International Student Handbook
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International Student Handbook Disclaimer: Information may have changed since the date of publication. Version 8/24/ 2021 Welcome to the University of Colorado, Boulder! We are glad you are here! This handbook contains important information intended to help you acclimate to the University and life in Boulder, Colorado, as well as maintain your immigration status. Please review the information and explore the blue web links to learn more about your new campus, community, and responsibilities. Additional information can be accessed on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is part of the Office of International Education (OIE) and can help you understand your immigration and cultural inquires during your time at CU Boulder. Street address: 2249 Willard Loop Drive, Center for Community (C4C), Suite S355 Mailing address: 123 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0123 USA Home Page: www.colorado.eud/isss Telephone: 303-492-8057 Fax: 303-492-5185 If you have immigration questions during your program at CU-Boulder, feel free to: • Check out the ISSS website for resources and commonly asked questions from your international colleagues! • Email ISSS anytime at: [email protected] • Sponsored students, please email: [email protected] • Schedule a remote advising appointment • Stop by for walk-in advising • Call ISSS at: 303-492-8057 If you have a complicated matter that requires an extended length of time to discuss, you may request an appointment. The ISSS staff hopes that your time at CU-Boulder is enjoyable and rewarding! International Student and Scholar Services Staff Diana Salazar, Director Christina Hertel, Associate Director Maria Zellar Maxim, Assistant Director, SEVIS Compliance Jessica Wade, Assistant Director, International Scholar Operations Paige Progar, Assistant Director, International Sponsored Student Services Carolyn Salter, Business & Communications Analyst Kim Schorr, Exchange Student & Operations Manager Stephanie Zubrowski, Lead International Student & Scholar Advisor Tori Hoeninghausen, International Student & Scholar Advisor Hannah Juliff, International Student & Scholar Advisor Julie Corson, International Student & Scholar Advisor Erica Coffelt, International Student & Scholar Assistant Advisor Jessie Hughes, International Sponsored Student Senior Advisor Ryan Goos, International Sponsored Student Assistant Advisor Mitchell Wolfe, Technology Specialist George Peterman, Operations Administrator Mari Rotar, Operations Assistant 1 Contents Applying for a F or J Visa for “Initial Attendance” or to “Begin New Program” ......................................... 7 Preparing for Your Arrival in the U.S...................................................................................................................... 7 Housing ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Off-Campus Housing ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Purchasing Renters Insurance ................................................................................................................................ 9 Arriving in Colorado ................................................................................................................................................... 9 About Denver International Airport (DIA) ..................................................................................................................... 9 Ground Transportation at DIA ................................................................................................................................ 10 Temporary Housing Accommodations ................................................................................................................. 12 MANDATORY Immigration Reporting Session with ISSS ................................................................................. 12 Section 2: About Us ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Colorado (CO) ............................................................................................................................................................ 13 Boulder, CO ................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Boulder Climate and Weather ............................................................................................................................... 13 The University of Colorado, Boulder ......................................................................................................................... 14 The Office of International Education (OIE) ............................................................................................................ 14 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) .......................................................................................... 15 Communicating with ISSS ...................................................................................................................................... 15 CU-Boulder Email .................................................................................................................................................... 15 fs-adviser .................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Facebook .................................................................................................................................................................. 15 International Student and Scholar Programs (ISSP) ........................................................................................ 15 Section 3: Getting Established On-Campus ................................................................................................................ 16 Getting Around Campus .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Obtain a University Identity (ID) Card—the Buff OneCard .............................................................................. 17 RTD CollegePass .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Keeping Your Address Current in MyCUInfo .......................................................................................................... 17 Entering Your Initial Address in MyCUInfo .......................................................................................................... 17 Updating Your Existing Address in MyCUInfo ..................................................................................................... 19 Computer Access and Computer Labs On-Campus ........................................................................................ 22 University Libraries .................................................................................................................................................. 22 University Recreation Services and Centers ..................................................................................................... 22 Things To Do On-Campus....................................................................................................................................... 23 English Language Resources for Non-Native English Speakers.................................................................. 23 2 Section 4: Living in Boulder, Colorado ......................................................................................................................... 23 Altitude Sickness ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 Safety and Crime Prevention ................................................................................................................................. 23 Calling for Emergency Assistance ........................................................................................................................ 24 Transportation ........................................................................................................................................................... 24 Walking ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24 CU Night Ride (303) 492-7233 .............................................................................................................................. 25 Bicycling .................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Riding the Bus .......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Driving a Car and Obtaining a Colorado Driver’s License ................................................................................. 26 Telephone Service