University of Colorado--Boulder

About Me

Intro

At first glance, I'm like that date you're afraid to introduce to your parents. After all, my home state has legalized marijuana and sometimes it seems like there are more microbreweries than pine trees. I may have also trained the creators of South Park. Fortunately, I've got a whole slew of parent-impressing qualities, as well.

My engineering, applied science, and education programs are legendary. Scientists in my labs were the first to observe a new state of matter called Bose–Einstein condensate. My law school has also been turning heads because of a little something I like to call experiential learning. Yep, I like to get my future lawyers out into the world where they can actually help people. Speaking of which, I also have a program entitled "Better Boulder Better World." This program encourages students to take part in community service.

Plus, world-class skiing and boarding are just a stone's throw away, not to mention the mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping opportunities that can be found about ten minutes up the street.

Tell your parents to give me chance; I'm so not the stoner deadbeat that they think I am. If that doesn't convince them, my tuition is also quite reasonable. On top of that, I'm also really, really, ridiculously good-looking.

Name

Ralphie, the buffalo. My loyal followers are called Buffs.

Hometown

Nestled against the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Boulder is the stuff of dreams. Where else can you go to a nice dinner wearing a scuzzy fleece and snow pants and totally fit in?

Birthdate

1877

Body Type

Weighing in at about 32,000 undergrad and grad students, I make up almost a third of Boulder's population. Hence the complaints about the bare shelves at Target when my classes start up each fall.

Needless to say…I'm pretty big. I cover 600 acres, after all. Even so, I'm still pretty walkable and definitely bike-able. The bus system isn't too shabby either. It's especially nice on those cold winter nights.

I like to think I look Italian, with my tile roofs and sandstone buildings—Tuscan, actually. I have iconic Flatirons visible from almost every angle on campus. Let's just say I'm easy on the eyes.

Don't forget that I'm high. No, that's not a pot reference—I'm talking altitude. At 5,400 feet, lowlanders may find themselves breathing heavier than they usually do.

Current Living Situation

You'll spend at least your first year in a standard, no-frills dorm. Try to avoid Williams Village (Will-Vill) unless you like to walk. A lot. Through the snow. Uphill both ways. Okay, maybe not that last one, but expect to develop some muscular calves.

Ask about air conditioning if that's important to you, because Coloradans tend to go without.

For the rest of your years, you may want to share a house with friends on the Hill. This historic, close-to-campus area is chock-full of dumpy—er, eclectic rentals, cheap eats, and college entertainment. The housing quality might not be amazing, but that also means that it's cheaper, which is nice when you have to start paying off all those loans.

There are apartments aplenty close to campus, but if you don't mind a little commute, you can opt for the other areas of Boulder for the fancier, quieter life. The excellent bus system will get you back to campus lickity-split. Don't expect a screaming deal on rent, though. This is Boulder, after all; you pay for the lifestyle.

Relationship Status

There's another Colorado school that I kind of have a thing for…I'd call it a friendly rivalry. The Buffs face off against the Colorado State Rams each year in a historic football match that dates back to 1893. Dubbed the Rocky Mountain Rivalry, the game takes place in Denver and there's no shortage of excitement from either side. I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the Buffs win almost every year. Just sayin'.

Politics

Colorado is a swing state, but things lean pretty far to the left around here. Republicans are as rare as Wal-Mart shoppers in Boulder.

You should apply to me if...

you want to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, but want a great university to come home to.