Life in Denver

Explore the City

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or an urbanite--or just someone looking to get an amazing education, the city of Denver has so much to offer. Adjacent to the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park and the Flat Iron Mountains, the mile-high city is a stunning outdoor haven. Of course, Denver is still the capital of Colorado, so if you're more interested in art, culture, sports, and nightlife, there's plenty to explore in Denver. 

• Banking

  Any bank location near the University of Denver is familiar with the needs of international students. They will be able answer your questions and assist you in opening an account. Most banks do not require an appointment to open an account. 

  When you open an account, you will typically 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. These procedures vary by bank, so contact the branch office or consult the bank's website to confirm what you will need to bring.

  Before opening an account, make sure you understand the different fees that the bank may charge. At some banks, checking accounts are free only if certain conditions are met such as maintaining a minimum account balance each month.

  Some U.S. banks may freeze funds deposited from overseas banks for several weeks. You should therefore make arrangements for alternate payment plans to cover initial expenses after you arrive in the United States.

  Note that an SSN is not required to open a bank account in the U.S. However, without an SSN, you might need to provide additional documentation. 

  Bank Branches Near DU

  There are several banks located near the DU Campus which offer a wide variety of services. U.S. Bank, for example, has a location on campus. Please note that DU does not endorse any particular bank.

• Faith and Worship

  Places of Worship

  There are many places of worship available in the greater Denver area. The Office of Spiritual Life is a great resource to find information on religious accommodations, campus celebrations, and student organization which have a religious or spiritual focus. 

• Shopping

  The Denver area has a wide variety of stores and shopping centers. Many stores are open seven days a week including holidays and some are even open 24 hours a day.

  Sales Tax

  When you purchase anything other than grocery items, you will usually be charged a state and local sales tax. Unlike many countries, sales tax is not included in the prices displayed. The tax is added when you check out. Sales tax in Colorado varies between cities so that a purchase made in Denver may have a different percentage of sales tax than the same purchase in another community such as Englewood or Aurora. Many online purchases are also subject to sales tax.

  Shopping

  Grocery Stores

  There is a good selection of places to purchase grocery items around campus especially if you use public transportation or have access to a car. Grocery stores in the area include Safeway, Whole Foods, King Soopers, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, and Natural Grocers.

  Household Goods

  When shopping to find items for your dorm room or apartment, large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target offer a large selection. Other good options include Big Lots, HomeGoods, Best Buy or IKEA depending on the type of item you are looking for. 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. 

• Dining Out

  With a diverse population of residents, Denver has a diverse range of options to "eat out." Denver has restaurants with cuisine from all around the world. 

  Tipping

  When eating out, it is good to be aware of when to tip and how much the tip should be for. In the United States, tips or gratuities are not added to the bill. Based on the level of service by the server(s), a tip of 15-20% of the bill (not including tax) is recommended. However, some restaurants will include the tip in the bills of large groups, typically 8 or more diners. 

  Tips are not expected but often welcome at some fast-food restaurants or cafeterias where food is ordered at the counter instead of a server taking your order at the table.

  If you order food to be delivered to your residence, a tip is normally expected by the driver.

• Transportation and Driving

  Public Transportation

  Denver and the surrounding communities are connected by a series of bus routes and light rail lines managed by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Most full-time DU students are eligible for an RTD Pass which provides  unlimited access to this extensive public transportation system. 

  Bicycles

  Bicycles are a common form of transportation on the DU campus. If you plan to have a bicycle on campus, make sure to visit the Campus Safety website for information on bicycle security and safety. DU requires that all bicycles be secured using a U-Lock.

  DU asks those who bring a bicycle to campus to register their bike with Parking and Mobility Services. The registration is free and is used to help alert bicycle owners to potential problems with their bicycles or to return a lost/stolen bike to its rightful owner. Bicycle Registration is managed through the University’s Parking and Mobility Services.

  Driving

  Driving isn't a necessity as a student at the University of Denver. Denver is a very walkable city, and public transportation is often easier than driving. But, of course, international students are welcome to pursue a driver's license. 

  Driver's License

  The best way to understand the requirements to drive in Colorado is to head over to the Department of Motor Vehicles international driving page. There, you'll find all the documents you'll need to bring. Before your test, you should read through the Colorado Driver's Education website to ensure that you are familiar with the laws, rules and safe driving practices in Colorado.

  Owning a vehicle

  If you own a vehicle, the DMV website provides information on registering a vehicle in Colorado, obtaining license plates for your car, emissions testing, and office locations.

  Driver Rules & Responsibilities

  Wearing seat belts is mandatory for the driver and any front seat passengers. The Colorado Department of Transportation provides guidelines to ensure that all vehicle occupants especially children are properly secured in their seats.

  Each state can have different rules and regulations. Be sure that you know the r rules for any U.S. state that you are driving in.