Colorado School of MinesStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for Colorado School of Mines. Free for students.

Public Research University in Golden, CO. Operating on a semester system.

Looking for dorms? Scroll for the dorm and housing breakdown below.

Free for all Colorado School of Mines students. No credit card required.

8K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

26

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026 16-Week Session

The semester, explained for Colorado School of Mines

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall 2026 16-Week Session
Campus terms
40
Local details
38

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 16-Week Session runs Aug 15, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

28 entries
  1. Summer 2026 14-Week SessionSummer 2026 1st 6-Week Session
  2. Summer Session 2026
  3. Summer 2026 2nd 6-Week SessionSummer 2026 8-Week Session
  4. Fall 2026 16-Week SessionRelevant now
  5. Fall 2026 1st 8-Week Session
  6. Fall 2026 2nd 8-Week Session
  7. Spring 2027 16-Week SessionSpring 2027 1st 8-Week Session
  8. Spring 2027 2nd 8-Week Session
  9. Summer 2027 14-Week SessionSummer 2027 1st 6-Week Session
  10. Summer 2027 Session I
  11. Summer 2027 12-Week Session
  12. Summer 2027 Session II
  13. Summer 2027 2nd 6-Week SessionSummer 2027 8-Week Session
  14. Fall 2027 16-Week Session
  15. Fall 2027 1st 8-Week Session
  16. Fall 2027 2nd 8-Week Session
  17. Spring 2028 16-Week SessionSpring 2028 1st 8-Week Session
  18. Spring 2028 2nd 8-Week Session
  19. Summer 2028 14-Week SessionSummer 2028 1st 6-Week Session
  20. Summer 2028 2nd 6-Week SessionSummer 2028 8-Week Session

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

40 terms

1

1750
1750 Jackson, an apartment-style residence hall located a few blocks from the main campus area.

A

ASCSM
Associated Students of Colorado School of Mines, the undergraduate student government.

B

Blaster
The school's official mascot, a live burro that appears at football games and events.
Blaster's Brew
The Starbucks-serving coffee shop located in the library.

C

CASA
Center for Academic Services and Advising, the primary hub for tutoring and academic support.

D

Diggin' In
A specific late-night dining service or meal option typically offered in the dining hall.

E

E-Days
Engineering Days, a massive three-day spring festival featuring concerts, a cardboard boat race, and fireworks.
Einstein's
The Einstein Bros. Bagels location situated in the CTLM building.
Einsteins
The Einstein Bros. Bagels location situated in the CTLM building.

M

M-Climb
A freshman tradition where students carry a 10-pound rock from campus up to the 'M' on Mt. Zion.
MAC
Mines Activity Council, the student-led organization that plans major campus events like E-Days.
Maple
Maple Hall, a popular residence hall known for its central location and suite-style rooms.
Mines Market
The primary all-you-care-to-eat dining hall on campus.
Mines Park
The apartment complex located west of the main campus for upperclassmen and graduate students.
Munch Money
Declining balance funds included with meal plans for use at retail food locations.
Munchi's
Munchi's Market, a convenience store located in the Elm Hall building.

N

NSBE
National Society of Black Engineers campus chapter.

O

Oredigger
The official nickname for a Mines student and the school's mascot, Blaster the Burro.

P

Periodic Table
The food court area located inside the Ben Parker Student Center.
PT
The Periodic Table, a food court located in the Ben Parker Student Center featuring various retail vendors.

S

SAE
Society of Automotive Engineers, often referring to the various racing and vehicle build teams.
SASE
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, a professional organization for STEM students.
SHPE
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, a student chapter focused on professional development.
SME
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, a key professional org for mining majors.
Spruce
Spruce Hall, one of the newer residence halls located near the center of campus.
Starbucks
The full-service Starbucks located on the main floor of the Arthur Lakes Library.
SWE
Society of Women Engineers, one of the largest and most active professional organizations on campus.

T

The Diggery
A retail dining location offering grab-and-go options.
The M
The large, illuminated white letter 'M' on Mt. Zion that overlooks the town of Golden.
The Market
Mines Market, the primary all-you-care-to-eat dining hall on campus.
The Periodic Table
The food court area located inside the Ben Parker Student Center.
The PT
The Periodic Table, a food court located in the Ben Parker Student Center.
The Rock
The large rock outside Guggenheim Hall that is frequently painted by student groups.
The Shaft
The satirical April Fools' edition of the student newspaper, The Oredigger.
The Trads
The Traditional Halls, which include the older residence halls: Morgan, Thomas, Bradford, and Randall.
Trads
The Traditional Halls, referring to the older residence halls: Morgan, Thomas, Bradford, and Randall.

U

USG
Undergraduate Student Government, the representative body for the undergraduate student population.

W

Weaver
Weaver Towers, a suite-style residence hall on the west side of campus.

Z

Zest
A specific dining station within the Student Center offering customizable bowls and salads.
Zime
A bistro-style cafe located within the Arthur Lakes Library.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

38 details
Alderson
Alderson Hall, which houses the Chemical and Biological Engineering departments.
Arthur Lakes
The Arthur Lakes Library, the main research and study library on campus.
Blaster Card
The official student ID card used for building access, meal swipes, and laundry.
blaster_s_brew
Blaster's Brew
BlasterCard
The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
Brown
Brown Hall, the main building for the Mining and Civil Engineering departments.
Canvas
The learning management system used by faculty to post assignments, grades, and course materials.
CASA
Center for Academic Services and Advising, the primary resource for freshman advising and tutoring.
Coolbaugh
Coolbaugh Hall, the main building for the Chemistry and Geochemistry departments.
Coors Tek
The CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering, a major hub for physics and interdisciplinary research.
CoorsTek
The CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering, home to physics and chemistry labs.
CTLM
Center for Technology and Learning Media, a central building housing computer labs and large lecture halls.
einstein_bros_bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels
elements
Elements
Flex
Dining dollars included with meal plans that can be used at retail food locations like Starbucks or Einstein's.
Flex Dollars
Declining balance funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail dining locations.
Green Center
The Cecil H. and Ida Green Graduate and Professional Center, used for large lectures and events.
Guggenheim
Guggenheim Hall, the historic administrative building housing the President's office.
Guggie
A common student nickname for Guggenheim Hall, the historic administration building.
M-Pass
The digital or physical credential used specifically for parking and certain campus access points.
Marquez
Marquez Hall, the primary building for the Petroleum Engineering department.
Mines Cash
A declining balance account on the BlasterCard used for laundry and on-campus retail purchases.
mines_market
Mines Market
Munch Money
Declining balance funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail dining locations.
Ore Cart
The free shuttle system that connects the campus, Mines Park, and downtown Golden.
Oredigger Cash
A declining balance currency loaded onto the BlasterCard for use at campus dining and retail locations.
qdoba_mexican_eats
Qdoba Mexican Eats
RTD
The Regional Transportation District; students use their ID for bus and light rail access to Denver.
RTD Pass
The student transit pass providing unlimited access to the Denver area's buses and light rail system.
starbucks
Starbucks
The Lib
Arthur Lakes Library, the main campus library.
The Ore
The campus and local Golden shuttle service that provides free transportation for students.
The Ore Cart
The free shuttle service that connects the Mines campus to downtown Golden and the light rail station.
The Rec
The Student Recreation Center, containing the gym, pool, and climbing wall.
The SRC
The Student Recreation Center, containing the gym, pool, and climbing wall.
Trailhead
The online student portal used for class registration, checking grades, and financial aid.
wow_american_eats
WOW American Eats
zime_cafe
Zime Cafe

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall 2026 16-Week Session runs Aug 15, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
40 approved campus terms and 38 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · Colorado School of Mines

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What we’ll email you about

  • Aug 20

    Freshman Move-In Day

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  • Aug 24

    Immunization Records Submission

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  • Aug 24

    Tuition and Fees Payment Deadline

    Required · source

  • Sep 9

    Health Insurance Waiver Deadline

    Recommended · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at Colorado School of Mines

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

28 mapped items from 14 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Alpha Phi

A Panhellenic sorority dedicated to promoting sisterhood, cultivating leadership, encouraging intellectual curiosity and advocating service.

Invite only

Source: oreconnect.mines.edu · Verified 29 days ago

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

The largest Computer Science club on campus, hosting weekly tech talks on software engineering and projects regarding all things CS.

Open to all

Source: oreconnect.mines.edu · Verified 29 days ago

Beta Theta Pi

An IFC fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Their core values are to build lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

Invite only

Source: oreconnect.mines.edu · Verified 29 days ago

Graduate Student Government (GSG)

The governing body of and for graduate students at Colorado School of Mines. GSG addresses issues of concern to graduate students and organizes research, academic and social functions.

Regular commitment

Source: mines.edu · Verified 23 days ago

Learn More

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

The governing body for the fraternities at Colorado School of Mines, responsible for recruitment, programming, and upholding community standards.

Regular commitment

Source: mines.edu · Verified 23 days ago

Learn More

Kappa Sigma

An IFC fraternity focused on the Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service.

Invite only

Source: oreconnect.mines.edu · Verified 29 days ago

Sigma Kappa

A Panhellenic sorority with the purpose to provide women lifelong opportunities and support for social, intellectual and spiritual development.

Invite only

Source: oreconnect.mines.edu · Verified 29 days ago

Undergraduate Student Government (USG)

The recognized organization that delivers the voice of the undergraduate student body to the Faculty, Administrators, and the Board of Trustees.

Regular commitment

Source: mines.edu · Verified 23 days ago

Learn More

Easy to try first

E-Days (Engineering Days)

A three-day, campus-wide celebration each spring featuring events like a cardboard boat race, an ore cart pull to the state capitol, live entertainment, and fireworks.

Drop in any time

Source: mines.edu · Verified 23 days ago

Learn More

Engineering Days (E-Days)

A three-day spring celebration featuring a cardboard boat race, ore cart pull, drilling competition, live entertainment, and fireworks.

Drop in any time

Source: mines.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Campus rituals

M-Climb

A tradition since 1908 where first-year students hike up Mt. Zion carrying a 10-pound rock from their hometown to add to the famous hillside 'M'.

Drop in any time

Source: mines.edu · Verified 23 days ago

Learn More

Using DormWay at Colorado School of Mines

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Colorado School of Mines on DormWay

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Life in Golden for Colorado School of Mines Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Golden.

Timezone

Mountain Time (MT)

Median Rent

$2,200

Cost of Living Index

165

Student Population

7,000

City Transportation

Walkability

60

Bikeability

70

Public Transit

Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses, W Line light rail nearby in Lakewood

Nearest Airports

Denver International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Semi-arid

Avg Annual Temp

49°F

Avg Snowfall

60 in

Data sources: 2026 projections and 2024 ACS Census data • 2024-2025

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Blue Lots

surface_lot • Limited after 8:00 AM

Includes campus streets and parking garages.

Yellow Lots

surface_lot

General campus parking.

Lot K

surface_lot

Specific lot permit required for long-term use.

Campus News

Latest updates from Colorado School of Mines

Mines football game ends in tie due to extreme heat

The Orediggers' game against Washburn University was halted before overtime due to record-setting heat and safety thresholds, resulting in a rare 16-16 tie.

Sep 5, 2026

Read More

Mines launches nation's first Quantum Systems Engineering degree

Colorado School of Mines has introduced the first undergraduate degree program in the U.S. specifically focused on Quantum Systems Engineering.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

Anna Staerz wins ARPA-E IGNIITE Award

Professor Anna Staerz received the award to develop innovative optical sensors for monitoring carbon dioxide pipelines.

Aug 27, 2026

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at Colorado School of Mines

Labor Day Holiday

September 7, 2026

Campus-wide

University holiday; no classes held.

Census Day

September 9, 2026

Campus-wide

The official deadline for students to add or drop courses for the fall semester.

Fall Career Days

September 15, 2026

Golden, CO

Annual fall career fair for students to connect with industry recruiters, followed by alumni happy hours.

Payne Institute Critical Minerals Symposium

September 24, 2026

Colorado School of Mines

The 5th annual symposium bringing together government officials and business leaders to discuss the future of critical minerals.

Discover Mines

September 26, 2026

Campus

An open house event for prospective students to explore campus, meet faculty, and learn about admissions.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at Colorado School of Mines

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

21 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

1750 Jackson

Capacity: 360

Room types: single, double

Village at Mines Park

Capacity: 1,000

Room types: apartment

Aspen Hall

Capacity: 22

Room types: single, double, triple

Bradford Hall

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double

Elm Hall

Capacity: 210

Room types: mostly double, single, triple

Galena (Buildings 1805, 1809, 1811, 1812, 1901)

Room types: studio (1 student), 4-bedroom (4 students)

Graphite (Buildings 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2023, 2025)

Room types: 1-bedroom (1 student), 3-bedroom (3 students)

Lookout Apartments

Room types: information not provided in search results

Maple Hall

Capacity: 290

Room types: single, double, triple

Mines Park new sophomore building (19th Street)

Capacity: 800

Room types: apartment-style

Morgan Hall

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double

New Second-Year Apartment Community (opening Fall 2026)

Room types: single bedroom within shared apartment, double bedroom within shared apartment

New sophomore apartment building at 19th Street and Illinois Street

Capacity: 800

Room types: apartment-style units

New sophomore building on 19th Street

Capacity: 800

Randall Hall

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double

Spruce Hall

Capacity: 400

Room types: single, double, triple

The Traditional Halls (The Trads)

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double, triple

The Village at Mines Park

Capacity: 1,058

Room types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, family units

Thomas Hall

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double

Traditional Halls (Shared)

Capacity: 380

Room types: single, double, triple

Weaver Towers

Capacity: 230

Room types: single, double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@mines.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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