WELCOME TO COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
PLACE Pre-Arrival Checklist
Welcome to Colorado State University! This pre-arrival guide is designed to help you prepare for the PLACE Intensive English Program. Click through each item below to review important information and the steps required to complete each pre-arrival task. Review this page carefully and be ready to reference it often as you prepare to transition to the U.S., Colorado, Fort Collins, and CSU!
This checklist is for PLACE students; see separate guides if you are an incoming CSU student or scholar.
Step one:
Confirm Your Plans
If you are ready to confirm your spot in the Intensive English Program for your upcoming term, please let us know as soon as possible. This will help us to secure your spot, help facilitate your immigration documents, and help you plan for arrival.
To confirm your spot, please email [email protected] with your name, CSU ID, and entry term as soon as possible.
Obtain I-20 and Apply for Visa
For every immigration document you receive, check that the spelling of your name and your date of birth
are exactly the same as listed on your passport. Copy all documents prior to departure. Carry all originals with you when you travel, and keep copies in a separate place.
1. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter the U.S.
2. Obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 with a start date for your planned enrollment
Submit your required documents to be issued an I-20 or DS-2019. When your immigration documents are ready, you will receive an email with your I-20 or DS-2019 attached. You will be required to submit this document when you apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Immediately after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019, complete the following steps in order to apply for your visa. Please verify that the information on your I-20, including your name and date of birth, are accurate and match what is listed on your passport exactly. If you have any changes to make, please contact [email protected].
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Follow the U.S. Embassy instructions to pay this fee online. When submitting this fee, you will need to input the following information:
-Input your name and date of birth exactly as it appears on the I-20 or DS-2019 form.
-Input CSU’s school or program code. This is located on the front page of your document:
—F-1: DEN214F00179000
—J-1: P-1-00240
Print a copy of the online 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 immigration documents.
4. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). This application is required in order to arrange your visa interview. If a specific institution address is needed, you may submit the address for the Office of International Programs (1024 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, USA, 80523). The Department of State has a website dedicated to frequently asked questions.
5. Schedule a visa application interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Find your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate and schedule an appointment with them as early as possible. The wait time for a visa interview varies, but is always longer during the 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 can require additional time. The earliest the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can issue an F-1 visa is 120 days before the start date of your program in the U.S. If you are applying for a J-1 visa, you may apply any time before the beginning of your program.
6. Prepare for your visa interview
Remember to remain calm and answer all the visa officer’s questions openly and honestly. Bring the following to your appointment:
– Passport valid for at least six months
– I-20 or DS-2019 form (signed/dated)
– CSU Admission letter
– Completed visa application forms (printed DS-160 confirmation notice)
– Two 2” x 2” photographs in the required format
– A receipt of the paid SEVIS I-901 fee
– Financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your period of 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. Visa Delays
If you are unable to obtain a visa prior to the program start date, email [email protected] immediately. You may defer and apply your deposit toward the tuition for the next semester.
More helpful information on applying for a U.S. visa
Activate Your NetID and Log into RamWeb
1. Activate your NetID
Your first step to become part of the CSU community is to activate your NetID. To activate your NetID you will need to use the email address that you used to apply to the Intensive English Program and to have your CSUID number, which is available in your RamWeb.
Creating an NetID will also create your @colostate.edu email address. Be sure to check this email account regularly (or forward it to your preferred email), as all important student notifications will be sent to this address.
2. Log into RamWeb
Your NetID allows you to access RamWeb, the CSU student portal. Among other things, you may use RamWeb to: register for classes, check grades, pay account balances, and find your unofficial transcript.
3. View your Interactive, Ram Start Checklist (Undergraduate Students)
Another checklist! While the list on this page is a helpful, self-guided resource as you plan your arrival to CSU, the Ram Start checklist is personal to you, and updated along with your progress. It will show you which items are incomplete and still need your attention. Please use both resources in your planning.
It’s important to log in to RamWeb now to see if you have any steps to complete before you are Registration Ready (allowed to enroll in classes).
How do I get to the Ram Start Checklist?
Your Ram Start checklist will be available once you are admitted to CSU. To sign in:
1. Go to RamWeb and sign in using your NetID
2. Navigate to the Ram Start section
3. Click the “Ram Start Checklist” button
4. Explore your checklist items. Incomplete or items that need attention items will have a “X” icon next to them, and you can find more information to complete them below your checklist.
Enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication and Activate your CSU Email
1. Enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication
Once you have your NetID, your next step is to enroll in Duo. Duo is a tool that provides two-factor authentication to better protect your account by requiring an additional piece of information beyond your username and password. When you access certain CSU online services (e.g. Microsoft 365, Teams, email, etc.), you will be required to use a device that you have to provide an additional layer of security to your account.
Note that switching cell phones or changing Sim cards will require you to reactivate Duo on your new phone number.
Need help enrolling in Duo?
CSU Information Technology Support Helpdesk
Phone: (970) 491-7276
Email: [email protected]
2. Activate your CSU Email
After you activate your NetID, you should also establish your university email account (using Office 365). Your email address is formatted with your first name and last name, followed by @colostate.edu. For example: [email protected]. This is referred to as your “alias” and is the public address you supply when someone wants to email you. Your CSU email account stays with you throughout your CSU experience.
Once you have been admitted, CSU staff and faculty will use your CSU email account for information including financial aid, housing, orientation, academic courses, transfer evaluations and more. Check your CSU email regularly once you have been admitted. You are responsible for the information sent to your CSU email account.
To log in to your CSU email account:
1. Go to the Office365 login page
2. In the sign-in box, enter your NetID as the username in the format [email protected]
3. Enter your NetID password
4. Once logged in, click on “Outlook”
Note: there might be a delay of up to two hours between when you create your NetID and when your email account is ready to use.
Secure Housing
Apply for housing immediately after you receive admission. Secure your housing plans well in advance of departing for the U.S. On and off-campus space fills quickly.
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On-Campus Options (Required for first-year students)
CSU offers a wide selection of housing and dining options to ensure all students feel at home on campus.
There are 15 residence halls on the CSU campus. Most residence hall rooms host two students in one room. Items included in your room: adjustable bed frame, desk with chair, closet, curtains, trash and recycle bins.
Fall semester on-campus housing application opens in early-January. Spring semester housing application opens in mid-September. Learn more about residence halls and university apartments on the housing website.
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Off-Campus Options
Off-Campus Life can help you identify housing in the Fort Collins community, plus they offer resources to help you make a successful transition to your new home.
Finding furnished apartments is rare. Many apartments require first and last month’s rent before you move in, plus a deposit. Most apartments require a one-year lease. Visit an off-campus rental in-person before signing a lease. Student Legal Services can help you with the process to ensure the lease is legal and appropriate.
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Temporary Housing
Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and should do so before arriving in Fort Collins. If you arrive before the assigned move-in date, you will need to make temporary arrangements at a nearby hotel or hostel.
Step TWO:
Get Your Finances in Order
1. Bring enough accessible money for your initial living expenses
Bring enough money to cover your expenses during your first few days in the U.S., such as food,
transportation, personal items, and temporary housing. These expenses can be covered with major
credit, debit, and ATM cards. We don’t recommend carrying more than $1,000 in cash. You
can set up a checking account at a local bank once you arrive, and wire money electronically as needed.
2. Make plans to pay tuition and fees before the deadline
The best way to pay tuition is through the International Funds option on RamWeb. Tuition and fees will
be charged to your RamWeb account each semester, along with any on-campus housing and CSU health
insurance charges. 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 to prevent registration for future courses. Students should also budget for textbooks, approximately $300 to $600 per semester. Learn more about billing.
Fall – University charges billed in early August & due on September 10th
Spring – University charges billed in early January & due on February 10th
Summer – University charges billed in early May & due on June 10th
3. Prepare for banking in the U.S.
Cash: Cash is accepted at most locations. Common paper bill amounts are: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. One dollar ($1) is equal to 100 cents. Common coins include: Penny (1 cent), Nickel (5 cents) Dime (10 cents), Quarter (25 cents).
Credit/Bank Cards: In the United States, the most widely accepted bank and credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. Bank cards can either be debit, which pulls funds directly from your bank account, or credit, which you pay off at the end of each month. Apply for a credit card in your home country before you travel since it may be difficult to get one after you leave.
Bank Accounts: It is not recommended to regularly carry large amounts of cash with you, so once you arrive, you will need to open a bank account. To open an account, you will need your U.S. mailing address, money to deposit, and two pieces of photo identification (1. your passport and 2. your student ID/Ramcard – which you will get during orientation). During orientation, CSU will give you information about local banks, and can help you open a bank account. There are two banks on campus, located inside the Lory Student Center: Canvas Credit Union and First National Bank of Omaha.
Transferring Money: Before you leave your country, you need to know your government’s regulations and your home bank’s procedures for transferring money to the United States. Plan to transfer enough money to cover your expenses for one semester. Consider your living situation and lifestyle to plan ahead.
Complete Health Tasks
Complete all health tasks via your CSU Student Health Portal:
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
All students are required to complete the following by the first day you arrive. All documents must be
created or translated into English. Consult your family members and doctor before leaving to complete
the health history, tuberculous screening and immunization records requirement.
1. Submit your immunization records
Submit completed Colorado State University Mandatory Immunizations Form showing proof of:
– Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
– Meningococcal Vaccinations (for students living on campus)
2. Submit health forms
– Health History
– Tuberculosis Assessment
– Authorization for Treatment of a Minor (if under age 18)
3. Fulfill the health insurance requirement
Colorado State University requires all international students enrolled at any level to carry health insurance as a way of protecting your educational investment. You must pay for your insurance on your CSU student account upon your arrival at CSU. Make sure you have at least $1,000 to pay for one semester of insurance.
More information about health insurance coverage and costs.
If you have health insurance and would like to waive the mandatory CSU insurance, you must provide proof that your insurance coverage meets the CSU requirements. Travel insurance policies will not meet the waiver requirement.
If you are a sponsored student and your sponsor’s health insurance coverage is known to meet the waiver requirements, you will not be charged if you show your letter of financial guarantee to PLACE upon arrival. To see if your alternative insurance will be acceptable, please email: [email protected]
Required Online Programs
Available roughly 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester. You can access the programs below directly through your RamWeb account.
1. Haven: Understanding Sexual Assault Program
2. AlcoholEdu Program (undergraduate Students under age 23 only)
3. Create a YOU@CSU Profile
Make a Plan for Bringing Dependents
If you are in F-1 status, your spouse or child(ren) under 21 years old may accompany you on an F-2 dependent visa. F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work or pursue a degree program or any other full-time language training program. Additional funding and documentation may need to be provided for your dependents.
CSU does not offer spouse or dependent health insurance plans. Other health insurance options for your family can be found at Connect for Health Colorado. Spouses or domestic partners of eligible students may
access the CSU Health Network by paying the student health fee on a semester basis or paying for medical services as they are received.
F-2 dependents may not work under any circumstances. J-2 dependents may apply for work permission from the USCIS only if the income earned is to be used for support of the spouse or children, not for support of the J-1 student or scholar.
Make sure that you follow the regulations set for your visa type when it comes to employment so that you are eligible for future immigration benefits.
Step THREE:
Arrange Transportation to CSU
1. Plan to arrive the weekend prior to orientation
Plan to arrive in time to attend orientation, which takes place the full week prior to the start of
classes. ISSS recommends arriving no later than the Saturday before orientation begins. Be sure that you can move-in to your housing on the date you arrive. If you arrive before your assigned move-in date, you will need to make temporary arrangements at a hotel or hostel.
2. Book your flight
Fort Collins is most easily accessed by way of Denver, Colorado, which is an hour south of CSU. Denver International Airport (DIA) is the most common airport students use.
3. Reserve shuttle transportation from Denver International Airport to campus
There is not public transportation between Denver and Fort Collins and you will need to book a shuttle in advance. The most economical way to travel between DIA and Fort Collins is Groome Transportation.
The service offers rides every day of the week, and drops passengers off at various Fort Collins locations, including major hotels and the CSU campus. For an additional fee, they can drop you off at a specific address.
Prepare for PLACE Orientation
1. Mark Your Calendar
Keep an eye on your colostate.edu email and PLACE website for orientation dates and details.
2. Prepare for orientation
Bring the following with you to orientation:
– Passport, Visa, and I-20 or DS-2019
– If not previously provided, official academic or English proficiency documents
– Your address in the United States
– Name, email and phone number of a person we can contact in case of emergency
– Proof of required MMR/Meningococcal vaccines, tuberculosis screening form, and health history form
Note: COVID-19 Vaccines are highly recommended, but are not required for CSU PLACE students
3. Get excited for orientation
Look forward to:
– Meeting other PLACE students
– Learning about campus and community resources
– Learning about your student visa regulations
– Taking a campus tour
– Purchasing your textbooks
– Learning more about Colorado State University
4. Placement Exams
At PLACE orientation, students will take an English test to determine appropriate course level. You cannot register for classes without taking the test. Please come prepared and on time.
Review your Resources
1. Campus Resources
Colorado State University has several offices and programs that are designed to help you succeed! While International Student and Scholar Services is your main stop for your questions and concerns, there are several other campus resources available to you as a CSU Ram!
2. Health and Safety Resources
In case of emergency: ambulance, police or fire: Dial 911.
Health Centers and Clinics in Fort Collins, CO:
CSU Health Center – Colorado State University provides all students with services through the CSU Health Network. 151 West Lake Street. +1 (970) 491-7121
UC Health – Urgent Care at Harmony – UC Health is an in-network provider for the student health insurance plan. 2127 East Harmony Road, Suite 140. +1 (970) 297-6250
UC Health – Walk in – UC Health is an in-network provider for the student health insurance plan.
1025 Pennock Place, Suite 121. +1 (970) 495-8980
Poudre Valley Hospital – UC Health – 24-Hour Emergency Services 1024 South Lemay Avenue.
+1 (970) 495-7000
CSU Health Network – Counseling – Whether you’re experiencing a situational problem, an immediate crisis, or have a longstanding mental health concern, our professional staff is here to help.
+1 (970) 491-6053 or After Hours # +1 (970) 491-7121
Campus Safety Services:
CSU has several safety services and programs in place.
– Safewalk is a free service staffed with students who will walk with you any place on/near campus.
– Blue Light Emergency Phones are located around campus for communication with campus police.
– Campus police can provide additional services such as personal escorts and building access assistance.
Campus Safety Tips:
CSU is a very safe and welcoming place, but is important to follow these steps to help ensure the
safety of you and your property.
• Lock your bicycle to bike rack that is secured to the ground whenever you leave it unattended. If you lock your bike to anything other than a bike rack, you can be fined. A U-Lock is recommended for locking your bike.
• Do not leave items unattended in the library, classroom, or cafe.
• Always keep your student ID card with you in a safe place.
• Always lock the doors, and windows in your housing.
• Always lock your car and do not leave valuable items in it.
• Do not keep a lot of cash with you or in your housing.
• Keep your passport and other important documents in a safe, locked location.
• When traveling at night, do so with a friend or in a group.
3. Transportation Resources
There are plenty of great ways to get around CSU and Fort Collins! Listed below are some options for students:
• Bicycles: Many people ride bicycles in Fort Collins. Fort Collins is nationally recognized for its cycling-friendly community. Bicycling is a great way to get across town and campus easily.
Make sure to register your bike with the CSU Police Department.
• CSU Campus Shuttle – Around the Horn: Around the Horn is an on-campus shuttle system designed to help CSU students, faculty, staff and guests get across campus quickly and conveniently. The shuttle is free and runs every 10 minutes. It makes a loop around campus with 14 stops along the way.
• Fort Collins – Transfort Bus System: Transfort offers a multitude of stops close to student living areas and runs schedules that complement CSU class schedules. The CSU Transit Center is located at the north end of the Lory Student Center on the ground floor. You can board buses here and also get bus route maps. The Transfort buses are free for students. Show your RamCard to the bus driver.
• Max Bus: The MAX bus is also free for students and runs from Old Town in the north to shopping in the south end of Fort Collins.
• RamRide: RamRide is a free, safe, non-judgmental ride home for CSU students. Since 2003, the program has been dedicated to improving the safety of CSU and the Fort Collins community.
• Z-Trip Taxi Service: Z-Trip is a local taxi/cab company. To take a cab you will need to know the address of your current location and the address of your destination. Make sure you have cash and ask for change if you don’t have the exact amount that you owe. It is customary to tip your taxi driver 15-20% of the fare.
• Uber and Lyft: Uber and Lyft are apps that you can download onto your smartphone. They allow you to order a car from your smart phone and are normally cheaper than a taxi. It is customary to tip your driver 15-20% of the fare.
• Bustang: Bustang connects Fort Collins with Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and other cities across Colorado.
Plan Your Arrival to the U.S.
1. Plan your arrival
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. Plan to arrive the weekend before Orientation on Saturday or Sunday. Remember: Always carry your original I-20 or DS-2019 and passport on you, not in your checked bags!
2. At the port of entry
Proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Present the following documents:
– Passport
– I-20 or DS-2019 Form
– Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059), which reflects the address where you will reside, not
the address of the school or program.
All visitors entering the U.S. must state their reasons for wishing to enter the country. You will 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 in which you are enrolled. Also be prepared to demonstrate financial funding if they ask you to show you can afford your schooling.
Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will assign you an Admission Number (I-94). You can locate your I-94 number at the Department of Homeland Security’s website. Be sure to check that your I-94 lists the correct visa type (either F or J,) correct date, and D/S for Duration of Status.
3. Secondary Inspection Requirements
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 area known as “secondary inspection.” Here the CBP Officer will attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In secondary inspection, you can ask for an interpreter from your native
language and you may ask why you are in secondary inspection. If the officer needs to verify information with your school or program, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at +1 (970) 491-5917. In case of an after-hours emergency, please contact the Colorado State University Police Department at +1 (970) 491-6425. They will connect you to the on-call ISSS staff member.
4. International Post-Arrival Check-in (Immigration Document Review)
All new international students complete an immigration document review after arriving in the United States. You will receive additional information about this process by email. Please make sure you have the required documents:
– Passport (including the U.S. entry stamp)
– I-20 or DS-2019 form
– The name and address of an emergency contact in the U.S. or your home country
– Current U.S. address and phone number
International Programs requires these documents to register your arrival in the SEVIS system as required by the U.S. government. If a report is not submitted, you may be considered in violation of your immigration status in the U.S. If you cannot complete this process online, please email [email protected] as soon as possible with the documents above.
Pack Your Bags
Packing is personal—what works for one person might not work for another—so feel free to bring what you know you’ll need or enjoy. That said, here are some helpful suggestions to get you started.
Clothing:
Fort Collins, Colorado has all four seasons! Be prepared for changing weather, warm and cold seasons. Clothing items are available for purchase in Fort Collins upon arrival. While it will eventually be very important to have a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots – you can save space in your luggage by buying them in Colorado.
We recommend reviewing the Fort Collins weather chart to see what high and low temperatures look like each month, understand how much precipitation (snow or rain) to expect, and learn some tips about adjusting to high altitude climates. Note: In the U.S., temperatures are reported in Fahrenheit and precipitation is reported in inches. The abbreviation for inches is “.
Room Essentials and Decorations:
Consider bringing decorations for your room that will remind you of home such as photos, books, music, recipes, and items associated with a hobby or sport you enjoy. Many students also choose to bring items of cultural significance such as their national dress.
Appliances:
U.S. electrical outlets are 110 volts AC and use a NEMA electrical socket. You may need an adaptor to use electronics from home. Appliances with exposed heating elements are prohibited in residence halls. It is recommended that you wait to purchase appliances after you arrive.
Cell Phone:
If you want a cell phone while living in the U.S., we recommend waiting to purchase the phone until you arrive. You will receive more information at orientation.
Luggage:
Always label all of your luggage clearly. The label should have your full name and the
address of International Programs:
CSU International Programs
700 Oval Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1024
U.S.A.
What to Carry on the Plane:
Carry the following items with you on the plane, do not put in a checked bag.
– Original I-20 or DS-2019
– Valid passport and F-1 or J-1 visa
– SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
– Evidence of funding for your tuition, fees, and living costs.
– Sponsor letter (if applicable)
– Health forms, and immunization documentation
– All medical prescriptions written in English
– Official transcripts or test scores
– Insurance documents
We’re here to help!
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (001) 970-491-5917
- Social Media:
- Facebook Group
- Instagram:
- All Students: @colostateinternational
- PLACE Students: @csu_place