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 

ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder 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.  

ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Student Government (ŷ���ڱ���ƵSG) 
ŷ���ڱ���ƵSG, 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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There are plenty of opportunities each semester to meet new people on campus—no matter where you are in your academic journey. However you choose to get involved, your interactions at events and through programs may lead to friendships. Here are a few tips for making new friends this year.  

1. Make the first move

One strategy to try this semester is to commit to making the first move. Try to be the first one to introduce yourself when you meet someone new over the next few weeks. Breaking the ice can help pave the way for fun conversations and new friendships.   

Here are a few places where you can try out this strategy:   

Your residence hall or neighborhood 
You never know what you might have in common with your floormates or neighbors! Whether you live on or off campus, make it a goal to connect with someone new each day. Ask them to join you for dinner, walk to class or check out a campus event or an together. 

Student events  
Events like Buffalo Nites, Free Friday Power Hour, Buffs After Dark and are great for socializing and getting to know others. Introduce yourself to those around you, ask where they are from and what their favorite class is this semester. 

Extracurricular activities  
Depending on what you do with your time outside of class, there are many other ways to make friends. Consider joining a student organization, working on campus or volunteering. If you meet someone new and hit it off, ask if they want to hang out later.  

2. Find Buffs with similar interests or hobbies

Finding your community can help you feel more comfortable at a large university like ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder. With student organizations, programs and events that are specific to different groups and interests, there are many ways to connect with Buffs around things you have in common.  

Review these options to meet others with similar hobbies and interests. Also, don’t hesitate to try something new! College is a great time to discover new passions and explore your identity. 

3. Give it time

Building friendships can take time but know that you can take small steps each day to find your community. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pursue friendships:  

• Focus on the positives: When meeting new people, look for things you have in common. This could include personality traits, hobbies, shared experiences or humor. 
• Make time to socialize: Focusing on academics is important, and you can take breaks to attend events and spend time with others.
• Keep trying: It can take time to find friends that you connect with more deeply. It’s OK if you have friends that you only see in class or when you visit the Rec Center at first. These interactions can still be a highlight in your day and might become closer friendships over time.   

Find support

Center for Student Involvement 
Join student organizations, find leadership opportunities and learn about other ways to get involved at the Center for Student Involvement. 

Volunteer Resource Center 
Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, make a difference and meet people with similar passions. 

Recreation Services 
Find your fit at The Rec! Join fitness classes, play intramural sports, explore ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ with Outdoor Pursuits or attend an Inclusive Rec event. 

Center for Inclusion and Social Change 
The center offers programs, events and resources to promote inclusion and nurture identity development, diversity, equity and social justice. 

Student events 
The Division of Student Affairs hosts hundreds of free events each semester. Find things to do by on Instagram and downloading the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder Life app.

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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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Whether you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert, you have options each semester to get involved, find support and connect with others in ways that work for you. 

Introverted people tend to prefer socializing in small groups or one-on-one, with a preference for alone time as well. Even though ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder is a large university, introverts can take advantage of opportunities tailored for them to meet fellow Buffs and get involved on campus. Here are some tips to navigate your college experience as an introvert.  

Schedule social time and downtime

Just like you would plan your study sessions, intentionally plan time each week to connect with others. Make plans to get coffee with a friend or call a family member to catch up. You can also plan to attend smaller student events on campus that allow you to meet others, like DIY Nights, or . Humans are social animals and regular connection with others is great for your well-being! 

Additionally, be intentional about planning downtime for yourself. If you recognize that you need alone time to recharge, build that into your schedule. After socializing, you might benefit from walking, playing video games or reading a book. It’s OK to say ‘no’ to plans with others sometimes and take time to rest.  

Adapt to crowded situations

Whether it’s large class sizes, networking events or popular fitness classes, getting to know others in a smaller group setting may not always be an option. 

Fortunately, there are often ways you can navigate crowded situations: 

• Attend your professor’s office hours outside class to ask questions or get help with coursework.
• Set up informational interviews to network professionally in a one-on-one setting.
• Visit busy spots on campus outside of peak hours, like the Rec Center or C4C Dining Center.
• Take breaks at large campus events, like career fairs or involvement fairs. It’s OK to leave and come back! 

Find quiet spaces on campus

If you need somewhere to hang out between classes or study without others around, there are many options for introverts. Review this list of study spots on campus to check out, and keep these tips in mind: 

• You can reserve study rooms with .
• Conference rooms in the C4C are available on a first-come, first-served basis after 5 p.m. 
• Classrooms can be used as study spots when not in use for classes or evening events. 

Check out student resources

Find support with getting involved on campus: 

Center for Student Involvement  
Join student organizations, find leadership opportunities and learn about other ways to get involved at the Center for Student Involvement.   

Volunteer Resource Center  
Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, make a difference and meet people with similar passions.   

Recreation Services  
Find your fit at The Rec! Join fitness classes, play intramural sports, explore ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ with Outdoor Pursuits or attend an Inclusive Rec event.  

Center for Inclusion and Social Change  
The center offers programs, events and resources to promote inclusion and nurture identity development, diversity, equity and social justice.  

Student events  
The Division of Student Affairs hosts hundreds of free events each semester. Find things to do by on Instagram and downloading the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder Life app. 

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Your resume is often the first impression you make on an employer and plays a crucial role in landing an interview. Typically, employers only spend 10-30 seconds scanning it, so it’s important to produce an effective resume that is easy to read, highlights relevant experience and grabs their attention.  

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you create a strong, strategic resume.  

Keep it simple 

Tailoring your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is a great way to increase your chances of making it past the initial screening stage. Most companies and organizations use an ATS to manage the volume of applicants, often reducing the number of candidates by 70%.  

Follow these guidelines to ensure your resume is compatible with ATS: 

• Avoid using columns, text boxes, colors and graphics.
• When it comes to fonts, limit yourself to three font sizes and one font style.
• Pull keywords from the job posting or the mission and values of the organization and incorporate them in your resume.  

As a student, you have access to Quinncia—an online AI tool that provides free personalized feedback on your resume. Quinncia’s in-depth recommendations can help your resume pass through an ATS.  

Keep it relevant  

Use your resume to show employers why you’re qualified for the job. Remember, not all experience has to come from formal employment. For example, include foundational skills—like communication, teamwork and leadership—you gained through class projects or volunteering when it’s relevant to the job description.  

Start your resume bullets with what you accomplished and answer one or more of the following: 

• How did you do it?
• Why did you do it?
• For what purpose?
• Quantify information whenever possible. 

Whether you have no experience at all or you are wanting something else to round out your skills, Career Services offers a variety of opportunities that take from 20 minutes to multiple semesters to complete and will help you add professional experience to your resume.  

Keep it active 

Always start bulleted statements with past-tense, active verbs and delete words like “a,” “and” and “the.” You want to paint a vivid picture of your skills in action that is short and to the point. A few action verbs that stick out to employers include "developed,” “enhanced," "created," “analyzed,” "managed” and "mentored.” For more examples, review this list of action verbs to use on your resume.  

Keep it going  

Career Services offers several career fairs and industry events throughout the year. Here are a few of the upcoming events where you can improve and showcase your resume:  

Use to register for these events and others as well as sign up for one-on-one sessions with employers during virtual career fairs. If there are specific employers that you are scheduled to chat with, make a variation of your resume that is tailored to each of them.  

Career advisors are available to help you create and edit your resume. Check out this list of more resume tips and schedule an appointment to meet with Career Services so that you’re prepared to apply when opportunities arise.  

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Living with roommates, whether in the residence halls or off campus, can be a great experience. It may also bring new challenges and responsibilities. This semester might be the first time you’ve had to share space or live with someone you’ve never met.  

While many Buffs get along with their roommates, disagreements can happen. This is normal and working through conflict often leads to growth and stronger relationships. Here are some tips for creating a positive living environment and navigating conflict if it comes up. 

1. Get to know your roommate 

Seek out things you and your roommate have in common and allow space for differences. Even if you already know your roommate well, take time to talk about the upcoming semester and your routines.   

Learn each other’s schedules to be mindful and respectful of each person’s needs. For example, you may have an early class and prefer to go to bed early, while your roommate may work a late schedule and want to sleep in. Communication is key to understanding each other’s habits, schedules and preferences.   

2. Set ground rules together 

As you get to know your roommate, this is a great time to establish ground rules to prevent misunderstandings later. Topics you could discuss include: 

• Guests: Are you okay with overnight guests? Are there times of the day or evening you prefer not to have guests over?
• Chores: Who’s responsible for cleaning common areas or taking out the trash, and how often? Will you set up a schedule for completing chores?
• Shared belongings: What items in your space will be shared (electronics, appliances, supplies, food, etc.)? Are there certain items that you prefer not to be shared?
• Finances: How will bills be divided and paid if you live off campus and are responsible for rent and utilities?  

Creating a roommate agreement is an easy way to discuss and agree on expectations with your roommate. If you live on campus, your resident advisor (RA) will work with you to set one up. If you live off campus, use this free roommate agreement template.   

3. Be open to compromise  

During your discussion, there might be preferences between you and your roommate that could cause conflict or topics that you don't initially agree on. However, you may also find that you can compromise on issues that aren’t as important.    

For example, if you like to study on Friday afternoons and your roommate likes to invite friends over at the end of the week, you could study at the library instead of asking for quiet hours. Finding areas of compromise and respecting each other’s preferences can help you both feel more comfortable in your living environment.   

4. Respect each other’s space and belongings 

Living in the residence halls or apartments can mean tight quarters, but you and your roommate still have a right to privacy and boundaries.  

• Ask before you borrow items belonging to your roommate, including food, clothes and toiletries.
• Share plans with your roommate that might affect them, like if you’ve invited guests or are going out of town for the weekend.
• Respect the ground rules that you’ve set up together—quiet hours, responsibilities with chores, etc. 
• If you live in separate bedrooms, always knock before you enter their room.   

5. Address issues quickly and in person  

It’s best to address roommate issues quickly before they fester. Discuss any important topics or reminders with your roommate in person, if possible. Bringing up issues through texting, social media or sticky notes might lead to miscommunication or increased frustrations. A simple reminder to “take out the trash” could become something more than we intended.   

Instead, give yourself time to think through how you can express your needs before approaching your roommate. Using “I” statements to describe how the situation makes you feel is a helpful way to start. For example, “I feel frustrated when guests eat my snacks because it’s hard for me to make it to the grocery store.”   

Remember that respect goes both ways. Listen for understanding and ask follow-up questions during the conversation. Resist the urge to formulate a response to what the other person is saying while they’re speaking. Instead, focus on the emotions, issues and reasoning behind what your roommate says to help find a solution. 

If you are nervous about talking with your roommate, connect with your RA or Conflict Resolution to help mediate the conversation. Remember that conflict can be a good thing. Even though it may seem daunting, talking it through can lead to a healthier relationship with your new roommate.  

6. Find support 

Students have access to a variety of resources to help resolve roommate conflicts. Contact Student Support and Case Management or Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for guidance if you're ever concerned about your roommate.   

Resident advisors (RAs) 
Students living on campus can reach out to their RA for more support. RAs are a great resource to help mediate conversations and find common ground. Be sure to talk with your roommate beforehand and schedule a time with your RA to discuss potential or unresolved issues.  

Residence Life 
Residence Life helps students who live on campus build community, engage in leadership opportunities and make the most of their stay in the residence halls. They offer a variety of events, tutoring services, employment opportunities and more.  

Conflict Resolution 
All students can visit Conflict Resolution, whether they live on or off campus. They can help you navigate conflicts between roommates, significant others, professors, classmates or others. They also offer free workshops, mediation and coaching sessions to help you improve your conflict management and resolution skills.  

Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations  
Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations is here to help students with all aspects of living off campus. This includes searching for an apartment or roommate, understanding Boulder housing options, providing free lease reviews with our staff attorney, navigating roommate disagreements, understanding Boulder ordinances and advocating for tenant rights. 

Peer Wellness Coaching 
Peer wellness coaches provide peer-to-peer support and are available to meet with students living on or off campus. They can help you navigate concerns related to roommates, relationships, stress, finances and more. Peer wellness coaches can also help you set goals, connect with other resources and create self-care plans.  

Center for Inclusion and Social Change  
The Center for Inclusion and Social Change works with LGBTQ+ students living on and off campus. They can provide information on gender-inclusive residence hall programs, gender-neutral facilities and more. Their office can also help students find inclusive housing and roommates who will be welcoming and supportive.  

Disability Services 
Disability Services works with University Housing to provide reasonable on-campus housing and dining accommodations for students with disabilities. Students interested in obtaining housing or dining accommodations must register with Disability Services and provide documentation before they can submit a new accommodations request.  

Student Legal Services  
Student Legal Services helps students resolve or minimize their legal situations so they can focus on school. Consultations about landlord/tenant matters are free. Representation for other legal issues is available for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to all ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder students paying student activity fees. 

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There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester. 

Apply for a leadership role 

Get hands-on experience while developing leadership skills with these opportunities.

• ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ in the Community project lead: Coordinate and direct volunteers while you spend a day making a positive impact while participating in meaningful service.
• Journey leaders: Journey leaders are students within the New Student & Family Programs that welcome new Buffs to campus. You can gain valuable leadership experience while meeting new people and getting involved.
• : ASAP tutor mentors work with students living in the residence halls and first-year students in paid tutoring positions. 

Most student organizations, fraternities and sororities also have leadership roles for students to fill. These roles offer a chance to develop various skills and experiences you can use well after your time at ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder. Browse to explore student organizations by topic or alphabetical list. 

Join a leadership program

These programs allow you to gain leadership experience and meet fellow Buffs.

• ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ GOLD: Gaining Opportunities through Leadership Development (ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ GOLD) offers students ways to develop leadership skills through several leadership program paths and opportunities.
• Climate Justice Leadership Alliance: Work with other students, faculty and staff to develop and implement campus and community actions for climate justice. 

Work on campus

On-campus jobs are a convenient way to gain experience, earn money and build leadership skills. There are many student job roles with some positions offering opportunities to take on more responsibility over time. Search for on-campus jobs on . 

Participate on a student board or committee 

Use your voice and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities to consider.

• Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder students.
• Cultural Events Board: Broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus to promote student engagement with their platforms.
• ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Student Government (ŷ���ڱ���ƵSG): Serve your peers, make a difference and leave your mark at ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder by participating in student government.
• ŷ���ڱ���ƵSG Recreation Board: Promote the improvement of the Recreation Center and the university community through planning and positive action.
• Distinguished Speakers Board: Bring well-known speakers to campus and develop your skills in planning and implementing large-scale events.
• Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more.
• National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): Provide recognition for students and staff in the residence halls who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and who have made outstanding service contributions to their communities, ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ and beyond.
• Residence Hall Association (RHA): Foster and facilitate community among on-campus residents and promote a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Senior Class Council: Keep seniors informed and involved while building pride, tradition and community among the graduating class.
• UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow your leadership skills.
• Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) Board: Through policy making, leadership and outreach, being part of the VRC Board can help you advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs. 

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Being a leader on campus can be more than joining a program or holding a position in your student organization. Our ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Creed reminds us that we build character based on our decisions and actions toward others. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to call for help. Know and look out for other community members. 

Gaining leadership skills and experience to add to your resume can help when looking for a job or internship. Learn more about how to and experience with . 

Learn more about getting involved this fall:

• Download the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder Life app from the or . 
• Follow @ŷ���ڱ���ƵBoulderLife on , and .
• Check out upcoming student events. 

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Students who work on campus get to enjoy many benefits. Some jobs allow you to build technical skills and are a great way to explore potential careers. Others may offer some downtime and let you study around your job duties.   

Whatever you’re looking for, here are a few reasons to consider applying for an on-campus job.   

1. Enjoy a flexible schedule  

One of the best perks of an on-campus job is flexibility. Most student jobs offer flexible scheduling around your classes and other commitments. Many supervisors will also adjust schedules during busy times, like finals.   

Many students work between 10 and 15 hours weekly, with 25 hours per week maximum. At your on-campus job, your academics stay the priority.  

2. Get to know fellow Buffs  

The other students you work with can quickly become your new friends. Departments like the Rec Center, Environmental Center, Residence Life and Campus Dining Services are some of the largest employers of students. These jobs allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and get to know them.   

Student employment also allows you to work more closely with faculty and staff. They can become mentors and potentially lead to future internships or research opportunities. Additionally, faculty or staff supervisors can provide letters of recommendation or serve as professional references later.   

3. Gain professional experience and skills  

Whatever department you work in, your student job can help you build your resume.  

Many students develop foundational skills at on-campus jobs that they can use in professional positions after college. These skills include communication, problem-solving, time management and leadership.    

There are also student jobs specific to different industries that can teach you technical skills. These roles include work in graphic design, event planning, social media, data analytics and research. 

Find student jobs  

• Use Handshake to search for on-campus student employment, including hourly and work-study positions.
• Stop by the on Thursday, Jan. 16, to meet with campus departments looking to hire students.
• Connect with Career Services to find support with every aspect of your job search, including using Handshake, writing resumes, practicing for interviews and more.  

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Before you go grocery shopping, here are some tips to help you stay in your budget, maximize your time and eat healthy. 

Make a meal plan  

Making a meal plan before grocery shopping can help save time and money and prevent food waste. When constructing a meal plan, include ingredients for dinners, lunches, breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.  

Be sure to account for leftovers as meals. Leftovers are a great way to stretch your food budget. You can take leftovers for lunch on campus or repurpose leftovers to create a new meal. Try to get creative and use every ingredient available to you, like using leftover vegetables to make soup. 

Use coupons  

Many grocery stores have weekly sales, deals and coupons. Download your grocery store’s app, check their website or pick up paper coupon magazines at store locations. Get in the habit of browsing coupons as you create your meal plan—you can adjust your plan to use the ingredients with cost-savings that week. 

Pay attention to the price per unit  

Sometimes, the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best price. Look at the price per unit at the bottom of the price tag. For example, a 12-ounce cereal box will likely cost less than a 24-ounce box. Yet, the price per unit may be less for the larger size. If your budget allows, you may save money in the long run by purchasing the larger box.   

Try more plant-based food options  

Diets high in meat are often expensive. You can save money by planning meals with plant-based ingredients like tofu and beans. These alternative protein sources are often cheaper but still maintain high nutritional value. 

Elevate simple meals  

Add simple ingredients to turn a wallet-friendly meal into a nutritious and hearty meal. For example, add vegetables (broccoli, onion, carrot) and protein (hard-boiled eggs, tofu, chicken) to instant noodle packets. Or add frozen berries or a cut-up banana to your cereal or granola for extra nutrition and flavor. 

Coordinate and share with your roommates  

IIf you live with roommates, you can agree to share specific items or meals to avoid duplicating costs. For example, you can share kitchen staples like butter, milk or coffee. As part of your meal plan, you can each cook dinner one night per week and split the cost of the food. Just ensure everyone is comfortable sharing and stays within the agreed-to budget. 

Swap items  

You can substitute the items you typically purchase for more affordable versions. Here are a few examples that can help you save.  

• Buy whole foods: Some foods are cheaper in less processed forms. For example, blocks of cheese tend to be cheaper than bags of shredded cheese.  
• Buy generic: Most stores have a variety of products under their generic brand. These products are often cheaper than the name brand for similar quality. 
• Buy produce in season: Local, in-season produce tends to be cheaper. You can find a complete list of produce by season on the . 
• Buy frozen produce: Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than out-of-season produce but maintain good nutritional value since they are picked and packaged at their peak quality. Steam-in vegetable bags can also be an easy way to save prep time.  
• Buy in bulk: If you use many of the same ingredients, buying dry goods in bulk can often be cheaper. 
• Buy canned foods: Canned foods are incredibly versatile and can be an affordable option. They are also easy to store. Just be aware of products high in sodium. 

Find support 

Basic Needs Center 
The Basic Needs Center (BNC) helps connect students to essential resources, including access to nutritional and culturally relevant foods. The Buff Pantry is available to current students and welcomes clients once weekly to receive an average of 20 pounds of food per visit. The Buff Pantry has a variety of items available, including produce, pantry staples, refrigerated and frozen goods, and personal care items. The BNC hosts free mobile food pantries for ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder students, faculty and staff, and community members of Boulder and Broomfield counties. Also, check out events like Ralphie’s Cooking Basics to learn new recipes.  

Nutrition Services 
Students can schedule a free appointment with the Nutrition Resource Clinic in the Fitness and Wellness Suite at the Main Student Recreation Center. Appointments cover a variety of topics depending on your personal needs.  

Community Food Share 
is a local food bank that aids people throughout Boulder and Broomfield counties facing food insecurity. They offer a free on-site food pantry, emergency food assistance, senior food programs and mobile food pantries. 

Government-funded programs 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assist low-income families and their children in purchasing healthy foods through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a WIC check. The Basic Needs Center can help students with the application process for these resources. 

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