<p><strong>Spent 3 and a half years, here’s my take</strong></p>
<p>Most importantly, how easy/hard is it to get research opportunities? I’m transferring in so I wont have made the good connections from the start. Anyone know ? I am a biology major who will also be going for the Neuroscience certificate.</p>
<p>***See your advisor and tell them your situation and what you are interested in. Visit the Career Services center and do well in your biology classes and you’ll have a great shot of opportunities.</p>
<p>Are the a lot of mosquitos there?</p>
<p>***I used to get eaten alive in upstate NY during the summer but never had mosquito/bug bites in Boulder. Big plus +</p>
<p>What does the water taste like? Is it good ?</p>
<p>***Water doesn’t have taste, but the tap water is clean by most standards if that’s what you mean. It’s fine to drink, bathe and cook with it :-D</p>
<p>How much is normal to spend on food? Are there any big food places around/closeby like sams club or costco?</p>
<p>***Depends on what you’re cooking and what brands you enjoy, but Boulder has large Safeways and King Soopers and also smaller Organic/Health places if you enjoy those foods. Also, most halls (mainly Libby and Farrand, stay away from Will Vill) have pretty good food and a strong amount of variety. Even if you aren’t living in the dorms, you can pay a fee for a meal plan. Not a bad deal, especially if you are a bad cook like I am ;)</p>
<p>Are there a lot of good stores in Boulder? I mean like is there a lot of variation? Personally I wear like a mix of ‘preppy-ish’ and streety clothes, can I find good stores for both?</p>
<p>***Boulder has a ridiculous amount of smaller, locally owned shops but also well known brand stores/chains. The recently new 29th street mall is appealing to many, that might be of help to you. </p>
<p>What is transportation around the city like? Buses? Or do I need to get a car?</p>
<p>***Boulder is very pedestrian friendly, so walking/biking/boarding/skating are much more viable than anywhere else. Also, you get a bus pass which can get you most places. Unless you are living far off campus or plan to travel frequently, a car is not a necessity for CU students.</p>
<p>Also, how do people get to skiing/snowboarding places? I think I heard there are school shuttles and stuff. How often? Which days? How often do people ski, and what are the most popular places? How far away are the places, and is it possible to get a ski-pass for all the places in one?</p>
<p>***I don’t like skiing, but most undergrads do so I know a little bit through osmosis…If you really want to, you can spend 2-3 days a week spending sometime on the slopes if you like (when possible). There’s a skiing club called free ride which is kind of a benefit package for a semester’s worth of travel to ski towns/resorts, discounts, etc. I’d suggest joining the group and you’ll find a lot of great stuff there. Sorry but I don’t know much about skiing except that its popular :(</p>
<p>Also, is it possible to get a Monday-Wednesday-Friday Schedule so that Tues and Thursday are free?
***Yes, I have done this :-D</p>
<p>How do you get to boulder from the airport? 
***Your bus pass can take you there, although I have never used that. Commercial shuttles cost around 20-25 bucks for the trip.</p>
<p>How much would I need to study to get an A? On average of course. Is it tough? Is there usually a curve or do you get what you score, regardless of the rest of the class?</p>
<p>***I’d say studying(HW, reading, reviewing) on average two to three times the credit hour amount (example: “studying” six to nine hours a week for a 3 hour class) to have a decent shot at getting an A. Of course, if you’re not great at the subject you may need to devote more time. Then again, I spent maybe zero time studying for this one class that I was a whiz at (HIST of Am Film—great, fun class) and got an A and got my worst grade for a class I studied a ridiculous amount for :(</p>
<p>What cool stuff can you do around boulder other than boarding/skiing and hiking ? I think I read that theres a movie theatre on campus, is this true? How much is it and does it play new movies?</p>
<p>***Depends what you’re into. There’s numerous bars and cafes if you like those places or socializing there. If you’re interested in intellectualism or culture, there’s usually a lot of speeches or lectures given at CU or Naropa (a Buddhist based university, which is rare in America, great to visit if you like Eastern culture). Also, look out for the Confr. of International Affairs during the spring which has a lot of great activities. Denver is maybe a 40 minute ride away and has nearly every day time and nighttime activity known to man available, if you don’t mind large cities. Also, think of joining an intramural sports team or club based on your interest. You could have lots of fun and meet new friends there.</p>
<p>There’s no movie theater on campus although they project movies onto big lecture hall screens a few times a semester for students for free. There is a commercial film theater in the city of Boulder, although it is very expensive (and its probably gone up since the last time I was there). I’ve also seen some entertaining plays by the theater department.</p>
<p>Lastly, are you allowed to skate/longboard on campus?</p>
<p>***It’s allowed and you’ll see a few people doing it every day either for fun or to get to classes quicker (what’s weird are the unicyclists who take forever to move, seriously haha</p>
<p>I know it seems like a lot of questions, but I’m guessing theyre pretty easy to answer for a current student. Also, do you have any other comments or suggestions?</p>
<p>***Find that balance between class, study and recreation and you’ll do well. Also, don’t just limit yourself to the campus. Interact with and explore the city of Boulder and also the surrounding area (like Denver). The biggest diff between college and HS is that you’re on your own here. Your classes/professors aren’t like your HS, unfortunately, in terms of assistance and time spent learning. A lot will be on your own, so don’t underestimate that.</p>
<p>Keep in mind most of this advice is my opinion and relative to the person, so take it as just my two cents. I hope this helps. Good luck to you :)</p>
itll only take 5 mins :)</p>
feels good