May 12, 2011

BOULDER – Ah, summer. The leaves and flowers are in full bloom on the Boulder Creek Path, traffic seems a little lighter, and the ease of dreamy days slips into the city. You can even hit The Hill and Pearl Street Mall without much problem finding parking.

It’s the time of year when Boulder residents – especially those in downtown near Pearl Street Mall and the campus – look forward to the lightening of traffic, crowds and congestion with the University of Colorado out for the summer. Traditionally, students have packed up their goods and hit the road in the summer. But more often they say they are staying here for a variety of reasons, including jobs, summer school and to enjoy Boulder’s great outdoors.

CU’s student population is about 30,000, but a recent survey conducted by the school indicates that nearly 70 percent plan to stay in Boulder for the summer.

That’s about 20,000 students – and not much hope for a shorter line at The Trident.

Some students say they plan to stay because they are forced to sign year-round leases for apartments, condos and houses. So, they figure they should stay and enjoy Boulder if they have to pay anyway.

And more CU students say they are enrolling in summer school as a way to get ahead or make up classes. CU reports that about 8,000 students are currently enrolled in the summer session.