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.  �鶹��Ժ 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. �鶹��Ժ 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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Know the different types of leases

If you choose to live with roommates, ensure you know if you have an individual liability lease or a joint and several liability lease. 

The most common type of lease is a joint and several liability lease. This is where you and your roommates sign the same lease together. You are responsible for your roommates’ share of the rent if they miss any payments. You are also responsible for any damage to the property, even if it was caused by your roommate or their guest.  

An individual liability lease is less common and usually applies to situations where the landlord has assigned your roommates, although you may be able to request specific roommates. The tenant is responsible only for their own rent and any damages to their individual space but may still be responsible for damages to common areas caused by apartment mates or their guests. The tenant also has less control in regard to apartment mates, who have their own agreements. 

Whether you are signing an individual liability lease or a joint and several liability lease, a roommate agreement is a great way to address joint responsibilities. It can also help with other issues that come up in living with roommates, such as privacy, sharing food, cleaning schedules, etc. 

Check occupancy limits

As you consider who your roommates will be next year, check the occupancy limits for the residence you plan to rent. The city of Boulder recently updated the occupancy limits to allow five unrelated individuals to live together. However, this does not apply to every property, so talk with your future landlord to ensure you adhere to the limits. You should also check the occupancy limits set forth in the lease. Even if a property is zoned for five unrelated tenants, the lease could limit the number of tenants to less than five.  

Boulder code requires every lease to state the occupancy limits of the property clearly. You should clarify if it does not or if your landlord tells you something different from the printed lease. There can be consequences for over-occupying a residence, including eviction, paying more rent than planned and a potential fine of $2,000 per day from the city of Boulder.  

For more information on over-occupancy and occupancy limits, depending on the location and zoning of a specific property, visit the . 

Review your responsibilities as a tenant

Know your specific responsibilities under the lease agreement, such as: 

• Rent payment process, due dates and late fees. 
• Utilities, including electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable, etc. 
• Lawn maintenance. 
• Snow removal. 
• Repairs, including how and when to request repairs and who pays for the repairs. 
• The lease end date and time and whether you must notify your landlord that you will be moving out at the end of your lease. 
• Move-out requirements, move-out time and the landlord’s cleaning expectations. 

Additionally, make sure you know if there is a clause requiring you to leave the heat on at all times during the winter. Water pipes can freeze during Colorado winters, causing major damage for which you could be financially responsible. 

Here are some other things to pay attention to in your lease: 

• Check if the lease requires a written notice to terminate the lease. This could be required even if the lease ends on a particular date. If you don’t comply with a notice requirement, you could end up paying rent after the lease has ended. 
• Take note if there is an attorney’s fee clause and under what circumstances you must pay your landlord’s attorney’s fees. 
• Look for any administrative fees you must pay and whether you are receiving any service for those fees. Also, see if there are fines and costs in addition to rent and under what circumstances they apply. 
• Check if a damages check-in sheet is required and when it is due to the landlord. Some leases state that if you fail to turn in your check-in sheet on time, you accept the residence “as-is” and could receive charges for damage caused by a previous tenant. 
• Ensure all promises or representations made by the landlord are in writing. If you discuss anything about the residence with the property manager, make sure it’s added to the lease before signing. 
• Know if there is a way to get out of the lease, such as an early termination clause or subletting or assignment clause, and, if so, under what conditions. 
• Make sure the landlord is required to give notice before entering a residence. 
• Understand if the lease requires renter’s insurance or if there is a provision requiring you to pay a Property Damage Liability Waiver (PDLW) fee. Regardless of what the lease says, it’s wise to have renter’s insurance. If you do have renter’s insurance, you should not have to pay a PDLW fee.   

Share the lease with others 

Share the lease with anyone else who will be responsible for it, including: 

• A parental guarantor if the lease requires one. 
• A guardian, family member or anyone else who will co-sign the lease with you. 
• A family member or anyone else who will pay your rent. 

Give them time to review the lease and ask questions before signing. 

Have your lease reviewed by a lawyer

All currently enrolled fee-paying students have access to legal advice on campus. A lawyer can help you understand your lease and provide tips on other rental concerns. 

Set up an appointment with the Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) staff attorney for a free lease review on Tuesdays and Fridays. Roommates, parents or other family members are always welcome to participate in these sessions as long as a CU Boulder student is present.  

OCHNR is located in UMC 313 and is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. �鶹��Ժ and families can also access services and resources via LiveChat on the OCHNR website, email och@colorado.edu or call 303-492-7053.  

Student Legal Services (SLS) also provides free lease reviews. SLS can be reached by visiting UMC 311 or calling 303-492-6813. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. 

You can find additional information about leases and other legal matters on . 

Get more tips for next year’s housing search. 

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With many students planning to leave campus for the remainder of the semester, please take a moment to review some general reminders. If you plan to remain on campus or in Boulder, review campus operations information below as we finish out the fall semester remotely.

Residence halls

During winter break, all residence halls will be closed and locked. Residents should remember to take airline tickets, clothes, skis/snowboards, passports, medicine or other items that will be needed during the break period. Only residents with a break contract will have access to their halls.

For more information, visit the Housing and Dining website.

Bear Creek Community Center hours

Bear Creek apartments will be open during winter break. Residents should be aware that the community center will have altered hours:

• Dec. 1 - Dec. 13: M-F 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sat - Sun 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Dec. 14 - Jan 9: M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sat - Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1: All doors locked-residents must use cards to swipe in

Buff Bus service changes

• Bear Creek Express service runs through 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 and resumes on Jan. 14 at 7 a.m.
• Williams Village Limited service runs through 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 and resumes on Jan. 14 at 7 a.m.
• Williams Village Full/Weekend service runs through 11 p.m. on Nov. 25. From Nov. 30 – Dec. 13, service runs Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. From Jan. 4-13, service runs Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Normal service resumes Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.
• Stampede services run Monday–Friday 7 a.m.– 10 p.m. 
• Marine Street service runs Monday–Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m through Dec. 13 and resumes Jan. 14 at 7 a.m. 

For updates on route information, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

Dining Services

Dining centers and grab-n-go locations will close after dinner on Nov. 25. This includes The Alley @ Farrand, Center for Community (C4C) Dining Center, CU on the Run, Sewall Dining Center and Village Center Dining. 

The following locations will remain open Nov. 30 – Dec. 17: 

• Starbucks will be open Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 
• The Bakery will be open Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Village Market will be open for normal operating hours. 
• Alferd Packer Grill will be open for normal operating hours with the exception of weekend brunch hours.
• The SEEC Cafe will be open Nov. 30 – Dec. 10 for normal operating hours. 

Starbucks and The Bakery will be closed Dec. 18 – Jan. 4. Village Market and Alferd Packer Grill will be closed Dec. 18 – Jan. 11. 

The C4C Dining Center will reopen Jan. 7 for weekend hours and resume normal hours on Jan. 8. The Village Center Dining and Sewall Dining Center will reopen Jan. 8 with normal hours. The Alley @Farrand and CU on the Run will open on Jan. 11 with normal hours. 

For more updates, visit the Housing and Dining website.

Health and Wellness Services

Health and Wellness Services, including Medical Services and Counseling and Psychiatric Services, will have special hours over fall and winter break.

UMC and CU Book Store

The UMC will have shortened hours over break:

• Nov. 25: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Nov. 26-29: Closed
• Nov. 30–Dec. 18: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Dec. 19–Jan. 3: Closed
• Jan. 4-8: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

The CU Book Store is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. It will be closed Nov. 26-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday, and Dec. 19 – Jan. 3. Starting Jan. 4, the Book Store will be open every day with .

The Rec Center

The Student Recreation Center and Williams Village Rec Center will have adjusted hours over fall and winter break. Visit Recreation Services website for hours and details.

Career Services

Career Services is open for virtual appointments from Nov. 30 - Jan. 4. The office will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.

Stay connected

Looking for things to do? There are many opportunities to stay connected to your fellow Buffs through finals. Check out the Fall Events web page and follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events!

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With many students planning to leave campus for fall and winter break, please take a moment to review some general reminders. 

Protect your family

Getting tested before traveling is crucial to helping prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health of those around you. �鶹��Ժ are strongly encouraged to complete a COVID-19 monitoring test 48 to 72 hours before traveling. �鶹��Ժ who live on campus are required to complete their monitoring testing appointment weekly and should plan to visit a monitoring location on campus 48 to 72 hours before traveling. Monitoring locations will not be open on weekends or campus holidays so you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly.

On-campus residents

Residence hall students need to leave for winter break no later than Nov. 25. During winter break, all students must vacate their rooms for the duration of the break (belongings can remain in the room). Any student who needs residence hall housing from Nov. 25 through the start of spring semester needs to apply for break housing. Bear Creek students do not need to leave during winter break. 

Before you leave for break:

• Make sure windows are closed and locked, and drapes are closed
• Unplug electrical appliances (residence hall students only)
• Clean your micro-fridge and set to low (residence hall students only)
• Set your heaters on low
• Remove trash and recycling from the building
• Turn off your lights 
• Make sure your room door is completely closed and locked
• Remember to pack all important documents or valuable items such as plane tickets, ID and passport, jewelry, medicines, etc.
• Store any bikes in your room during breaks, if space is available and it does not block exits.

If you are unsure if you will be returning to CU Boulder for spring semester, it is highly recommended that you remove all of your belongings by Nov. 25 if you live in the residence halls or Dec. 28 if you live in Bear Creek to avoid additional charges should you not return.

During winter break all residence halls will be closed and locked. Remember to take important items and documents with you including airline tickets, clothes, skis/snowboards, passports, medicine or other items that will be needed during the break period. Only residents with a break contract will have access to their halls.

For more information, visit the Housing and Dining website.

Off-campus residents

If you are leaving for break:

• Before you leave, find someone willing to clear snow off of your property. Snow must be removed within 24 hours of a snow fall.
• Ask a friend to collect your mail and pick up newspapers and/or any trash in your yard. If you’ll be gone for a longer period of time, consider having the post office while you’re away.
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Move any expensive items like laptops away from windows where they may be visible, or bring them with you.
• Set your lights on a timer and your heat to a reasonable temperature, about 60 degrees to prevent any pipes freezing.
• Don’t leave pets by themselves. Find someone to take care of them while you are away.

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