Tips and Resources

Tips and Resources for International Students

Finding Housing

Temporary & Permanent Accommodation

Most students arrange housing before arriving in the U.S. Here are resources for both short-term and long-term stays:

Temporary Accommodation

You may need temporary accommodation if your permanent housing is finalized after your arrival.

• Hotels & Motels: Find options via Hotels.com, Booking.com, or etc.
• Airbnb: Short-term stays starting at around $100 per night in Golden.

Finding Housing

It is recommended to start looking for housing as soon as possible, as availability in Golden is often limited. Rental prices in Golden range from $800 to $1,500 per person per month, excluding utilities, which can cost $50 to $100 per month.

Housing Search Resources

The resources listed below provide comprehensive information on housing, from the application deadlines for on-campus to discount codes for off-campus housing.

• On-Campus Housing: Colorado School of Mines Residence Life
• Off-Campus Housing:  Colorado School of Mines Guide

Important Considerations When Renting

• Lease Terms: Contracts typically last 6 or 12 months.
• Utility Costs: Check if water, electricity, heating, sewer, and garbage fees are included.
• Garage Availability: Essential in winter months if you own a vehicle.
• Laundry Facilities: Some rentals may not include in-unit washers/dryers.
• Security Deposit: Usually equal to one month’s rent, required at contract signing.
• Application Process: Rental applications may require an SSN, application fees, and a security deposit.
• Mailbox Setup: Update your name on the mailbox after moving in and check it regularly.

Final Tips

Apply for university apartments early as they offer affordable pricing and proximity to campus. It is important to check your distance to free transportation services like Orecart and Flexride, which connect most neighborhoods in Golden to Colorado School of Mines. In case you are applying for an apartment before getting your SSN, call the property contact in advance to confirm if they accept applications without an SSN to avoid unnecessary fees.

Preparing to Travel

Medical Preparations

• Carry documentation of all received vaccinations (measles, rubella, etc.).
• Get a comprehensive medical check-up, including eye and dental exams. Medical costs are covered by insurance, but dental care is not.
• Obtain an English version of your vaccination card from your local health center.
• Bring a three-month supply of prescribed medications, along with a doctor’s prescription.

Document Preparation

This helps a lot if you can finalize any financial or legal matters before departure. Also, inform your bank and your phone service carrier about your move to avoid account access issues. You can also request an international driver’s license (converting your national to international). In addition to your immigration documents (I-20/DS 2019, Visa, etc.), It is also helpful to have a few copies of your educational documents (original and translated) as well.

Luggage Considerations

• Check baggage restrictions (number of pieces, weight, etc.) for your destination and airline.
• Certain food items are allowed, but a lot of them are restricted and may lead to considerable fines.
• Ensure electronic devices are compatible with the U.S. 110V power standard and bring plug adapters if necessary.
• Ensure the cash you carry falls within the permitted limit set by U.S. regulations.
• Label all your luggage with your name and contact information, and DO NOT PUT your important documents (passport, educational documents, cash, etc.) on your luggage. Instead, have it with yourself in your carry-on/backpack.
• Have a list of all food/medication items in your luggage.

Flight Procedures

• Print all necessary travel documents and have them accessible.
• Some airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates may require “OK to board” approval, check requirements beforehand.
• Allocate at least 1.5 hours for flight layovers to avoid missing connections.
• Adjust your watch to the local time at transit and destination airports.

Be prepared to fill out customs forms on your final flight to the U.S., accurately declaring food, medications, and luggage value.

Travelling to Golden

Transportation Options: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Golden

The destination is Denver Airport, the largest in the U.S. After claiming your luggage, there are several options to get to Golden:

Pickup by someone you know

The most convenient option is having a roommate, host, friend, or student pick you up. This saves you the hassle of navigating transportation after a long flight. The duration is about 45-60 minutes.

Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)

Denver Airport has reliable Uber and Lyft services. If you have a foreign credit or banking card that works in the U.S., you can book a ride directly through the app. The fare to Golden typically ranges from $40 – $100, depending on the type of vehicle and whether it’s rush hour. If your card doesn’t work, you may need to ask someone to book the ride for you.

Public Transportation (RTD Train & Bus)

If you prefer public transit, follow signs for Ground Transportation or walk south of the airport to find the A-Line Train to Union Station. From there, transfer to the W-Line Train toward Oak Station, then take Bus 16 to Golden. A day pass costs $10.50, available at airport ticket vending machines, with a duration of about 100-120 minutes.

Other Alternatives

Rental cars, airport taxis, etc.

Welcome to Colorado, USA!

What you need to do as a student

The first few days are the busiest days, and there is a lot to do, to experience, and to explore. The most important things to do are included but not limited to:

• Collecting your student ID (Blaster card) from the student center.
• Participating in the orientation (2 events for international students and 1 for domestics) to get necessary information on your next steps.
• Getting to know the campus, Mines website, your class schedule, your office (if you have one), and your team. Always be aware of the minimum credit requirements and try to register for classes on time.
• Uploading your immunization documents and setting your insurance account up.
• Purchasing a parking permit to be able to park your car on campus if needed

More information on what you need to know as a newcomer

• RTD

  The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is the public transit service in the area. All Mines students and employees are eligible for a free RTD College Pass (students) or EcoPass (employees). Both passes provide unlimited usage of RTD services, including unlimited rides on RTD buses and trains and unlimited rides to and from Denver International Airport. At the start of the Fall 2023 semester, you will receive an e-mail from RTD with instructions on how to acquire your College Pass through the RTD mobile app. For more information, please contact blastercard@mines.edu.

• Groceries

  Major supermarkets in the area include Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, and Costco. Sam’s Club and Costco operate on a membership basis and specialize in bulk (wholesale) purchases. Walmart and Target, while great for everyday shopping and membership free, are unfortunately not located in Golden. For more convenient options, smaller grocery stores like King Soopers and Safeway are closer to the university, though they tend to be more expensive and offer a more limited selection. Most supermarkets have mobile apps that provide free delivery for orders exceeding a certain amount. Additionally, all major supermarkets have flexible return policies, so be sure to keep your receipts for your initial purchases in case you need to make any returns. As a student, you can take advantage of a free 6-month Amazon Prime subscription, which offers free and expedited shipping, perfect for ordering bulky items like mattresses, furniture, and other heavy essentials delivered straight to your doorstep.

  There are also other stores for other purposes, including “Best Buy” for electronics, “Walgreens” and “CVS” for drugs and medicine, “Home Depot” for home improvement and repairs, and a lot more.

• Bank:

  Having a bank account is essential for receiving paychecks, managing finances, and using a debit card for transactions. In the U.S., bank accounts are typically categorized as either checking or savings accounts. It is advisable to open a checking account as soon as possible for salary deposits and everyday expenses. Once your account is set up, downloading the bank’s mobile app will allow you to easily manage transactions, transfer money, check account details, and even deposit checks. In Golden, “US Bank” is a common choice among Mines students, though you can also opt for an online bank that operates without a physical branch.

  Bank cards in the U.S. fall into two main categories: debit cards and credit cards. While card providers vary (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, etc.), all cards belong to one of these two types. A debit card is directly linked to your bank account, limiting your spending to the available balance. In contrast, a credit card is issued by a bank or financial institution upon approval and provides a credit line, a maximum spending limit determined by the issuer. Responsible use of a credit card can help build a strong credit score, while misuse may negatively impact it.

• Driver’s license

  Obtaining a driver’s license early is recommended, as it serves as a state-issued ID and can lower future car insurance costs. In Colorado, the process includes a written test and a road test, for which you must provide your own car. An instruction permit (learning license) is the first step, requiring a multiple-choice test unless you have a valid license from select countries. International driver’s license holders must pass both exams. Useful resources include the DMV Colorado Mobile App and the online booking system for the written test.

• Places to worship

  There are prayer/meditation rooms in campus for those in need, located in: Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) House 2nd floor (between Mines Market and Student Rec Center), Arthur Lakes Library Basement Floor, Marquez Hall 4th floor.

• Medical care

  The Mines Student Wellness Center offers a range of medical services, including general check-ups, vaccinations, and blood tests. They also provide mental health support and referrals for specialized care. If covered by insurance, many services may be free of charge. Additionally, the dental clinic (located in the same building) provides various dental treatments at more affordable rates compared to off-campus providers.

Connect with the campus

• Clubs

  With more than 170 registered student organizations, school of Mines offers a variety of clubs, from art to science, to sport, and even to specific international country clubs. Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, develop skills, and get involved in campus life.

• Events

  A lot of events take place daily on campus, and the best way to stay informed is through “Daily blast” which is emailed to you every day.

• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

  International student and scholar services (ISSS) provides support for visa and immigration matters, cultural adjustment, and campus integration. They offer workshops, advising, and events to help international students and scholars navigate life at Mines.

• Global Ambassador Program (GAP)

  Global ambassador program (GAP) is designed to assist incoming students and scholars in their transition to life at Mines by providing helpful resources. Global Ambassadors are a select group of knowledgeable, motivated, and enthusiastic international student leaders who leverage their unique cultural backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge to support the Mines community, specifically, incoming international students.

• Career Days

  Career Days, the prime opportunity to secure internships and job offers, are held twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Each event spans two days, featuring different companies and industries on each day. In preparation, the Mines Career Center organizes a series of workshops and events in the weeks leading up to Career Days, helping students refine their resumes, practice interviews, and network effectively.

Places to Visit

• Mines Museum of Earth and Science
• Clear Creek Park
• Downtown Golden
• Coors Brewery Tour
• Lookout mountain
• Table mountain
• Red Rocks Park and amphitheater
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Art Museum
• Downtown Aquarium
• Denver museum of nature and science
• Meow Wolf Denver
• Union station
• Larimer square
• Elitch Gardens
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• The international church of Cannabis
• Ball arena
• Empower field at Mile High
• Washington park
• Museum of Illusions – Denver
• Butterfly pavilion
• Cherry Creek shopping mall
• Colorado Mills shopping mall
• Park Meadows shopping mall
• Southwest Plaza shopping mall
• Outlets at Castle Rock

Contact Us

Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Main Office Phone and Email
(303) 273-3210 / isss@mines.edu