Breadcrumb
All exchange students starting a spring 2020 program must arrive in time to attend required new exchange student sessions on the morning of Thursday, January 9, 2020.
- Step 1: Activate Your IdentiKey
- Step 2: Log-In to Your CU Boulder Email
- Step 3: Arrange Housing
- Step 4: Register for Classes
- Step 5: Review Exchange Student Arrival Resources
- Step 6: Fulfill Health Insurance & Immunization Requirements
- Step 7: Submit Your Buff OneCard Photo
- Step 8: Complete Immigration Check-In Form After Arriving in the U.S.
- Step 9: Attend International Exchange Student Orientation & Welcome Events
- Step 10: Complete Community Equity Course
Your IdentiKey serves as your secure entry point for online services and information you'll need now and later as a CU Boulder student. Activating your IdentiKey will give you immediate access to the scholarship application once you confirm your intent to enroll. You will need your IdentiKey for the mandatory Online Experience as well.
Note: It typically takes three to five business days after you activate your IdentiKey before you can access these services.
All CU Boulder faculty, staff and students receive a CU Boulder email account. We will use this account to communicate with you, so please use your IdentiKey to log in and start using it daily.
On-Campus Housing
Exchange students can apply to live in the Bear Creek apartments or a Residence Hall. Please note the contract dates when selecting a housing option and be aware that not all housing options may be available when you apply.
You will need your CU IdentiKey and associated password to access the housing application. You will also require a credit/debit card to pay the deposit fee and emergency contact information.
- Apply to live in Bear Creek Apartments
- Move-in and move-out dates are posted on the semester application webpage
- If you need to arrive earlier, please contact Bear Creek Apartments in advance to discuss early move-in options.
- Apply to live in a Residence Hall
Off-Campus Housing
If you are considering living off-campus, please review the Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations website for helpful information including the Ralphie’s List rental database, Boulder neighborhood map, and the Off-Campus Living Orientation.
It is recommended that students who will live off-campus consider arriving one to two weeks prior to the start date on their immigration document to finalize housing arrangements, if applicable. Please note that it is not easy to arrange last minute housing in and around Boulder.
Please review the Exchange Student Enrollment and Billing Handout for information about registering for classes at CU Boulder.
Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that you will get into a specific class while at CU, so this is why you must discuss alternative classes with your home institution advisors before you arrive.
Please review the international student pre-arrival information on our website along with the Exchange Student Checklist and Pre-Arrival Orientation Packet.
All students attending CU Boulder are required to have health insurance every semester of their program.
- Students may elect coverage through an individual health insurance plan, through a family member or employer, or the university’s Student Gold Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
- Exchange students are exempt from the requirement to submit proof of insurance and/or waiving insurance with Health Services.
- You are required to submit proof of insurance coverage to ISSS along with the other required information and documents when you complete the Immigration Check-In Form after arriving in the U.S.
Health Insurance Requirement New Student Immunizations & Requirements
Your Buff OneCard serves as your campus identification and therefore you must submit your Buff OneCard photo by July 30 to have it printed. Depending on your student status and choices, it may also:
- Have your meal plan loaded on it
- Allow you to pay for laundry and printing
- Give you access to your residence hall and room
- Allow you to gain entry to the Rec Center and sporting events
New international students at CU Boulder must complete the Immigration Reporting Form (IRF) to report their arrival in the U.S.
- Please review our Immigration Check-In webpage for additional information regarding this process.
The required International Exchange student orientation will take place August 19-22, 2019.
Additional Fall Welcome events will take place August 20-30, 2019.
At CU Boulder, we are committed to fostering a campus community where all students can be engaged and successful. Each of us has a role in creating a safe and healthy campus community free of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.
All new CU Boulder students are required to complete the online Community Equity course that covers university policies and resources.