It would be nearly impossible to deny the immense size of CU Boulder. The university, which boasts a student population of just over 33,000, can be overwhelming for a new student. It will inevitably take a new student a few days to become truly acquainted with the campus. Yet the daunting nature of CU Boulder is not limited to new students alone. Becoming disorientated with the campus is something that even experienced students can face. As someone who is entering her second year at the campus, there are places and buildings on the campus that even I have not set foot in. For this upcoming fall semester, I would encourage students to take the time to look around campus and fully see everything offered at the university. There are a few places I would especially advise students to go and visit. This goes for new students, but also for students who have gone to CU Boulder for years and have already seen all of these locations. I would urge these students to revisit these places and reacquaint themselves. Perhaps it will remind them of the campus’ most enjoyable spots, and that may make them feel a little less apprehensive about the upcoming fall semester. These are some of the spaces on campus that are perfect for studying, relaxing in-between classes, or just hanging out with friends.

       1.) Rooster ATLAS

One of the best places on campus is easily the Rooster ATLAS building. Any film student will know this place as one of the main sites for their on-campus film screenings. A large, artfully decorated building which hosts many classes and a soothing atmosphere, Rooster ATLAS is a great hub for studying with friends or alone. When entered, it would be

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nearly impossible to miss the spread of tables and chairs available for students. While this is a relaxing place to study, or simply sit and take a break, on its own, ATLAS also holds the Pekoe Sip House. An on-campus alternative to Starbucks, Pekoe offers a wide range of coffees as well as a variety of teas 一 including those with Boba. One of the most relaxing activities for a student at CU Boulder is to sit in ATLAS and sip on your beverage while waiting for your next class. For a student in which every moment of on-campus life is concentrated on the go-go-going of university life, this place can be a much-needed break from the commotion. At the opposite end of the spectrum, spending some time at the Pekoe Sip House could also offer a pick-me-up with a cup of coffee if a student is worn out by the middle of the day. ATLAS provides a space for meeting up with friends or taking a pause from the rush of being a student. No matter what the goal, going to Rooster ATLAS has something to suit everyone.

      2.) The Open Courtyards

A  significant feature of CU Boulder is the campus’ beauty. No matter the season, CU Boulder always boosts a lovely, natural grace. With flowering trees and lush, green lawns (likely achieved by a vast amount of water waste via over-sprinkling, but we won’t get into that now), CU Boulder is a tranquil place to be a student. A perk to the greenery takes

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the form of the fields and courtyard areas offered around campus. It is hardly difficult to find these spaces, but one place in particular that provides a premium place to study or relax in the sun is featured directly outside of Norlin Library. The large field is the optimal area to produce some vitamin D after psychics or before heading home for the day. I find that spending a mere fifteen minutes in the sun offers a fantastic contrast from sitting inside for classes all day. Go eat lunch in the sunshine, visit with friends, or complete your daily homework beneath a tree’s shade instead of hunched over your desk. Even as the weather begins to change and grow colder in preparation for autumn, these areas don’t become any less lovely. All it takes is a jacket to enjoy the crisp air and feel the ever-warm sun on your skin. This likely goes without saying, but always enjoy these places with the protection of sunscreen. The Colorado sun is extremely bright and intense, and the only thing that could ruin these open spaces is a nasty sunburn.

       3.) The Norlin Library

Perhaps it starts raining while you are relaxing in the field outside of the Norlin Library, or maybe you have an hour break between English Literature and Ethics. If you need to run for cover or spend some time in-between classes, Norlin is the place to go. This absolutely massive library is the perfect nesting place for anyone looking for some quiet. There are a good number of computers and printers, as well as a variety of places to sit and unwind. The library is also, of course, overflowing with books. There are places perfect for studying with friends, but other areas are completely silent for those in need of some calm. Even if a student simply wants a noiseless place to sit for a while, Norlin can be

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one of the best places to loosen up on campus. It can also provide an excellent place to work on homework, away from all of the distractions which may exist at home. Although the multiple levels and the expansive area of Norlin may make the library seem like a maze, this place truly is one of the most calming areas on campus. As someone who deeply values her solitude, being in a place in Norlin can offer a hiatus from the constant social interaction of college life. Also, who doesn’t love books?

There are dozens of marvelous places on the CU Boulder campus to visit, even if it is only to relax for a few moments. If you are a new student who is just coming to CU Boulder, or if you have been going to the university for a while and have perhaps allowed the rush of life to make you forget some of the special places on campus, take the time to visit these areas. They may make the process of going to classes far more appealing, and perhaps they will remind a student of some of the reasons why the CU Boulder campus is one of the most celebrated colleges in the United States.

Taylor Denton

Taylor Denton is a movie-loving, vegetarian, nerdy student living in Boulder, currently working to complete a degree in English. She was born on March 22nd, 1998, in Springfield, Missouri. She began writing short stories when she was in middle-school, publishing her first poem in a book created by her school. In high school, her love for creative writing expanded and came to life. She has continued to write, which has become her passion in life. She now writes in college from the perspective of a student, working as often as she can to keep her voice active and evolving while she continues to purse her enthusiasm for writing.