Before You Arrive
Being prepared for immigration processes and academic expectations will have you ready for your first day of class and the challenges that lie ahead. You will find resources here to help you experience a smooth transition into the U.S. and at Regis University. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We're excited to have you on campus!
Below are a few things you should do before you arrive in the U.S., as well as when you first arrive on campus. As an international student, Regis offers many resources to help you feel comfortable and supported, so please reach out if you need anything!
Activate your RegisNET account
This is how you will register for classes, check your grades, see your unofficial transcript, pay tuition bills, and much more. Your Regis email will also be your official source of communication with the university.
Find Housing
First- and second-year students are required to live on-campus unless an exemption form is completed and approved by Student Housing. Students who will not be living on campus must find off-campus housing.
Enroll in Health Insurance
Regis University requires all F-1 students to enroll in the Regis University Student Health Insurance Plan.
Mark Your Calendar for Orientation
Orientation is mandatory for all first-year and transfer students starting a new program at Regis University. You will learn about immigration regulations, services at Regis University and other valuable resources to enhance your academic experience and help you excel as a student.
Meet Your Academic Advisor
Set up a time to meet with your academic advisor as soon as you arrive on our campus. You and your advisor will review your degree plan and get you set on the right path to achieve your educational goals. Your advisor is a very valuable resource for your academic success!
Visit the Office of Global Education
Located in Clarke Hall Room 460, the Office of Global Education is a valuable resource for international students. Staff are helpful and can answer any questions you may have. Stop in to the office and introduce yourself when you arrive on campus - we can't wait to meet you!
Cultural Adjustment
Attending a school outside of your home country may bring you feelings of excitement and opportunity but may also having you feel overwhelmed and stressed. It is important to understand this new culture that you are experiencing and what to expect in this culture. Because the U.S. culture is different from what you are familiar with, it is helpful to understand this new way of life so you can be comfortable and engage in a unique cultural experience.
The American culture may be very different from the culture that you have been familiar with in your home country. Understanding what Americans value and believe will help you transition into the U.S. culture easier and keep you from getting overly frustrated with this new way of American life.
- Independence & Individuality: Americans value both their independence and individuality. Americans believe that they are separate individuals who make their own decisions in life. You may experience Americans being open about their personal beliefs and feelings, which may be discouraged in other cultures. Americans believe that they have the right to be free to express their own opinions.
- Equality: Americans believe that “all men are created equally as stated in the Declaration of Independence. This means that all people are to be treated equally and fairly and that no one is superior to anyone else.
- Informality & Directness: Americans do not typically address others formally. No matter your age or social standing, Americans are informal in how they speak or greet others, which may be very different from other cultures.
- Privacy: Americans respect their privacy and personal space. In public, Americans do not like it when others are too close to them, as this is an invasion of personal space. In the same way, Americans believe that they need time to themselves and to have personal thoughts that they do not share with anyone else.
- Time: Americans value time and punctuality. You should arrive on time for an appointment or an event. To arrive late is considered rude and disrespectful. If you cannot be on time, then it is expected that you notify the person to let them know that you will not be on time or that you must reschedule.
- Personal hygiene: Americans value being clean. Body odor is extremely unpleasant and too much cologne or perfume is also highly bothersome. Be sure that you bathe frequently and brush your teeth daily.
Being new to the U.S. and American culture, you may be fearful of finding friends and developing relationships at first. You may even fear a language barrier with English-speaking American students. Developing friendships while you are in the U.S. will not only enhance your experience here, but it will also help you establish a support network and a home away from your home country.
- Be patient: American students may not understand your culture, and you may not understand their culture, so remind yourself that it takes time to make new friendships.
- Challenge yourself: Even though it can be most comfortable to be around others who are from your home country, challenge yourself to meet new people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Keep trying: Be persistent but not pushy. Seek out Americans who are relaxed and at leisure – sitting in the cafeteria, for example – rather than those who look busy and are in a rush. Think about a list of topics to talk about so you are ready to have a conversation.
- Take the initiative: Reach out to U.S. students first. Learn about others who are in your same degree program. Find out what activities U.S. students like to be part of and join these. Join student organizations and clubs, and find others who have the same interests as you.
- Know yourself: Know yourself and your culture. Be prepared to talk about you because Americans are interested in understanding where you are from and how that makes you who you are! Share your individuality and personality with others, and do not be afraid to be yourself.
Living in Denver
Located next to the Rocky Mountains and 5,280 feet above sea-level, Denver is known as the Mile High City. Receiving 300 days of sunshine a year, Denver has a flourishing cultural scene and a playground of natural beauty. No matter what the season, summer or winter, Denver, and the state of Colorado, has something to offer everyone.
Denver’s residents live comfortably year-round in an arid climate. The average summer high is 86 degrees, and the humidity is relatively low. During the winter, the average daily temperature is 45 degrees; however, be prepared for colder days throughout the winter months! Contrary to what many people think, snow does not stay around long during the winter, and the sun is usually shining the day after a snowfall.
At a mile above sea-level, the air is thinner and dryer. There is also 17 percent less oxygen than at sea-level. The elevation can cause altitude sickness, which is experienced by many people upon their initial arrival to Denver. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and light-headedness. The thinner and dryer air can also cause dry eyes and skin. There are easy ways to prevent altitude sickness: drink lots of water, take it slow and minimize your alcohol intake.
Overall, Denver and the Regis neighborhood is a very safe place to live. However, safety and crime prevention require the effort of the entire local community. Please do your part to secure your safety and the safety of others. This includes locking your home, your car, your bicycle, and staying in possession of your belongings at all times. Be alert and look out for others as well.
The nationwide number for reporting an emergency is 9-1-1. You can call this number from anywhere in the U.S. free of charge. No country code or area code is needed; just dial 9-1-1. When you call, wait for the dispatcher to answer. Be prepared to give your exact location to the dispatcher and tell them your immediate emergency and what help is needed. This number is for life-threatening emergencies only.
While you are on Regis University's campus, contact Campus Safety for any non-emergencies by calling 303.458.4122.