Pre-Arrival Information
Before you make travel arrangements to come to the United States, make sure you understand when you must arrive in order to maintain your immigration status. We also recommend you learn about the local climate to help you decide which clothing and personal items to bring with you.
Official Report Date
You must arrive in the United States no later than the official program start date indicated on your form I-20 or DS-2019. The International Student Orientation will generally be held within a few days of your report date. We strongly recommend you arrive at least several days before your report date to allow you time to settle into Denver and to attend Orientation. You may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to your official report date.
Baggage and Mail
You may have baggage and mail sent to the International House in your name until you secure temporary or permanent housing. When shipping items to our office, we recommend using a reliable carrier service that will ensure proper customs clearance and delivery. We also recommend purchasing insurance protection for your delivery, in case it is lost or damaged during travel. There is limited storage space in the International House, so please arrange for your items to arrive no earlier than two weeks before the start of the term.
Please address items to:
- [Your full name]
- c/o International Student and Scholar Services
- University of Denver
- 2200 Josephine St.
- Denver, CO 80208
Climate
The climate in Denver is generally dry and sunny, although it is subject to variation through the year. Temperatures range from -23° to 15° C during the winter, and from 4° to 35° C during the spring, summer, and fall. Snowfall is frequent in winter but usually does not last very long on the ground. During most of the year, afternoons are warm and sunny, and mornings and evenings are cool and mild.
Clothing
Most students dress informally on campus. Jeans, shorts, and sportswear are common choices of attire and are acceptable in most classroom settings. When deciding what clothing to bring with you, consider both the climate in Denver and the situations for which you will need to dress. In addition to casual wear, you may wish to bring one or two formal outfits, such as a suit or an evening dress, as well as national or culture dress you would like to wear for official functions.
For more information, please visit the City of Denver's Weather and Climate information page.
What to Pack
Each student's needs and preferences are different, but in general, we recommend bringing the following items with you when traveling to the United States:
- National clothing, crafts, and artifacts
- Clothes including trousers, shirts, shorts, jacket, sweaters
- Language dictionary
- Basic bedding - light blanket and sheets
- Personal items, such as family photos and keepsakes
- Medical prescriptions (in English, if possible), medication, spare eyeglasses
- International driver's license (if you have one)
