10 Campus Trends for 2024 

1. Sustainable fashion

Thrifting has been in for years now, and with major brands hopping on the sustainability train, sustainable fashion will be even more in for 2024.  

2. Bows

Students are loving bows this semester, and the accessory’s preppy style makes them perfect to wear for long days of classes on campus. 

3. Varsity jackets

On a campus as football-obsessed as CU entering our second season with Coach Prime — and with Taylor Swift repping the Kansas City Chiefs in her varsity jacket — the jackets are sure to be seen in both classes and on Folsom Field.

4. Uggs

Although Uggs have been popular in multiple variations and styles for decades, the shoe brand has become even more beloved — particularly among college students who love the mini and slipper styles, and find them comfortable enough for a long walk between classes.

5. Messy hair

It’s safe to say that 2023 was the year of the gelled, slicked-back hairstyles. But 2024 is the year of undone, messy hair — which looks just as good making an appearance under beanies and goggles for an afternoon on the slopes!

6. Statement accessories

Big, colorful pieces are perfect for standing out, even in lecture halls with hundreds of other students. 

7. Matching workout sets

Students are loving matching workout attire that looks put together enough to be worn straight from the Rec to class, or even to grab lunch on The Hill. 

8. Peachy tones

Pantone officially declared “Peach Fuzz” the 2024 color of the year, meaning students can expect to see increasing numbers of outfits utilizing peachy shades. 

9. Suits and workwear

Students can expect to see a rise in suits and other business-inspired attire worn more casually.

10. Oversized bags and totes

Models all over high-fashion runways have been seen carrying oversized bags, which is perfect for us busy students on the go.

Off

Warmer weather and longer days makes the perfect excuse to get outside! Check out one of these hikes for fun trails and scenic views. 

Mud Lake

1. (Chautauqua) 

2. (NCAR)

3. (Boulder Canyon)

4. (Nederland)

5. (Boulder)

6. (Nederland)

7. (South Boulder)

8. (Superior)

9. (Boulder Canyon)

10. (Chautauqua) 

Photo by Lauren Walters 

Off

Agricultural Heritage Center

Looking for a way to spend an afternoon this summer? Visit one of the many museums Boulder has to offer, ranging from local history to space exploration and antique cars. 

Founded in 1944, the Museum of Boulder aims to highlight community stories and local history with many interactive exhibits. 

Engage in art in a unique way at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, which features many exhibits and offers classes, events and display opportunities for local artists. 

With animals on site from April through November, this museum offers an immersive way to learn about Colorado’s farming history. 

Explore Colorado’s rich mining history and learn about the techniques and tools used during the 19th and 20th centuries. 

5. University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

Stroll through several research-focused exhibits designed for all ages. The museum also contains an expansive collection of scientific artifacts. 

Take a guided tour or stop by the visitor center to see exhibits focused on weather, climate and atmosphere. The center also hosts virtual events. 

Established in 1996, the Shelby American Collection features many unique historic racing cars, many of which are still raced today. 

8. CU Art Museum

Free to the public, this museum features art that ranges from collections from the CU Archives to work from student and faculty members. 

Located just 30 minutes from Boulder, the Dougherty Museum features a collection of restored antique cars, many of which date back to the early 20th century. 

10. Fiske Planetarium and Science Center 

The Fiske Planetarium and Science Center provides an opportunity for all ages to engage in space exploration through shows and events. 

Photo by Lauren Walters 

Off

Are you in the Boulder area for the summer? Check out these ideas to explore and spice up your summer!

1. Visit Boulder Creek

Take a dip or a ride down Boulder Creek to cool off from the summer sun. The average temperature in Boulder Creek is . Be sure to check the before tubing down the creek. 

2. Spend the day at Chautauqua

Open from 5 a.m. – 11 p.m., Chautauqua Park is open throughout the day for an adventure. The is a fan favorite with a beautiful landscape view and incredible rock formations. A total of 3.1 miles round trip, the hike is rated moderate to difficult. For a more relaxing activity, hang a hammock and spend time enjoying the area’s natural beauty. 

3. Shop at the Boulder Farmers Market

Open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 13th Street between Arapahoe Ave. and Canyon Blvd., the offers fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted products and more. Support local farmers and entrepreneurs and, during the second week of each month, see live music and artisan shows. 

4. Enjoy the Chautauqua Summer Series

Check out one of the concerts at the Chautauqua Auditorium. Featuring a variety of artists including the Gipsy Kings, Jesse Cook, Kenny G and more, this series offers a variety of genres. Tickets are available on .

5. Visit the Pearl Street Mall

Walk along Boulder’s to grab a bite to eat, shop or people watch. 

6. See a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Visit this amid the rock formations to see a show, do yoga or see a film “on the rocks.” This summer Glass Animals, Zeds Dead, Halsey and many other artists will perform. See the schedule at . 

7. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Take a drive up to Estes Park to visit . At the park, you can hike, drive the scenic routes and view the wildlife. You will need a to enter the park and buy a park entrance pass for your car and the people in it. 

8. Listen to Bands on the Bricks on Pearl Street

Each Wednesday from June 15 through Aug. 3 on the 1300th block of Pearl Street, see an . The beer garden will open at 5:30 p.m., openers perform at 6 p.m. and the headliners play from 7– 9 p.m. 

9. Dine outside in Boulder

Soak up the sun on one of . At West End Tavern and Rosetta Hall, enjoy rooftop dining as you sit above Pearl Street. Relax at Japango or on Oak at 14th’s patio. Visit the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse to sit outside in the courtyard and enjoy afternoon tea or dinner. 

10. Traverse the Boulder Creek Path

Take a walk, run or bike down the 5.5 mile . The path parallels downtown, east of town and west towards the mountains. Cool off with a dip in the creek.

Off

Boulder is beloved for its outdoorsy atmosphere and commitment to letting nature thrive, that helps create a city that is home to all types of plants and animals. With CU’s campus located in the heart of the city, many of Boulder’s urban wildlife can be spotted on the walk to class. From the occasional curious bear to the pollinator-friendly lavender, here are 10 plants and animals you can find around campus. 

1. Bears

Although they don’t come often, these furry mischief-makers have been known to wander down from the foothills to visit campus every once in a while. In 2019, campus saw several visits from bears, most notably on fall move-in day. Read this article to learn how to stay safe if you see a bear on campus.

2. Raccoons

Raccoons can be found in rural and urban areas across the country, but Boulder's raccoons have become so familiar that they almost feel like honorary on-campus residents. Raccoons are known for being smart and playful, but its best to keep your distance if you see one, since they can be aggressive if provoked.   

3. Squirrels

Every college campus thinks their squirrels are exceptionally bold and fearless. Could CU’s campus squirrels really be unique? Either way, these fluffy-tailed buddies can be seen anywhere on campus, often in search of whatever food they can get their tiny paws on.

4. Lavender

Although it originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe, this soothing aromatic can be found in the campus pollinator garden. The garden is split between two locations on campus that together cover a total of 10,000 square feet. Other plants you can spot in the pollinator garden include barberry, currant, gooseberry and yarrow.

5. Turtles

Turtles are very common throughout the world, and they often enjoy one of the longest animal life spans that we know of. CU's campus turtles can be seen swimming or basking on a log at Varsity Lake.

6. Hackberry Tree

The hackberry tree is a Colorado native, just like over half of our students here at CU. Hackberry trees can be identified by their serrated leaves and small, dark purple fruit.

7. Prairie Dogs

The prairie dog population in Boulder is plentiful, and when they’re not burrowing underground, they can often be seen around campus. Prairie dogs are considered a “keystone species” in Colorado because of their important role in our natural ecosystems. 

8. Little Leaf Linden Tree

The variety of little leaf linden trees that can be found on campus has heart-shaped leaves and hails from Europe.

9. Redbud Trees

Redbud trees are often used as decorative trees, as they are known for their gorgeous lavender or pink blossoms. Stroll around campus in the early spring to see these beauties in full bloom.

10. Deer

The type of deer most commonly spotted around Boulder is the mule deer, which are known for their big ears said to resemble those of a mule. Seeing these cuties on campus can be difficult if they’re skittish, as their excellent hearing and eyesight keep them constantly aware of potential danger.

Read this article for tips on safely co-existing with campus wildlife.

(Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)

Off

Sammi Blankstein (MediaSt ex'21) at Ponte Vecchio while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. 

Since COVID-19 brought most international travel to a halt in spring 2020, many are dreaming of the perfect vacation. As people scour the internet for photos and videos to satisfy their wanderlust, CU students dream of the day the university is able to reopen its nearly 400 study abroad programs. Here is a list of CU students’ top 10 selected cities to study abroad in.  

1. Florence, Italy
2. Barcelona, Spain
3. Prague, Czech Republic
4. Madrid, Spain
5. London, England
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Wollongong, Australia
8. Paris, France
9. Seville, Spain
10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Source: CU Education Abroad

Off

With the 2020 election nearing, here is a look at 10 CU politicians, ranging from the Colorado House of Representatives to governors' mansions.. 

1. Gordon Allott (A&S’27; Law’29; HonDocLaw’59) Senator for Colorado, 1955-1973

2. Donald Brotzman (Bus’43; Law’49) Representative from Colorado’s 2nd District, 1963-1965; 1967-1975

3. Roy Romer (Law’52; HonDocLaw’06) Colorado Governor, 1987-1999

4. Hank Brown (Acct’61; Law’69) Senator for Colorado, 1991-1997

5. Bob Beauprez (PE’73) Representative from Colorado’s 7th District, 2003-2007

6. Ed Perlmutter (DistSt’75; Law’78) Representative from Colorado’s 7th District, 2007-today 

7. Mike Coffman (Hist’79) Representative from Colorado’s 6th District, 2009-2019

8. Kate Brown (EnvCon’81) Oregon Governor, 2015-today

9. Morgan Carroll (Psych, PolSci'96; Law'00) Colorado State Senator, 2009-2017

10. Joe Neguse (PolSci, Econ’05; Law’09) Representative from Colorado’s 2nd District, 2019-today

Off

With the summer heat peaking, it’s a wonder that ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ lawns stay pristine. Here are 10 interesting facts about CU’s irrigation system which gets the job done:

1. CU has the largest centrally-controlled irrigation system west of the Mississippi River.

2. All told, campus has over 66,000 sprinkler heads.

3. The sprinklers are controlled via radio signal.

4. Almost all watering is done between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

5. Over 80 percent of the water comes from Anderson Ditch, which runs along Broadway from Boulder Creek.

6. CU estimates it saves $440,000 annually from using ditch water instead of treated city water.

7. The irrigation system is able to adjust water usage based on information provided from three weather stations on campus.

8. The campus has seven ponds which hold a three-day back-up water supply.

9. Five pump stations, located throughout campus, provide pressure to the irrigation system.

10. There are three full-time irrigation technicians.

Off

It might not be hyperbole to call the Flatirons CU’s biggest recruiting tool. Here's 10 facts you might not know about Boulder's most famous landmark:

1. The rocks are nearly 300 million-years-old, taking their current form roughly 60 million years ago.
2. Some other names for the Flatirons include “The Craqs” and “Chatauqua Slabs.”
3. Chautauqua is believed to be an Iroquois word meaning “a bag tied in the middle,” or “two moccasins tied together.”
4. The rock formation is made of feldspar-rich sandstone.
5. The fifth peak is the lowest at 6,900 feet.
6. At 7,630 feet, the fourth peak is the highest.
7. In 1953, Dale Johnson (Geol'54) climbed the third peak on roller skates using ropes and belays.
8. They have an average slope of 55 degrees.
9. A white “CU” was painted on the side of the third flatiron until the city painted over it in 1980: It is still visible to keen-eyed observers.
10. In 2010, Stefan Griebel (ElEngr'97; MS'00) speed-climbed the east face of the third Flatiron in only 5 minutes 59 seconds.

 Photo by Casey Cass

Off

CU's clay roof tiles are a staple of the campus architecture. Here's 10 things you might not have known about them:

1. The tiles were introduced by Charles Klauder, a Philidelphia-based architect.
2. In 1921, Hellems Arts & Sciences became the first campus building with a clay tile roof.
3. There are 160 tiles in a 100-square-foot-area, putting the total on campus in the millions.
4. Each tile weighs three pounds.
5. The tiles come with a 75-year warranty.
6. They are durable: CU only replaces about 50 to 75 tiles a year.
7. When they are replaced, it can take up to an hour to change a single tile.
8. Each building has a unique color palette that fits within CU's architectural guidlines. 
9. Their curvature helps mitigate hail damage by distributing the force of impact.
10. Today the tiles come from the Ludowici Roof Tile Company, based out of Ohio.

To learn more, read the full story: ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������'s Roof Tiles Are a Campus Staple.

Photo by Patrick Campbell (top), Photo by Glenn Asakawa 

Off