Welcome to CSU:

Page One

U.S. Visa and Immigration Information :

Page Two

Health, Finances

and Families: Page Three

Register for Classes &

Get to CSU: Page Four

Housing Options:

Page Five

Getting Ready for Life at

CSU: Page Six

Life in Fort Collins:

Page Seven

Checklist for Departure: Page Eight

Welcome to Colorado State University Colorado State University has welcomed international

students for more than one hundred years. Currently, more

than 1,900 international students and scholars from over

100 countries study and work here in Fort Collins. CSU

places great value in the cultural and intellectual diversity

that you will bring to our community. On behalf of the

Office of International Programs, we look forward to

welcoming you to campus.

The Globe Trotter provides information to help you to

prepare for your first few weeks in Colorado. By reading

this guide thoroughly, you will understand the services we

provide to assist you in your transition to CSU and to be

prepared for the tasks ahead.

Over the course of your stay at Colorado State University,

the Office of International Programs will assist you with

your cultural adjustment, academic integration,

professional growth, and personal support. You will find

that our staff are sincerely interested in your success. With

best personal regards, I wish you safe travels and look

forward to welcoming you to Colorado State University

upon your arrival.

Sincerely,

Mark Hallett

Senior Director

International Student & Scholar Services

The Globe Trotter A transition guide for new international students

Office of International Programs, Colorado State University

International Student

& Scholar Services Staff Mark Hallett, Senior Director

Lisa Pappas, Associate Director

Paul Collier, Assistant Director, Immigration Issues

Christy Eylar, Assistant Director, Sponsored Students

Courtney Beardmore, International Student and Scholar Advisor

Ben Mwaura, International Student and Scholar Advisor

Rebecca Downey, International Student and Scholar Advisor, INTO-CSU

Aimee Nord, Program Coordinator

Liesl Driver, International Recruitment and Retention Specialist

Linda Cardenas, SEVIS Coordinator

Weltha McGraw, Administrative Assistant

Christina Branson, Documentation Analyst

Barbara Pretzer, Administrative Assistant

Nancy Daniels, Administrative Assistant

Contact: Office of International Programs Laurel Hall Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523 - 1024 USA Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. –5 p.m.

E-mail address: isss@colostate.edu Phone number: (001)970.491.5917 Fax number: (001)970.491.5501 www.international.colostate.edu

For the latest updates, visit : www.isss.colostate.edu/new_students/

Other Resources Colorado State University: www.colostate.edu, check out the main university web page.

International Programs Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/world2csu/, connect with other students.

RAMWeb: www.ramweb.colostate.edu, sign up for classes, pay bills, search for jobs and more!

CSU Events Calendar: www.calendar.colostate.edu, discover activities to participate in while at CSU!

Virtual Tour of CSU: www.maps.colostate.edu, become familiar with the layout of your new university.

Fort Collins Visitors Information: www.ftcollins.com, explore the fun things our city has to offer.

Colorado Travel & Tourism: www.colorado.com, search the uniqueness of Colorado.

State of Colorado Government: www.colorado.gov, gather information about local laws and Colorado.

Study in the States: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students, helpful immigration information

1

For every immigration document you receive, make sure to check that the

spelling of your name and your date of birth (DOB) are exactly the same

as listed on your passport. For additional information, please visit

www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov.

1. Receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 from Colorado State University

If you have received this Pre-Arrival Guide by mail, your Form I-20 or

DS-2019 will be included in the packet. You will be required to submit

this document when you apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you are reading this guide online, and still need your I-20 or DS-2019,

please visit http://isss.colostate.edu/i-20ds-2019/ to learn more.

2. Make a visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Your next step is to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at

your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate—find one near you by visiting

http://www.usembassy.gov/.

Schedule this appointment as early as possible. The wait time for a visa

interview varies, but is always longer during the busy months of June,

July and August. Depending on your course of study and nationality, the

visa officer may also have to get special clearances, which would

increase wait times further. Please note, the earliest the U.S. Embassy/

Consulate can issue an F-1 visa is 120 days before the start date of your

program in the United States. If you are applying for a J-1 visa, you may

apply any time before the beginning of your program.

3. Complete the DS-160 form

The DS-160 form is a nonimmigrant electronic visa application, available

on your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website.

4. Pay the visa application fee

Pay the visa application fee by following the instructions on your local

U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website.

5. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

At least two weeks before your visa interview, pay the I-901 fee online at

www.fmjfee.com. Be sure to input your name exactly as it appears on the

I-20 or DS-2019 form. Print the receipt and bring it to your visa

interview. (Canadians should present this receipt at the U.S. border.)

Make copies of this receipt and keep it with your other important

immigration documents.

6. Prepare and bring the following to your visa interview:

A passport valid for at least six months

Form I-20 or DS-2019 (Be sure to sign your name and date it.

School admission letter

Completed visa application forms (a printed DS-160 confirmation

notice)

Two “2” x “2” photographs in the prescribed format (http://

travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/photos.html)

A receipt of the paid SEVIS I-901 fee

Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover

your tuition and living expenses during the period of your study.

Any information that proves that you will return to your home

country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include

proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.

7. Remain calm and answer all the Visa Officer’s questions openly

and honestly

Make sure you can explain your goal, field and level of study, duration,

and future plans such as career goals. You may wish to bring copies of

any standardized test scores, transcripts, diplomas or certificates that

were used in your application to CSU.

8. Plan Your Arrival

Keep in mind, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days

before the start of your program if you are an initial entry student. Returning

students do not have this requirement. Plan to arrive before the mandatory

orientation program, which begins the week before classes begin.

Make two sets of copies of your immigration documents—leave one with

your family, and one in your luggage. Always carry your original I-20 or DS-

2019 and passport with you, and not in your luggage!

9. As You Arrive at the Port of Entry

Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Present the following

documents:

Passport

Form I-20 or DS-2019

Customs Declaration Form CF-6059 (The Customs and Declaration

Form should reflect the address where you will reside---not the address

of the school or program).

All visitors entering the US must state their reasons for wishing to enter the

country. You will also be asked to provide information about your final

destination. It is important that you tell the Customs and Border Protection

(CBP) officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and

address of the school program where you will enroll/participate.

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will:

Stamp your passport. Please make sure tthis is stamped with the

correct date and visa type (F or J) and is marked D/S for Duration

of Status.

Assign you an Admission Number (I-94). You can locate your I-94

number by visiting this website: http://cbp.gov/i94.

Secondary Inspection at the Port of Entry

If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information

or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to

an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection

allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information

without causing delays for other arriving passengers.

The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and

Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the database from which

your school or program issued your paper Form I-20 or DS-2019. In the

event that the CBP Officer needs to verify information with your school or

program, please contact:

Mark Hallett, Senior Director of International Student and Scholar Services

(ISSS) at (970) 491- 5917. In case of an emergency, Mark can be paged after

hours by calling the Colorado State University Operator at (970) 491- 1111.

10. Immigration Document Review

All international students and scholars must complete an Immigration

Document Review with the Office of International Student and Scholar

Services at CSU. Our office must report your arrival within the SEVIS

system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in

violation of your status in the United States.

You will be able to complete this requirement on the first day of Orientation,

Tuesday morning. You must bring the following items: passport, visa, and I-

20 or DS-2019 to be scanned, along with your current local address and

emergency contact information. If you miss this step at Orientation, you will

be required to come to Laurel Hall to complete it as soon as possible. You

will not be able to register for classes until you complete this step.

U.S. Visa and Immigration-related Information

For the latest updates, visit www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/accepted/

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

2

Bringing Your Family? If any family members are accompanying you to CSU, please know:

Living Expenses may increase by 50-percent or more since you will likely have an increase in your rent, purchase additional bus passes, more food, child care, etc.

Health Insurance is required for all family members, but CSU does not offer a health insurance plan for family. Other health insurance options for your family can be found athttp://connectforhealthco.com/

Spouses or domestic partners of eligible students may access the CSU Health Network by paying the Student Health Fee on a semester basis or paying for medical services as they are received.

F-2 Dependents may not work under any circumstances. J -2 dependents may apply for work permission from the USCIS only if the income earned is to be used for support of the spouse or children, not for support of the J-1 student or scholar.

Learn more at: www.isss.colostate.edu/spouses_families/

How much money should I bring to the US? You can find the Estimated Expenses for your first year at

CSU online at www.isss.colostate.edu/resources under

“Finances”.

Cash: We do not recommend you carry around large amounts

of cash, but make sure you have enough money to cover your

expenses during your first few days of arrival in the U.S.,

while you make plans to open a checking account. This is

usually in the range of $100 to $400. Consider expenses such

as food, transportation, personal items, and temporary housing.

We recommend bringing more than you expect to need.

Cards and Traveler’s Checks: Your first several weeks of

expenses can be covered with traveler’s checks, which is more

secure than cash. Major credit cards, debit cards, and ATM

cards also work. Consider expenses such as linens and other

move-in costs, cell phone plans, textbooks, and securing

permanent housing, for those not living on-campus.

Getting Finances in Order Tuition and Fee Due Dates Electronic billing is the best way to pay tuition and receive email notification about due dates (emails will be sent to a student’s @colostate.edu address). Tuition and fees will be charged to your account each semester, along with any on-campus housing and CSU health insurance charges. You must pay in full by each semester’s deadline. Access your CSU bill through RAMWeb (www.ramweb.colostate.edu). Semester Billed to your Account Payment Due Fall August September 10 Spring January February 10 Summer May June 10 Late fees will be charged if the bill has not been paid in full by the deadline, and a registration hold will be placed on your account preventing future registration for courses. Learn more at the Student Financial Services Website: www.sfs.colostate.edu/payingyourbill

Paying your CSU bill:

Electronically: Electronic payment can be made through your

RAMweb account.

International Wire Transfer: You may make a payment for tuition

and fees online, in your local currency and before coming to the U.S.

through wire transfer. Visit http://bit.ly/CSUWireTransfer

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

For the latest updates, visit : www.isss.colostate.edu/new_students/ 3

Health Insurance You are required to submit the following documents before

the first day of classes:

Health History and Tuberculosis Screening Forms

Make sure to consult your family members and your doctor

before leaving so you can provide a thorough health history form

and updated tuberculosis screening information.

Alcohol Edu & Haven: Sexual Assault Prevention Program

All students must complete the online Haven: Sexual Assault

Prevention program. Students under the age 23 must complete

the Alcohol Edu program. Expect an email from the University

one month prior to the start of classes inviting you to access the

program through your RamWeb account.

Immunization Records Colorado law requires every student to provide proof of two vaccinations against measles and mumps and one vaccination against rubella (MMR) before coming to campus. You should receive the required vaccinations and submit completed records before you register for classes. The completed immunization record must: Include your name and birth date. Show proof of two vaccinations for measles and mumps and

one vaccination for rubella given no earlier than 4 days before the student's first birthday. There must be at least 28 calendar days between the two vaccinations.

Include the day, month and year of vaccinations. Be signed by a doctor, nurse, or school official and dated

after the last MMR, and be translated into English. All forms can be found and submitted online at:

www.health.colostate.edu/health-records/

All International students who are enrolled at CSU are required to maintain

health insurance and are automatically enrolled in the CSU Student Health

Insurance plan each semester unless proof of comparable coverage is ap-

proved through the student insurance office by the 10th day of classes.

The CSU Health Insurance Plan begins the Monday of Orientation Week. If

you arrive before Monday, we recommend you have temporary insurance

coverage up to this date.

Part of your student fees are for University health and counseling fees, which

allow you to utilize on-campus medical, dental, and counseling services at the

Hartshorn Health Center and Counseling Services. Most care provided at

these medical centers is free of charge.

You will learn more about health insurance requirements and medical, dental

and counseling services offered on campus at Orientation. Learn more here:

www.isss.colostate.edu/health_insurance/

Health Forms

Undergraduate Students Undergraduate Students need to complete the online Pre-Orientation Module in order to register for classes. Look for an email from Orientation and Transition Programs at CSU with instructions on how to complete this step. If you do not sign up for classes before arrival, you will be able to sign up during Orientation. Please note that course selection is limited, and you may not be able to sign up for desired classes if you wait to sign up for classes at orientation.

Graduate students Graduate students should contact their department to receive information about signing up for classes. Each graduate department has different policies about signing up for classes. Contact information for each academic department may be found online at: www.graduateschool.colostate.edu/prospective-students/degrees.aspx

Registering for Classes

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

For more resources, visit: www.isss.colostate.edu/resources/ 4

Getting to Colorado State University

Arrival Date: All new students must arrive in time to attend the mandatory Orientation activities. Please arrive by Saturday or Sunday, August 15 or 16, 2015.

Denver International Airport: Fort Collins is most easily reached by way of Denver, Colorado, a city an hour south of CSU. Denver International Airport is the most common way for students to arrive in Colorado. From there, it is 90 minutes by shuttle to reach CSU.

Shuttle Service to Fort Collins: The most economical way to travel between the Denver International Airport (DIA) and Fort Collins is to take either the Greenride or Super Shuttle. Both services offer rides every day of the week, departing once every hour. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours to reach Fort Collins. The cost for either Greenride or Super Shuttle is around $32 for a one-way ticket. Both services can drop passengers off at various central locations around Fort Collins , including major hotels and the CSU campus. For an additional fee, they can drop you off at a specific address. For more information or to place an online reservation, visit: www.greenrideco.com or www.supershuttle.com.

Arrival Location If you already know where you will be living in Fort Collins, we recommend you get dropped off at that location. If you’re living on campus, you may prefer to get dropped off at the CSU Transit Center and walk to your Residence Hall or University Apartment. See the next page for Housing information!

Pathway and INTO program students If your admission to CSU is conditional upon improving your English skills, you will attend classes at INTO CSU. New INTO CSU students will take an English test to determine their appropriate course level. Students cannot register for classes without taking the English test, so look for emails with information on test days and do not be late. Learn more at: www.intohigher.com/coloradostate.

Transfer Students Transfer students must complete the Pre-Orientation Module, along with all new undergraduate students. While you already submitted secondary course work information with your admission application, you will need to submit more detailed information about previous courses if you wish to use that course credit toward your CSU degree. Learn more about transferring credit at: www.registrar.colostate.edu/transfer-credit

As you pack for your life in the United States, keep in mind that you will have to carry your luggage—we recommend packing light! You will be able to purchase all of your basic living necessitates once you arrive.

Weather Fort Collins boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year! The area has low humidity, moderate winters and an overall mild year-round climate. You can expect about 40 cm of precipitation each year, with about one-third of it in the form of snow.

Because of the dry air and the high altitude, it is important for you to drink a lot of water each day and wear protective sun gear. The average high temperature in the summer (June to August) is about 30˚C. During the winter (November to February), temperatures average between -10˚C and 6˚C. It is very important to have a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots. You can purchase these items after you arrive.

Style Most students dress very casually. Jeans and sweatshirts are very common, along with other comfortable and outdoor-friendly clothing. In warm weather, students wear shorts and t-shirts. In the winter, sweaters, jackets, boots, and other warm clothes are necessary. You may want to bring at least one nice outfit for interviews or special occasions. For men, a sport coat or suit jacket and tie is fine, and a suit or dress is appropriate for women.

For Your Room Don’t forget to bring some items for your room that will remind you of home. Photographs of family and friends, books, mementos and cultural items will not only help you adjust, but can also be shared with the new friends who want to learn about your home. Bed linens, towels and other necessities can be purchased once you arrive in Fort Collins. You will be invited on complimentary shopping trips during Orientation Week for this purpose.

Packing your Bags

Students should arrive by the weekend before Ram Orientation, which takes place the week before classes begin. Sometimes there are a few days between the day you arrive and your arranged move-in date to your apartment or on-campus housing arrangement. This webpage may help you find temporary housing for the first few nights you are in Fort Collins: www.isss.colostate.edu/temporary-housing/

International Student Groups: If your country has an international student group at CSU, they may be able to help you find temporary housing. Visit www.isss.colostate.edu/international-student-organizations-at-csu for more information.

Local Hotels: You may choose to stay in a hotel at an average cost of US $85 to $150 per night. The closest hotels to campus are the Hilton and the Best Western. Others may be inconveniently far from campus, possibly without public transportation.

Temporary Housing Available for New Arrivals

All students must arrange their own living accommodations before arrival in Fort Collins.

On-Campus Housing: All newly admitted first-year undergraduate students, also known as freshmen, are required to live on campus in the residence halls for their first two semesters. Housing is guaranteed for freshmen students. Transfer students and graduate students are not guaranteed housing, but may apply with either Residence Life or Apartment Life if they wish to live on campus. On-Campus Housing fills up quickly, so we recommend applying for housing as soon as you know you are coming to CSU. Two different on-campus housing options are available. You can learn more at www.housing.colostate.edu. Residence Halls: There are 15 residence halls on the CSU campus. Most residence halls will place you in a room you will share with one other student. Special Residence Life housing programs are available; you may want to consider living in one of the Residential Learning Communities (RLC) to enhance your academic and social experience at CSU. Apartments: All three apartment complexes on campus offer both single and family apartments. Furnished apartments as well as month-to-month leases are available, unlike most off-campus apartments. Availability will be limited during the 2015-2016 school year as some apartments undergo construction. We recommend applying very early for Apartment Life if you wish to be considered, or applying for Residence Life housing or an apartment off campus. The Apartment Life housing deposit is refundable if you do not received an apartment assignment. Residence Life housing deposit is partially refundable based on the date you notify the office.

Permanent Housing Options Available in Fort Collins

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

For more housing resources, visit: www.isss.colostate.edu/resources/ 5

Tips for Securing Housing: Whether you’re looking to live on or off campus, apply for housing soon after you receive admission. Housing space fills quickly. The ear-lier you apply, the better the chance you will receive housing. It is nev-er too early to apply!

Off-Campus Housing Tips Off-campus housing is another option available for transfer and gradu-ate students. This is not an option for newly admitted first-year stu-dents. If you prefer to live off campus, you should search for housing as early as possible to make appropriate arrangements. The CSU Off Campus Life office has many great resources for international students looking for housing, including a very useful tool called CSU Rental Search: www.ocl.colostate.edu/international-students The ISSS Program Coordinator maintains an updated list of communi-ty members offering rental arrangements specifically for international students. Please email aimee329@colostate.edu for this list. Please note that finding furnished apartments is rare. Furthermore, many apartments require you to pay your first and last month’s rent before you move in; plan accordingly. Signing a Lease: Most apartment owners require a one year lease. Be sure to visit the rental in person before committing and signing a lease. Student Legal Services at CSU can help you with the lease signing pro-cess to make sure that the lease is legal and appropriate. Visit Student Legal Services online at: www.sls.colostate.edu

Temporary Home-stay Program: The Fort Collins International Center (learn more on the next page) offers a Temporary Homestay Program which provides up to 5 nights of free housing with a local community member for new students. This is a great opportunity to learn more about American culture and begin to make friends in the community, and is a convenient way to find temporary housing. Please apply for your home-stay a few weeks before you arrive, as this is a popular option for incoming international students and space is limited. Fill out the Home-stay Request Form online at www.isss.colostate.edu/housing/ under the “Temporary Housing” tab.

Temporary Rental in a Home: There are a small number of families who have space in their homes to temporarily rent to an international student. For more information about this option, please contact the Program Coordi-nator at aimee329@colostate.edu

Orientation for New Students Coming to a new country is exciting, but also challenging. To assist you with the transition from your home country to CSU, all new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. Orientation takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday before classes begin, on August 18 and 19, 2015.

Please visit our website to register for Orientation and learn more about this fun filled week: www.isss.colostate.edu/orientation/

Orientation will provide you with:

Skills to balance requirements of U.S. immigration regulations with that of CSU academic policies.

Foundational knowledge of the U.S. American Academic culture, which emphasizes personal responsibility for learning, understanding, and following all regulations.

Various tours of the campus and community.

Trips to local stores for purchasing personal items.

Evening social events to help you become acquainted with fellow students and the Fort Collins & CSU community.

Information about U.S. laws, safety, and health-care.

Useful tips about overcoming culture shock, interacting with U.S. Americans and how to make the most of your intercultural experience at CSU.

Fort Collins International Center is a local volunteer organization devoted to enhancing international understanding, cultural exchange and friendship among international students, domestic students and the Fort Collins community. It is the officially recognized volunteer organization of the Office of International Programs at CSU. The Fort Collins International Center support international students, their families and the broader community with the following programs:

International Friends: Families or individuals from our community offer new international students a way to get acquainted with Fort Collins and make new friends by inviting them to dinner in their homes and attending various events in the area. Friendships develop as they share experiences and each other’s unique culture.

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC): During the academic year international students and community members meet regularly for conversation, food and fun. In the summer these weekly social gatherings move outside for a traditional U.S. American potluck picnic and hamburgers on the grill (always with plenty of vegetarian options).

Outdoor Activities: International students are invited each month for an outdoor trip to experience the beauty of nature in Colorado. These events will allow you to try various outdoor activities, from hiking to snowshoeing, camping to climbing, to snowboarding or skiing.

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

Join the community of International Rams on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/world2csu/ 6

One of the best ways to prepare for your move to CSU is to sign up for a Cultural Mentor. Cultural Mentors are CSU students who assist new international students in adjusting to life and the culture at CSU and the greater Fort Collins community. Sign up soon so you can begin emailing with them before you depart! They will be involved throughout Orientation Week to help answer questions and lead small groups. They also plan many activities throughout the semester that are a great way to build community at CSU. Sign up today at www.isss.colostate.edu/cultural_mentor/ Join our Facebook group where many Cultural Mentor events are advertised: www.facebook.com/groups/world2csu/

International Info

The best place to learn about programs & events is through our International Info newsletter. Sign up for a weekly email about upcoming events and opportunities at www.isss.colostate.edu/intlinfo/

Cultural Mentor Program

Day in the Mountains Celebrate your first month at CSU with an intercultural retreat to the mountains of Colorado! This unique program takes students up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains for a day of intercultural activities and relationship-building with other students. Activities include small group discussions, hiking, a cultural talent show and more. Learn more at www.isss.colostate.edu/weekend_in_mountains/

International Night at the Library: Thought provoking and informative global programs are presented each month to community members at the local library. Learn about different places of the world, and take the opportunity to share information about your own country and culture!

Global Ambassadors: This student organization arranges for international students to share their home culture in local classrooms. The club leaders organize free transportation to and from the schools, and it is an excellent way to practice their presentation skills, meet new people and make new friends.

Conversational English Classes: Free classes to practice English are offered to people of all levels. They meet weekly, and can help with language skills, insight into U.S. customs, and also serve as a place to share cultural experiences.

International Women’s Club: This weekly social hour is a great place for international women to build community. Refreshments are provided. Spouses are especially encouraged to come, and children are welcome! Learn more at www.isss.colostate.edu/international-womens-club/ Get involved with the Fort Collins International Center and learn more at their website: www.fortcollinsinternationalcenter.org/

Fort Collins International Center

The Bustang Before now, international students have had to rely on friends with

cars to take a trip to Denver. This year, however, Fort Collins

residents will be able to purchase a low-cost ticket for a bus ride into

the city! From there, the local public transportation options allows

you to explore all that the city offers.

The Bustang is an Interregional Express Bus Service that will not only connect Fort Collins to Denver, but also Denver to Colorado Springs in the south and Glenwood Springs in the West. This means increased opportunities for you to explore our beautiful state!

Learn more about this new service at: www.codot.gov/travel/bustang

Special Events Football 101 Each September, new international students experience the unique American tradition of football in this fun, full-day program. Learn the rules and enjoy a tailgate party at Hughes Stadium!

World Unity Fair The biggest cultural celebration in Northern Colorado is put on each year by the international students of CSU. Join your international student organization on campus to be part of the fun, sharing your culture with the Fort Collins community through food, games, and performances!

Other ways to Get Involved International Student Organizations CSU international students represent over 100 countries, and many of these have organized student organizations. We encourage you to join, or start your own if your country is not yet represented! www.isss.colostate.edu/international-student-organizations-at-csu/

When you come to CSU, you become part of a community. We hope that in addition to learning and earning a degree, you get involved in the Ram Community. Below are some of the events offered specifically for international students at CSU. Learn more at www.isss.colostate.edu/events_programs/

Regular Events

Friday Afternoon Club Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) has been an international tradition at CSU for over 40 years! Each week features a cultural theme, light snacks, and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

International Tea Each month, the Office of International Programs hosts a cozy time of getting to know others around a hot cup of tea during International Tea in Laurel Hall. This is a great place to meet new people because it is a relaxed atmosphere with no agenda other than letting attendees enjoy each others company with some fresh tea and snacks.

Don’t miss these International Events!

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University

For more information, please visit: www.isss.colostate.edu/events_programs/ 7

State of Colorado The word Colorado is of Spanish origin, meaning “red colored.” If you travel throughout the state, you will see much of its beautiful landscape is made of unique red rock formations. Colorado State University is located in a greener part of the state, and is within driving distance of a diversity of landscapes—including mountains, canyons, mesas, plateaus, desert, and plains of farmland. You will find many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the local wildlife. The mountainous region is also a perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard, snowshoe, and many other winter sports. Denver, the capitol city, is a combination of exciting urban culture and peaceful natural areas: it has the largest city park system in the nation. Students visit for restaurants, shopping malls and ethnic food stores, the vibrant downtown, and the many opportunities for entertainment—from professional sports to world-class art and theatre.

City of Fort Collins Fort Collins is a U.S. American college town with a global atmosphere. You may recognize the historic buildings of Old Town in Fort Collins if you visit Disneyland and walk down Main Street USA, which was inspired by our charming downtown! Fashionable clothes, sporting equipment, food markets, ice-cream shops and art galleries can all be found in this unique area. Outside activity is one of Fort Collins' longest traditions. Besides globally favored sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball, students can also enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and camping through the city park system, the Horsetooth reservoir, the Poudre Canyon, and other nearby open spaces. As a vibrant student town Fort Collins also excites its newcomers with numerous restaurants, coffee houses, theaters, cinemas, and exciting music and food festivals.

Top Things to do while at CSU

Experience U.S. American Football: attend Football 101 and go to a CSU Football Game.

Discover and take a picture with Cam the Ram and the “A.”

Attend Day in the Mountains.

Participate with International Festival: World Unity Fair.

Attend Homecoming and other CSU traditional events.

Volunteer with a service-learning project at CSU.

Share your culture through the Global Ambassadors Program, at the Friday Afternoon Club, or other programs.

Travel throughout Colorado: visit Mesa Verde, the Great Sand Dunes, Dinosaur National Monument, Aspen, and more.

Learn to ski, snowboard, snow-shoe, or make a snowman.

Make friends with people from all around the world, especially from the United States.

ARE YOU READY?

We hope this guide has been helpful and provided you with valuable information to aid in your pre-departure preparations. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions. You can reach us at ISSS@colostate.edu. For additional information please visit our website: www.international.colostate.edu We wish you a safe and pleasant journey and we look forward to meeting you! Sincerely, The CSU International Student and Scholar Services Staff: Mark, Lisa, Paul, Christy, Courtney, Ben, Aimee, Liesl, Rebecca, Brie, Linda, Weltha, Christina, Nancy and Barbara

Immigration Documents: (see page 2)

Copy all documents prior to departure. Hand carry all originals and put copies in a separate place.

Passport valid at least six months from the date you plan to enter the U.S.

Valid visa for the school you will attend

I-20 or DS2019 with a report date of your planned enrollment

Financial: (see page 3)

Bring enough accessible money in cash, debit cards or travelers checks for initial living expenses such as housing and food. Please note that while traveler’s checks are a safer way to bring money, they need to be cashed in a bank

Make plans on how you will pay for your tuition and fees by the designated deadlines.

Budget for expensive textbooks; $300-600 per semester

Academic: (see page 6)

Fully-admitted undergraduate students should:

Take the Math Placement Exam before arriving

Take the Composition Exam before arriving

Complete the Pre-Orientation Online Module

www.otp.colostate.edu/international-orientation.aspx

Fully-admitted graduate students should:

Contact their departments to gain information about their pre-arrival academic needs.

Sharing: Music, crafts, videos, books, photos, recipes, clothing & other

cultural items from your home country

Immigration Document Review:

You must complete the Immigration Document Review. Make sure to bring the following documents (for yourself & any dependents) to Orientation on Tuesday, August 18, 2015:

Your passport

Form I-20 or DS2019

The name and address of an emergency contact in the U.S.A. and in your home country

Current U.S. address and phone number

If you miss Orientation or Immigration Document Review, you will need to visit the Office of International Programs in Laurel Hall soon after arriving to campus. Make sure to bring the documents above. You will not be able to register for classes until this requirement is completed.

PRE - DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs Colorado State University _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________

For the latest updates, visit http://isss.colostate.edu/ 8

Health Documents: (see page 3)

Travel insurance to cover you until the first day of classes

Immunization records in English submitted or bring with you

CSU Student Health Insurance waiver documents, if applicable

Prescription medication for chronic medical conditions

Health history and tuberculosis screening results submitted through Health History and Tuberculosis Screening Portal at www.health.colostate.edu, or bring with you tuberculosis skin test or IGRA blood test result and chest x-ray result

Haven: Sexual Assault Prevention Program completed

Alcohol Edu completed (students under age 23 only)

Health Care:

Visit your eye doctor and get an extra pair of glasses

Visit your dentist

Visit your medical doctor for a check-up

Transportation: (see page 4)

Plans to arrive the weekend of August 15 or 16

Transportation reservation on either GreenRide or Super Shuttle

Housing: (see page 5)

Undergraduate students: complete a housing application for Residence Life.

Graduate students: Reserve housing either on campus or off campus as soon as possible.

If your move-in date is after your arrival date, apply for temporary housing.

Orientation: (see page 6)

Undergraduate students: Register for Orientation at: www.otp.colostate.edu/international-orientation.aspx

Graduate students: Register for Orientation at: www.isss.colostate.edu/orientation/

INTO CSU Students: Learn about Orientation at: www.intohigher.com/coloradostate