Welcome to

CSU:

The Globe Trotter

A transition guide for new international students
Office of International Programs, Colorado State University

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

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

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

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

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Colorado State University

U.S. Visa and Immigration-related Information

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 Consulatefind 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 Consulates website.
4. Pay the visa application fee
Pay the visa application fee by following the instructions on your local
U.S. Embassy or Consulates 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 Officers 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 documentsleave one with
your family, and one in your luggage. Always carry your original I-20 or DS2019 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 sur e 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 I20 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.

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

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Getting Finances in Order

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 Travelers Checks: Your first several weeks of

expenses can be covered with travelers 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.

Colorado State University

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 students
@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 semesters
deadline. Access your CSU bill through RAMWeb
(www.ramweb.colostate.edu).
Semester
Fall
Spring
Summer

Billed to your Account

August
January
May

Payment Due
September 10
February 10
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

Health Forms

Health Insurance

You are required to submit the following documents before

the first day of classes:

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 approved through the student insurance office by the 10 th 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 A ssault
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/

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/

Bringing Your Family?

If any family members are accompanying you to CSU, please know:

Living Expenses may incr ease 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 r equir ed for all family member s, 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 wor k under any cir cumstances. 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/

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

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Colorado State University

Registering for Classes

Pathway and INTO program students

Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Students need to complete the online PreOrientation 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

Getting to Colorado State University

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

Packing your Bags

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.

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

Denver International Airport:

Weather

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.

Fort Collins boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year! The
area has low humidity, moderate winters and an overall mild yearround 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
30C. During the winter (November to February), temperatures
average between -10C and 6C. It is very important to have a good
winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots. You can purchase these items
after you arrive.

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.

Style

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.

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

Arrival Location
If you already know where you will be living in Fort Collins, we
recommend you get dropped off at that location. If youre 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!

For more resources, visit:

Dont 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.

www.isss.colostate.edu/resources/

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Colorado State University

Permanent Housing Options Available in Fort Collins

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.

Tips for Securing Housing:

Whether youre looking to live on or off campus, apply for housing
soon after you receive admission. Housing space fills quickly. The earlier you apply, the better the chance you will receive housing. It is never too early to apply!

Off-Campus Housing Tips

Off-campus housing is another option available for transfer and graduate students. This is not an option for newly admitted first-year students.
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 community 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 months 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 process to make sure that the lease is legal and appropriate. Visit Student
Legal Services online at: www.sls.colostate.edu

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.

Temporary Housing Available for New Arrivals

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/

Temporary Home-stay Program:

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-atcsu for more information.

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.

Local Hotels:

Temporary Rental in a Home:

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.

For more housing resources, visit:

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.

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 Coordinator at aimee329@colostate.edu

www.isss.colostate.edu/resources/

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Colorado State University

Orientation for New Students

Cultural Mentor Program

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.

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/

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.

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

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

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/

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/

Fort Collins International Center

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 others 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.

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 Womens 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/

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

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

Colorado State University

Dont miss these International Events!

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/

Special Events

Regular Events

World Unity Fair

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.

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!
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 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.

International Student Organizations

State of Colorado

City of Fort Collins

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 landscapesincluding
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.

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.

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 entertainmentfrom professional sports to
world-class art and theatre.

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.

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/

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.

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!

For more information, please visit:

Learn more about this new service at:

www.codot.gov/travel/bustang

www.isss.colostate.edu/events_programs/

The Globe Trotter: Office of International Programs

PRE - DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Colorado State University

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________

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 travelers 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

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

the designated deadlines.

Budget for expensive textbooks; $300-600 per semester

Transportation: (see page 4)

Academic: (see page 6)

Plans to arrive the weekend of August 15 or 16

Transportation reservation on either GreenRide or Super Shuttle

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

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

Fully-admitted graduate students should:

Contact their departments to gain information about their

pre-arrival academic needs.

temporary housing.

Orientation: (see page 6)

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

Sharing:
Music, crafts, videos, books, photos, recipes, clothing & other
cultural items from your home country

Graduate students: Register for Orientation at:

www.isss.colostate.edu/orientation/

INTO CSU Students: Learn about Orientation at:

www.intohigher.com/coloradostate

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.

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

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