Pre-Arrival FAQs
Most pre-arrival questions can be answered via our online Pre-arrival Guide, however, below are some of our most frequent questions we receive from International Students and Scholars before they arrive at CSU.
What is the weather like?
Fort Collins boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year! The area also features low humidity, moderate winters and an overall mild year-round climate. You can expect about 15 inches (40 cm) of precipitation each year with about one-third of it in the form of snow.
July is the warmest month, with an average high of 32°C (90°F) and an average low of 14°C (57°F). You will learn to bring a light jacket with you, even in the summer, because hot days can cool down quickly once the sun goes down. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 6°C (42°F) and an average low of -10°C (14°F), with high wind speeds, rain, and snow. Sometimes there are “cold snaps” when the temperature will never rise above -10°C (14°F) for three or four days! We highly recommend purchasing hats, gloves, warm boots, and a winter coat for these times.
What should I pack?
Please bring original copies of the following documents with you to the airport.
You will be required to show these at the U.S. Port of Entry. We also recommend making copies of each, and bringing them in a different location than the originals.
– Passport valid at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter the US
– Valid visa for the school you will attend
– I-20 or DS-2019 with a report date of your planned enrollment
– SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
– Colorado State University Offer Letter and Admission Letter
– Copy of financial documents (bank statements, account statements, or tax documents that show you have enough funds to support your study in the US)
You should also pack:
– Enough accessible money–in cash or debit and credit cards–for initial living expenses, such as housing and food. We recommend bringing about $400. There are limits to the amount of cash you are allowed to bring with you when entering the US. Please check with CBP to make sure you are within the allowable limit.
– A copy of all prescriptions for medicines, eyeglasses and contact lenses. All prescriptions should be written in English.
– Bring prescriptions that you are currently taking.
– Bring an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.
– Winter coat and boots/shoes (unless you wish to purchase here).
– Printed addresses and phone numbers of friends and family. Do not rely on electronic copies stored on your phone; you never know when your phone will lose power, or you will lose reception.
– Cultural items to share with others and remind you of home: music, crafts, videos, photo albums, recipes, and traditional clothing are just a few suggestions!
– Check with housing and dining to find out whether you will need to provide your own bedding for your dorm or university housing. Most on-campus living spaces require students to provide their own bedding.
– If you’re bringing a phone, laptop, digital camera with a charger, or other electronics from home, you may need to purchase a plug adapter. While US electrical outlets are 110-volts AC, many electronics are made with a voltage adapter so you only have to convert the shape of the plug (not the voltage). You can purchase these after arriving.
How do I get to Fort Collins from the Denver International Airport?
Before traveling, you can book a shuttle bus service from the Denver Airport to Fort Collins. Learn more about your transportation options.
Arrival FAQs
Most arrival questions can be answered via our online arrival resources, however, below are some of our most frequent questions we receive from International Students and Scholars about arriving to CSU.
When should I arrive?
Students:
In order to attend the mandatory Ram Orientation for International Students for each semester, please plan to arrive before Orientation begins. Make your travel and housing arrangements early, including plane tickets, shuttle reservation, and arrangements for temporary and permanent housing. You may consider buying travel insurance.
F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are allowed to enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
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Scholars:
J-1 exchange visitors are allowed to enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on your DS-2019.
H-1B/TN/O-1/E-3 employees are allowed to enter the US no earlier than 10 days before the employment start date.
When can I move into my CSU apartment or Residence Hall?
Apartments
Please check with Housing and Dining to see what your move-in date is.
Residence Halls
Students living on campus can request to be put on the “early move-in list” for their residence hall. You will be charged a daily fee for moving in early; this charge includes your room and 3 meals each day in one of the CSU dining centers. As soon as you know your arrival date, notify your residence hall to make sure you will be allowed to move in early!
Residence Halls typically officially open the weekend before classes start each semester
(early arrivals for RLCs, band, athletics, and student leadership positions will be arranged through your programs) Check in consists of completing important paperwork not already done and signing for and receiving keys. Expect the check in process to take about 1 hour (depending on crowds).
If you arrive after the front desk has closed, you will need to call the on-duty phone number. We encourage you to find out what that phone number is before you arrive, even if you do not expect to arrive late.
More information can be found on the Housing and Dining Services website!
What if my housing isn’t ready by the date of my arrival?
Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and must do so before arriving in Fort Collins. If you arrive before your assigned move-in date, you will need to make temporary arrangements at a nearby hotel or hostel. Explore temporary housing options.
When should I check-in with the International Office?
F-1 and J-1 students should check in online as soon as possible after arriving in the US (complete IDR!)
J-1 scholars should check in online as soon as possible after arriving.
H-1B/TN/O-1/E-3 employees are not required to check in the International Office, but please email ISSS@colostate with any questions you may have.
How do I get my I-94?
You can get a PDF copy of your I-94 by entering your passport information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 website by clicking the “Get Most Recent I-94” tab at the top of the webpage. Then you’ll input your passport information to get the I-94.
You can and should check your I-94 for any errors as soon as you’re past CBP inspection; if there are errors, it’s easiest to correct while you are still near CBP and they are operational.
How do I apply for a Social Security Number?
Scholars: Social Security Information.
Student: Social Security Information.
Any tips for buying a car?
Yes, we have tons! Check out our Driving in the U.S. page for more information.
If you still have questions, please contact International Student and Scholar Services for more information and resources!
General Student FAQs
A list of common general questions International Students have about Colorado State University.
What tips do you have for new international students?
1. Try to be on time, even for informal events. Locals are generally punctual.
2. Come to class prepared (and come to class!)
3. Never be afraid to ask questions. CSU exists to serve our students, and in general Americans ask many questions.
4. Join social events, student organizations, and sports teams–at the end of your time at CSU, you don’t want to leave wondering about all the things you missed. Your time here is to gain a degree, yes, but even employers value student involvement more than you think!
5. Keep your accommodation clean and tidy. Make your home a place you feel at peace.
6. Overcome problems by sharing them with your friends, teachers and CSU resources like the counseling office.
7. Put effort into making friends outside your own culture group. It is not always easy, but it’s worth it!
Please let us know if you have any questions – we’re here to help!
What might be different in the American classroom?
Just as American culture is different from your own, so classroom culture at CSU may be different from what you are used to. Learn more about some possible differences:
– Expect more interaction with your professor–often on a more personal level
– It may be considered disrespectful if you show up late: attend every class, and always show up on time.
– Your professor may ask to be called by their first name
– Your professor likely expects you to show up to office hours outside of class
– Participating in class (sharing your ideas, asking questions, etc) is extremely important–do this every day
– Expect a lot more homework, a lot more group projects, and a lot more discussion
– Your grades will be based on participation (including showing up on time), homework, and tests – not just the final exam.
– Exams ask more open-ended questions–emphasizing how you worked out your answer
– General expectation of politeness and respect–say “please” and “thank you” to everyone, regardless of status
How do I register for classes?
All new students are assigned advising codes. This 6-digit number is required before registering and is given to you when you are advised.
Undergraduate students will a complete pre-registration checklist in their RamStart Dashboard. Once all steps are complete, students can schedule an appointment directly with their assigned academic advisor to register for courses.
Graduate students will learn how to be advised by reaching out to your graduate department coordinator, who can put you in contact with your advisor.
Once you have your advising code, you may register for classes!
Our office provides instructions for online course registration.
Enrollment Requirements
Please make sure you review your enrollment requirements to make sure you are registered for a full time course load per your immigration status.
How and when do I pay my tuition?
Tuition and fees are billed directly to your student account. Full payment is due by September 10th for Fall semester and February 10th for Spring semester. You can view your account on your RamWeb. Office of Financial Aid has more information on this process.
What is the University’s Immigration Services Fee Charge?
Colorado State University collects an administrative charge to cover administrative costs associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The USA Patriot Act (2001) requires universities to utilize the SEVIS system and maintain extensive electronic records.
This fee should not be confused with the I-901 SEVIS fee that visa applicants pay to the United States Department of State.
The Immigration Services Fee charge is $175 per semester.
It is charged to all F-1 and J-1 students for this each semester they are enrolled, including summer if summer coursework occurs.