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16 things to do: Take first-day-of-class photos, get free tickets, more

Welcome to the fall 2024 semester Buffs! This week brings Connect at the Rec, the Be Involved Fair, CUnity, the kickoff to the 2024 football season against North Dakota State at Folsom and more.

Students pose for a photo in a CU Boulder frame on the first day of classes in 2022
All week

Connect at the Rec

  Through Sept. 2   Rec Center
Stop by the Rec this week for swimming, buffalo yoga, free fitness classes, Buff Pool battleship, glow-in-the-dark ultimate, climbing and more. Come find your fit at the Rec, and be sure to bring your Buff OneCard!


Monday, Aug. 26

  11 a.m. to 3 p.m.   UMC South Terrace
Kick off the new academic year and take a commemorative first day of school picture! You can also decorate a photo frame and grab snacks on your way to class.

  Aug. 26–27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Norlin Library, West Entrance
Stop by Norlin Library and meet some of your friendly and supportive CU librarians, who can help you navigate campus, learn about libraries' services and provide additional helpful information. 


Tuesday, Aug. 27

  2 p.m.    C4C N238
Attend this workshop to learn strategies for organization, time management and other general tips for setting yourself up for a strong semester. 

  4–6&Բ;..&Բ;  Sewall Lawn
Join the Center for Inclusion and Social Change for free food, games and music at CUnity. Learn about campus resources and meet student organization and multicultural Greek leaders.

  5–10&Բ;..&Բ;  UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
Celebrate gaming culture on campus and meet CU's gaming student organizations. Enjoy an evening of video games, esports tournaments, tabletop RPGs, board games and trading card games. 

   Student ticket giveaways

  • : Pick up tickets on Aug. 28 between 10 a.m. and noon at UMC 330 to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens on Monday, Sept. 2.
  • : Pick up tickets on Aug. 28 between 10 a.m. and noon at UMC 330 to visit Elitch Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 31.
  • : Pick up tickets on Aug. 29 between 10 a.m. and noon at UMC 330 to see the Rockies take on the Baltimore Orioles at Coors Field on either Aug. 30 or Sept. 1.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

  10&Բ;..–nǴDz   UMC
Adding plants to your space after you move to a new residence can help make it feel like home. Join us to plant succulents and get resources to help you create a safe and healthy home. 

  11 a.m.–2 p.m.   Student Recreation Center
Stop by the Campus Rec Job Fair and Program Showcase and learn about the variety of job opportunities at The Rec. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to engage early, gather valuable information and make the most of your campus experience! 

  2–6&Բ;..&Բ;  Farrand Field
Whether you're looking to join a student organization, get connected with a campus department, volunteer in your community for an issue you are passionate about or find a new hobby you would like to explore, the Be Involved Fair has you covered.


Thursday, Aug. 29

  4–5:30&Բ;..&Բ;  Farrand Field
Come cheer on the Buffs before the first home game and enjoy free food, games, music and a chance to be chosen as the Student Fan of the Game. The selected Student Fan of the Game gets to walk onto Folsom Field during the game!

  6 p.m.   Folsom Field
Come cheer on the Buffs as they take on North Dakota State in the kickoff of the 2024 football season!


Friday, Aug. 30

 
Find your place on campus by participating in sorority recruitment! There are multiple rounds of recruitment, including three days of datebooks (Aug. 30–Sept. 1). These events allow you to meet current sorority members and get to know each chapter. Register for sorority recruitment by Wednesday, Aug. 28 to participate in datebook events. View the full recruitment schedule.

 
If you're looking to find a group of lifelong friends on campus, consider joining Greek life.  represents 10 university-recognized fraternities that offer an experience that directly connects members to our campus community.  to participate in formal rush. , where you will get to meet current fraternity members and get to know each chapter.

  8 p.m.   Benson Earth Sciences, Benson Lawn
Join Program Council to watch “Shrek 2” on the big screen—for free!


Saturday, Aug. 31

 

  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    UMC South Terrace Tent
CU in the Community is a series of one-time, student-led volunteer projects offered each semester in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. During this opportunity with Garden to Table, volunteers will beautify the gardens and garden area by weeding and harvesting (and tasting).

  7–8&Բ;..&Բ;  Fiske Planetarium
Immerse yourself in the cosmos and delve into the new revelations from the largest, most powerful and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space.