Life Skills

How to prepare for career fairs

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:54:40 +0000

How to prepare for career fairs Valerie Padilla Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:54

Career Services

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills.

Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Register on Handshake

Handshake is your go‑to place to register for career fairs, see event details and check which employers will be there. CU ��ý�� students already have an account—just log in and complete your profile with your major, year, preferred name and resume. And make sure your profile is public!

For virtual fairs: Sign up for “Available Sessions,” including one‑on‑ones with recruiters or group sessions about the company.

For in‑person fairs: Employers will have a QR code at their table so you can check in. This lets recruiters view your profile, download your resume and message you later.

Review upcoming fairs to find events that match your interests.

Make it a habit to keep your Handshake profile up to date and check in regularly—search for new opportunities and upcoming events often. The more you use Handshake, the better it gets at recommending jobs and events tailored to your interests, helping you make the most of your job or internship search.

Attend prep workshops

Career Services offers free workshops to help you get ready, including:

Prepare for the Virtual Career Fair on March 9

Prepare for the Career Fair on March 24

Prepare for the Career Fair with The Center on March 30

Get organized

Every career fair is open to all students, from all majors and experience levels. Browse through the list of employers who are attending on Handshake and highlight the ones you want to meet. New companies are added often, so check back before the event.

If you’re attending in person:

Bring your Buff OneCard.

Carry a few printed resumes.

Bring a notebook and pen.

Keep your bag with you (no bag drop available).

Plan your schedule so you have time to visit your top employers—lines and conversations can take longer than expected.

If you’re attending virtually: Have your resume and something to take notes with nearby.

Practice your pitch

Be ready to introduce yourself. Keep it short:

Your name

Your year and major

What kinds of roles you’re interested in

A quick example of related coursework, involvement or experience

You can also talk about one or two of your top skills, and come prepared with a few questions for each employer. Thoughtful questions show you’ve done your homework and help you learn more about company culture and opportunities.

Dress for success

Wear something that reflects who you are but also fits the professional vibe of the roles you’re pursuing. Your outfit can help boost your confidence.

Not sure what’s expected? Check company websites, talk with professors or advisors or reach out to Career Services for guidance.

Take notes

You’ll meet and chat with a lot of people at career fairs—don’t try to rely on your memory alone. Write down important details from each conversation, including the recruiter’s name and anything that stood out. Your notes will help you write stronger follow‑ups and prepare for interviews.

Find support

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, review our accessibility resources and check out upcoming programs and workshops.

Buffs can also stop by the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C) to take a free professional profile picture or to have your resume reviewed. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.

For accommodations including real-time captioning or a sign language interpreter, email adacoordinator@colorado.edu or visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance website at least seven days before the event. During the fair, visit the student check-in or info table for assistance or email careerservicesevents@colorado.edu to request an accommodation.

Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills. Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

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4 money management tips for college students

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:24:23 +0000

4 money management tips for college students Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/20/2026 - 09:24

Basic Needs Center

For many Buffs, college is often the first time you’re managing money on your own. While it may seem challenging at first, adopting a few easy habits can empower you to manage your money confidently and pave the way for future success. Here are some practical tips to help you thrive financially.

Pay your bills on time

Late payments means extra fees, service interruptions and a hit to your credit score.

How to avoid common pitfalls:

Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders.

Always check your account balance to avoid overdraft fees.

Short on cash? Call the company before the due date. Many will offer payment plans or extensions.

Keep credit card debt under control

Many students get their first credit card in college, and it can be easy to make mistakes. Credit cards can help build credit and cover emergencies, but they can also lead to long-term debt if you’re not careful.

What to know:

Interest rates are high, and paying only the minimum each month mostly covers interest—not your balance.

Overspending on everyday purchases or impulse buys can add up fast.

Set personal rules: for example, use your card only for travel or emergencies and pay it off immediately.

Planning a big purchase? Save first instead of relying on credit.

Create a spending plan

A budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about control. Your budget can help you manage spending, avoid debt and plan ahead.

Start simple:

Track your monthly expenses (rent, food, entertainment, etc.).

Separate needs vs. wants and look for ways to save (like cooking at home instead of getting takeout).

Review your budget regularly (weekly or monthly, whatever works for you).

Start saving (even a little!)

Saving on a student budget is tough, but it’s worth it and can help you avoid financial stress.

Pro tips:

Pay yourself first: set aside a small amount of your paycheck before spending on anything else.

Build an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

Don’t stress if you need to dip into savings (that’s what it’s for!).

Remember, managing money takes practice. If you slip up, don’t panic—just keep learning.

Find support

If you’re struggling with housing or food insecurity, check out the Basic Needs Center for resources like emergency housing, the Buff Pantry for food and workshops on budgeting and well-being.

Learning to manage your money and avoid financial mistakes can take time, like any other new life skill. Here are four tips to help you with effective money management in college and beyond.

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How to navigate campus life as an introvert

Emily Sampl — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

How to navigate campus life as an introvert Emily Sampl Tue, 01/13/2026 - 00:00

Whether you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert, you have options each semester to get involved, find support and connect with others in ways that work for you.

Introverted people tend to prefer socializing in small groups or one-on-one, with a preference for alone time as well. Even though CU ��ý�� is a large university, introverts can take advantage of opportunities tailored for them to meet fellow Buffs and get involved on campus. Here are some tips to navigate your college experience as an introvert.

Schedule social time and downtime

Just like you would plan your study sessions, intentionally plan time each week to connect with others. Make plans to get coffee with a friend or call a family member to catch up. You can also plan to attend smaller student events on campus that allow you to meet others, like DIY Nights, Queer Cheer or Trivia Nights. Humans are social animals and regular connection with others is great for your well-being!

Additionally, be intentional about planning downtime for yourself. If you recognize that you need alone time to recharge, build that into your schedule. After socializing, you might benefit from walking, playing video games or reading a book. It’s OK to say ‘no’ to plans with others sometimes and take time to rest.

Adapt to crowded situations

Whether it’s large class sizes, networking events or popular fitness classes, getting to know others in a smaller group setting may not always be an option.

Fortunately, there are often ways you can navigate crowded situations:

Attend your professor’s office hours outside class to ask questions or get help with coursework.
Set up informational interviews to network professionally in a one-on-one setting.
Visit busy spots on campus outside of peak hours, like the Rec Center or C4C Dining Center.
Take breaks at large campus events, like career fairs or involvement fairs. It’s OK to leave and come back!

Find quiet spaces on campus

If you need somewhere to hang out between classes or study without others around, there are many options for introverts. Review this list of study spots on campus to check out, and keep these tips in mind:

You can reserve study rooms with University Libraries.
Conference rooms in the C4C are available on a first-come, first-served basis after 5 p.m.
Classrooms can be used as study spots when not in use for classes or evening events.

Check out student resources

Find support with getting involved on campus:

Center for Student Involvement
Join student organizations, find leadership opportunities and learn about other ways to get involved at the Center for Student Involvement.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE)
Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, make a difference and meet people with similar passions.

Recreation Services
Find your fit at The Rec! Join fitness classes, play intramural sports, explore Colorado with Outdoor Pursuits or attend an Inclusive Rec event.

Center for Cultural Connections & Community
The Center offers programs, events and resources to promote inclusion and nurture identity development, diversity, equity and social justice.

Student events
The Division of Student Life hosts hundreds of free events each semester. Find things to do by following @CU��ý��Life on Instagram and downloading the CU ��ý�� Life app.

Even though CU ��ý�� is a large university, introverts can take advantage of opportunities tailored for them to meet fellow Buffs and get involved on campus. Here are some tips to navigate your college experience as an introvert.

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How to get leadership experience on your resume

Valerie Padilla — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:02:00 +0000

How to get leadership experience on your resume Valerie Padilla Thu, 12/18/2025 - 12:02

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

Apply for a leadership role or program

Get hands-on experience while developing leadership skills with these opportunities.

Journey leaders: Journey leaders are students within the New Student & Family Programs that welcome new Buffs to campus. You can gain valuable leadership experience while meeting new people and getting involved.

ASAP tutor mentor: ASAP tutor mentors work in paid positions to provide 1-on-1 and small group tutoring for all first-year students, students living on campus and new transfer students.

CU GOLD: Gaining Opportunities through Leadership Development (CU GOLD) offers students ways to develop leadership skills through several leadership program paths and opportunities.

Most student organizations, fraternities and sororities also have leadership roles for students to fill. These roles offer a chance to develop various skills and experiences you can use well after your time at CU ��ý��. Browse BuffConnect to explore student organizations by topic or alphabetical list.

Work on campus

On-campus jobs are a convenient way to gain experience, earn money and build leadership skills. There are many student job roles with some positions offering opportunities to take on more responsibility over time. Search for on-campus jobs on Handshake.

Participate on a student board or committee

Use your voice and help make decisions that affect our campus community. Here are some opportunities to consider.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Board: Develop programs and educational opportunities to enrich the campus experience for CU ��ý�� students and student organizations.

Cultural Events Board: Broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus to promote student engagement with their platforms.

CU Student Government (CUSG): Serve your peers, make a difference and leave your mark at CU ��ý�� by participating in student government.

CUSG Recreation Board: Promote the improvement of the Recreation Center and the university community through planning and positive action.

Distinguished Speakers Board: Bring well-known speakers to campus and develop your skills in planning and implementing large-scale events.

Environmental Center Board: Advocate for campus environmental policy, determine funding for innovative sustainability projects, get practical experience and more.

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): Provide recognition for students and staff in the residence halls who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and who have made outstanding service contributions to their communities, CU and beyond.

Residence Hall Association (RHA): Foster and facilitate community among on-campus residents and promote a safe and comfortable living environment.

Senior Class Council: Keep seniors informed and involved while building pride, tradition and community among the graduating class.

UMC Board: Create policy, develop creative solutions to challenging issues and grow your leadership skills.

Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement Joint Board: Through policy making, leadership and outreach, being part of the SLICE Board can help you advocate for and provide services to meet campus and community needs.

Look out for your fellow Buffs

Being a leader on campus can be more than joining a program or holding a position in your student organization. Our Colorado Creed reminds us that we build character based on our decisions and actions toward others. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to call for help. Know how to be an effective bystander and look out for other community members.

Gaining leadership skills and experience to add to your resume can help when looking for a job or internship. Learn more about how to build professional skills and experience with Career Services.

Learn more about getting involved this fall:

Download the CU ��ý�� Life app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Follow @CU��ý��Life on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Check out upcoming student events.

There are many ways to be a leader in your community and plenty of opportunities on campus to build new skills. Here are a few ways to gain leadership experience this semester.

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Tips to manage your time

Emily Sampl — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:50:59 +0000

Tips to manage your time Emily Sampl Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:50

ASAP Tutoring

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Between hanging out with friends, working and keeping up with classes, your schedule can get packed fast. But don’t worry! Here are some time management tips to help you stay on track this semester and still have time for fun.

Get organized

First, get yourself organized. Whether you prefer a calendar, a planner or an app, use something to keep track of your schedule and responsibilities. Mark down things like exam dates, project deadlines, work shifts, club meetings, study sessions and events you want to attend. Regularly check your calendar to see what’s coming up and prioritize what needs to be done.

Block out study times

Set aside specific times each week just for studying or reviewing class materials. Having a routine can help balance schoolwork with social activities and keep you prepared for midterms and finals.

Plan your study sessions

Break down big assignments like papers, projects or exams into smaller tasks with deadlines. This way, you can make steady progress and avoid last-minute stress. For group projects, discuss with your team how to divide tasks and who’s responsible for what. Having a plan helps prevent procrastination and keeps you on top of your work.

Fight distractions

While you're studying, try turning off your phone or leaving it out of reach to help you focus. Set a timer for a focused study session—maybe 15 or 20 minutes—then take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off. Stretch, check your phone or grab a snack. Repeat the process to stay focused and get your work done faster.

Ask for help

If you’re stuck on a problem or don’t understand something from class, don’t struggle alone. Text a classmate, visit your professor during office hours or join a study group.

You can also find support through the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring), which is available to all first-year students, new transfers and students living on campus, and other campus academic resources. The sooner you ask for help, the less likely you are to fall behind.

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Tips for next year’s housing search

Emily Sampl — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Tips for next year’s housing search Emily Sampl Fri, 12/05/2025 - 00:00

Off-Campus Life

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Now is a great time to start planning your housing for next year! Whether you’re moving off campus for the first time or you already know your way around the ��ý�� and Denver areas, check out these tips from Off-Campus Life to help you get started.

Attend the Winter and Spring Housing Fairs

Stop by the Winter Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and the Spring Housing Fair on Wednesday, March 4 to explore options. Property managers, city offices and vendors will attend, and you can ask questions and check out more resources related to living in ��ý��. There are always lots of free giveaways and food!

Explore different options

Check out different neighborhoods and housing options to see what fits your lifestyle and budget. Some favorite spots for students in ��ý�� are The Hill, Martin Acres, East Aurora, Goss Grove and North ��ý��. You might also want to look into places in nearby cities like Longmont, Superior, Louisville or Lafayette—these areas have bus routes that make getting to campus easy.

Figure out your budget by adding up rent, utilities, internet and other costs so you know what you can afford.

See what public transportation is available for your commute.

Check out crime stats for any area you’re considering.

Talk to other students about what it’s like living in different neighborhoods.

Use Ralphie’s List to search for places by neighborhood, city, price and more—plus, it’s a great way to find roommates. As you consider who you’ll live with next year, be sure to review the city of ��ý��'s update on occupancy limits.

Consider transportation needs

When you’re checking out different neighborhoods and cities, make sure to figure out how you’ll get to campus. Take a look at the public transportation options to see what works best for you.

If you have a Buff OneCard, you can hop on the bus for free! RTD public transit offers routes that cover ��ý�� and nearby towns, making it easy to get to class.

Get free legal advice

A lease is a legal contract that students should understand before signing. Before signing a lease, you can schedule an appointment with attorney Bruce Sarbaugh through Off-Campus Life for a free lease review before signing. Students can also get free legal advice on other rental concerns, from lease agreements to landlord disputes.

Find support

Off-Campus Life is here to help you navigate living off campus. They offer resources and support to make your housing experience easier—whether you need advice about your rights as a renter, help with landlord or roommate issues or just want to learn more about being a good neighbor. You can visit their office at UMC 313 or send an email to offcampuslife@colorado.edu for tips. If you want firsthand advice about living in ��ý��, connect with a neighborhood ambassador to hear from someone who’s been there.

Looking for more support while living off campus or commuting to campus? Beyond Campus Buffs is designed especially for first-year students and commuters. Drop by the Commuter Lounge in UMC 102 to meet other students and get helpful info.

CU Beyond 1: Make It Meaningful

Want to get more out of your time at CU ��ý��? CU Beyond 1 is a new program for students beyond their first year. It includes exclusive programs, events and experiences to help you connect, build skills and shape your college journey. Sign up and take your CU experience to the next level!

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3 reasons to work on campus

Emily Sampl — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:39:25 +0000

3 reasons to work on campus Emily Sampl Tue, 11/25/2025 - 10:39

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Students who work on campus get to enjoy many benefits. Some jobs allow you to build technical skills and are a great way to explore potential careers. Others may offer some downtime and let you study around your job duties.

Whatever you’re looking for, here are a few reasons to consider applying for an on-campus job.

1. Enjoy a flexible schedule

One of the best perks of an on-campus job is flexibility. Most student jobs offer flexible scheduling around your classes and other commitments. Many supervisors will also adjust schedules during busy times, like finals.

Many students work between 10 and 15 hours weekly, with 25 hours per week maximum. At your on-campus job, your academics stay the priority.

2. Get to know fellow Buffs

The other students you work with can quickly become your new friends. Departments like the Rec Center, Environmental Center, Residence Life and Campus Dining & Hospitality are some of the largest employers of students. These jobs allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and get to know them.

Student employment also allows you to work more closely with faculty and staff. They can become mentors and potentially lead to future internships or research opportunities. Additionally, faculty or staff supervisors can provide letters of recommendation or serve as professional references later.

3. Gain professional experience and skills

Whatever department you work in, your student job can help you build your resume.

Many students develop foundational skills at on-campus jobs that they can use in professional positions after college. These skills include communication, problem-solving, time management and leadership.

There are also student jobs specific to different industries that can teach you technical skills. These roles include work in graphic design, event planning, social media, data analytics and research.

Find student jobs

Use Handshake to search for on-campus student employment, including hourly and work-study positions.
Stop by the On-Campus Student Job & Professional Experience Fair on Thursday, Jan. 15 to meet with campus departments looking to hire students.
Connect with Career Services to find support with every aspect of your job search, including using Handshake, writing resumes, practicing for interviews and more.

Looking for a job? Here are a few reasons to consider student employment.

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What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation

Kyra Raye Loch — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:03:34 +0000

What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation Kyra Raye Loch Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:03

Career Services

Whether you're in your second year or gearing up for graduation, it's totally normal to feel unsure about your future. You might have a clear career path in mind or no clue what comes next—and that’s okay!

No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to build confidence, gain experience and get ready for life after CU ��ý��.

If you’re in your second year: Explore interests and build skills

Your second year is a great time to start narrowing down your interests and gaining hands-on experience. Here’s how to get started:

Get a part-time job on campus to build your resume and explore different fields like marketing, research, customer service or athletic training.

Volunteer for causes you care about. Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) has tons of opportunities to help you get involved and grow your skills.

Create or update your resume and use our free AI resume editor Quinncia to get feedback.

Attend workshops on resumes, internships and job search strategies.

Set up informational interviews with professionals in fields you're curious about.

Go to career fairs and networking events to meet employers and learn about internships.

Activate your Handshake account to explore job and internship listings.

Thinking about graduate or professional school? Meet with a career advisor to learn about timelines and prep steps.

If you’re in your third year: Gain experience and get organized

Internships are a key part of career development, and many students land one during their third or fourth year. Here’s how to make the most of this time:

Complete your Handshake profile to connect with employers and find internships.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest experiences.

Practice your elevator pitch to confidently introduce yourself to recruiters.

Prepare for interviews by practicing answers to common questions.

Attend career fairs and employer events to expand your network.

If you’re planning on graduate school, start researching programs, admissions requirements and standardized tests. Ask faculty for letters of recommendation and meet with a career advisor to work on your personal statement.

If you’re in your fourth or final year: Launch your career

Your final year is all about taking action. Job searches can take several months, so starting early is key. Here’s what to focus on:

Research companies and roles that align with your goals.

Polish your resume and Handshake profile to stand out to employers.

Practice and prepare for interviews.

If you’re applying to graduate or professional school, take any required tests and have your application materials reviewed by a career advisor and faculty member.

Find support

No matter what year you're in, Career Services is here to support you. From choosing a major to landing your first job or applying to grad school, we’ve got resources and advisors ready to help.

No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to explore career options, gain experience and prepare for the future.

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Smart grocery shopping tips for college students on a budget

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:57:24 +0000

Smart grocery shopping tips for college students on a budget Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/24/2025 - 12:57

Basic Needs Center

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Grocery shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning, you can eat well, save money and make the most of your time. Here are some easy tips to help you shop smarter and stretch your food budget.

Plan your meals ahead

Before heading to the store, make a weekly meal plan. Include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Planning helps you avoid impulse buys and food waste.

Pro tip: Use leftovers! Turn last night’s dinner into lunch or remix ingredients into a new dish—like turning leftover veggies into soup or stir-fry.

Use coupons and store deals

Check your grocery store’s app or website for weekly deals and digital coupons. Match your meal plan to what’s on sale to save even more.

Compare prices by unit

Don’t just look at the sticker price—check the price per unit (like per ounce or per pound). Bigger packages often cost less per unit and save money over time.

Try plant-based options

Meat can be pricey. Try adding plant-based proteins like beans, lentils or tofu to your meals. They’re affordable, filling and packed with nutrients.

Upgrade simple meals

Make budget meals better with easy add-ins. Toss veggies and protein into instant noodles, or top cereal with frozen berries or banana slices for extra flavor and nutrition.

Share with roommates

Split the cost of kitchen staples like milk, butter or coffee. You can also take turns cooking dinner and share meals to save time and money—just make sure everyone’s on board with the plan.

Swap for cheaper items

Here are some smart swaps to cut costs:

Buy whole foods: A block of cheese is usually cheaper than shredded.

Go generic: Store brands often match name brands in quality but cost less.

Choose seasonal produce: In-season fruits and veggies are fresher and cheaper.

Pick frozen produce: Frozen fruits and veggies are budget-friendly and last longer.

Buy in bulk: Stock up on dry goods like rice, pasta or oats.

Use canned foods: Canned beans, tomatoes and veggies are versatile and affordable—just watch for added sodium.

With these strategies, you’ll be able to make your grocery budget go further while still enjoying tasty, nutritious meals throughout the semester.

Find support

If you're looking for ways to stretch your food budget or need help accessing nutritious meals, CU ��ý�� and our local community offer several free and low-cost resources.

Basic Needs Center

The Basic Needs Center connects students with essential support, including access to nutritious food.

Buff Pantry: Students can pick up fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen items and personal care products.

Mobile Food Pantries: Free pop-up pantries are available for CU students, faculty, staff and ��ý��/Broomfield community members.

Ralphie’s Cooking Basics: Learn easy, budget-friendly recipes at free cooking classes.

Nutrition Services

Need help with healthy eating? Students can book a free appointment with a registered dietitian on campus. Get personalized advice on topics like meal planning, dietary needs and more.

Community Food Share

Community Food Share is a local food bank serving ��ý�� and Broomfield counties. They offer a free on-site food pantry, emergency food assistance and mobile food pantries.

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How to talk to others with a different point of view

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:25:24 +0000

How to talk to others with a different point of view Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:25

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

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Having conversations with people who have different perspectives can be a great opportunity to learn and grow, especially in college when you’re developing your own opinions.

By listening and understanding where someone else is coming from, you give yourself the chance to learn new things, find common ground and become a better person. And if you find that you disagree with someone, talking it out is an essential skill that can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

Here are some ways to turn a difficult conversation into a thoughtful discussion.

Approach conversations with an open mind

College is a great place to consider new ideas and hear different viewpoints. When you listen with genuine curiosity and let others share their thoughts, you’re giving yourself the chance to learn more and see things from new angles.

Remember, everyone’s background and life story affects how they see the world—including yours! Take some time to think about how your beliefs and opinions came to be, and stay open to learning how someone else’s experiences have shaped their views, too.

Prioritize listening

During a conversation, it can be common for people to think about their response while the other person is talking, instead of fully paying attention to what’s being said. Conversations aren’t about “winning” or proving someone wrong—they’re about exploring different ideas together.

Try to listen with the goal of understanding, and not just to respond. Setting the intention to listen will help you approach conversation more openly rather than coming to it with set points and arguments.

When someone’s talking, give them your full attention. Ask questions if you’re not sure what they mean, and genuinely encourage them to share more about their perspective. This approach can make you a better communicator, and it helps others feel valued and listened to—which is key for having honest, open conversations.

Practice effective communication strategies

Having good communication skills can help direct the conversation in a productive way. Here are some skills to use when talking with someone with a different perspective:

Be mindful. If someone feels passionate about a topic, it may bring up strong feelings. But remember, you can only control what you say and how you say it, so tone and demeanor matter. Arguing may feel satisfying in the moment, but it’s often an ineffective communication tool.

Ask open-ended questions. Get curious about where the other person is coming from, and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of how the person has come to their perspective.

Use reflections to clarify. Restating what you think someone is saying gives them a chance to clear up any confusion or explain more about what they mean. You don’t have to agree with them to show you’re making an effort to understand where they’re coming from.

Acknowledge different perspectives. Whether someone agrees with another person’s position or not, they can acknowledge or affirm what is important to them and the values that form their perspective. Recognizing a shared value (such as caring for others, autonomy, honesty or integrity) that underlies a viewpoint can be a way of bridging differences.

Before you share your own thoughts, try to repeat back what you understood the other person is saying. This shows you’re listening and makes them feel heard. When you respond, use “and” instead of “but” to connect your ideas. For example, you could say, “I understand where you’re coming from, and I have a different point of view. Here’s how I see it...” Using “and” helps keep the conversation open and respectful, so the other person doesn’t feel shut down or defensive.

Remember, it’s okay if you don’t resolve every difference in one conversation. You can always leave space to revisit the issue later, allowing everyone time to reflect and return with a fresh perspective. Most importantly, end your discussion with appreciation for the other person’s willingness to talk things through—expressing gratitude builds trust and keeps the lines of communication open for the future.

Find support

CU ��ý�� offers programs and spaces for people to share their perspectives and learn skills to have thoughtful conversations.

Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR)
SCCR helps students develop skills for having challenging conversations through conflict coaching, mediation and consultation services.

Center for Cultural Connections & Community
The Center offers various events, programs and groups where students, faculty and staff can join fellow Buffs to share their experiences and learn from others in a welcoming space.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
CSI offers resources for student activism and guidance for Buffs looking to get more involved in civic engagement.

CU Student Government (CUSG)
CUSG, the official governing and representative body of the student population, provides a space for Buffs to bring attention to and respectfully discuss issues they are passionate about.

Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance (OIEC)
OIEC offers skills-based workshops for students, faculty and staff to effectively work across differences and build healthy workplaces, classrooms and relationships.

Having conversations with people who have different perspectives can be a great opportunity to learn and grow, especially in college when you’re developing your own opinions. Here are some ways to turn what may be a difficult conversation into a thoughtful discussion.

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Life Skills

How to prepare for career fairs

Register on Handshake

Attend prep workshops

Get organized

Practice your pitch

Dress for success

Take notes

Find support

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4 money management tips for college students

Pay your bills on time

Keep credit card debt under control

Create a spending plan

Start saving (even a little!)

Find support

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How to navigate campus life as an introvert

Schedule social time and downtime

Adapt to crowded situations

Find quiet spaces on campus

Check out student resources

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How to get leadership experience on your resume

Apply for a leadership role or program

Work on campus

Participate on a student board or committee

Look out for your fellow Buffs

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Tips to manage your time

Get organized

Block out study times

Plan your study sessions

Fight distractions

Ask for help

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Tips for next year’s housing search

Attend the Winter and Spring Housing Fairs

Explore different options

Consider transportation needs

Get free legal advice

Find support

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3 reasons to work on campus

1. Enjoy a flexible schedule

2. Get to know fellow Buffs

3. Gain professional experience and skills

Find student jobs

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What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation

If you’re in your second year: Explore interests and build skills

If you’re in your third year: Gain experience and get organized

If you’re in your fourth or final year: Launch your career

Find support

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Smart grocery shopping tips for college students on a budget

Plan your meals ahead

Use coupons and store deals

Compare prices by unit

Try plant-based options

Upgrade simple meals

Share with roommates

Swap for cheaper items

Find support

Basic Needs Center

Nutrition Services

Community Food Share

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How to talk to others with a different point of view

Approach conversations with an open mind

Prioritize listening

Practice effective communication strategies

Find support

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