University of Denver
Resource Packet for
New International
Students
1.
New Student Check-In
2.
Campus Resources
•
HCC
•
University Libraries
•
Campus Safety
3.
Email & Phone Scams
4.
International Student
Support Program "MySSP"
5.
Settling into Denver
6.
Cellphones
7.
Banking
8.
Food & Markets
COVID-19 on Campus
For up to date COVID-19
information and vaccination
requirements, please visit
du.edu/coronavirus
If you encounter any problems completing this process, email ISSS at
isss@du.edu for assistance.
As the time approaches for classes to begin at the University of Denver, we want to
provide new international students with details on the Check-In process that you will
need to complete before ISSS can register your SEVIS record.
Note that this process cannot be completed until AFTER you arrive in the United States.
You can access the instructions and submit the request through our portal:
https
://
isss
.
du
.
edu
/
You will need to login in with
your DU ID (87xxxxxxx) and
password. The login
credentials are the same
ones that you use when you
check your DU email or
access PioneerWeb.
Once logged in, choose the start term Fall Quarter 2021.
After you have viewed the learning content and attached the requested
documents, you must click the red Submit button at the top of the page to
complete the process.
New Student Check
-
In
isss.du.edu Home Page
CAMPUS
RESOURCES
HCC Staff:
Physicians
Physician assistants
Nurses
Nurse practitioners
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Social Workers
Student Health Insurance:
All University of Denver
students, part-time or full-time,
undergraduate or graduate,
have access to our wide range
of services, regardless of their
insurance plan.
For Insurance Questions:
Phone: 303-871-2205
Email: insurance@hcc.du.edu
HCC Services:
Medical Services
Counseling Services
Health Promotion
CAPE Services
Collegiate Recovery
Health & Counseling Center
Contact Information:
Website: du.edu/hcc
Phone: 303-871-2205
Email: info@hcc.du.edu
International Student Resource:
After Hours Medical Problems:
303-871-2205/Follow the Prompts
After Hours Counselor on Call:
303-871-2205/Follow the Prompts
Nahed Barakat PsyD | Email: nahed.barakat@du.edu
Staff Psychologist / Coordinator of the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
US Healthcare Info: https://www.du.edu/isss/du-life/health-insurance.html
Locations:
HCC-Ritchie serves as the main location and it houses the medical team, psychiatry,
and part of the counseling team. HCC-Asbury houses the majority of the counseling
team, Health Promotion, CAPE, and the Collegiate Recovery team.
•Health & Counseling Center
•University Libraries
•Campus Safety
University Libraries
at Anderson Academic Commons
How to Navigate Compass
Compass: DU Library Search Interface
You will learn:
•What's included in a Compass search
•How to narrow down a search
•How to find peer-reviewed articles,
ebooks, and print books
•How to use the new "Find more" slider.
Library 101
In this tutorial, you will learn:
•About the most popular library
resources and services
•How to find books in the library,
request materials from other libraries,
and locate online journal articles.
Watch the Tutorial
Watch the Tutorial
Services Housed within University Libraries
•Borrow & Request Materials
•Research Center
•Writing Center
•
Language Center (incl. English Tutoring)
•
Science and Engineering Center
•
Math Center
International Student Resource:
Elia Trucks | Phone: 303-871-3480 | Email: El[email protected]
Student Outreach Librarian & Assistant Professor, Reference & Instruction
University Library Video Tutorials
In life-threatening emergencies, or when you need immediate
police, fire or medical assistance, make the following TWO calls:
911 and 303-871-3000. TTY users should call 911 directly.
You can report a crime or Honor Code violation
to Campus Safety at any time by calling
303-871-2334.
An
officer will be sent to your location to take your report.
If you would like to confidentially provide Campus Safety with
information about a crime or suspected crime, you may call the
anonymous tip line at
303-871-3130.
Campus Safety &
Emergency Services
The Division of Campus Safety is staffed 24 hours a day
year-round by trained professionals employed to serve the
University of Denver community.
For after-hours medical or counseling services:
After-Hours Medical Problems:
303-871-2205/Follow the Prompts
After-Hours Counselor on Call:
303-871-2205/Follow the Prompts
For life-threatening
Emergencies, dial
911
or
call Campus Safety at
303-871-3000
Emergency
Number:
911
Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Denver, and other
universities across the country, have received emails recently from
university email accounts offering jobs as a pet sitter, a dog walker, or to
work from home.
Students have lost thousands of dollars in scams about employment
o
pp
o
r
t
un
i
t
i
e
s
,
a
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
r
e
n
t
a
l
,
o
w
i
n
g
m
on
e
y
t
o
t
h
e
I
R
S
,
SS
A
o
r
U
S
C
I
S
an
d
others.
R
e
m
e
m
b
e
r
t
ha
t
m
o
s
t
F
-
1
an
d
J
-
1
s
t
u
d
e
n
t
s
c
ann
o
t
l
eg
a
ll
y
a
cc
e
p
t
t
h
e
k
i
n
d
o
f
employment offered in these scams and unauthorized employment is a
violation of immigration status with serious consequences.
On
l
y
an
F
-
1
s
t
u
d
e
n
t
w
i
t
h an
E
A
D
f
o
r
e
c
ono
m
i
c
ha
rd
s
h
i
p
o
r
a
J
-
1
s
t
u
d
e
n
t
with written employment authorization for serious economic
circumstances can accept this kind of employment.
Detailed information about legal employment and training authorization for
F
-
1
an
d
J
-
1
s
t
u
d
e
n
t
s
i
s
on
t
h
e
I
SSS
w
e
b
s
i
t
e
an
d
y
ou
c
an
c
on
s
u
l
t
an a
d
v
i
s
o
r
at isss@du.edu or by making an appointment.
See the information on the next page about scams and how to avoid them.
I
m
p
o
r
t
an
t
N
o
t
i
c
e
:
E
m
a
il
E
m
p
l
o
ym
e
n
t
S
c
a
ms
Phone and Email Scams
Under
no circumstances
should F-1 or J-1 students
respond to these emails
1.
They are most likely scams.
2.
F-1 and J-1 students are not authorized for this kind of
employment.
•Offers part-time
employment
•Usually with a person,
not a company
•Provide few details
about the position
Request personal email response
•Scam emails come from DU email addresses
•If you are not expecting an email from this person,
it is probably a scam.
Example of an Employment Scam Email
Get ready… Get set… Go!
Studying in another country is an exciting life experience and you are nearly there! As you review your
pre-arrival package and orient yourself to your new school, take some time to reflect on what you
hope to take away from this experience. Perhaps you want to further your education, make some life-
long friends, see more of the world, or simply rise to the challenge of something new. Meeting new
people and learning to navigate a new culture, language and campus can at times be stressful, so
make sure you are prepared in advance and have a realistic idea of what to expect.
Chat with a Student Support Advisor today to learn what to expect
Take advantage of the International Student Support Program (ISSP), a free service specially
designed to prepare international students for the challenges they may face when studying in another
county.
The ISSP can help answer your questions and can address common concerns such as:
• Adapting to a new culture
• Navigating campus resources
• Being successful at a new school
• Maintaining relationships with friends and family
• Stress, anxiety and much more!
The ISSP Pre-arrival Support
As an International Student, you can receive support:
• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone or chat
• In your preferred language
• Before you leave your home county and after you arrive on campus
• From a Student Support Advisor that understands your culture and unique challenges
• At no cost to you!
Your information is completely confidential within the limits of the law, so no one – including your
family, friends, or professors – will ever know you used the program unless you choose to tell them.
Access support anytime, anywhere by:
Downloading the free My SSP App
o Through the app, you can start an instant chat with a Student
Support Advisor (no appointment needed) or browse useful articles
and videos made specifically for you. Search ‘My SSP’ from either
the Apple App Store or Google Play and download today.
Calling 001.416.380.6578 (If calling from within North America, dial 1.866.743.7732)
o Immediate or scheduled sessions available with a Student Support
Advisor in your preferred language and at no cost to you! Ongoing
support available via phone or video.
Visiting us.myissp.com
o Chat with an Advisor online or browse student-related resources,
articles, videos and more.
For more information, please contact your International Student Services Office.
Denver is a great place for living and studying, as there is truly something available for everyone. From
the arts to the great outdoors, there is no shortage of things to do in Denver.
ISSS has created the following handout to help you get settled so that you can begin thriving in your new
city. It is important to note that this is not an extensive listing of things to do and see in Denver so be sure
to check out other spots on campus and get involved with student organizations. ISSS also posts events
and programs on our Facebook page so be sure to follow us for up to date information at
www.facebook.com/isss.du
Looking to step off campus to see what the city has to offer? You’re in luck! Denver has a number of
museums and outdoor gardens. There really is something to see and do no matter your interest.
Before your visit, check their website or call ahead to ask if discount student tickets are available. You
can also visit the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District website to learn when admission is free.
1005 York St
2300 Steele St
1101 13
th
Street
100 W 14
th
Ave Pkwy
2001 Colorado Blvd
700 Water St
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver has many beautiful parks including some in the mountains and foothills west of the city. A Google
search for Denver Parks can help you find a great spot to enjoy Denver's natural beauty.
The Mile High City is also home to professional sports teams for baseball (the Rockies), basketball (the
Nuggets), American football (the Broncos), ice hockey (the Avalanche), soccer (the Rapids), and lacrosse
(the Outlaws). Several of these teams have stadiums downtown which is easy to reach using RTD light
rail.
For an updated calendar of Denver area events, be sure to visit: www.denver.org or
https://www.westword.com/things-to-do.
Exploring Denver
SETTLING INTO
DENVER
Denver has a strong public transportation system and full-time DU undergraduates and graduates (with the
exception of University College, Daniels College of Business Executive MBA students) have unlimited
access to the system with their RTD College Pass.
For getting around on campus, be sure to look out for Jay's Valet. There is no mobile app for it, but you
can find Jay's Valet signs throughout campus, signifying a pickup location.
Visiting the RTD website at: http://www.rtd-denver.com/ allows you to view schedules and plan your trip.
Google Maps also has a great public transportation function to help individuals determine which bus or rail
line to use to get to where they would like to go.
Other great transportation options include Lyft, Uber, and shared/dockless bike programs. Visit
https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/bicycling-in-denver/bike-safety.html to learn about traffic
laws and safety rules if riding a bike in the city.
In order to drive a motorized vehicle such as a car, truck, moped or motorcycle in Colorado, it is
necessary to have a valid driver's license. Please visit the the Colorado government website at:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/new-colorado-another-country to learn more about how to obtain a
driver’s license.
Grocery Stores: There are several places to purchase grocery items around campus that can be
accessed easily by foot, public transportation, or by car. Grocery stores in the area include:
Safeway
2150 Downing St
King Soopers
2750 Colorado Blvd
3495 S University Blvd
Target
2490 S Colorado Blvd
Sprouts Farmers Market
2880 S Colorado Blvd
Natural Grocers
2053 S Colorado Blvd
Whole Foods
1111 S Washington St
Shopping Centers: When shopping to find items for your dorm room or apartment, retailers such as Wal-
Mart or Target offer a large selection. Other good options include Big Lots, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sears,
Best Buy or IKEA depending on the type of item you are looking for.
Used Items: One way to save money is to purchase used or 'second-hand' items instead of buying
something brand-new. Stores such as Goodwill and ARC Thrift Stores sell used furniture, kitchen
supplies, household goods and clothes often for a fraction of the price of a similar new item.
Shopping
Transportation
Almostafa International Market
Middle Eastern
2159 S Parker Rd, Denver
Arash International Market
Persian
2720 S Parker Rd, Aurora
Black Sea Market
Russian
7290 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
Contreras Market
Mexican
3570 Morrison Rd, Denver
European Gusto Market & Café
European
4015 E Arkansas Ave, Denver
European Market of Lakewood
European
1990 N Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood
Haat Bazaar
South Asian
2648 S Parker Rd, Aurora
H Mart
Korean
2751 S Parker Rd, Aurora
India’s Harvest
Indian
3095 S Peoria St, Aurora
Kantamanto African Market
African
495 Havana St, Aurora
Little Saigon Market
Vietnamese
375 S Federal Blvd, Denver
Melita’s Greek Café & Market
Greek
1035 Lincoln St, Denver
Merhaba International Market
Ethiopian
6879 Leetsdale Dr, Denver
Middle East Market
Middle Eastern
2254 S Colorado Blvd, Denver
M&I International Market
Russian/Polish
909 S Oneida St, Denver
Mi Pueblo Market
Mexican
125 Knox Ct, Denver
Nazar International Market
Turkish/M.E.
1842 S Parker Rd, Denver
New Saigon Market
Vietnamese
1076 S Federal Blvd, Denver
Pacific Mercantile Company
Japanese
1925 Lawrence St, Denver
Pacific Ocean Marketplace
Pan-Asian
2200 W Alameda Ave, Denver
Solomon’s European Grocery & Deli
East. European
1939 S Havana St, Aurora
Sun Valley International Market
Ethiopian
1229 W 10
th
Ave, Denver
Viet Hoa Supermarket
Pan-Asian
225 S Sheridan Blvd, Lakewood
World Food Bazaar
African/Indian
242 Havana St, Aurora
Zamzam Halal Intl Market & Deli
Middle Eastern
7449 E Illif Ave, Denver
International Markets
Faith Communities on campus:
Numerous religious groups on campus represent the religious diversity of the student body.
Information about DU-based faith groups can be found on the Cultural Center website:
https://www.du.edu/culturalcenter/spiritual-life/campus-organizations/faith-communities.html
Prayer Spaces
Evans Memorial Chapel is located on campus and is used by many people and student groups as a
place for private prayer and reflection. Additionally, there are three other meditation/prayer spaces on
campus:
Centennial Towers
Room 113
Available from 4:00am to midnight. If not a resident,
call the front desk for access to building.
Ruffato Hall
Room 224
Available whenever the building is open.
Wesley Hall
Room 206
Available from 8:00am to 4:30pm with after-hours card
swipe access available upon request.
International House
Lower Level
Available whenever I-House is open.
Places of Worship
There are many places of worship available in the Denver Metro area, but they are too numerous to
name here. Using a search engine with “[name of your faith] in Denver” will yield many results.
Please refer to the Cultural Center if you need further assistance finding a faith-based group.
Spiritual Life
Simple Mobile
FreedomPop
The following information is based on feedback from DU students. International Student and
Scholar Services has provided the following information as a resource; it should not be taken as
an endorsement of the products/services listed.
Simple Mobile is a prepaid, no contract provider that offers cell phone plans ranging from $25 to
$60 a month. International students can save even further by opting to automatically recharge
their account each month.
The $25 a month plan includes unlimited calling, texting and 1 GB of high speed data. Once the
high-speed data is used up, the speed goes into 2G. For higher data caps, they have plans going up
to truly unlimited for $60. With the proliferation of campus Wifi, students can adjust their plan costs
to reflect their data needs.
Simple Mobile plans include international texting and international calling to a number of countries
like Mexico, Canada, China and India. For other countries, customers can access low rates by
adding a global calling card.
Reliable service using the T-Mobile network. No US credit score is needed.
No contract: stop service or upgrade/downgrade plan anytime. Works with unlocked GSM phones
Learn more and locate your nearest store by visiting: https://ww2.simplemobile.com/.
FreedomPop has a free phone plan that provides 200 talk minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MB
of high-speed data each month. In an age where more and more communications are routed
through internet apps and Wifi is widely available, their free plan is sufficient for a lot of students.
If the free plan doesn't meet your needs, FreedomPop offers numerous upgrade options. Plans
go as high as 4 GB per month, and 1.5 cents per MB for paid plan users.
Good service powered by VoIP and Sprint’s 4G LTE data network with no contract
Bring your own unlocked phone – GSM SIM card option for unlocked phones
Learn more by visiting: https://www.freedompop.com/.
International Student & Scholar Services
Office of Internationalization, University of Denver
2200 S. Josephine St., Denver, CO 80208
Phone (303) 871-4912
h
tt
p
:
//
www
.
d
u
.
e
d
u
/
in
t
l
/
i
sss
/
ISSS@du.edu
CELL PHONES
StraightTalk
In the US, Verizon is the leading network that many cell phone owners use. When it comes to
quality performance, it provides the best wireless network in all six regions, according to research
firm JD Power. Some of the advantages include mobile hotspot and video streaming without
additional fees. A Verizon plan typically includes unlimited talk and text, unlimited or limited data,
video streaming, mobile hotspot tethering, Mexico and Canada service (premium plans).
Students can either choose the U unlimited plan or other less expensive options such as S for
2GB, M for 4GB, or L for 8GB cell phone plan. Verizon also offers prepaid plans that cost $40 a
month that include unlimited talk, text and 3 GB of high speed data.
Depending on the features you need, you will have to pay a monthly fee of $35 to $80 per
line, plus taxes and other fees.
There is no credit check if you go prepaid. All Verizon plans are no contract plans. International
calls at low rates with an international calling plan.
Individuals may purchase a phone at Verison or they may bring their own CDMA phone.
To learn more and to find a location nearby visit: https://www.verizonwireless.com/.
StraightTalk offers a variety of plans without the need for contracts.
Available plans include: $35 with 2GB data and unlimited call and text nationwide, $45 with 8GB
data and unlimited call and text nationwide, $55 with 12GB data and unlimited call and text
nationwide
$60 with 8GB data and unlimited call and text worldwide, $30 with 100MB data and unlimited
texts.
StraightTalk also offers a prepaid plan, meaning that you prepay for the services ahead of time,
and there are no overage charges. It also means more data for the same price compared to post-
paid plans.
You can use this plan with your own phone or purchase a phone and plan through StraightTalk.
To learn more about StraightTalk, visit their website at: https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home.
International Student & Scholar Services
Office of Internationalization, University of Denver
2200 S. Josephine St., Denver, CO 80208
Phone (303) 871-4912
h
tt
p
:
//
www
.
d
u
.
e
d
u
/
in
t
l
/
i
sss
/
ISSS@du.edu
Verizon
An ATM (Automated Teller Machine) card can be used to withdraw cash from your
checking account. There are no fees if cash is withdrawn from one of your bank’s
ATMs. However, if money is withdrawn from a non-network ATM, you will likely be
charged a fee.
A debit card is an ATM card with a MasterCard or Visa logo allowing you to make
purchases in stores and online. Since each transaction is taken directly from your
bank account, you will need to monitor the balance to make sure that you always
have sufficient funds. The fees for an overdraft—spending more money than is
available in the account— are very high.
Many banks offer free checking accounts to students. These accounts typically come with an
ATM card or debit card, the ability to write checks, and the option to access your account
online to review the balance and transaction history.
Be aware that some companies, including gas stations, hotels, and car rental
agencies, may place an authorization hold on the debit card for the estimated
cost of a transaction which is greater than the actual purchase price. These
funds are blocked until the bill is paid, which temporarily reduces your account
balance. In some instances, it can take a few business days for the hold to be
removed. Therefore, you will need to cautious about making such purchases if
your account balance is low, in order to prevent an overdraft or having a
transaction denied for insufficient funds.
When buying something with a debit card, the cashier may ask you if the purchase is
‘credit’ or ‘debit.’ While either option will take the funds directly from your checking
account, there are different procedures to complete the transaction. If you choose credit,
you normally will sign the receipt (though many merchants no longer require a signature
for purchases under $25). If you choose debit, you will need to enter your Personal
Identification Number (PIN). Choosing debit also gives you the option to ‘get cash back’—
withdraw additional cash from your account at no extra charge.
International Student & Scholar Services
Office of Internationalization, University of Denver
2200 S. Josephine St., Denver, CO 80208
Phone (303) 871-4912
h
tt
p
:
//
www
.
d
u
.
e
d
u
/
in
t
l
/
i
sss
/
ISSS@du.edu
BANKING
ATM
Card
Tips
Debit
Card
When you open an account, you will need your current mailing address, a form of picture
identification, such as your passport, and in some cases, a minimum amount of money to deposit.
As an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, a social security number may be needed to open a bank account.
Only international students working on or off campus are eligible to apply for a Social Security
Number. For more information, please contact the bank directly.
The banks listed below are close to the university campus and are popular choices for students
who live on-campus. These branches are also familiar with the needs of international
students. International Student and Scholar Services cannot endorse a particular bank for you.
Bank Name
Address
Phone Number
Website
1st Bank
Bank
of the West
Chase
Key Bank
TCF Bank
US Bank
Wells Fargo
1316 E. Evans Ave.
2050 S. Downing St.
2040 S. University Blvd.
2305 S. Colorado Blvd.
2090 S. University Blvd
Driscoll Student Center
2150 S. Downing (inside
Safeway)
303-778-8300
303-202-5521
720-570-0751
303-753-1779
303-839-3030
303-542-0325
303-733-3560
efirstbank.com
bankofthewest.com
chase.com
key.com
tcfbank.com
usbank.com
wellsfargo.com
International Student & Scholar Services
Office of Internationalization, University of Denver
2200 S. Josephine St., Denver, CO 80208
Phone (303) 871-4912
h
tt
p
:
//
www
.
d
u
.
e
d
u
/
in
t
l
/
i
sss
/
ISSS@du.edu
BANK BRANCHES NEAR CAMPUS
Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta
Pizza
1628 E Evans Ave
Ben & Jerry’s
Dessert
2339 E Evans Ave
Birdcall
Chicken
1535 E Evans Ave
Blackjack Pizza & Salads
Pizza
2443 S University Blvd
Bruegger’s Bagels
Breakfast
2000 S University Blvd
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Burritos
1644 E Evans Ave
Donut House
Breakfast
2075 S University Blvd
Einsten Bros. Bagels
Breakfast
1213 E Evans Ave
Ginza Sushi & Grill
Japanese
2104 S University Blvd
Insomnia Cookies
Dessert
2075 S University Blvd
Illegal Pete’s
Burritos
1744 E Evans Ave
Jelly U Café
Breakfast
1700 E Evans Ave
Jerusalem Restaurant
Middle Eastern
1890 E Evans Ave
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
Coffee
1730 E Evans Ave
Lucile’s Creole Café
Breakfast
999 E Evans Ave
Papa John’s
Pizza
1505 E Evans Ave
Pete’s University Park Café
Greek/American
2345 E Evans Ave
Pita Fresh
Middle Eastern
2075 S University Blvd
The Pioneer
Tex-Mex
2401 S University Blvd
Phở Saigon Star
Vietnamese
2045 S University Blvd
Snarf’s
Sandwiches
1729 E Evans Ave
Starbucks Coffee
2000 S University Blvd
2055 E Evans Ave
2150 S Downing St
Spanky’s Roadhouse
American
1800 E Evans Ave
Tacos El Metate
Mexican
2060 S University Blvd
Tatsu Izakaya
Japanese
2022 S University Blvd
Tokyo Bowl
Japanese
2337 E Evans Ave
Yum Yum Spice
Chinese
2039 S University
FOOD AROUND CAMPUS