Living in Fort Collins
Living in Fort Collins
Fort Collins - A great place to live
Choosing a PhD program also means choosing where you will live for several important years of your life. Fort Collins is a place where rigorous academic work coexists with an exceptional quality of life. For international PhD students, it offers a rare mix of safety, affordability (by U.S. standards), natural beauty, cultural openness, and a welcoming university-centered community.
A welcoming college town at the edge of the Rocky Mountains
Access to open space just minutes from campusFort Collins is a vibrant, friendly city in northern Colorado that consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States. Home to Colorado State University, the city combines the intellectual energy of a major research university with the livability of a mid-size town and immediate access to world-class nature.
For many international PhD students, Fort Collins quickly feels less like a temporary stop and more like a place to settle into—one where it is possible to focus deeply on research while still enjoying everyday life.
Location and Access
Fort Collins is located about one hour north of Denver, Colorado’s largest city. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major international hub, with direct flights to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. This makes travel to and from home relatively straightforward, whether for conferences, research travel, or visiting family.
Geographically, Fort Collins sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. You are never far from open landscapes and quiet spaces, yet the city itself provides all the services, infrastructure, and amenities students need for daily life.
Climate and Weather
Colorado is famous for its sunshine, and Fort Collins enjoys over 300 sunny days per year. The climate is dry rather than humid, which many people find comfortable throughout the year.
Summers are warm and sunny, with cooler evenings.
Winters are colder, but snowfall is moderate and usually melts quickly.
Spring and fall are widely regarded as the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and dramatic skies.
Students arriving from very humid or very cold climates often find that Fort Collins’ weather feels surprisingly livable after a short adjustment period.
Cost of Living and Housing
Compared with major U.S. coastal cities, Fort Collins has a moderate cost of living. Graduate students typically live in apartments or shared houses within biking or bus distance of campus.
- Rent is substantially lower than in cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, or Washington, DC.
- Extensive bike paths and public transportation reduce the need for a car.
- Everyday expenses (groceries, utilities, services) are generally manageable on a PhD stipend.
Most international students find that Fort Collins allows them to live comfortably and concentrate on their research without the constant financial stress common in larger metropolitan areas.
Outdoor Life and Space to Breathe
Fort Collins is especially well known for access to nature. The city sits directly next to the Rocky Mountain foothills and offers immediate access to hiking and cycling trails, open space, and reservoirs.
Nearby highlights include:
- Horsetooth Reservoir and surrounding trails
- Lory State Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park (approximately one hour away)
Many PhD students value having easy access to quiet outdoor spaces for reflection, exercise, and balance—something that can be especially important during the intense phases of doctoral research.
Importantly, enjoying Fort Collins does not require being an outdoor enthusiast. The city has plenty to offer for those who prefer cultural, social, and intellectual activities.
Culture, Food, and Everyday Life
Fort Collins has a relaxed, inclusive, and internationally friendly atmosphere. The presence of CSU brings people from across the world, and international students are a visible and valued part of the community.
- A lively and walkable historic downtown with cafés, bookstores, restaurants, and music venues
- A diverse local food scene, including international cuisines
- Numerous public lectures, campus events, and community gatherings
- A strong café culture that supports study, conversation, and informal collaboration
Social interactions in Fort Collins tend to be informal and approachable. Faculty–student relationships are collegial, and newcomers often remark on how easy it is to feel part of the community.
Safety, Families, and Quality of Life
Fort Collins is widely regarded as a safe, clean, and well-run city, with relatively low crime rates for the U.S. This is an important factor for students relocating from abroad, especially those arriving with partners or children.
The city offers:
- High-quality public schools
- Excellent healthcare access
- Libraries, parks, and community centers throughout the city
Many PhD students choose Fort Collins because it supports not only academic success, but also long-term personal and family well-being.
Why Fort Collins During Your PhD?
A PhD is intellectually demanding and often intense. Where you live during those years matters.
Fort Collins offers a setting that supports sustained academic focus while also allowing time, space, and mental energy for a healthy life beyond research. For many of our students, it becomes not just a place to study, but a place they genuinely enjoy calling home.
