My 8 Favorite Things to DU around the University of Denver with Visiting Friends

One thing that’s super characteristic of DU students is their sense of hospitality. From the moment someone sets foot on campus, Pioneers always make sure to try and make them feel welcome. If you’re either looking to visit the University of Denver or to host a friend why they’re in the 80210, here’s my top 5 activities to DU around campus with friends.

1. Thursday DUPB Film Nights

The DU Programming Board Films are extremely popular and of course, FREE. They don’t check your student ID, and they also give away popcorn and raffle prizes. Showing popular films from The Avengers to Hugo to Sherlock Holmes 2, DUPB always knows how to take care of the student body. For a visiting friend, it’s a great chance to see DU students all in one place enjoying a popular film together.

2. Free Photo Booth on the Driscoll Bridge

The Undergraduate Student Government at DU sponsored a free photo booth on the Driscoll Bridge. If it’s free, then why not goof around a bit with your friends and have a bit of memorabilia to take home with you?

3. Ice Skating in Joy Burns Arena

DU is known for its strong hockey and lack of football (“Undefeated since 1961″). As such, the ice rinks are maintained very well. But when hockey or broomball players aren’t going at it, (if you don’t know what broomball is, click here) the ice rinks are put to good use! Joy Burns Arena does open public skate sessions, free to DU students and only $6 for everyone else. Skate rental is cheap at $3. If you want to share some memories on the Denver ice, it’s an affordable, on-campus option for fun!

4. LoDo

Lower Downtown Denver, or LoDo, is a popular attraction for DU students and Denver vistors and citizens alike. With tons of restauarant choices, shopping destinations, artsy hotspots and a bustling nightlife, LoDo and the 16th Street Mall are the places to be, just a short 10-15 minute lightrail hop north of the University of Denver’s conveniently located lightrail stop. If you and your friends are feeling up to an adventure, LoDo is always waiting.

“University of Denver Mary Reed Hall” Photo from Flickr.com by greatdegree

5. Tour Mary Reed

Any DU student can tell you that the Mary Reed Building is considered haunted. With numerous ghost stories and staff refusing to go in the building past a certain time, Mary Reed, home to administrators and the Honors Program, is just a wee bit on the creepy side. Should you pluck up the courage (for which I salute you) to navigate Mary Reed, taking your friend on a trip into the oldest building on campus is always a great option for the bold.

6. Delectable desserts

There’s nothing like sharing sweet desserts with a friend. Nova Yogurt and Ben & Jerry’s are both located within 5 minutes’ walk of campus and coincidentally just across the street from each other. Whether you fancy a “do-it-yourself” froyo creation or a tried-but-true ice cream cone, taking your friend out for some treats is always delicious!

7. Trivia Night at the Pub.

Late Night @ DU, part of the DU Programming Board, holds Trivia Night the second Friday of every month. What better way to test your knowledge of obscure facts such as “what is considered to be the devil’s instrument?” (answer: The violin) With chances for the winning team to earn fabulous prizes like DU-brand snuggies, why not pit you and your friends against other brainiacs?

8. Hanging out at the ResHall.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending a night in. The University of Denver’s residence halls all are extremely active in planning fun programs such as “Blacklight Yoga” for students to take part in. In addition, the front desks are always stocked with movies, board games and more for residents to entertain themselves. If you and your friend want to calm down after a long day, there’s no better way than to cuddle up together in your room, splitting a bag of popcorn over a relatively new film.

Any or all of these things are super fun to do when friends are visiting the area. Do you have any things that you love to do when friends are in town?