<p>I was reading on students review .com (possibly a unreliable source) that UC Boulder is a huge party school filled with snobby rich kids in frats and sororities. I'm sure this is partially true for any school, but I wanted some validation that there are people who are considering going to this school because of it's location, outdoor activities, and good engineering program (or other). Personally, I'm leaning towards Boulder because I am hoping to meet people who are into the outdoors and WANT to be outside, not inside partying every day. If anyone is leaning towards Boulder for these same reasons, please comment so I know I'm not alone haha. If you feel like Boulder is the opposite of what I'm looking for, let me know too so I'm not blindsided :)</p>
<p>Like any big school, there is something for everyone. with the location you will find many outdoorsey people, and all “rich” kids are not snobs who want to party!</p>
<p>My son attends CU and is now a sophomore living off campus majoring in aerospace engineering. His freshman year living in the dorms he snowboarded, did intramural sports, hiked up a few high mountains, etc… Also joined a coed engineering fraternity and is still very involved in that. Yes, partying goes on at CU but it is not the only thing and there is plenty of other great things to do other than that.</p>
<p>Having lived in Boulder my whole life and been involved with the college community, I can promise you that almost everyone wants to be outside. we’re #1 healthiest and happiest for a reason, so I have no doubt that you will find friends that have the same wants to be outside as you.
That being said, CU Boulder is also known for being a party school. We’re very liberal so, for example, 4/20 is a huge deal and 15000 show up to smoke pot. It’s just a matter of which crowd you choose to be a part of. I had to leave Boulder this year and am returning next fall for college. I miss my city wayy too much!</p>
<p>I wanted to specifically address the “snobby rich kids” part of your question, because living in Boulder, this is something I’ve heard from time to time – usually from people who don’t have any particular link to CU. My daughter is now a freshman and I asked her about this. She assured me that it is not an issue. She’s even been surprised to meet some sorority girls and find that they are very friendly.</p>
<p>She has been aware of the heavy party scene, but says there isn’t any particular pressure to be part of that scene and lots of students aren’t. And there are definitely lots who are into outdoors – skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, climbing.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision!</p>
<p>Thank you all a ton 
I’m very happy with every reply, and you have all certainly perked my spirits even more about visiting!</p>
<p>Agree CU has something for everyone. I attended there (some time ago) and lived in the area for a long time. Many outdoors people and many indoor parties. If anything, the bar has been raised over the years on academic quality of students so on average there are more studious people than when I was a student.</p>
<p>Boulder is a great place, like anywhere, you have to experience for yourself. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Just because a person is “rich” does not make them a snob or mean they party al the time</p>