You are #BoulderBound!
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Congratulations! Welcome to CU Boulder.
It is time to think about your next steps to ensure that you have the smoothest transition possible as you prepare to arrive at CU Boulder. Make sure you carefully review the information in the following pages and set aside time to prepare yourself so you can easily find your place in our dynamic and supportive community.
Final steps to complete your admission
Activate your IdentiKey
Your IdentiKey allows you to log into the student portal, Buff Portal colorado.edu/resources/buffportal-student-portal, which serves as your secure entry point for online services and the information you will need as a student. Your IdentiKey is also required to apply for housing and access the New Student Welcome tab before enrolling in classes. Remember to save your IdentiKey and keep it in a safe place. oit.colorado.edu/tutorial/identikey-manager-activate-my-identikey
Send final official documents
Arrange to have your final, official transcripts and graduation certificate (if applicable) sent to the Office of Admissions directly by mail or by email to transcripts@colorado.edu from the issuing institution as soon as they are available. If you have only one official original copy of your transcript, please bring this with you to campus. For detailed guidance and country-specific information: bit.ly/3qELCUo
Please note: All academic records should be submitted in the native language with original stamps. Academic records written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a literal certified English translation. They can be submitted by email to transcripts@colorado.edu.
• If applicable, submit AP, IB or A-level results
Request that your official score reports be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from College Board, International Baccalaureate, or the A-level examining board. catalog.colorado.edu/undergraduate/admissions/credit-examination
• If you are transferring, view your transfer credit report
Transfer credit evaluations are completed using your final, official transcripts and can be viewed in your Buff Portal.
• If needed, contact Disability Services
Submit documentation of a disability directly to Disability Services and request an intake appointment with a disability specialist. colorado.edu/disabilityservices
Prepare for your arrival on campus
• Take note of your program start date. All international students in F-1 status MUST arrive on campus no later than the start date indicated on Form I-20.
• Review the student visa process (see Page 4)
• Apply for housing (see Pages 6 and 7)
• Learn about New Student & Family Programs (see Page 8)
• Learn about International Student and Scholar Services (see Pages 10–11)
The student visa process
Make sure your passport is valid
Take care of this immediately!
Before entering the U.S., make sure your passport is valid at least six months beyond the program end date indicated on your Form I-20 unless your country of citizenship is part of the “six-month club,” cbp.gov/ document/bulletins/six-month-passport-validity-update, in which case your passport must be valid only until the program end date.
Receive your Form I-20
• New F-1: CU Boulder will issue your Form I-20 (for international students in F-1 status) a few business days after you confirm your intent to enroll. Your Form I-20 will be emailed to you soon after your confirmation.
• Students currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa: If you are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you will need to transfer your current SEVIS record to CU Boulder within 60 days of completing your studies at your current U.S. educational institution. We will email you instructions for transferring your SEVIS record to us; we will also email your CU Boulder Form I-20 after your release date from your current school.
Pay the SEVIS fee
Immediately after you receive your Form I-20
New international students applying for an F-1 visa must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but they do need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before they can enter the United States. Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS fee processing website: fmjfee.com
Apply for your visa
Immediately after you pay your SEVIS fee
After you have paid the SEVIS fee, complete an online visa application at ceac.state.gov/genniv. Print a copy of the completed application and bring it to the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. While completing Form DS-160, you must upload a personal photo. You can find specific instructions for your visa application by visiting colorado.edu/isss/node/926
All applicants for an F-1 visa must submit:
• Form I-20. The form must include an electronic signature of a CU Boulder official in the SCHOOL ATTESTATION section; you must physically sign the form in ink in the STUDENT ATTESTATION section.
• Valid passport
• Proof you have been admitted to CU Boulder (offer email or letter from the university)
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment (I-901 receipt)
• Transcripts of your previous schooling and any diplomas issued
• Required test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/DUOLINGO)
• Anything that provides evidence of your intent to return home after your studies in the U.S.
• Proof of funding documentation you submitted online to CU Boulder for Form I-20
• Printed copy of the application for a visa
• Any other information and processing fees required by the specific U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Check their website for details.
Changing immigration status: If you plan to change your immigration status while in the U.S., please contact intladm@colorado.edu immediately so we can determine how to proceed. #5
Make an appointment to apply for a student visa with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
After you submit the online visa application
Make an appointment to apply for a visa at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (ceac.state.gov/genniv). It is important to apply early because obtaining a visa may take several weeks or longer. Please be aware of closures during holidays. Review detailed information below:
• F-1 visa information: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
Wondering what it’s like to live on campus? Learn more about our residence halls and dining centers. youtube.com/watch?v=LMSlVCbZQ8k
Apply for housing
CU Boulder’s residential communities provide many resources to help students transition into university life. Living in campus housing is a requirement and a great opportunity for first-year students to make friends and become a part of their new community. You should apply after confirming your intent to enroll and activating your IdentiKey. colorado.edu/living/housing
for Campus Housing
Campus housing
Residence halls
All first-year students are required to live in campus housing during their first academic year from August to May. Transfer students may also live in the residence halls if space is available. Residence halls have residents of all genders; however, most halls are mixed-gender communities. Most rooms are shared with one other student, and roommates typically are of the same gender. For more information regarding the locations of single-gendered floors and/or wings, email universityhousing@colorado.edu.
Pro tip: Free tutoring is provided to all first-year students.
In addition to living in campus housing, first-year students are required to have a meal plan. CU Boulder’s dining program is one of the best in the nation, offering a variety of daily menu options that can accommodate almost anyone, including those with food allergies as well as kosher and halal diets.
Image of room type is for reference only. You are not guaranteed to receive this room and decorations are not provided.
Apartment style
Transfer students and students beyond their first year can live in a furnished, university-owned apartmentstyle hall. Bear Creek Apartments and Weber Hall are located on campus and provide safe and welcoming communities for all residents.
Graduate and family housing
CU Boulder Campus Housing provides several on-campus apartment options for graduate students, students with families and postdoctoral researchers.
New Student Welcome Experience
New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) works to support new students and their family members throughout the transition to campus. NSFP works with the incoming class from the time they decide to attend CU Boulder through their first few weeks on campus. NSFP continues to support family members throughout the student’s experience at CU Boulder. colorado.edu/orientation/families
Complete the Online Experience
The Online Experience will provide you with the information you need to succeed as a student, work with an advisor and access campus resources. You must complete the Online Experience before registering for classes and before arriving on campus. You will receive information through email regarding these steps.
Review international pre-arrival information
NSFP’s website provides helpful information about life inside and outside of the classroom. Learn about your new community, U.S. entry procedures, health care, the academic culture and more. colorado.edu/orientation/international-undergraduate-students
Pro tip: Attend an EducationUSA pre-departure session in your home country to help with your transition to the U.S. educationusa.state.gov
Make travel arrangements
Plan to spend some time settling into your new home away from home before the semester starts. New students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date indicated on their Form I-20. Students should arrive no later than this start date to complete mandatory orientation activities. The university does not provide transportation to campus or temporary housing for students who arrive before the start of their on-campus housing contracts. Make these arrangements if necessary.
colorado.edu/isss/node/170
Pro tip: Make sure to travel with the following in your hand luggage when flying to the United States: your Form I-20, visa, passport, CU Boulder acceptance letter, SEVIS fee receipt, and Boulder address.
Attend the mandatory International Student Orientation
Start your semester equipped with knowledge to support your success by participating in the mandatory International Student Orientation. This orientation provides an opportunity to connect with fellow Buffs, advisors, faculty and staff to learn essential information about being a CU Boulder student, maintaining your U.S. immigration status, and the resources available to support you during your time a CU Boulder. Because orientation is hosted in person, you are expected to arrive in Boulder by the orientation start date to participate and acclimate to life in Boulder. colorado.edu/orientation/international-undergraduate-students
Health insurance and immunizations
All students are required to have health insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment. You may choose one of the plans made available by CU Boulder, or you may waive the university insurance and choose a plan of your own. Please keep in mind that CU Boulder’s insurance coverage starts on the first day of classes. If you are arriving in the U.S. earlier than that date, you should buy additional health insurance to cover the time before the CU Boulder plan starts.
Colorado state law requires that, depending on age, some students have specific immunizations or that they submit a waiver. Be sure to complete the student immunization requirements online by the semester deadline.
colorado.edu/health/newstudents
International Student & Scholar Services
The International Student and Scholar Services staff are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community! Once you arrive on campus, ISSS provides holistic services to support you throughout your program, including:
• Immigration advising to help you maintain your visa status
• Programs and events to help you make connections and get involved
• Assistance adjusting to life at the university and in the United States
• Referrals to other offices and resources
• Advocacy on campus and with governmental agents and entities
ISSS looks forward to supporting you as your pursue your educational goals. colorado.edu/isss
ISSS programs & events
ISSS also provides educational, social and cultural programs to foster engagement on campus and in the community. colorado.edu/isss/node/14
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CU International
CU International is a student organization that plans and leads activities for international students, scholars and faculty. Members are both international and domestic students. CU International offers events and social activities, including a monthly International Coffee Hour. For more information, visit colorado.edu/cu-international
International Peer Mentors
International Peer Mentors are CU Boulder students who are friendly, knowledgeable and can help you make connections and adjust to life in Boulder. Apply before or just after you arrive in Boulder to be matched with a student guide. For more information, visit colorado.edu/isss/node/828
International Festival
This annual festival provides an opportunity for the campus and the Boulder community to learn about the many cultures and countries represented by students, faculty and staff on the CU Boulder campus. The public, daylong event celebrates culture, music and food, and is run by international and domestic students on the International Festival Committee. For more information, visit colorado.edu/event/ifest
International student clubs and organizations
facebook.com/cuifest
International Buffs & Company
International Buffs & Company is a series of programs for international students and scholars to engage in with their families. Social activities include playground meet-ups, activities at The Rec and outings in the community. colorado.edu/isss/node/2609
With more than 100 countries represented at CU Boulder, there are many clubs and organizations for students of different nationalities, backgrounds and interests. Current members are happy to share information about their club or organization, so feel free to contact them directly through the Student Group Directory. For more information, visit colorado.edu/involvement/organizations Our social media links are
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• ISSS on Facebook: facebook.com/ISSSCU
• ISSS on Instagram: instagram.com/isss.cu
