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International House & University Village 1500 CAM-Unity May

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Campus Resource Spotlight: CSU Writing Center

Struggling with a paper or polishing a cover letter? The CSU Writing Center is your go-to resource for free, personalized writing support!

Located in the Eddy Hall, the Writing Center offers one-on-one consultations to help you brainstorm, draft, or revise any writing project -whether it’s an essay, research paper, or even a job application. Their friendly, trained tutors work with students at any stage of the writing process and across all majors. Need feedback fast? You can schedule an appointment online or submit your work for asynchronous feedback through their e-tutoring service. 

They also host workshops on topics like citation styles and creative writing to boost your skills. Plus, the cozy, welcoming vibe makes it a great spot to get inspired! 

Why not stop by? Whether you’re a freshman tackling your first college essay or a senior crafting a grad school application, the CSU Writing Center has the tools to help you shine. Drop in, say hello, and make it a part of your CSU experience!

Restaurant of the Week

A concrete walkway with a red covered overhang that reads “Young’s Café.” The sides of the walkway have 3 tall red planters on each side with colorful leaves and flowers growing from them.

Address: 3307 South College Ave

Hours: Every day 11 am-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday open until 10 pm

Young’s Cafe has been the first Vietnamese restaurant to open in Fort Collins since 1987. Family independently owned and operated, Young’s Cafe continually sets the high standard to provide you with a pleasant but different experience in Oriental dining. Vietnamese cuisine has its influence from Chinese and French cooking. However, its light, delicate, and fresh flavor makes Vietnamese cuisine unique in its own way. Our menu emphasizes dishes prepared with fresh and natural ingredients, which makes our food ideal for health and quality cuisine. Please make your reservation by calling us at 970-223-8000 for lunch or dinner. Our passion for providing you with the highest quality dishes makes us the ideal choice for gourmet Vietnamese in Fort Collins, CO. Call us or stop in today.

Recipe of the Week

Wisconsin Butter Burgers:

Ingredients:

  • 1-pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 – pound fresh mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons of butter, divided 
  • 4 hambuger buns, split

Optional toppings include tomato slices, lettuce leaves, dill pickle slices, ketchup, and mustard.

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle ground beef with seasoned salt and pepper. Pulse mshrooms in a food processor until finely chopped. Add to seasoned beef, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-in thick patties.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add burgers; cook 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with butter, until a thermometer reads 160* 
  3. Remove from heat; keep warm. Add bun tops to the skillet and toast until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts:

1 Burger: 400 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.

Popular FoCo events in May 2025

May 2

Cinco de Mayo Client Appreciate Social
Join it for a fun-filled evening at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant as they celebrate and show their gratitude to clients. Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, refreshing drinks, and great company. Toast to successful partnerships and the exciting projects ahead. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to mingle, network, and have a fantastic time. (Photo credit: https://allevents.in)

May 16

Sound Bath with Gemstone-Infused Singing Bowls

 

Enjoy 60 minutes of gemstone-infused crystal singing bowls, koshi chimes, quartz pyramid sound resonance with guided meditation for deep relaxation.

 

Allow the cells and energy of the body to reintegrate and renew for optimal well-being.

This event releases stress, calms the nervous system, and deepens relaxation. Develop stronger access to your greatest strengths, talents, higher wisdom, joy, and deeper peace.

(Photo credit: https://allevents.in)

May 31

Global Sounds

Bohemian Nights presents Global Sounds, celebrating music from around the world on two stages: Old Town Square and Linden Street. This one-day event is free to attend and open to the public. Live music kicks off at Noon and will end at 6:30 PM. This incredible lineup features performances by Ozomatli, CIMAFUNK, Blessing Bled Chimanga, Banda La Patrona, Sheela Bringi, and Gora Gora Orkestar.

(Photo credit: bohemianlivemusic.org)

University Village 1600 & 1700 CAM-Unity May

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A Guide to a Fun Family Friendly May in FoCo

May is one of the most vibrant months in Fort Collins – the flowers are blooming, the patios are buzzing, and the calendar is packed with fun, local events. Whether you love the outdoors, live music, local flavors, or scenic bike rides, May in Fort Collins has something for you. From family-friendly Fun to end-of-semester escapes, the city offers activities for all ages during this lively time of year.

🌼 Explore the Outdoors

Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails! Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park are local favorites for hiking, biking, and scenic picnics. Wildflowers begin to bloom in April, creating a colorful backdrop for weekend adventures. Don’t forget your camera and a reusable water bottle.

🎶 Thursday Night Live Returns!

Every Thursday, May-September

🎵Free outdoor concerts are back at Old Town Square! Hosted by the Bohemian Foundation, these family-friendly shows start at 7 p.m. and feature a variety of local and regional musicians. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy spring evenings downtown. 

🌸 Spring Farmers Markets

Get your fresh produce, handmade goods, and baked treats at local markets:

  • Fort Collins Farmers Market – Sundays at Foothills Mall
  • Larimer County Farmers Market – Saturdays in Old Town (opens May 18) Perfect for finding spring flowers, local honey, and Colorado-grown veggies! 

The Fort Collins Farmers Market returns in full swing with fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats. Starting in early May, head to the Foothills Mall on Sundays or the Larimer County Fairgrounds for midweek shopping. It’s a great way to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the sunshine.

🚴‍♀️ Fort Collins celebrates bikes all month long!

Check out Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day on May 29, where local businesses set up breakfast stations for riders. More cycling events and safety workshops can be found via Bike Fort Collins.

🌞 Welcome the Warmth

Whether it’s sipping coffee on a sunny patio, enjoying a scenic drive through Poudre Canyon, or simply walking through blooming neighborhoods, spring in Fort Collins offers something for everyone. So, dust off your hiking shoes, grab a friend, and enjoy the season of renewal.

For more information, visit the link here.

Useful Tips for Upcoming Garden Programs

Hello UV Community,

The 2025 UV Garden program was launched in early April by promoting it through distributing flyers at each apartment’s door clip and making announcements in Teams throughout International House, UV 1500, 1600, and 1700. Depending on availability, a raffle will be conducted on April 21st for registered residents to win a plot. Residents from International House, UV 150,0 and 1600 are included in the raffle for UV 1600 garden because of proximity, and those who aren’t selected will be assigned to the UV 1700 garden according to availability. There are some more tips to know about logistics of gardening:

1. Risk of Frost: Planting outdoors can only start after Mother’s Day (May 11th), and it is suggested to be delayed until June as the risk of frost lasts until the end of May. The following table shows average frost dates (32 degrees or lower) by zip code 80521 based on historical climate data. Indoor planting for seedlings can be started after the announcement of winners in the raffle at the end of April, by assigned plot numbers will be shared with winners on May 7th.

2. City of Fort Collins Free Mulch: Mulch can help preserve moisture and prevent excessive weeds in plots. We recommend two self-load sites to get some mulch. 

3. Interact with other garden members in the UV gardens: Saying hello to each other and interacting with other garden members would be a good way to obtain some more useful knowledge about planting. There must be some experienced and professional gardeners. You can help and get help watering plants while away.  

4. A Place to buy seeds and seedlings: Plantorium Greenhous & Nursery 2933 West County Road 54G, Fort Collins, CO 80524. You can get healthy, fresh, and acclimated plants from this family-owned greenhouse.

International House & University Village 1500 CAM-Unity April

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FoCo Events in April '25

April 13th

Horsetooth Half Marathon

Time: 8:00 am

Start: Holiday Twin Drive-In, Fort Collins, CO

Views: Pure Colorado

Course: Challenging. Rewarding. Net Downhill.

After Party: New Belgium Brewing

Prize Purse: $12,00.

Presented by Republic Services

April 18-19

FoCoMX Live Music

The 17th annual FoCoMX (Fort Collins Music eXperiment), presented by the Fort Collins Musicians Association (FoCoMA), takes place April 18-19, 2025. This unique live music festive showcases 400+ Northern Colorado Bands across 30 different local venues in a two-day span. Over the years, FoCoMX has garnered national attention and earned the unofficial title of “The Biggest Little Festival in America.” Tickets will be on sale soon on the FoCoMX website.

April 18-20

Ice Skating and Air Acrobatic Show

Watch acrobats fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Cirque de Soleil: Crystal. The synchronized ice skating and air acrobatic show comes to Blue Arena at The Rance Events Complex from April 18-20. Tickets are available on The Ranch’s website. 

Restaurant of the week:

Name: Thai Station

Cuisine type: Thai

Location: 626 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, Co 80524

Description:

COME VISIT US FOR EXTRAORDINARY AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD AND A DYNAMIC DINING EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Welcome to Thai Station Restaurant – Fort Collins, CO. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your home to great tasting Thai dishes. We serve only the freshest and finest ingredients. Here at Thai Station Restaurant, you will experience the liveliness and excitement of our exhibition kitchen. Our extraordinary fast and friendly wait staff wishes to make your visit to us an unforgettable event. You could view our menu and online order ahead – no hassle.

Mon: 11am-9pm

Tues: 4pm-9pm

Wed-Fri: 11am-9pm

Sat-Sun: 12pm-9pm

https://thaistationfc.com/menu.html

(970) 797-2707

An image of pad Thai dish. A white plate with noodles, and bean sprouts and a lime on the side. The noodles are topped with peanut pieces, a green herb.

Rainbow Salad with Haloumi

Ingredients:

  • 120 g mixed salad leaves
  • 1 each of medium-sized red, yellow, and green capsicums
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 medium-sized fresh beetroot
  • 250 g mixed cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cobs fresh corn
  • handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 small bunch chives
  • 1/3 cup pepitas
  • 1/2 cup pecan nuts
  • 180 -200 g block of haloumi
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 teaspoons capers
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • sea salt and black pepper

Heat oven to 180 C. Place the pepitas and pecans on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes until they smell toasty and are satisfyingly crunchy. Take out of the oven and set aside to cool. Dice capsicums into 1 cm square pieces. Peel carrots and julienne. Peel beetroot and julienne. Keep the beetroot separate from the other ingredients so its rich purple juice doesn’t stain the other ingredients. Cut the tomatoes into halves. Using a sharp knife cut the kernels off the corn cobs. Roughly chop the parsley and snip the chives. Make the dressing. Place 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, capers and chili flakes in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake well and then season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. When ready to serve, toss all the salad ingredients together and place in a serving dish. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Cut the haloumi into 8 pieces and pan fry until golden. Place the haloumi on the salad, pour over the dressing and serve immediately.

Campus Resource Spotlight: The Career Center

Looking to land your dream internship or prepare for life after graduation? The CSU Career Center, located in the Lory Student Center, is your go-to resource for all things career-related!

The Career Center offers personalized support with one-on-one advising, mock interviews, and resume reviews. You can also explore Handshake, CSU’s online job platform, to find internships, part-time jobs, or full-time opportunities tailored to your interests. Need help with your career path? Drop in for a career assessment or attend the annual Career Fair to network with top employers. They even host workshops on LinkedIn tips and salary negotiation to help you succeed.

For a confidence boost, check out their professional clothing closet to borrow interview-ready outfits for free—because looking the part matters!

So why not stop by? Whether you’re a freshman exploring options or a senior applying for jobs, the CSU Career Center has the tools you need. The friendly staff is ready to help—so don’t hesitate to say hello! Make it a part of your CSU experience and take full advantage of this amazing resource.

University Village 1600 & 1700 CAM-Unity April

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Gardening in Fort Collins

Did you know? Residents of UV1500, 1600, 1700, and IH can get their own gardening plot! These are in the 1600 and 1700 communities. If you’re interested, keep an eye on Teams, check the flyers in your door clip, or reach out to your CC!

Gardening in Colorado is rewarding but tricky due to the dry climate and unpredictable weather. A little planning goes a long way! Choose plants that thrive here—like lavender, sage, and tomatoes—and improve tough soil with raised beds, mulch, or compost. Water in the early morning to keep plants hydrated without losing moisture.

Timing is Everything!

Cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, peas) can go in as early as April, while warm-season veggies (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini) should wait until after the last frost—usually mid to late May. Checking local frost dates can help you avoid surprises!

Gardening isn’t just great for growing fresh food—it’s also amazing for your health! Spending time in the garden reduces stress, boosts your mood, and even improves focus. The physical activity helps keep you active, while being outdoors provides a dose of vitamin D. If you have kids, gardening is a fun way to teach them about nature, responsibility, and patience. Plus, digging in the dirt and watching plants grow can be a rewarding and calming experience for the whole family!

For a longer harvest, try succession planting—plant new crops every few weeks to keep fresh produce coming.

The City of Fort Collins offers free mulch to help retain moisture and keep pests away. Be sure to check the local frost dates and the best planting times for each vegetable or fruit. The CCs in charge of the Garden Program can share useful links with this information. And if you need seedlings, you can find them at Walmart, Home Depot, or local stores like Plantorium, Fort Collins Nursery, and Wholesale Nursery.

Happy planting! 🌱😊

Vision Zero

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graphic with green background. Text calls reader to “Help Improve Transportation Safety at CSU with the Vision Zero Reporter Map.” Lists categories for the reports, including building access, lighting, near miss, pathways. Pavement, signage, slope/ramp, transportation safety and visibility. Displays QR code and web address visionzero.colostate.edu.

At CSU Transportation, safety is a top priority. That’s why CSU Transportation is launching Vision Zero, a new program with the mission to eliminate serious and fatal crashes on CSU’s Fort Collins campuses, for all modes of transportation. The program launches this Spring with the release of its Vision Zero Reporter, and your help is needed. 

With the new Vision Zero Reporter, CSU students, employees and visitors can provide proactive feedback on the safety of the university’s transportation system in just a few clicks. The mobile-friendly website allows users to drop a point on a map and describe their concerns, including things like lighting, visibility, pavement, slope/ramp, and other categories. Vision Zero staff will review entries within two business days and will route them to the appropriate department for consideration or note them for future planning and prioritization. The tool is designed for future planning and does not replace contacting CSU Police in response to an incident or to file an accident report. 

Learn more about CSU Vision Zero at visionzero.colostate.edu A safer, more accessible campus creates a better experience for everyone.

Earth Day 2025

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Your Earth Day Itinerary

A cartoon globe with the words happy earth day, April 22nd written across it

Looking for ways to spend your Earth Day? Here are some ideas of how to celebrate this year!

Morning: Get moving

Kick off your Earth Day with a sustainable commute! Whether it’s walking, riding your bike, or taking the bus, choosing to get out of your car and moving is a great way to take care of yourself and the planet.

Mid-day: Explore CSU's Earth Day Festival

Where: LSC Sculpture Garden

When: Tuesday, April 22nd, 10am – 2pm

Stop by CSU’s Earth Day to connect with sustainability leaders across Campus and Forth Collins. Organizations like ASCU, the Spoke, and the City of Fort Collins will be sharing interactive activities, giveaways, and resources on how to get involved. 

Enjoy live music from a local band while you celebrate Earth Day with your CSU community!

Afternoon: Spend time in Nature

Celebrate our planet by spending your afternoon outside in Fort Collins:

  • Take a bike ride along the Poudre River to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado. 
  • Catch a sunset up at Horsetooth Reservoir and unwind from a long school day.
  • Head to City Park for a game of frisbee, soccer, or spike ball with your friends.

 

Evening: Eat a Sustainable Meal

Close out your Earth Day with a sustainable dinner.

  • Cooking at Home? Cook vegetarian meals or use a smaller portion of meat – both significantly lower your meal’s carbon footprint.
  • Ordering In? Cut down on single-use waste by order via ReUse Pass at one of CSU’s participating dining commons.
  • Eating out with Friends? Support local plant-based restaurants like Tasy Harmony.

How did Earth Day even come about?

The creation of Earth Day was motivated by the Environmental movement of the 1960s, where Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring shed light on the pollution problem in our country. On April 22nd, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated on college campuses across the nation. Students like Denis Hayes, who was the holiday’s national coordinator from Standord, organized rallies across major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. This day kicked off the “Environmental Decade” where we saw the creation of the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, Earth Day is a global holiday dedicated to protecting the planet and furthering environmental goals. 

You can read more here. 

Drag Show Y2Gay

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The CSY Annual Drag Show is Sunday, April 6

The time has come for the Annual CSU Drag Show! Happening at the Lory Student Center in the Grand Ballrooms at 6PM, Doors Open at 5:00PM. This year’s theme – Y2K! This event is free and open to community – no tickets needed! Tip donations from this event will help fund scholarships through the Pride Resource Center. Get ready to watch FIERCE performances from CSU Students, Faculty, Local and Denver Drag Performers AND our headliner, Denver’s own KHRYS’TAAAL. Hosted by KRISA GONNA and CHOCOLAT!

Know Before You Go

  • No bags allowed in the venue
  • Metal detectors will be in place
  • Bring your singles! Cash exchange will be available.
  • For any accommodations or concerns, please email ramevents_priderc@colostate.edu!

Sustainable Spring Cleaning

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A flat lay of eco-friendly cleaning products, including brushes, spray bottles, sponges, and cloths, arranged on a textured surface with green leaves as decoration.

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your space with some spring cleaning. Clearing out winter clutter and giving your room a deep clean can help you feel more comfortable in your space. You can make your spring-cleaning routine more sustainable with these tips.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning:

  • Ditch the Disposables: Swap single-use sponges, dusters and paper towels for reusable options. Try a Swedish dishcloth in place of paper towels or repurpose your old t-shirts into cleaning rags.
  • Rethink harsh chemicals: Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate your skin and lungs. Worse, when washed down the drain or tossed out, these chemicals pollute rivers, lakes, and streams. This Environmental Working Group resource provides safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Level up your laundry: Washing your clothes on cold reduces your energy usage, prevents shrinking, keeps colors vibrant, and extends the life of your clothes. Swap your dryer sheets for reusable wool dryer balls and try out new sustainable solutions like detergent sheets.

Declutter your Space: 

  • Pack smart for Spring Break: Moving out at the end of the semester can be stressful, often causing students to throw out items they’d prefer to keep due to lack of space or time. If you’re headed home for spring break, consider taking your winter clothes and other items you won’t need for the rest of the semester to make move-out easier.
  • Donate with intention: Before tossing out unwanted clothes, housewares, books, etc.., look for ways you can keep these items in circulation. Selling your items on eBay, Depop or to local shops ensures your items will go to someone else who wants them. If you decide to donate, choose local options rather than big thrift stores that often receive more donations than they can sell.
  • Recycle Responsibly: As you’re clearing out old papers, electronics, and other waste, make sure you’re disposing of them correctly. Unsure of how to sort your waste? Play CSU’s Zero Waste game for a refresher and to win a prize! If you need help identifying recycling resources, reach out to your eco leader.

Adopting a more sustainable spring-cleaning routine sets you up for success. Decluttering now means less stress during May move-out, and a better study environment now. Happy Cleaning!