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Students on break on campus

Top 10 Things to Know About CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Written by Molly Smerika on August 28, 2023

Nursing students begin the Fall Semester on Monday, August 28 at University of Colorado College of Nursing at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Students, both new and returning, are getting into a routine of going to classes and preparing for exams.

What should every student know about the Anschutz Medical Campus? Here’s what some nursing students are saying:

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Best Place Take a Break

“The grassy area in front of Education 1 where students eat lunch and play volleyball.”

“Tables by the quad, it’s a perfect sunny spot.”

“Get a coffee from Woodgrain and then go lay in the grass in the quad.”

Best Place to Study CON_Toplists_Library

Students need a quiet place to study for exams or work on homework. The Anschutz Medical Campus has the Strauss Health Sciences Library – and students say there’s good spots inside and outside the library that are perfect places to study."

“I love the library's 4th floor to study. It is peaceful, sunny and they have exercise bikes so it's a good way to stretch while studying!”

“The second floor of the library – you can reserve rooms for a quiet place to study.”

“I love the outdoor areas of the library – or somewhere on the quad area between the Education 1 and 2 Buildings!”

Best Way to Unwind After a Long Day or After Exams

Taking classes, studying for exams, and taking exams can be stressful, and students might want to spend time off-campus after a busy or exhausting day.

“Get dinner and drinks with friends in your program. There are many local places in Aurora for great food and drink spots! My personal favorites include Katsu Ramen on Havanna, and the Stanley Market on Colfax. Both places may be crowded in the evenings, but both are well worth the wait.”

“Spend time with your friends and talk about anything other than school.”

Best Place to Get a Coffee or a Snack

CON_Toplists_WoodgrainCU Anschutz has several places for students, faculty, and staff to get some breakfast or lunch. Here are a list of favorites:

“Lost Coffee at the 21 Fitzsimons Apartment Homes! Such good coffee.”

“Green House by etai’s (located in the Leprino Parking Garage).”

“Woodgrain Bagels, order ahead during class so you can skip the line and have your full break to eat!”

CU Anschutz Medical Campus’s Best Kept Secret

“Food Truck Wednesdays outside the Fitzsimons Building.”

“Not really a secret, more under-utilized -- you can rent sports equipment from the school and play pick-up games of volleyball!”

“Root & Sprig (in the Fitzsimons Building). They have great sandwiches and because not many people know about this gem, it's not very busy or packed around lunchtime.”

What’s One Thing Every Incoming Student Should Know?

CON_Toplists_PeopleStarting a new school year can be an adjustment for new (and returning) students. Students are adjusting to a new campus, a new schedule, classes, and campus life. Current students are sharing their knowledge – to make starting school easier.

“The first two weeks will be hard. Do not stress—you will find your way to study and things will get more manageable. Finding a good group of students to study with is also key!”

“It is easiest if you have your classes on the same day or two chunk of the week, as it cuts down on commuting times and gives you more time to study the rest of the week!”

“If you don't know how to get somewhere, just ask. It can be confusing, but everyone is nicer than you think and will help you!”

“Familiarizing yourself with campus and taking a tour before classes start can help relieve the stress of trying to figure everything out on day one!”

“No one wants to think about getting sick, but we all do. So signing up for care at the Campus Community Health* clinic ensures you can get care when it’s needed. And, it’s right on campus, so it’s really convenient.”

*Sign up for the upcoming Flu Shot Clinic. Dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/4, 10/18, 9 am - 5 pm. Call 303-724-6242 for an appointment. 

Best Way to Get Involved

There are several ways to get involved with the College of Nursing. Students can volunteer or join clubs for an opportunity to meet other students and get professional experience before graduation.

“Join a club or a professional organization.”

“Volunteer at the DAWN Clinic.”

The Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health (NSRH). It allows me to get to know more of my nursing peers while expanding my nursing knowledge on important topics not discussed in class! Student Council and their events are also a great resource.”

“The best way to get involved on campus is to ask peers and professors about upcoming events. There are many opportunities to get involved. Joining a club on campus can keep you involved in your program and offer you a chance to meet with other students and gain support from each other.”

Favorite Campus Event

CON_Toplists_FoodCU Anschutz and the College of Nursing have events throughout the year to bring the campus community together, so there’s always something going on to let students get to know each other and see what the campus has to offer.

“Back-to-school Block Party September 13 at Bonfils Circle — I highly recommend students go. It's a nice way to encourage students to interact with students in other professions and schools, it's great for networking too.”

“Nurse pinning ceremony.”

Favorite Season on Campus

“Fall—the leaves changing on campus with all the trees is beautiful.”

“SUMMER! It’s sunny and gorgeous outside, it makes studying much more fun when you have the pretty outdoors to accompany you.”

What’s Something Students Should Buy (excluding textbooks) at the Campus Bookstore

CON_Toplists_Bookstore“A basic calculator, because you’ll need it for exams.”

“A jacket or sweatshirt, it’s the best to wear during winter clinicals when the hospital is chilly!”

“Buying a water bottle or hoodie is not only a great way to show pride for your school or program, but it can also come in handy. It's important to stay hydrated for long days when you are in class, and always good to have an extra hoodie or jacket when there is a change in weather unexpectedly, which happens quite often in Colorado!”