Pre-departure - INTO University Partnerships

Pre-departure 

Guide 2012–2013 

www.intohigher.com/coloradostate

2 

Flight problems or arrival delays? Call INTO Colorado State University at +1-970-214-4821 

Welcome 

Dear Students, 

Welcome to INTO Colorado State University (INTO CSU)! We are 

eagerly awaiting your arrival on campus. This guide is designed to 

help you prepare for your departure and journey to the United 

States. It contains helpful information about securing your visa; 

your application for health insurance and housing; what to bring 

with you and what to buy after you arrive; and details about your 

arrival at the Denver International Airport and transportation to 

the CSU campus. 

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ARRIVAL DETAILS IMMEDIATELY 

Send your details via email to: intoarrivals@colostate.edu. 

There is always someone available to answer your questions or 

help you with any needs you may have at INTO CSU. We have a 

friendly and helpful team dedicated to your success and 

happiness, and we look forward to meeting you! 

See you soon, 

Liz Munro 

Interim Center Director 

Contents 

Get Involved – Our Students’ Top Tips 3 

Getting Ready to Come to the US 4-5 

Getting a Student Visa 6 

Immunization Requirements 7 

Health Insurance 8 

Plan your Housing 9-10 

What to Pack 11 

Arriving in the US 12-13 

Arriving at INTO CSU 14 

www.facebook.com/INTOColoradoStateUniversity 

Orientation and Registration 16 

Your First Week 17-18 

Student Services 19 

Safety 20 

Meet the INTO CSU Team 22 

Key Contacts, Useful Numbers and Websites 23 

Campus Map 24 

Notes 25

Get Involved – 

Our Students’ Top Tips 

Everybody here is kind and if you don’t know someone, they are going 

to treat you with kindness. 

Alex Pauvolid Correa, Brazil 

Get involved with the different organizations and activities on and off 

campus. You will have fun and make friends! 

Shu Zhou, China 

You can find anything in Fort Collins. If you like shopping, you can go 

shopping. If you like nature, you can go hiking, biking, have a picnic by 

the Cache la Poudre River, or go to the lake in Loveland. There are so 

many things to do here! 

Kahirol Mohd Salleh, Malaysia 

There are a lot of activities. I go to City Park, and go to barbeques, 

especially in the spring and summer. I also go to the cinema and go 

shopping. 

Rehab Ashari, Saudi Arabia 

It is very safe here and the environment is so beautiful. I like going 

hiking with friends, and going biking and running. Also, they have 

many dance classes in Old Town Fort Collins and sometimes on 

weekends I will go there. 

Meigui Rose Wang, China 

www.intohigher.com/coloradostate 

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Getting Ready to Come to the US 

Checklist – Before You Leave Home 

Please make sure you have completed everything on this checklist before you leave home. 

As soon as possible: 

1. Review the visa application instructions 

2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and print your receipt 

3. Schedule your appointment and submit your visa application 

4. Make travel arrangements to arrive in Fort Collins at least one day before the start 

date of your program (listed on your I-20 or your letter) 

5. Submit your flight information and arrival details to intoarrivals@colostate.edu 

6. Get your measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine if you have not done so already. 

Have your doctor sign your Certificate of Immunization form 

7. Submit your Certificate of Immunization—signed by your doctor—to the Care 

Coordinator at the INTO CSU Center at least two weeks before your term start date. 

Email the form to into@colostate.edu or fax it to +1-970-492-4687. Please bring 

the original and a copy with you to the US. 

8. Undergraduate and Graduate Pathway students – You are required to provide 

OFFICIAL documents prior to registration for classes as follows: 

• Official Transcript copies including final school certificate and/or degree 

certificate in a sealed envelope issued directly by the institution attended 

and/or government educational ministry (Ministry of Education) in both 

English and the original language. 

• Official TOEFL score submitted online via ETS directly to CSU (CSU College 

Code 4075) 

• Official IELTS scores 

Please send these documents to: 

Admissions Office, INTO Colorado State University 

Spruce Hall 

Campus Delivery 1037 

Fort Collins, CO 80523-1037 

USA 

Or bring them with you when you come to the US. You will not be able to register 

for classes without these documents. 

www.facebook.com/INTOColoradoStateUniversity

9. Print out the Pre-Departure Guide and bring it with you in your carry-on luggage. 

10. Bring enough cash in US dollars to cover expenses for your first few days, about 

$200. Do not bring a lot of cash as you may have problems at Immigration 

11. Bring a copy of all prescriptions for medicines, eyeglasses, and contact lenses with 

you to the US. The prescriptions should be written in English. 

What to bring with you: 

• Your pre-departure guide 

• Valid passport with F-1 student visa 

• I-20 

• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt 

• All papers from the INTO Admissions Office 

• Copies of financial documents (bank statements, account statements, or tax 

documents that show you have enough funds to support your study in the US) 

• Enough money for the first couple of weeks at the University 

• Immunization Documentation Form, completed and signed by your doctor 

• Insurance documents 

• Copies of all prescriptions (in English) for medicine, eyeglasses and contact lenses 


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Getting a Student Visa 

Get Your F-1 Visa 

• You must have a valid passport in order to 

obtain a visa for the United States. Your 

passport should not expire for at least six 

months after the date you plan to enter 

the US. 

• Before visiting the US Consulate for your 

visa, please carefully read the instructions 

on the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) 

issued to you for your studies at CSU. 

Students with an I-20 will apply for an F-1 

student visa. For information about 

applying for an F-1 visa, go to the website 

of your closest US Consulate or Embassy: 

www.usembassy.gov. You can also visit 

the US Department of State’s Travel 

website: www.travel.state.gov/visa/ 

temp/types/types_1268.html 

The US Government requires that international 

students pay a SEVIS I-901 fee when applying 

for an F-1 visa. The fee must be paid prior to 

the visa interview at the US Consulate. This 

fee is in addition to the visa application 

fee. More information is available at the US 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement 

website: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 

At the time of your visa interview, you will 

need to provide documents certifying the 

amounts and sources of financial support for 

your studies. 

Please keep your I-20, SEVIS fee payment 

receipt and proof of financial support to present 

to a US immigration official at the Port of Entry. 


How to Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee 

1. Go to the SEVIS I-901 Fee website: 

https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp 

Read and follow the instructions carefully. 

Make sure to complete the SEVIS Form 

I-901 and pay the fee at least three 

business days before applying for your visa 

interview to allow time for processing. 

2. Your SEVIS ID number can be found above 

the bar code on the top right-hand side of 

your I-20 form. If you are applying for an 

F-1 visa, you will also need the CSU school 

code: DEN214F00179000. 

3. Please pay the SEVIS I-901 fee with 

either a credit or debit card. The current 

fee is $200. 

4. PRINT YOUR RECEIPT. Your SEVIS I-901 fee 

receipt is required for your visa interview. 

Bring it with you to the embassy or 

consulate.! 

Please note that continuing students 

transferring from another US institution and 

dependents applying for an F-2 or J-2 visa do 

not usually need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. 

For more information, visit www.ice.gov/sevis/ 

i901/faq.htm to view frequently asked 

questions about the SEVIS Form I-901 and the 

SEVIS I-901 fee.

Immunization Requirements 

Immunizations 

All students are required to have the following: 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) 

Immunization 

Colorado state law requires that all students 

enrolled for one or more classes and born on or 

after January 1, 1957 must provide proof of 

two vaccinations for measles, mumps and 

rubella prior to enrollment. The completed 

Immunization record must: 

• Include your name and birth date. 

• Show proof of two vaccinations for measles, 

mumps and rubella (MMR) given no earlier 

than 4 days before the students 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. 

• Be translated into English. 

You must download, print, and complete the 

CSU Immunization Documentation Form and 

have it signed by your doctor. Bring a copy of 

this form, and all medical records and forms 

with you to the US. 

The Immunization Documentation Form is 

available at: http://www.health.colostate.edu/ 

pdf/immunizationCertification.pdf 

Immunization Recommendations 

The following is a checklist of vaccinations 

recommended by the American College Health 

Association (ACHA). Review your records with 

your doctor before you depart to ensure that 

they are up to date: 

• Tetanus and Diphtheria 

• Hepatitis B 

• Meningococcal 

• Tuberculin Skin Test (TB Screening): 

Tuberculosis is a potentially contagious and 

common disease worldwide. The screening 

is recommended for all students with travel 

or origin from regions where TB is common 

(most areas of Africa, Asia, Central and 

South America) All individuals with a 

positive skin test will be referred for 

medical evaluation. 

• Varicella (Chickenpox) 

All of the above vaccines are available at the 

CSU Health Network during Orientation and 

throughout the year. Please check the CSU 

Health Network website for more information: 

http://www.health.colostate.edu/pages/ 

immunizations.aspx 


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Health Insurance 

Health Insurance 

Colorado State University requires that 

international students be covered by health 

insurance which meets the US Government 

visa, State of Colorado, and CSU requirements. 

For this reason, the INTO CSU Student Health 

Insurance Plan is automatically added to the 

invoices of all* INTO CSU students. 

(*Sponsored students, please note: If your 

sponsor’s health insurance coverage is known 

to meet the waiver requirements, you will not 

be charged.) 

Waiving Health Insurance 

If you have health insurance from your home 

country and would like to remove the 

mandatory INTO CSU Student Health Insurance 

Plan, you must show that your insurance 

provides equal or greater coverage than 

required by the State of Colorado. 

To see if your alternate insurance will be 

acceptable, please download and carefully 

review the International Student Health 

Insurance Compliance Form at: www.health. 

colostate.edu/pages/insurance.aspx#waiver. 

You must submit this form and a complete copy 

of your insurance policy in English, with 

coverage amounts listed in US dollars, to 

intoapplications@colostate.edu, quoting your 

CSU university number (found on your INTO 

CSU offer letter). 

If you have your own health insurance, and it is 

approved by CSU Health Network at least four 

weeks prior to your start date, the charge for 

the INTO CSU Student Health Insurance Plan 

will be removed from your account. Your health 

insurance policy must begin before you travel 

to the US. 


Please note that most travel insurance policies 

purchased in your home country will not meet 

the waiver requirements. 

Dependent Coverage 

Please ensure you have made arrangements 

for full cover for any dependents traveling 

with you. Please send any inquiries to: 

intoapplications@colostate.edu.

Plan Your Housing 

Living On Campus 

Your home at CSU is more than just a room in a 

residence hall. It’s a place where you can study, 

socialize, and be yourself. Our residence halls 

provide programs, services, and facilities that are 

designed to enhance your campus experience. 

Undergraduate Pathway students are required 

to live on-campus in the Global Village 

Residential Learning Community in Parmelee 

Hall or an adjacent hall for their first two 

semesters. Learning Communities at CSU 

provide a smooth academic and social 

transition to the University, creating a sense of 

community, and increasing academic 

performance, retention, and integration into 

the university experience. 

CSU residence halls include: 

• Convenient location on campus close to 

classrooms, library, and recreation center 

• Front desk that is staffed 24 hours/day 

• Securely locked doors on the exterior and 

interior of the buildings 

• Lounges and/or study rooms - lounges 

have TVs and/or games such as pool and 

ping-pong 

• Student kitchens 

• Laundry facilities 

• Cable TV, wireless high-speed Internet, 

electricity, water and recycling - all included 

in housing and dining fees 

• Student support staff living in each 

residence hall and on each floor 

• Smoke-free environment 

• Alcohol and drug-free environment 

Bed Linen and Towels 

Your bed will be fully equipped with all 

necessary bed linen so you do not need to bring 

anything with you. Towels are also provided. 

Apartment Housing 

For all students except undergraduate Pathway 

students, the INTO CSU Center has arranged 

housing with Prospect Plaza and Cambridge 

House, private apartment complexes located on 

the edge of campus. You will be placed in one of 

the apartments subject to availability at the 

time of your booking. 

As part of the residence life experience, there 

will be opportunities for programs and activities 

designed to help integrate INTO students with 

other CSU students. Prospect Plaza and 

Cambridge House may also provide an 

opportunity for shared accommodations 

with domestic students. 

Prospect Plaza 

Prospect Plaza features and amenities include: 

• Furnished studio, one- and two- bedroom 

apartments 

• Large closets/wardrobes 

• Security entrances with an intercom 

• Easy access to free bus service 

• On-site laundry facilities 

• On-site parking lots 

• Free wireless internet 

• 24-hour on-site maintenance staff 

• Furnished, including: living and dining room, 

bed room(s), air conditioning (in most units), 

mini-blinds, dishwasher, garbage disposal, 

stove, and refrigerator 

• Kitchenware 

• All bed linen and towels, laundered on 

a weekly basis 

• Housekeeping on a bi-weekly basis 


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Plan your Housing (continued) 

Cambridge House 

Cambridge House features and amenities include: 

• Furnished studio, one- and two- bedroom 

apartments 

• Easy access to free bus service 

• Large bedrooms of equal size 

• Double bathroom sinks & full mirror 

• Apartments are furnished and include 

a living and dining room, bed room(s), 

air conditioning, mini-blinds, dishwasher, 

garbage disposal, stove, refrigerator, 

and microwave 

• Kitchenware 

• All bed linen and towels, laundered 

on a weekly basis 

• Housekeeping on a bi-weekly basis 

• Air conditioning 

• Large closets/wardrobes 

• Laundry facilities on-site 

• Security lighting 

• Wireless internet 

• Community space with a hot tub 

• On site parking (by arrangement) 

Prospect Plaza 


Temporary Housing 

If you arrive before the assigned move-in date 

for your program, you will need to make 

temporary arrangements to stay in a hotel until 

you can move into the residence hall. Please 

note that you can arrive at any time as there is 

24-hour staff coverage at both the residence 

halls and the apartments. However you must let 

us know your arrival details in advance: email 

your flight information and arrival details to 

intoarrivals@colostate.edu. If you plan to arrive 

very late in the evening or very early in the 

morning, please phone +1-970-214-4821 so 

we can make arrangements for your arrival. 

Temporary Housing Options 

If you arrive before the weekend which precedes 

the start of term, you may choose to stay in a 

hotel at an average cost of US $85 to $150 per 

night. Hotel information is available online at 

www.fortcollins.com/hotels.html or choose 

from these hotels nearest CSU: 

The Hilton Fort Collins 

425 W. Prospect Rd. 

Fort Collins, CO 80526 

+1-970-482-2626 

www.hilton.com 

Best Western University Inn 

914 S. College Ave. 

Fort Collins, CO 80524 

+1-970-484-1984 

www.bwui.com

What to Pack 

What Should I Pack? 

When you are coming to the US for a period of 

time, it is hard to decide what to pack. 

Remember, you will have to carry your luggage 

sometimes, so pack only as much as you can 

carry! Most airlines allow 20–23 kg of checked 

luggage and there are strict size and weight 

restrictions on all hand luggage. Please check 

with your airline for up-to-date instructions 

before you fly. 

Weather 

Residents of Fort Collins enjoy a moderate and 

sunny climate with just 37 centimeters of rain 

a year. July is the warmest month with an 

average high of 30C and average low of 14C. 

January is the coolest month with an average 

high of 6C and average low of -10C. It is very 

important to have a good winter coat, hat, 

gloves and boots. You can purchase these 

items after you arrive. 

Clothes 

Most students dress very casually. Students 

usually wear jeans and sweatshirts or other 

comfortable clothes. In warm weather, students 

wear shorts and t-shirts. In the winter, sweaters, 

jackets, boots and other warm clothes are 

necessary. For special occasions you should 

have at least one nice outfit. For men, a sports 

coat or suit jacket and tie is fine, and a suit or 

dress is appropriate for women. 

For Your Room 

You should bring some items for your room that 

will remind you of home, such as photographs of 

family and friends, books, and other mementos, 

as these will help you to settle in to your new 

life at the University. 

Remember, bed linen and towels are provided so 

you do not need to bring them. 

Cultural Items 

There are many opportunities for international 

students to share their culture such as: fashion 

shows, international dinners, cultural exhibits, 

and talent shows. Consider bringing your 

national dress, or other clothes associated with 

a hobby or sport you enjoy in your home 

country. (For example: martial arts attire, 

costume for national dances, sports team 

uniform, clothing for formal or religious 

ceremonies, etc.) You may also wish to bring 

cultural items, such as photos, books, souvenirs, 

recorded music, and musical instruments. 

Transferring Money 

Some countries have strict rules about 

transferring money to the United States. 

• Be sure that you have made the necessary 

arrangements with your government and 

familiarized yourself with your bank’s 

procedures for transferring funds. 

• It is a good idea to transfer enough money 

to cover expenses for one term, in addition 

to tuition paid. You should have access to at 

least $500, and up to $1,000, or more. We 

will help you to open a bank account if you 

need to do so during Orientation. 

Labeling Your Luggage 

Always label your luggage clearly, whether you 

are carrying it or sending it separately. The label 

should have your full name and the address of 

the INTO CSU Center: 

INTO Colorado State University 

Spruce Hall 



USA 


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Arriving in the US 

Let Us Know You’re Coming 

We want your arrival in Colorado, and your 

transition to INTO CSU and the CSU campus 

to be as comfortable as possible. We can 

arrange for transportation to meet you at 

Denver International Airport and take you 

directly to your accommodation. Please arrive 

on the Saturday or Sunday before your start 

date when there will be INTO CSU staff at 

the airport to assist you. 

When booking your flights to Denver 

International Airport, please remember: you 

should arrive at least one day before your 

program start date (refer to brochure or I-20 

for start date) and arrive at the INTO CSU 

Center in Fort Collins by 8.00 am on your 

program start date. 

To book an airport transfer, send your arrival 

details to intoarrivals@colostate.edu at least 

seven days before you arrive. More details 

about airport transfer are on page 13. Even if 

you do not require a transfer, you must send 

us your arrival details so we can make sure 

everything is ready for your arrival at the 

INTO CSU Center. 

Entering the US 

As an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the 

US no earlier than 30 days before the program 

start date listed on your I-20. 

Be sure to have the following documents with 

you on the plane and ready to present at the 

US Port of Entry: 

• Original I-20 

• Valid passport (does not expire within six 

months after your entry into the US) 

• F-1 visa 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Documentation of finances for your first 

year of studies 


For more information about preparing for arrival 

at a US port of entry, visit www.ice.gov/sevis/ 

factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm 

Customs & Immigration 

Form I-94 

You will receive Form I-94 (below) to complete 

during your flight. You must complete this 

form and present it to the immigration official 

when you enter the US. The immigration 

official will stamp this form and staple it to 

your passport. DO NOT LOSE THIS FORM. We 

will make copies of it at the INTO CSU Center 

and you will need it to leave the country. 

US Customs Declaration Form 

You will also receive the US Customs 

Declaration Form (below) to complete during 

your flight. You must complete this form and 

present it to the immigration official when you 

enter the US. The immigration official will stamp 

it and return it to you. You will then present it to 

the customs official at the baggage checkpoint.

Meeting Immigration Staff 

at the Airport 

When you arrive at a US airport, you should 

be prepared to answer some questions. 

Questions an immigration officer may ask: 

• Why are you coming to the US? 

• Where and what course are you studying? 

• Where will you live during your studies? 

• How are you going to pay for your studies? 

INTO CSU Airport Transfer Service 

If you have booked an airport transfer, you must 

let us know when you are arriving and on what 

flight: email your flight information and arrival 

details to intoarrivals@colostate.edu. 

When your plane has landed at Denver 

International Airport (DEN), please follow 

these steps: 

• If you are on an international flight, follow 

the signs to US Customs and Immigration 

and then on to Baggage Claim. Once you 

have collected your luggage, go through 

Customs and then through the double 

doors and look for a student leader 

wearing a green INTO CSU T-shirt. 

(Saturday or Sunday before term starts) 

• If you are arriving on a domestic flight, 

follow the signs to Baggage Claim where 

a student leader will be waiting to assist 

you. He/she will be wearing a green INTO 

CSU T-shirt. (Saturday or Sunday before 

term starts) 

• You will be taken to your transport. If you 

are travelling by coach, you may have to 

wait a short while for other students to 

arrive. If you have booked a private 

transfer, the leader will take you straight 

to the car. 

• If you have not booked an airport transfer, 

we recommend you go to the Green Ride 

Colorado Shuttle office in the Main 

Terminal. The staff will assist you to book 

an airport transfer to Fort Collins. After 

you have booked your transfer to Fort 

Collins, please call +1-970-214-4821 

so we know when to expect your arrival. 

Flight Problems or Delays 

If your flight is delayed, you cannot find 

an INTO CSU Student Leader, or you have 

problems during your travels, please call 

or text the INTO CSU Arrival Number 

(+1-970-214-4821). If you are at the 

Denver International Airport, please wait 

in the baggage claim area. 

If you can’t find an INTO CSU Student Leader, 

there are Hospitality Ambassadors stationed 

throughout the airport. They wear white 

cowboy hats and beige leather vests, so they 

are easily recognizable. The Hospitality 

Ambassadors will be happy to give you 

directions or other assistance. 

At Denver Airport, look for 

students wearing these T-shirts! 

i 


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Arriving at INTO CSU 

Checking-in to Your Residence Hall 

or Your Apartment 

Please have your passport available when you 

check in at your residence hall so that we can 

make sure you get the correct room. 

Remember: You will not be able to check in to 

your residence hall until the weekend before the 

program start date. INTO CSU will send you the 

specific move-in date for your program before 

you arrive. If you arrive before your housing is 

ready, you will need to stay in a local hotel. 

Please see page 9-10 of this guide for more 

information about temporary housing. 

If you have not informed us when you will arrive, 

you should telephone +1-970-214-4821 

before you get to your accommodation so that a 

member of staff is there to welcome you. 

INTO CSU Center, Spruce Hall 


Dining On Campus 

Aside from where you’ll sleep, food is the 

most important factor that will influence your 

daily life. CSU’s restaurants, convenience 

stores and cafés are located within a few 

steps of any residence hall on campus, and 

offer menus reflecting both traditional 

American and international cuisine. 

When you live on campus, you can use your 

dining plan at any of the six dining centers 

across campus. Dining options are available 

from 7 am to 1 am. All campus food locations 

have wireless internet access. 

Additionally, the residence halls have a shared 

kitchen, which allows you to cook what you 

want from time to time, just for yourself, or to 

share with a group of friends. 

Students living off-campus can also choose 

to have a meal plan which you can book when 

you arrive. 

How to Get to the INTO CSU Center 

The INTO CSU Center is located in Spruce 

Hall, located on the corner of Laurel Street 

and College Street, on the CSU campus. If 

arriving by car, taxi or shuttle, ask the driver 

to go to the INTO CSU Center, located at the 

following address: 


Spruce Hall 

150 Old Main Drive 

Fort Collins, CO 80523


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Orientation and Registration 

Orientation 

Please report to the INTO CSU Center by 8:00 

am on your program start date for orientation. 

DO NOT BE LATE. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO 

ATTEND ALL ORIENTATION EVENTS 

Be sure to bring the following with you to 

Orientation: 

• Passport, visa, I-94 card, and I-20 

• Original transcripts or test scores, if 

needed (see Checklist) 

• Proof of MMR immunization 

During Orientation Week you will: 

• Take an English language placement test 

• Take a math placement test (Pathway 

undergraduate students only) 

• Open your university email account, if you 

haven’t already 

• Learn about campus resources 

• Confirm you have provided all required 

health and admissions documents 

• Pay any balances you owe 

• Learn about your student visa regulations 

• Register for your classes 

• Take a campus tour 

• Get your student ID card 

Course Registration and 

Placement Evaluations 

New students will take an English test to 

determine their appropriate course level. 

Students cannot register for classes without 

doing the English test, so do not be late. You 

will be able to register for your classes only 

after all admissions documents have been 

checked, full payment of tuition has been 

made, and you have fulfilled the 

immunization requirement. 


Textbooks 

You will be provided information about your 

textbooks after you arrive. The cost of 

textbooks can be high, but previously used 

textbooks are often available at the CSU 

Bookstore in the Lory Student Center for lower 

prices. Average textbook costs per session: 

• Academic English - $150 

• General English - $90 

• Pathway programs will vary depending 

on program 

Student ID card 

Your student identification (ID) card allows 

you access to campus resources like the 

library and gym. If you have signed up for a 

meal plan, your student ID card works as a 

debit card for your meal plan when you make 

purchases at campus dining locations, coffee 

shops and convenience stores. You will 

receive your student ID Card after you arrive.

Your First Week 

Orientation 

Life in the US may be quite different from 

what you’re used to. Following our advice will 

ensure you have a smooth transition. Whether 

it’s packing your bags, buying a mobile phone, 

or finding a doctor, we can point you in the 

right direction. 

Cash & Credit/Debit Cards 

The currency in the United States is the US 

Dollar (US $). It is divided into one hundred 

cents (100 cents). Bills are issued in $100, 

$50, $20, $10, $5, and $1. Coins are called a 

quarter (25 cents), a dime (10 cents), a nickel 

(5 cents), and a penny (1 cent). You should not 

carry large amounts of cash with you. 

However, plan to carry some smaller bills and 

change with you when you first arrive in the 

US for food, phone calls, and other 

inexpensive purchases. 

In the US, the most widely accepted credit 

cards are VISA and MasterCard. It is not easy 

for international students to obtain credit 

cards in the US. It is best to apply for a credit 

card in your home country. If you would like to 

take cash from your credit or debit account, 

you can use a Plus, Cirrus, Interlink, or Star 

Network bank card to make a withdrawal. 

ATMs are located in the airport, on the CSU 

campus, and around Fort Collins. 

Opening a Bank Account 

When you arrive on campus, you will need to 

open checking and/or savings account(s) with 

a bank. INTO will give you information about 

local banks. You usually need two pieces of 

picture identification (passport and student 

ID card), your local mailing address, and money 

to open an account. 

Cell Phones 

If you would like to have a cell phone while 

living in the US, most cities host all four major 

providers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and 

Sprint). You will receive a handout with more 

information about buying a cell phone and all 

the cell phone stores after you arrive. 

Computers & Internet Access 

All internet access for students is free on 

campus. Many locations on campus have 

computer labs and wireless internet access. 

If you would like to use the internet from your 

room in the residence hall, you will need your 

own computer and an Ethernet cable, which 

you can purchase after you arrive. 


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Your First Week (Continued) 

Keeping in Contact With Home 

When you arrive in the US you will have 

traveled a long way from home. Although this 

will be an exciting time, please do remember 

that your family and friends may worry about 

you. Remember to contact them and let them 

know that you are safe! 

Skype is a free computer program that allows 

you to use your computer like a phone and 

place international calls to other Skype users 

for free. Depending on your computer, web 

cameras are also supported. Please go to 

skype.com for more information and to 

download for free. 

Driving 

To drive a car in the US, you will need to get a 

US Driver’s License. You must pass a written 

knowledge test of US driving laws in English, 

and a driving test. You will also have to wait 

until after you are enrolled in your classes 

and can provide proof of enrollment to the US 

government before you will be able to get a 

driver’s license. More information about how 

to obtain a license will be provided after you 

arrive and is available at isss.colostate.edu/ 

forms/DMVInfo.pdf 

Appliances 

Voltage in the US is 110-volts AC. You can 

purchase a plug adapter which will allow you 

to plug in your electronics from home. Items 

like laptop computers and digital camera 

chargers often have a built-in voltage adapter 

and will only need a plug adapter to work 

properly abroad. We recommend purchasing 

all other necessary appliances and electronics 

after you arrive. 


Things to remember 

• attend ALL your classes 

• always be on time 

• be prepared for your classes 

• care for others’ feelings and cultures 

• feel free to ask questions whenever 

you need to 

• join social events and sports clubs. 

There are lots to choose from so ask 

our staff 

• keep your accommodation clean 

and tidy 

• overcome problems by sharing them 

with your friends, teachers and staff 

• practice English as much as you can 

and in as many places as you can 

• your academic progress and your 

behavior will always be monitored 

i

Student Services 

Student Services helps every international 

student feel welcomed, involved, and 

connected. We provide support for students’ 

daily lives, plan many unique and exciting 

trips, and offer numerous opportunities to 

meet and talk to native English speakers. In 

short, we strive to help all of our students 

get the most from their experience in the US. 

INTO offers a high level of personalized 

service to ensure your success. This includes: 

• 24-hour Emergency Phone 

• Coordinators, instructors and advisers 

dedicated to supporting your academic 

performance 

• Full-time Student Care Coordinator 

dedicated to helping you with any 

personal matter 

• Full-time Housing Coordinator to assist 

you with your on-campus or apartment 

housing reservation, changes, requests, 

questions and other issues 

English Conversation 

Opportunities 

English conversation programs and 

on-campus events help students feel like a 

part of the university community. 

• Conversation partners for Academic 

English and General English students 

• Weekly English conversation groups for 

Pathway, Academic English and General 

English students 

Trips and Activities 

We offer many trips and activities: 

• Trips: day trips and overnight break trips 

• Sports: university sporting events, 

intramural sports, trips to professional 

sporting events 

• Parties: Welcome and Farewell Parties 

• Concerts and cultural events 

• Student clubs and organizations to join 


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20 


Safety 

Fort Collins Safety Information 

US universities are, for the most part, very 

safe and welcoming places. However, it is 

important to be aware of possible threats and 

take steps to help ensure the safety of your 

property and yourself. 

Follow these steps to prevent thieves from 

taking advantage of your unprotected property: 

• Lock up your bicycle whenever you leave 

it unattended. Securely lock your bike 

through the frame and both wheels. Don’t 

buy an expensive bike, as it will be more 

attractive to thieves. 

• Do not leave items unattended in the 

library. Even textbooks may be stolen, as 

thieves hope to sell the books for cash. 

• Always keep your student ID card on you 

and safe, as a thief could use the money 

attached to the card to make purchases 

on campus. 

• Always lock the door to your house, 

apartment, or dorm room when you leave. It 

is also a good idea to lock your windows. 

• Always lock your car when you are not 

using it. Don’t leave valuable items in 

your car. 

• Don’t keep a lot of cash on you or in your 

apartment or dorm room. Keep it in the 

bank until you need it. 

Make sure your passport and other important 

documents are kept in a safe, locked location. 


Campus Safety Tips 

Travel with a friend or in a group. 

• Safewalk is a free service for all CSU 

students. CSU students are available to 

walk with you anyplace on campus or 

within a two block radius of campus. Call 

+1-970-491-1155 to have a CSU 

student walk with you. 

• Blue Light Emergency Phones are placed 

around campus for quick communication 

with Campus Security. 

• Campus Security can provide additional 

services such as personal escorts, vehicle 

jump-starts, and building access 

assistance. 

• Report any suspicious activity to Campus 

Security immediately. 

Medical Services 

If you need medical attention from a doctor 

please use these resources: 

Medical Services 

Hartshorn Health Building 

600 South Drive 

Phone: +1-970-491-7121 

Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am-5:00pm, 

Saturday -Sunday CLOSED 

After-Hours /Emergency Medical Assistance 

For life-threatening emergencies only, Dial 

911 and seek care at the nearest hospital 

emergency room facility: 

Poudre Valley Hospital 

1024 S. Lemay Ave. 

Fort Collins, CO 

Phone: 970-495-7000


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22 


Meet the INTO CSU team 

Elizabeth Munro 

Interim Center Director 

Katharine Wormus 

Housing Assignments and 

Arrivals Coordinator 

Nancy Berry 

Pathway Program Director 

Nicole Johnson 

Administrative Assistant 

Joe Rymski 

IT Manager 

Lory-Ann Varela 

Assistant Director, Global 

Village Community 

Beth Cloven 

Academic English 

Coordinator 


Kim Loomis 

Finance Manager 

Pattie Cowell 

Interim Academic Director 

Mary Kay Wedum 

Pathway English 

Coordinator 

Tamara Burns 

Marketing and Communications 

Coordinator 

Margaret Gough 

English Language 

Program Director 

Regina Franklin 

Academic Support and 

Admissions Manager

Key Contacts, 

Useful Numbers & Websites 

How to contact INTO CSU 

The phone number for the INTO CSU center 

is: +1-970-492-4686 

The INTO CSU Front Office is open Monday 

through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30pm. 

Arrival Phone number (outside office hours) 

is: +1-970-214-4821 

Please use this phone number to contact 

INTO CSU during your travel to and arrival in 

Colorado and Fort Collins. Please be sure to 

notify us immediately of flight delays, lost 

luggage, or if you cannot find the airport 

shuttle service. Someone is always available 

to assist you. 

CSU Campus Police 

Emergency: 911 

Nonemergency +1-970-491-6425 

CSU Medical Services: +1-970-491-7121 

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm 

www.health.colostate.edu/pages/location. 

aspx 

Emergency Number 

Emergency Police, Fire, and Ambulance 

Services Number (anywhere in the US) 

911 

i 

Useful Websites 

US Student Visa Information 

travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/ 

types_1268.html 

US Embassies and Consulates 

www.usembassy.gov 

Foreign Embassies in the US 

www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm 

CSU Student Health Services 

www.health.colostate.edu/pages/location. 

aspx 

International Student and Scholar 

Services (ISSS) 

www.isss.colostate.edu 

Fort Collins FREE Transfort Bus Service 

parking.colostate.edu/pages/Transfort.aspx 

Fort Collins Visitor’s Guide 

www.visitftcollins.com 

Fort Collins Weather 

www.weather.com/weather/today/ 

Fort+Collins+CO+USCO0140 


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24 


Campus Map 

INTO CSU Buildings 

1. INTO CSU Center (Spruce Hall) 

2. Alder Hall 

On-Campus Housing 

3. Parmelee Hall 

Birch St. 

Conference 

Services 

Plum 

Street 

Elizabeth 

Street 

University 

Avenue 

Westward 

Drive 

Springfield 

Drive 

Shields Street 

Laurel Street 



N 

Del Norte 

Place 

Ingersoll 

Hall 

Monte Vista 

Avenue 

Palmer Center 

Westfall 

Hall 

McGraw 

Athletic 

Center 

Academic 

Training 

Center 

Durward 

Hall 

Durrell 

Center 

Moby 

Arena 

A 

Edwards 

Hall 

Armstrong 

Avenue 

Summit Hall 

Lory 

Apartments 

North 

Lory 

Apartments 

South 

Plum Street/North Drive 

South Drive 

Pitkin Street 

B 

Washington 

Avenue 

Intramural 

Gym 

C 

Thermal 

Plant 

Academic 

Village 

C 

Vehicle Thoroughfares 

Pay-by-Space Parking 

Laurel Street 

Student 

Recreation 

Center 

Construction 

Zone 

Construction 

Zone 


A 

B 

Grant 

Avenue 

Corbett 

Hall 

Indoor 

Practice 

Facility 

Student 

Recreation 

Center 

Aspen 

Hall 

D 

Parmelee 

Hall 

Newsom 

Hall 

Holley Plant Environmental 

Research Center 

3 

Meridian Avenue 

Loomis 

Avenue 

Meridian Avenue/Loomis Street 

Green 

Hall 

Vietnam 

Memorial 

Bridge 

Aylesworth 

Hall 

Arthur 

Ditch 

University Avenue 

Hartshorn 

Health Center 

Meridian Avenue 

Whitcomb Street 

Whitcomb 

Street 

Lagoon 

Visual 

Arts 

Weather 

Station 

Allison 

Hall 

TRANSFORT 

TRANSIT CENTER 

Braiden 

Hall 

Rockwell 

West 

Gifford 

Rockwell Hall 

Lory 

Student 

Center 

Braiden Drive 

Pitkin Street 

Sherwood 

Street 

Pay-by- 

Space 

Parking 

Morgan Library 

Eddy Hall 

Education 

A 

A B C D E 

Engineering 

Glover 

Clark 

A 

B 

C 

Clark 

Microbiology 

Chemistry 

Yates Hall 

C 

ZW 

Molecu 

lar 

and 

Radiol 

ogical 

Biosci 

ences 

B 

Fire Lane – No Parking 

Compute 

r 

Science 

Behavioral 

Sciences 

A 

Meldrum Meldrum Meldrum 

Street Street Street 

Natural 

Resources 

B 

Anatomy/ 

Zoology 

Physiology 

Weber 

Ammons 

Hall 

TILT 

Animal Sciences 

Stock Judging 

Pavilion 

s 

c 

i 

t 

s 

i 

t 

a 

t 

S 

NRRL 

Waga 

r 

Forestry 

W E 

C 

Plant Science 

ZE 

Laurel Street 

Isotope Drive 

Monfort 

Quadrangle 

Environmental 

Health 

Danforth 

Chapel 

Oval 

Drive 

Greenhouse 

Admin. 

Shepardson 

d 

tal 

Nat 

ura 

l an 

Envi 

ronm 

en 

Sci 

enc 

es 

Weed 

Research 

Lab 

Howes Howes 

Street Street 

Painter 

Center 

Pathology 

Guggenheim 

Hall 

Johnson 

Hall 

Gibbons 

O.T. 

Annex 

Heating 

Plant 

Student 

Chiller 

Plant 

General 

Services 

Observatory 

Facilities 

Service Center 

Insectary 

Preconstruction 

Center 

Laurel 

Hall 

Occupational 

Therapy 

Centennial 

Hall 

Services 

Military 

Science 

Military 

Annex 

National Center 

for Genetic 

Resources 

Preservation 

Chiller 

Plant #2 

Mason 

Street 

Industrial 

Sciences Labs 

Motor Pool 

Microwave 

Tower 

Central 

Receiving 

Potting 

Shed 

Sage Hall 

Meter 

Parking 

Routt 

Hall 

Spruce 

Hall 

College 

Avenue 

Gym 

Field House 

Vocational 

Education 

Alder Hall 

Jack 

Christiansen 

Memorial 

Track 

Lake Street Lake Street 

Lake 

Street 

Garage 

Edison Drive 

"A" Street 

University Avenue 

Pitkin Street 

Prospect Road Prospect Road 

Center 

Avenue 

to Ropes 

Course, 

NRRC, 

and VTH 

Meldrum Street 

Hilton 

Location 

Myrtle Street 

West Drive 

Howes Street 

Business Center 

Howes Street 

Home Mgt. 

House 

University Services 

Center (Bromley Hall) 

East Drive 

East Drive 

East Drive 

Book 

Storage 

Facility 

alley 

Mason Street 

Surplus 

Property 

Warehouse 

Mason Street 

Old Main Drive 

College Avenue 

Alumni 

Center 

Plum 

Street 


Square 

1 

2 

Locust 

Street 

Elizabeth 

Street 

Garfield 

Street 

Edwards 

Street 

College 

Avenue 

Underpass 

Annual 

Trial 

Gardens 

Gazebo 

Remington Street 

Pitkin Street 

Edna 

Rizley Griffin 

Concert Hall 


Center 

for the 

Arts 

Lake Street 

Annex 

500 ft./152.4 m. 

500 ft. = approximately .1 mile/100 m. = .1 km. 

Peterson Street

Notes 


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26 


www.facebook.com/INTOColoradoStateUniversity


27


Colorado State University 

Spruce Hall 



USA 

T: +1.970.492.4686 

F: +1.970.492.4687 

E: into@colostate.edu 


© INTO Colorado State University, June 2012. All content published in this document 

is believed accurate at time of publication. INTO reserves the right to alter details of 

all aspects of its operation without notice. 

INTO University Partnerships Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, 

registered number 05507863. Registered office: 102 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EZ CSU_PDG_043 

With a unique partnership model and a rapidly expanding international network, INTO 

helps transform the capacity and performance of its partner universities. Major investment 

supports academic innovation and the development of outstanding facilities to provide 

students with distinctive, high-quality opportunities at excellent universities.

Pre-departure - INTO University Partnerships

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