Pre-arrival Programs

students on a mountain

Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder's Pre-arrival Programs offer students the opportunity to move in early and meet people who share similar interests. Pre-arrival Programs focus on environment and sustainability, adventure and getting involved on campus and in the community.Ìý

Students living in campus housing will be required to select a move-in appointment; you will get more details to your Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder email account about move-in appointments. Those accepted to a pre-arrival program will be assigned a move-in date of Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. More detailed instructions will be communicated to each student after they have been accepted by their respective program.Ìý

If you are interested in multiple programs, we recommend that you apply to all programs that appeal to you, keeping in mind that each program has a different capacity limit. Staff from each program will work together to review applications and send offers of acceptance.ÌýÌý

For the best chance of acceptance, submit your application by the June 10 priority deadline. All applications must be submitted by the final deadline of July 8.Ìý

On-Campus Experiences |

EcoReps

This group of first year and transfer students embarks on a year-long journey to learn about sustainability and green living through experience-based leadership programs, field trips and training sessions. EcoReps share this new-found knowledge with their residence hall communities through active programming and dialogue that builds community and provides invaluable professional experience for the EcoReps themselves.Ìý

Learn more and apply for EcoRepsÌý

Stampede Leadership Camp

Stampede Leadership Camp at Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder is a pre-arrival program designed to help incoming students connect, build leadership skills and acclimate to campus life.Ìý

Learn more about Stampede Leadership CampÌý

Mind andÌýBody Buffs

Start your Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØjourney feeling grounded, connected and confident. Mind and Body Buffs is a free pre‑arrival program hosted by Health Promotion for new students who want to prioritize their well‑being before the semester begins. This immersive experience introduces you to practical wellness tools, campus support and a community of students who care about living well—together.ÌýÌý

If you’re excited to focus on your mental, physical and emotional well‑being from day one, Mind and Body Buffs is a great way to kick off your time as a Buff.Ìý

Learn more about Mind Body BuffsÌý

Student Trips | Open Application

Outdoor Pursuits: Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBound

Want an unforgettable adventure, but not ready to swap your bed for a tent? We've got you covered! Get to know other incoming students and explore our scenic mountain base, all while sleeping in the comfort of bunk beds. Sample a variety of activities including climbing, high ropes, fly fishing and stand-up paddle boarding! No prior experience required.Ìý

Learn more about Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBound

Outdoor Pursuits: Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØin the Rockies

Spend time backpacking and getting to know other incoming students in the Rocky Mountains! This trip starts with activities to help you get to know your group before heading out for a scenic float trip on the Colorado River. Afterwards you will head to the Flat Top Mountains for an unforgettable five days of backpacking. No prior experience needed.ÌýÌý

Learn more about Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØin the Rockies

Outdoor Pursuits: Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØMountain Fest

At Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder adventure is right in our backyard! Spend a few days exploring your new surroundings, making new friends and learning new skills! A nearby state park will serve as the basecamp for the duration of the trip and provide the backdrop for a variety of activities. Hike, climb and fish during the day and take in the beautiful expanse of the Milky Way at night.ÌýÌý

Learn more about Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØMountain FestÌý

By Invitation

Broadening Opportunities through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Programs Orientation

All incoming first year BOLD scholars participate in an orientation experience to build community and adapt to life on campus. All BOLD scholars are automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

*Please note you must be an engineering student to participate in this program.

Learn more about BOLDÌý

Campos Student Center Programs Orientation

Incoming first-year BOLD scholarship students participate in an orientation experience to build community and adapt to life on campus!ÌýAll recipients of the BOLD scholarship are automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

*Please note, you must be an engineering student to participate in this program.Ìý

Engineering Honors Program RAP

Incoming Honors Engineers are automatically registered for this program.ÌýNo pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Global Engineering RAP

This program prepares students to be the next generation of engineers working in a global context. Coursework and extracurricular activities build a community of engineers who are interested in how we can work together toward global poverty reduction while also improving students’ global awareness and fluency in language and culture.Ìý

*Please note you must be an engineering student and meet eligibility requirements to participate in this program.

Learn more about GlobalÌýEngineering RAPÌý

Golden Buffalo Marching Band

Incoming band members arrive early to participate in Band Camp.ÌýAll marching band members are automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Lucile B. Buchanan LLC

All residents of the Lucile B Buchanan LLC arrive early to facilitate community formation. All LLC membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Native & Indigenous Peoples LLC

All residents of the Native & Indigenous Peoples LLC arrive early to facilitate community formation. All LLC membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Por la Cultura LLC

All residents of the Por la Cultura LLC arrive early to facilitate community formation. All LLC membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Sko Serve

All residents of the Service & Social Action LLC arrive early to facilitate community formation. All LLC membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Learn more about Service & Social Action LLC

Spectrum LLC

All residents of the Spectrum LLC arrive early to facilitate community formation. All LLC membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

TRIO: Fall Gateway

Fall Gateway is for newly admitted first-year TRIO SSS students only. A pre-arrival program that extends four days prior to fall courses, allowing students to participate in extended new student welcome events and academic intensives to further prepare them for the academic transition to the university.ÌýAll TRIO SSS membersÌýare automatically registered for this program. No pre-arrival application needed. Ìý

Learn more about TRIO: Fall Gateway