for students.  

Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. Schedule time in your week to study and do your best to stay on track. Find a favorite place to study, like a coffee shop, library or community room in your residence hall. Establishing study routines and finding the right study spot can help you feel prepared for midterms. 

Resources

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)
ASAP links all first-year students and students living on campus to study resources and free peer tutoring. ASAP also offers the Lending Library, allowing students to check out books for many general education and lower division classes.

Peer Wellness Coaching
Need help managing stress, creating a study routine or preparing for exams? Meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach to learn effective strategies and connect with campus resources.

Let's Talk
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services around campus during Let's Talk hours. Stop by to talk with a counselor about stress, anxiety, self-care, academics or other topics you need support with. 

Center for Disability and Access
If you’re planning to use testing accommodations through Disability Services, make sure you’re on the same page as your instructors about how they’ll be administered. Your dedicated access coordinator can help answer any additional questions or concerns.

Free Friday Power Hour
Take a break from studying and blow off some steam at the Rec Center. They offer free fitness classes every Friday during Free Friday Power Hour.

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During our college years, we can face many new experiences and challenges. These can range from mental health issues to hospitalizations and family emergencies. These challenges can be unexpected and may affect academic success and overall well-being.  

If you notice a friend acting differently or struggling, know that you can play a part in getting them support. Here are options and resources to help you support your friend.  

Find support for yourself 

We do not have to be the sole support systems for our friends. It is OK to care for ourselves and seek support when deciding how to help a friend.  

Staff in the Dean of Students office are here for you to ask questions and get support for you and your friends. The Dean of Students office can help you understand your options and connect you to appropriate resources. 

Learn to recognize signs of distress 

If you think a friend needs help, observe for signs of distress. These can be changes in behavior related to academic, physical, psychological or safety risk concerns. Here are some common signs to be aware of:  

Academic 

• Sudden decline in grades 
• No longer attending classes 
• Classroom disruptions 
• Failure to study or work on school assignments 
• Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence or self-harm 

Physical 

• Marked changes in physical appearance like poor grooming or hygiene or sudden changes in weight 
• Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality 
• Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana 
• Rapid speech or manic behavior 
• Depressed or lethargic mood or functioning  
• Observable signs of injury like facial bruising or cuts  

Psychological 

• Self-disclosure of personal distress like family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination or legal difficulties 
• Unusual or disproportionate emotional response to events 
• Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions 
• Verbal abuse like taunting, badgering or intimidation 
• Expressions of concern from other friends  

Safety risk 

• Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault or self-harm behavior 
• Unprovoked anger or hostility 
• Physical violence like shoving, grabbing, assaulting or use of a weapon 
• Stalking or harassing  
• Communicating threats or disturbing comments in person or via email, text or phone call  

Start a compassionate conversation 

When we notice changes in a friend or sense they may be struggling, it's normal to feel anxious about addressing our concerns. If you feel safe, you can take time to talk with your friend—which may increase the chances of them getting help.  

Start the conversation privately to let them know you’re worried and genuinely care about how they’re doing. Take time to listen to what they have to say.  

If there is an imminent danger to you, your friend or someone else, call 911. Rely on emergency personnel to expertly handle the situation if your friend’s conduct is reckless, disorderly, dangerous or threatening.  

Refer them to Student Support & Case Management  

If your friend needs additional support, shows clear signs of distress, or you are feeling uneasy after an interaction with them, refer them to Student Support & Case Management (SSCM).   

Anyone can refer a student to SSCM. There are three ways to do so:  

• Fill out the
• Call SSCM at 303-492-7348
• Email the department at sscm@colorado.edu 

SSCM is available to provide individualized support to students. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems while building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy. 

SSCM can even help students with financial challenges after unexpected situations, such as recovering from physical or mental health emergencies or traveling to support their loved ones in need.   

If you are unsure whether to refer your friend, contact SSCM for guidance. Some of the more common reasons to refer a student to SSCM include, but are not limited to:  

• Concern for a student’s mental health 
• Hospitalization (physical or mental health) 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Harm to self or others 
• Loss of a loved one 
• Family emergency 
• Food insecurity 
• Housing insecurity 
• Financial concerns 
• Threatening behavior  

Know that SSCM is a non-confidential service. This means if you disclose that you or someone else has been impacted by sexual misconduct, protected-class discrimination or harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking or related retaliation, SSCM is required to share that information with the (OIEC) for outreach regarding support and reporting options. You are not required to respond to OIEC. If you need support, OIEC provides a list of resources, including confidential assistance. If you have questions before you want to submit this type of information, please contact the confidential .  

Additional resources 

In addition to SSCM, ��ɫ��Ƶ provides a wide range of campus resources for students facing challenges. 

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS is the primary mental health service on campus. They provide short-term counseling, community referrals, consultations, workshops, group therapy and more. CAPS is also available to provide insight and direction for friends or loved ones who want to support their peers.  

 Confidential resource

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

There may be times when a friend wants to speak confidentially or hypothetically about sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse, stalking, discrimination or harassment. OVA is a free and confidential resource that supports students through traumatic or life-changing events through short-term counseling, advocacy and more.  

 Confidential resource

AcademicLiveCare (ALC)

AcademicLiveCare is a free telehealth platform that allows students to schedule medical and mental health appointments virtually. Students can use this program to see board-certified healthcare professionals from home, campus or anywhere they go. You only need a smartphone, computer, tablet or other mobile device.  

Basic Needs Center (BNC)

The Basic Needs Center is a campus care collective for students seeking assistance accessing essential food, housing and resources. Plus, it provides support in emergencies. The center also offers education on navigating local and national food and emergency housing resources.   

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Attending your professors' office hours is a great way to set yourself up for success this semester. Office hours allow you to interact with your professor one-on-one, ask questions and get clarification about course information. Students may feel intimidated to meet one-on-one with their professors, but your professors are excited to see you. They want you to do well and appreciate when students take the time to attend office hours. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your professors as people and not just academic experts.  

Visiting office hours early in the semester and working with your professors can build confidence as the semester progresses. Here are a few ways to make the most of meetings with your professors.  

Identify your needs 

Even if you don’t have an academic reason to attend office hours early in the semester, you can introduce yourself to your professor. Meeting your professor now can make it easier to go later in the semester if you have a question or need help. There are many reasons to go to office hours as the semester progresses: 

• You want clarification on an assignment or a grade you’ve received.
• You’ve missed a class or classes.
• You’re interested in a topic and want to do further research.
• You want career advice.
• You’re having issues with a classmate.
• You’re looking for an academic mentor.
• You’re more comfortable asking questions directly to the professor. 

Be prepared 

Find out when your professor’s office hours are by checking your syllabus. If you have time conflicts with office hours and other classes, contact your professor directly to request a meeting at a different time. Be sure to provide times you are available and ask what works best for them.  

Come prepared with questions and concerns you have about the course. Office hours are helpful for a variety of reasons. You can ask questions and learn about their teaching style early in the semester. Here are some questions you could ask: 

• Do you have any tips on the best ways to study or understand the material?
• Are there any major concepts I should prioritize learning?
• Will you review a draft of papers before students turn in the final product?
• How does a concept we discussed in class relate to the reading material?
• Can we go over the material I missed during my absence? 

Maximize your time 

During your meeting, stay present mentally to get the most out of your professor’s time. Here are some things to try during your meeting: 

• Ask the most important questions first.
• Bring any assignments with you that you plan to discuss.
• Take notes that help you better understand your questions.
• Be respectful and stay engaged.
• Set up a follow-up meeting with your professor if you need additional help. 

Follow up 

After attending office hours, follow up via email and thank your professor for answering your questions. If you have unanswered questions from your meeting, include them in your follow-up email. 

Don’t forget to compile the notes you took during office hours and add them to your study notes where necessary. Try to apply them to new practice problems to help internalize your learning. 

Campus resources

Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP)

ASAP links all first-year students and students living on campus to study resources and free peer tutoring. ASAP also offers the Lending Library, allowing students to check out textbooks for many general education and lower division classes.

Tutoring resources

��ɫ��Ƶ offers various tutoring and learning resources to support you and your academic success. Some are specific to certain classes, departments or groups of students. Most are free, while some require a fee.

Embedded Programs

�䱫’s&�Բ�����;Embedded Program helps connect students with counseling, wellness and trauma services directly through their college or school. Students can access this program on their own or be referred by a staff or faculty member.

Peer Wellness Coaching

Peer wellness coaches are trained students who can help you meet new people, make friends, create study plans, practice self-care, set goals and more. Coaching sessions are free and open to all ��ɫ��Ƶ students.

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Between hanging out with friends, working and keeping up with classes, your schedule can get packed fast. But don’t worry! Here are some time management tips to help you stay on track this semester and still have time for fun. 

Get organized 

First, get yourself organized. Whether you prefer a calendar, planner or an app, use something to keep track of your schedule and responsibilities. Mark down things like exam dates, project deadlines, work shifts, club meetings, study sessions and any other commitments. Regularly check your calendar to see what’s coming up and prioritize what needs to be done. 

Block out study times 

Set aside specific times each week just for studying or reviewing class materials. Having a routine can help balance schoolwork with social activities and keep you prepared for midterms and finals.  

Plan your study sessions

Break down big assignments like papers, projects or exams into smaller tasks with deadlines. This way, you can make steady progress and avoid last-minute stress. For group projects, discuss with your team how to divide tasks and who’s responsible for what. Having a plan helps prevent procrastination and keeps you on top of your work. 

Fight distractions

While you're studying, try turning off your phone or leaving it out of reach to help you focus. Set a timer for a focused study session—maybe 15 or 20 minutes—then take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off. Stretch, check your phone or grab a snack. Repeat the process to stay focused and get your work done faster. 

Ask for help 

If you’re stuck on a problem or don’t understand something from class, don’t struggle alone. Text a classmate, visit your professor during office hours or join a study group.  

You can also find support through the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP), which is available to all first-year students, new transfers and students living on campus, and other campus academic resources. The sooner you ask for help, the less likely you are to fall behind. 

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It's time to start thinking about your living arrangements for next year. Whether you're moving off campus for the first time or are familiar with the Boulder/Denver region, consider these tips from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. 

Explore different options  

Research different neighborhoods and housing options to find what works for you. Popular Boulder neighborhood areas for students include The Hill, Martin Acres, East Aurora, Goss Grove and North Boulder.  Students may want to consider researching properties in neighboring communities such as Longmont, Superior, Louisville or Lafayette that have bus routes to campus. 

• Create a budget that includes rent, utilities, internet and other expenses to determine what you can afford.
• Look at public transportation options.   
• Check out the crime rates.
• Ask other students about their experiences living in their neighborhoods.  

Use to filter available properties by neighborhood and city, price and more. This resource also helps in finding roommates. 

Consider transportation needs 

As you explore different neighborhoods and cities/communities, you can also research your potential commute to campus by reviewing public transportation options.  

Many students ride the bus for free with their Buff OneCard. has routes that serve all of Boulder and nearby communities.  

Attend the Spring Off-Campus Housing Fair  

Stop by the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom on Feb. 20 and explore options at the . Property managers, city offices and vendors will attend, and you can ask questions and explore more resources related to living in Boulder. There are always lots of free giveaways and food! 

Learn about city ordinances  

As you prepare to live off campus, familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid tickets and other consequences.   

• Review the .
• Learn about the new chronic nuisance ordinance that went into effect Sept. 7, 2024, and other city ordinances.
• Keep noise levels within prescribed limits for residential areas.
• Never leave trash in your yard and use trash receptacles appropriately (especially if you live in a neighborhood that requires bear-resistant trash containers like the Hill).
• Register your parties with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. If a neighbor makes a noise complaint about your address, Boulder Police will notify you and issue a warning—rather than an expensive ticket. This warning gives you 20 minutes to shut down the party before police are dispatched to your house or apartment and can help you avoid a noise or nuisance ticket.  

Get legal advice   

A lease is a legal contract that students should understand before signing. Before signing a lease, you can with attorney Bruce Sarbaugh through Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations for a free lease review before signing. Students can also get free legal advice on other rental concerns, from lease agreements to landlord disputes.  

Student Legal Services also provides free lease reviews and landlord/tenant consultations. Learn more about scheduling an appointment.  

Find support 

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations offers opportunities and resources to students living off campus. With students who are seeking housing, they help educate them on their rights and responsibilities as tenants and assist students in resolving landlord/tenant problems and/or roommate conflicts. Stop by their office in UMC 313 or email och@colorado.edu to get insights from a neighborhood ambassador for advice on living in Boulder.     

Beyond Campus Buffs also provides support for first-year students living off campus and all commuter students. Stop by the Commuter Lounge in UMC 102 to find out more. 

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