Daily Life

Cell Phones

When you are considering what kind of cell phone to use, first you want to find out if your phone will work in the United States at all. Consider the following:

• Most smartphones work internationally. You can check your phone’s compatibility with a US SIM card by using this website: https://www.mintmobile.com/byop/. You’ll also need to ensure that your phone is unlocked. 
• CampusSIMs allows international students to get eSIMs which can be activated before they arrive in the USA.
• Alternatively, you can get a physical SIM card here in Denver. There are free SIM cards at the ISSS office from CampusSIMs, and there are also several phone providers with stores near campus.
• It’s a good idea to shop around and choose the most suitable phone plan option for you.

Banking

How to open a Bank Account in the US - International Students

There are two types of bank accounts in the U.S.:

Checking Account: Great for day-to-day expenses. A checking account lets you make numerous withdrawals and unlimited deposits. You can use your checking account for living expenses, daily transitions and paying bills. It’s also possible to pay tuition via e-check with no fees. 

Savings Account: Perfect if you want to save money. A savings account requires a minimum deposit and provides a modest interest rate of return. Savings account are generally for money you don't intend to use for daily expenses.

Every bank in the US offers different services to students. Make sure you read the small print so you're fully aware of what service fees they charge. Consider the following:

• What is the minimum balance required on the account?
• Are there extra fees if the balance goes below the minimum?
• Are there any monthly service charges?
• Are there transaction limits?
• Are there ATMs near campus? What are the fees for using an out-of-network ATM?
• How much do wire transfers cost?

Documents you'll need:

• A current passport
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, apartment contract)
• College address (e.g., enrollment verification letter)
• I-20/ DS-2019
• Visa

Some banks may require: 

• I-94
• A U.S. phone number
• Student ID

Note: Most larger banks near campus are happy to open accounts for international students without Social Security Numbers, but students cannot open an account in a credit union without a SSN.

International Activities

The Office of International Affairs offers many in-person and virtual events and activities! All enrolled international students will receive emails about upcoming events. We also recommend that you check out our Instagram (@cudenverinternational or @cuanschutzinternational) to stay informed about upcoming events.

Student Organizations

CU Denver has a lot of great student organizations you can join! Groups focus on a variety of topics: academic, cultural, faith/spirituality, service, professional development, and more. Check out the list of current student organizations on MyLynx. Can't find what you are looking for? You can start a group.

CU Anschutz also has many student organizations that you can join. These groups can be found on the student organization website.

Student Life

The Student Life team at CU Denver hosts frequent events on campus. You can download the Corq app to find events happening at the University of Colorado Denver. You also can find out what’s happening on campus by following @cudencat and @cudenverstudentlife.

Student Affairs at CU Anschutz hosts events for the medical campus. You can find events listed on the University Calendar and by checking out the Instagrams for @cu_anschutzstudentaffairs and @cuamcss.

Around Denver

Denver and Aurora always have fun events going on, and we try to highlight them on our Instagram stories each week, but you also can check them out on the city websites below:

• Events in Denver
• Denver Neighborhoods
• Aurora Activities
• Events in Aurora

Safety Tips

Students frequently ask about the safety of living in Denver and Aurora. In general, the campuses are extremely safe, and they each have their own police force. As with any city in any country, it is always best to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for your safety. 

• Important Phone Numbers: CU Denver students should program the Auraria Campus Police Department number in your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus: 303-556-5000. Also, add the Auraria Campus Police Department’s Text-a-Tip line: 720-593-TIPS (8477), which can also accept photos. CU Anschutz students should add the CU Anschutz emergency phone number to their phones: 303-724-4444.
• Trust your Instincts: If something feels off to you, avoid the situation. If you see something that might be dangerous or seems wrong, contact the proper emergency number. Do not engage with people who appear to be mentally unstable or under the influence of a psychoactive substance. 
• Mind your Property: Do not leave any valuables unattended, even for a few minutes. Backpacks, phones, bikes, and laptops are easily stolen. Lock the doors of your home and your car when you leave.
• Protect your Information: Do not give personal information, such as your full name, address, passport number, SEVIS ID, SSN, or bank account details to anyone who asks unless you are requesting a service that requires that information. Banks and government offices will not call you with threats or asking for that information from you.
• Remember 9-1-1: Remember that the emergency number in the USA is 911. Call that number for any emergency off campus, whether it be a medical emergency, a fire, a crime, or an environmental safety concern.

High Altitude Tips

One challenge that many students struggle with is the altitude. Denver is called the Mile High City because it is located one mile above sea level. The air is thinner and dryer, and some people feel the effects of mild altitude sickness. 

• Stay Hydrated: Drink about twice as much water as you usually do to avoid dehydration and headaches. 
• Limit Physical Activity: For the first few weeks here, you might find that you get out of breath from even simple exercise. It’s best to rest and allow your body to acclimate. 
• Be Mindful of the Sun: We have less protection from the sun at this altitude. Make sure you have sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and an SPF lip balm.

Mental Health

Moving to a new country is a drastic life change that can affect your mental wellbeing. Make sure you take care of yourself as you manage the transition to Colorado. 

• Acknowledge Culture Shock: Many students experience some level of culture shock upon moving to the United States. The excitement you feel when you first arrive will likely give way to frustration, but soon you will adapt and begin to enjoy living abroad! Give yourself time to adapt.
• Use University Services: Use the free or low cost counseling services that are provided to you on campus! Culture shock can be hard to manage, but with the right person to talk to, you’ll build the skills and tools you need to manage it.
• Build Community: To avoid homesickness and loneliness, it is important to avoid isolation. Even when you don’t feel like it, go to campus events and meet new people. You never know when you will meet your new best friends! If you’re feeling down, reach out to your friends for support. 

Take Care of Yourself: Self care is important for students who live busy and stressful lives. Make sure you take time to do things you enjoy, eat nourishing foods, and move your body in a way that makes you happy. Take breaks when you need to so that you don’t experience burnout.