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 CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. 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 Colorado 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 CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Life app.

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Whether you’re interested in crafting, gaming or other hobbies, there are many options to do activities you enjoy and get to know Buffs with similar interests. Check out these events, student organizations and programs to meet new friends. 

  Sports and fitness

•  Sign up for an Intramural Sports league or try out for a Sport Club.
• Join a student organization focused on sports and fitness, like the or .
• Check out classes, programs and events at the Rec Center.
• Cheer on the CU Buffs! View schedules for CU and games.  

  Esports and gaming

• Visit the Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge in the University Memorial Center.
• Hang out at The Connection and enjoy ping pong, billiards, bowling, video games or board games.
• Join a student organization focused on games and esports, like , or .
• Check out student events like trivia nights, gaming tournaments and more. 

  Outdoor adventures

• Sign up for a group trip or class with Outdoor Pursuits. Available courses and trips include fly fishing, spring hiking and more.
• Join a student organization dedicated to outdoor sports, like or .
• Plan to take the CU Ski Bus this winter for sustainable transportation to the mountains.   

  Music and entertainment

• Attend a concert, film screening or other event offered by Program Council.
• Join a student organization focused on entertainment or performing arts, like , or .
• Sign up for a dance class at the Rec Center. Classes are open to all fitness and experience levels. 

  Crafting and art

• Participate in a DIY Night. These events are a great way to meet fellow crafters and try new things.
• Join a student organization dedicated to creative arts, like , or .
• Check out student events like guided paint classes and more. 

  Social justice, advocacy and activism

• Connect with the Center for Inclusion and Social Change.
• Join a student organization focused on social justice and activism, like or .
• Get involved with the Sustainable Buffs Community at the Environmental Center.
• Check out the Volunteer Resource Center to get involved on campus or in the local community. There are one-time, short-term and long-term volunteer options.
• Learn about student activism on campus and civic engagement with resources from the Center for Student Involvement. 

For more ways to get involved and meet others: 

• Follow @CUºù«ÍÞÊÓƵLife on , and .
• Download the
• Check out upcoming student events.
• Find student organizations and events on . 

Off

Dating can be enjoyable and budget friendly. Here are some date ideas to try this semester. 

Compete for fun  

Test your skills and make new memories with some friendly competition. 

• Try bowling, billiards, ping pong or video games for a fun and cheap date night at The Connection.  

• Check out the Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge to play PC games or games on Nintendo Switch, PS5 or Xbox. Current CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ students receive a free 10-day pass when they visit the gaming lounge for the first time, or you can review hourly rates and passes to the gaming lounge. 

• Plan a board game night—you can check out games for free at The Connection or your residence hall front desk. 

Catch a free movie   

Program Council screens free movies for students every Friday at 8 p.m. in Chem 140. Upcoming film screenings include Madea: Diary of a Mad Black Woman on Feb. 21 and Do the Right Thing on Feb. 28. 

Try something new together  

Review upcoming student events and pick out something new to try at no cost. Here are a few things that are coming up this month: 

• Learn a new recipe at Ralphie's Cooking Basics 

• Test your knowledge at  

• Try different workouts at The Rec’s Free Friday Power Hour 

• Craft at DIY Nights 

Review all upcoming student events, and follow to learn more throughout the semester. 

Cheer on the Buffs  

Many CU Athletics events offer free entry for students. CU are free for students to attend with their Buff OneCard. You can claim tickets to CU .  

Dine out in ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ  

Review Downtown ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s to find low-cost places to get lunch or dinner near Pearl Street. 

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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 CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ 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 Colorado 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 CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Life app. 

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As a Transfer Buff, you belong to CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's Transfer Student Community, which offers events, resources and support for a smooth transition. Here are tips to make the most of your first semester here. 

1. Attend transfer student events  

Each semester features events for transfer students to meet new people and get involved. Check out other student events, too! Sign up for the Transfer Buffs newsletter for updates. 

2. Meet with a transfer peer mentor  

Transfer peer mentors can offer guidance and connect you to campus resources—email transferbuffs@colorado.edu to schedule a meeting. 

3. Get involved on campus  

Join student organizations through or start your own. Explore volunteer opportunities on . Find an on-campus job or join community programs through the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, the Sustainable Buffs Community and Rec Center.  

To learn about opportunities, follow @CUºù«ÍÞÊÓƵLife on , and , and download the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Life app. 

4. Find support 

Numerous resources are available to help you with your overall well-being. Reach out to the Transfer Student Community for assistance. 

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The spring semester is a great opportunity to explore different ways to get involved. If you’re looking for something new to join, consider Greek life to find a welcoming community on campus. 

With Fraternity & Sorority Life Spring Recruitment and Intake happening this January, you can meet new friends and join a supportive network in ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. 

Find your on-campus family

Greek life offers a sense of belonging like a family. Members form lifelong friendships within their chapters, sharing interests and diverse experiences.  

Discover a community that pushes you to grow

Greek life members support each other academically, professionally and socially. They help ease the transition to college through study programs, mentoring and recognition. 

Leadership roles, conferences and committee involvement offer personal growth opportunities. Participation in campus activities—both social events and community service—provides new experiences. 

Know that you have a dedicated support system

Greek life can make the large campus feel smaller and more manageable. Even if you don't join the same chapter as others you meet during recruitment, you'll have a network of support across all Fraternity & Sorority Life councils. Greek life helps you connect throughout the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ community and build a solid support system. 

Participate in spring recruitment and intake

While most CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ chapters recruit in the fall, some sororities and fraternities hold continuous open bidding in the spring. This is a more informal way to get involved. 

• Panhellenic Council recruitment details
• CU Interfraternity Council recruitment details 

Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council intake new members all year round. Fill out the following interest forms if you would like to learn more about those councils or join a chapter. 

• Multicultural Greek Council interest form
• National Pan-Hellenic Council interest form 

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Participating in campus activities is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It can also help you explore hobbies, stay active and discover career paths. Here are some ways to get involved this spring. 

1. Join a student organization or program  

Find student organizations that match your interests on BuffConnect. Here are a few other things to consider:

• Fraternity and Sorority Life: Make lifelong friendships, gain leadership skills and give back to your community.
• Intramural sports: Join a team or register as a free agent.
• Sustainable Buffs Community: Get involved with sustainability and climate action at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.   

2. Attend student events  

Explore various events, workshops, and opportunities to meet others, including:

• Inclusive Rec events
• Center for Inclusion and Social Change events
• Gaming events
• Career events and workshops 

3. Take advantage of leadership opportunities  

There are plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills and meet fellow Buffs. Consider joining a leadership program, like CU GOLD or Journey Leaders, or participating on a student board.   

4. Volunteer  

Volunteering is a great way to meet others on campus and in the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ community. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to find opportunities to fit your schedule. You can also check out CU in the Community for one-time service events or search CUServes for options within ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.   

5. Work on campus  

In addition to earning money, working on campus is a convenient way to meet new people and gain work experience. One of the major perks of working at an on-campus job is flexibility. Most on-campus jobs and paid research studies offer flexible scheduling to fit with your classes and other commitments. Explore on-campus job opportunities on .

Stay updated on events and opportunities:

• Follow @CUºù«ÍÞÊÓƵLife on , , and .
• Download the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Life app from the or . 

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This spring, you have many options to get involved on campus, meet fellow Buffs and accomplish personal goals. Upcoming events like the , the Be Involved Fair and the Spring Volunteer Fair are great ways to find opportunities. Learn more about these events and get tips to maximize your experience.  

On-Campus Student Job Fair  

Thursday, Jan. 16 | 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | UMC 235 

Looking for a part-time job? Work on campus! The is a great way to meet with campus departments hiring student employees. Hourly and work-study positions are available, and this event is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students.   

Reasons to attend:

• Learn about student job opportunities for spring, summer and fall 2025.
• Get hands-on professional experience and develop skills through student employment.
• Work with fellow Buffs and staff/faculty supervisors.  

Make the most of the On-Campus Student Job Fair:

• Register to attend the event on Handshake to review campus departments that will be attending and the job openings available. You’ll also get reminders and notifications when new employers sign up to attend.
• Make sure your Handshake profile is up to date with a profile pic, a public resume and your preferred name and pronouns.
• Practice introducing yourself. Start by sharing your name, major or area of interest, and relevant skills or experiences.
• On the day of the fair, bring your Buff OneCard, copies of your resume, and a notebook to take notes or reference questions you may have for potential employers. 

Connect with Career Services to find support with every aspect of your job search, including using Handshake, writing resumes, practicing for interviews and more.

Be Involved Fair  

Wednesday, Jan. 22 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom and UMC 235 

Hosted by the Center for Student Involvement, the Be Involved Fair is your chance to learn about the hundreds of ways to get involved on campus and meet with CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ student organizations.  

Reasons to attend:

• Check out student organizations and programs that you could join this semester.
• Meet new people and enjoy a fun afternoon at the UMC.
• Find opportunities to gain skills and experience for your resume. 

Make the most of the Be Involved Fair:  

• Browse to learn about student organizations at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ and take the to understand what groups match your interests.
• Make a list of organizations you’d like to meet with at the fair.
• Come up with questions and determine whether a student organization is a good fit for you. Here are some examples:
• What does your organization do?
• What kind of time commitment is required?
• When and where do you meet?
• How can I sign up to get involved?

Learn more by visiting the Center for Student Involvement. There are many ways for Buffs to get involved all semester long, including student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more. 

Spring Volunteer Fair  

Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 1-6 p.m. | UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom 

The annual Spring Volunteer Fair, hosted by the Volunteer Resource Center, allows you to learn about service opportunities on campus and in the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ community. Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, learn skills and make a difference in your community. 

Reasons to attend:

• Learn about organizations in the area and discover ways to get involved in your community.
• Gain experience and skills for your resume through volunteering.
• Spend time with other Buffs with similar interests. 

Make the most of the Spring Volunteer Fair:    

• Consider your goals: Are you passionate about a specific cause or social justice issue? Do you want to meet new people and build relationships?  What skills or experiences do you hope to gain?
• Come up with questions and determine whether a student organization is a good fit for you. Here are some examples: 
• What kind of commitment is involved in the project?
• What skills do volunteers need to have?
• What roles do volunteers have in your organization?
• Where is the service project located?
• Will I receive any training as a volunteer?
• How can I sign up to get involved?

The Volunteer Resource Center connects students to all levels of commitments. From one-time events to ongoing service, you can find a perfect fit for your schedule. 

Learn more about getting involved this semester: 

• Follow @CUºù«ÍÞÊÓƵLife on , and .

• Check out upcoming student events. 

• Download the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Life app from the or .    

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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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Whether you have only a few months left of being a Buff or a few years, there are bucket list items to check off, new involvement opportunities to take advantage of and more fun ways to close out your time at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Here’s a list of things to try before your time as a Buff runs out.

Attend a CU athletics event  

Nothing will bring out your school pride more than cheering on the Buffs at athletic events. While football season will be coming to an end soon, you can still check out the men’s and women’s basketball teams, volleyball, soccer, tennis and more. .

Go hiking in ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ  

If you haven’t had a chance to go hiking in ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, add that to your list of things to do before you graduate. to choose from that are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. You can take in the incredible scenery from above the city, including our campus’ unique architecture. 

Become a journey leader  

Give back and share your pride in CU by welcoming the next class of Buffs to ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Journey leaders help new students and their families feel welcome at CU by answering questions, fostering a friendly and inclusive environment and building teamwork and leadership skills. Learn more about how to become a journey leader for 2025. 

Go to Late Night Breakfast  

Fuel your finals study efforts with free pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and more at Late Night Breakfast. Held at the UMC during finals week of both the fall and spring semesters, Late Night Breakfast is a favorite tradition among students.

Join an intramural sports team  

You don’t need to be an experienced athlete to have a great time, stay active and make new friends in intramural sports. Intramurals include traditional sports like hockey and pickleball, as well as fun non-traditional sports like xtreme dodgeball, wallyball or broomball. Grab some friends and create a team or join as a free agent.

Volunteer  

Make a difference at CU and within the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ community by volunteering. Check out the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) for one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities, or sign up for extended service trips through the VRC’s Sko Serve program. CU’s Environmental Center offers additional volunteer and service opportunities related to sustainability. 

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