10 Things You Must Do As A Colorado State University Student Before You Graduate

Going to college is an exciting time for all. As a Colorado State University student, or a Ram, there are so many opportunities and activities to get involved in whether it be on or off campus. Additionally, the city of Fort Collins, where Colorado State is located, is a very unique, environmental friendly town that encourages outdoor activity. Below, you will find 10 things to put on your Colorado State bucketlist before graduating from Colorado State.

1. Hike to the “A” on Horsetooth Mountain

When you get into Fort Collins, you can distinctly see a gigantic “A” lying on the foothills leading to the West, representing “Aggies,” Colorado State University’s previous mascot. The “A” has been there for years, with trails leading from the bottom of the foothills up to the giant, rocky, structure. The hike is about 4 miles round trip, with views overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir, the city of Fort Collins, and the campus of Colorado State University. This is a necessity for your Colorado State bucket-list! Also, make sure to take a dip into the chilly waters of Horsetooth Reservoir to cool down afterwards!

2. Pet Cam The Ram

Not many college students can admit their school’s mascot is an actual Ram. When Colorado State changed their mascot from the Aggies to the Rams in 1945, the decision to have a wooly mascot was in consideration. On January 11, 1946, Cam the Ram made his first appearance at a basketball game vs. University of Denver. Since then, Cam the Ram has been an icon to the Colorado State community, and is cared for by “Ram handlers,” which is a group of students that care of Cam, bringing him to university events, and sharing Cam’s story with fellow Ram students.

3. Get A Parking Ticket

Across most college campus’s in the United States, parking citations are a student’s least favorite thing to see attached to their windshield when getting to their car after class. At Colorado State, there are many locations to buy a parking pass for the semester, ranging from $200-$600 depending on how close you are to campus. Furthermore, if you are unable to purchase a parking pass for the semester, you can simply park at Morgan Library and pay $2.00/hr. However, this becomes a hassle when you are late for class, forget your wallet at home, or simply forget to pay. Although parking tickets are only about $25.00, it is worth it to pay before you park, as these tickets can add up quickly. Since this is not something students look forward to, you must put it on your Colorado State bucketlist to join the thousands of other Colorado State students in the stress of parking on campus.

4. See A Concert At Red Rocks Amphitheater

One of the worst things about the current pandemic as a college student in Colorado is not being able to go see a concert at Red Rocks with your best friends. The echoing of the music on the rocks above you with the lights glistening among the crowd is an experience you will never forget. First, plan a concert with a group of friends, purchase your tickets, and figure out your transportation method. Fort Collins offers pretty cheap bus services for students traveling to concerts, so you must not miss this opportunity! With that being said, before you graduate, you must put this on your Colorado State bucketlist!

5. Study At The Oval

One of the most beautiful places on campus at Colorado State is the oval. Located on the northern side of campus, the Oval is a nationally recognized landmark. This is one of a kind location on campus, where hundreds of old trees surround the entire oval. Put up your hammock in between the trees, or bring a blanket to sit on, and take in the fresh Colorado air while sitting beneath the trees.

6. Tailgate Before a Home Football Game

One of the benefits of attending a university with lots of sports is the opportunity to attend football games. Football is one of the top most watched college sports, so why not celebrate when your school has a home game? Another thing to add to your Colorado State bucket list is tailgating in the Moby Arena parking lot before the game. The energy of students, alumni, and families is one of the highlights of attending a college tailgate. Make sure to arrive a few hours before kick-off of the game, and meet your fellow rams!

7. Float Along The Poudre River

Living in the mountains has a lot of perks. Rivers, snow, ice, reservoirs, hidden lakes, you name it. About 15 minutes outside of Fort Collins is Poudre Canyon, with a river running through the canyon into the city of Fort Collins. Grab a river tube from Ace Hardware, and head to the canyon to enjoy a nice float down the foothills, ending up in Old Town, Fort Collins. Do not miss out on this free experience in your backyard, and be sure to add it to your Colorado State bucketlist!

8. Visit Old Town

Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, a place to shop, or a night out, you must add Old Town to your Colorado State bucketlist. This is the heart of Fort Collins, that provides entertainment for all who visit. Cozy restaurants and boutiques, along with outdoor dining and rooftops flood the streets, making for a great place to visit on a Friday night with a date or some friends. Be sure to check out The Exchange, in Fort Collins that has mini golf, street tacos, a chicken and waffle stand, as well as a place to gather in the center of it all.

9. Go To A Drive-In Movie at Holiday Twin

Located along the foothills leading to Horsetooth Mountain, the Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater is another activity you must put on your Colorado State bucketlist! Grab a few friends, and head on over to Holiday Twin and have a fantastic view of the mountains glistening underneath the night sky as you watch a movie with your best friends!

10. Watch A Sunset/Sunrise On Campus

Not much is more beautiful than seeing the fire orange, pink, and purple skies as the sunrises or sets, especially in Colorado. If you are an early riser or a night owl, make sure to grab a blanket and head on over to your favorite spot on campus, and enjoy the work of art in the sky!

We are proud to be a CSU ram! Let us know in the comments below any suggestions or other activities students must add to their Colorado State bucket list before they graduate!