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Naropa University is a small, contemplative liberal arts university located in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. With an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in mindfulness, social engagement, and creative inquiry, with strengths in the arts, environmental studies, peace studies, and transpersonal psychology. The campus occupies a central Boulder location on Arapahoe Avenue, placing students within walking distance of the Pearl Street Mall and the broader downtown area. Naropa's academic culture emphasizes contemplative practice alongside traditional coursework, attracting students drawn to integrative and experiential learning. Boulder's high cost of living and competitive rental market are significant considerations for prospective students, and most find housing off campus in the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Naropa University does not enforce a blanket freshman live-on requirement. The university operates in a competitive Boulder rental market and encourages new students to explore all available housing options, both on and near campus, based on their personal circumstances.
All Naropa students are eligible to live off campus, and the majority do so throughout their time at the university. Boulder's rental market is expensive and competitive, so students are encouraged to begin their housing search well before the semester starts to find options that fit their budgets.
Boulder leases move quickly and students should begin searching by December or January for fall enrollment. The city's tight rental market means that the best apartments near Naropa's Arapahoe Avenue campus are often leased five to six months before the start of the academic year.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Naropa University before signing a lease.
Students who start their Boulder housing search in November or December have the best chance of securing an affordable unit near Naropa's campus on Arapahoe Avenue. Boulder's rental market is among the most competitive in Colorado, and early movers gain access to the full inventory before university students and young professionals claim the best listings. Starting early also allows time to negotiate lease terms and compare options across different Boulder neighborhoods.
The peak demand period for Boulder rentals runs from January through March, driven heavily by University of Colorado students as well as Naropa and other college renters. During this window, one-bedroom apartments near downtown Boulder and the Hill neighborhood can be leased within days of listing. Naropa students competing in this market should have their finances, references, and co-signer information ready to submit applications immediately.
Students searching for housing in May or June will find a significantly tighter market near Naropa's campus. Some options do become available as current tenants graduate or relocate, but rents at this stage are less negotiable and desirable units go fast. Expanding the search radius to East Boulder or North Boulder and being open to a shorter initial lease can improve the chances of finding something workable.
The heart of Boulder, within walking distance of Naropa's main campus on Arapahoe Avenue. Apartments here command premium rents but offer unmatched walkability to classes, cafes, and the Pearl Street Mall.
The traditional college neighborhood just south of the University of Colorado campus, about a mile from Naropa. The Hill has the densest concentration of student-oriented apartments and tends to have more affordable rents than downtown.
A residential neighborhood south of campus with a mix of houses and smaller apartment complexes. Martin Acres is popular with graduate students and older renters who want a quieter environment at slightly lower rents than central Boulder.
A compact neighborhood just east of downtown and very close to Naropa's campus. Goss-Grove is one of the more affordable central Boulder options and is favored by students who want to minimize commute time.
Farther from campus but significantly more affordable than central Boulder neighborhoods. East Boulder has newer apartment complexes with amenities and is accessible by Boulder's transit network, making it a practical option for budget-conscious Naropa students.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Boulder is one of the more expensive rental markets in Colorado. One-bedroom apartments near Naropa's Arapahoe Avenue campus typically range from $1,600 to $2,400 per month. Shared housing, which is common among students, can bring individual costs down to $900 to $1,400 per person depending on the number of roommates and neighborhood.
Other universities in Boulder share a similar off-campus housing market.
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