Founded in 1876, the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) is the major research institution in the state. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, CU's 600-acre campus is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the nation. At 5,430 feet about sea level, the city of Boulder is surrounded on all sides by mountain parks and a vast network of hiking trails. Located just 35 minutes northwest of Denver, Boulder is a historic and vibrant community enriched with natural beauty and an urban sensibility, offering inspired dining, shopping and art. Boulder's extensive walking and cycling paths and its convenient and ecological public transportation system make it easy to get around town. In addition to the University of Colorado, Boulder hosts premier scientific research agencies including the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the National Institute of Standards and the Earth Systems Research Laboratory.

The institute housing complexes, Williams Village and Bear Creek, are situated about a half-mile east of the main campus, overlooking the Bear Creek path. The Bear Creek path joins the Boulder Creek path, offering a short walk to downtown, and a good place for a run or a bike ride. Additionally, a marketplace square next to the living complexes offers Sprouts Farmers Market (a grocery store), several cash machines, Carelli's Italian restaurant, Cosmo's Pizza and various other dining establishments and bars. Both living complexes are served by RTD (Regional Transportation District) buses, which offer direct service to campus.