ISP Handbook

Your KU student ID number is a seven-digit number and will look a little like this: 3945678. Your KU ID number is needed to set up your KU online ID and to access campus services.
Your KU online ID contains both letters and numbers. The letters correspond to the first letter of your first and last names. It will look a little like this: g123w654. Your KU online ID is also your username. It is used to log onto any university computers or internet systems.

Set-up your KU online ID. (Note: you will need your KU student ID number to do this.) Make sure to choose a good password.

IMPORTANT: when you set-up your KU online ID and password, remember to write them both down and keep them somewhere safe! You will need this information every day once you arrive.

Your KU e-mail address is your KU online ID followed by @ku.edu but you can customize it, if you wish. Without customization, it will look like this: g123w654@ku.edu. But if you customize it, it might look like this: 1stUSPresident@ku.edu

Downloading free software

Once you have your KU online ID, you can download software such as Zoom and Microsoft Office – including Outlook - for free.

Money

Accessing money from home

In the U.S., it is very common to use bank and credit cards for almost all purchases, even for very small purchases. But you can also use these cards to withdraw some cash to keep in your wallet. Please keep in mind that there will likely be fees from both your home bank and the bank that owns the ATM when you withdraw cash. On-campus ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) are located in the Kansas Memorial Union, the Burge Union, Wescoe Hall, and Ambler Student Rec Center as well as a few other places around campus. You can also find ATMs in many large stores or in banks around Lawrence.

It is not common for banks in small to medium sized towns in the U.S. to exchange currency from other countries. However, if you do bring some cash in your home currency, you can exchange it in Lawrence at Intrust Bank, located at 901 Vermont St. Please note that this can sometimes take a long time to complete. Expect a fee to be charged when you exchange money.

If you are staying in the U.S. for more than a few months, you may want to open a U.S. bank account. Lawrence has a wide variety of local, regional, and national banks where you can safely keep your money. You can transfer money from your bank account at home into your U.S. account. The bank will give you a bank card that you can use to make purchases or withdraw money from the account. The best bank is usually one that is close to campus or located in a place where you go often. If you will be transferring to another university in the U.S. after your program at KU, it is a good idea to make sure you select a bank that also has branches in your next location.

Beak’Em Bucks

Beak’Em Bucks is cash alternative that you load onto your KUID card. Beak’Em Bucks are needed to use printers on campus. They can also be used for purchases at the KU Bookstore, on-campus food courts such as the Market (3rd floor, Kansas Union), the Underground (1st floor, Wescoe Hall), or the Burge Union. They can even be used at certain off-campus restaurants and retail locations in Lawrence. The KU Card Center has a list of where you can use your Beak’Em Bucks off-campus.

You can purchase Beak’Em Bucks online using a credit card or with cash. To purchase Beak’Em bucks with cash, take your cash and your KUID card to the cash to card machine, which is located on the 4th floor of the Kansas Union. Beak’Em Bucks are not refundable if unused, so make sure to only purchase what you need. If you are purchasing Beak ‘Em Bucks for printing, keep in mind that black and white copies cost $0.08 per page (1 sided) and color pages are $0.48 (1 sided).

Adapting to Life in the U.S.

Culture Shock

Anyone who has spent time in another culture knows there is always a process of adjustment. The adjustment process can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include: the degree of difference between the home and host cultures; length of the stay; previous experience in other new cultures; facility with the language of the new culture; and the personal characteristics of the person going through the adjustment process. Although everyone experiences culture shock differently, there are common stages most people experience. There are many different labels to these stages, but here are some common labels with a description of what you might experience during that stage.

Stages and Symptoms of Culture Shock

Honeymoon Stage – this is usually when you first arrive in a new place. You are excited and usually have positive thoughts about the new culture. You are interested in exploring your new home and learning about the culture and language. If you are only in the new culture for a short time, you may never move beyond this stage.
Frustration or Rejection – this stage generally starts once your initial excitement and curiosity wear off. It is the stage most people think of when they hear the term “culture shock” and can be a difficult and challenging period. Although some people experience expected symptoms such as homesickness, this stage of culture shock can also show up in a variety of unexpected ways. Below are both common and less common ways that culture shock might show up.

You might experience the following feelings and emotions:

- - Homesickness or loneliness
  - Sadness or depression
  - Feeling of being overwhelmed
  - Frustration, irritation, or even hostility
  - Boredom

You might experience the following physical symptoms:

Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping a lot
Problems with your stomach and digestive system
Feeling generally unwell
Aches and pains
Allergy symptoms (from new allergens in your environment)

You might behave in these ways:

- - Contact family and friends back home frequently
  - Withdraw from activities or have no desire to participate in activities
  - Keep to yourself more than usual
  - Complain about or talk negatively about your host country
  - Be late to or not attend classes
  - Not complete work

Adjustment – in this stage, life in your new home starts feeling easier. You start becoming familiar with the daily patterns of life and how to get things accomplished in your host culture.
Acceptance or Adaptation – in this stage your new host culture starts to feel less ‘foreign’ and you begin to accept, even enjoy, some of the differences from your home culture.

Many people go through each of these stages in the order listed above when adjusting to a new culture. However, it is not uncommon to skip one or more stages, go through the stages in a different order, move quickly through one stage and slowly through another, or maybe even go through one or more stages a couple times. For you, culture shock may last several days or several months. It is a process of adjustment and everyone experiences the process differently. However, there are ways to minimize or speed up the cultural adjustment process.

Dealing with Culture Shock

Meeting people and getting involved in activities can be a great way to minimize culture shock and adapt more quickly to life at KU. Below are some ways you can get involved at KU.

Participate in campus activities and events sponsored by the Applied English Center (AEC), International Support Services (ISS), or other KU units. Some common activities international students attend are International Coffee Hour, Tea at Three, and the Kansas City Trip Series. Below are some links of where to find additional activities.

AEC Facebook
ISS events page, Facebook page, or Twitter account
Student Union Activities webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter account
KU events page
Get involved in a KU club. Below are some examples of types clubs that may interest you. You can also check out Rock Chalk Central for a list of the many student clubs and organizations at KU.
- International Student Association
- A club from a certain country or region of the world such as the Japan Student Association or the Saudi Student Association
- A club that includes a hobby or interest that you have or would like to know more about such as the Unity Hip Hop Dance Crew, the African Drum Ensemble at KU, or the Art Appreciation Club.
- A language club or language table.
Use KU Recreation Services
- Use the fitness machines, check out fitness equipment, play a sport with a friend, or ask to join a game going on in the gym
- Rent bikes, canoes or kayaks, backpacks, and camping equipment from outdoor pursuits
- If you are here for more than a couple months, consider joining an intramural sports team or sport club.

Additional culture shock resources

Although there are many more available, here are some internet resources that talk about culture shock and/or offer some great ways to deal with culture shock:

Differing Perspectives of Time

Every culture has different views of time and the value of time. Coming to understand how another culture views time can be one of the most difficult parts of living abroad.

In the U.S. we have a ‘monochronic’ view of time. This means that we view time in units – minutes, hours, days, etc. Time is valuable or, as the saying goes, “time is money.” This means that we believe that time should be used wisely and not wasted. In the U.S., it is generally important to be on time or you risk disrespecting someone. Of course, even in the U.S., each person views time a little differently. Here are some important considerations in regard to being on time in the U.S.

What is considered being “on time”

Being “on time” means arriving no later than exactly the designated time.
Arriving 5-10 minutes early is, in MOST cases, considered a good thing.
Arriving even one or two minutes after the designated time is considered “late”.

How important is it to be “on time”?

When it comes to meeting people, you can follow these general tips:
- If the person is a high-status or important person, it is VERY important to be on time.
- The more formal the relationship you have with the person, the more important it is to be on time. For example, it is important to be on time for a meeting with a professor or colleague, but a friend will probably not be upset if you are 5 minutes late.
- If you do not know the person well, it is important to be on time.
When it comes to events, the importance and uniqueness of the event decide how important it is to be on time. It is important to be on time or early for events that are important or unique.

Specific recommendations about being “on time”

Meeting a professor or attending a meeting at work: arrive either a few minutes before the designated time or exactly at the designated time. If you arrive late, you should apologize and, if you know you will be more than five minutes late, you should call to warn the person that you will be late.
Interviewing for a job: arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. If you must travel some distance, you should try to plan extra time for delays. If you arrive after the specified time, it is unlikely you will get the job unless there is a very good reason you could not have anticipated.
Meeting friends: you have more flexibility with friends. Most friends will wait for ten to fifteen minutes without becoming upset, some will wait even longer.
Attending a wedding ceremony: arrive a little early. A wedding is unique and important and it is considered in poor taste to arrive late. You may, however, arrive late to a wedding reception.
A cultural event (play, ballet, concert in a theater): arrive a little early. Attendants may close the doors once the event has started and will only allow you in during a break. Even if you are allowed in, it is considered impolite to disrupt others when trying to get to your seat.
A party: arrive on time or even late. It is generally not good to arrive early, but it depends on the type of party and the people hosting the party. If a party has scheduled activities like for a kid’s birthday party, or a baby or wedding shower, it is best to arrive close to the specified time. If not, feel free to arrive late. In all cases, try not to arrive more than five, maybe ten minutes early, as the hosts may otherwise not be ready to receive guests! Party hosts sometimes even expect guests to arrive late.

A good way to avoid any problems is to ask an American you trust about expectations for your particular situation or arrive no later than the specified time.

What should I do or expect if I am late?

If possible, call or text the person you are meeting to tell them you will be late. If you are going to be very late, this gives them the option of cancelling or rescheduling your meeting or appointment.
If you are late to a doctor’s appointment or other similar appointment for which you pay, you may be charged for the appointment if you are late, even if your appointment is rescheduled.
Realize that people may be upset if you are late. Sometimes, even when Americans say they do not care if you are late, they are upset because being late is considered to be disrespectful. Sometimes people may not even realize that they are upset or why they are upset.

Additional resources

If you would like to learn more about differences in how time is perceived around the world, here are some links:

Some basic ways in which time differs across cultures and why
Short article about differences in the idea of being “on time” with an example
An abstract (abstract = summary of a longer article) about typical ways time is viewed and types of time
An interesting, but somewhat long, article about time and how different cultures perceive it in space
An article that speaks about numerous differences in the perception of time and includes several examples

Classroom Expectations

In-class Behavior

When in the classroom, expectations for behavior are different in every country. Although your professors at KU may help you learn about U.S. classroom behavior, here are some of the important expectations:

Arrive to class a little early. Five to ten minutes early is normal, as teachers like to have students in their seats when the official class time begins
Get your book and supplies out right away, preferably before class starts, so you do not disrupt the teacher or other students
Do not talk to classmates when the teacher or other students are speaking to the class. If you did not hear or understand something, raise your hand and ask your teacher to repeat or clarify it when called upon.
Do not text, use your cellphone, or listen to music unless your teacher has given you permission.

Homework

One expectation in the U.S. that is often difficult for international students is homework. It is common in the U.S. for teachers to give students homework and completing it is often part of your grade. This is particularly true for classes for which practice is a necessary part of learning, such as languages or math. For other classes, such as history or science, your homework may simply be reading.

The expectation in the U.S. is a ratio of 2:1 - you should spend two hours outside of class working on homework for every hour you spend in class. Graduate students should expect to spend even more time working outside of class.

Services at the University of Kansas

Academic Services

KU Libraries

Anschutz Library

Anschutz Library focuses on materials in the sciences, social sciences, and some medical areas. It also houses a collection of government and international documents as well as a map collection. Anschutz has numerous computer workstations as well as a café with coffee, tea, and snacks.

Click here for the location and hours of Anschutz Library.

Discipline Specific Libraries

Other libraries on the KU campus include the Murphy Art & Architecture Library, the Wheat Law Library, the Thomas Gorton Music and Dance Library, the Spahr Engineering Library, and Spencer Research Library.

Watson Library

This is the oldest and largest library at KU. It includes material from the social sciences, humanities, education, journalism, and social welfare. You can use your KU ID to check out books and materials. Computer workstations and study areas are available at Watson.

Click here for the location and hours of Watson Library.

KU Libraries Services

The KU Libraries offer a lot of different services available to current KU community members. First and foremost, you can use or check out books and paper journals that are owned by the KU Libraries. You can also request materials owned by other libraries worldwide through InterLibrary loans. In addition to books and journals, you can borrow laptops and media items such as DVDs and CDs. In the Libraries there are computers you can use, quiet study spaces, group study rooms, and there may even be a place to get snacks!

Do you need help with research for a paper or assignment? The real power of the library goes beyond its physical resources. With a current KU online ID, you can access the KU Libraries vast electronic network of books, articles, journals, and databases. If you need help getting started, check out the Guide to Research Skills and Using the KU Libraries for international students. There is even a similar guide specifically for Chinese students. These guides include: translations of Library Vocabulary (into Chinese, Korean, Japanese Spanish, French, and Arabic); how to use databases and other library resources; information on the research process; how to evaluate online sources; and how to avoid plagiarism and cite sources. It even has information about presentations, time management and study skills, and data management skills. If you already know how to find sources but want some help finding the right sources, you can go to the subject guides or course guides, which have variety of sources listed by subject area or by KU course. You can even ask a librarian for help!

KU Writing Center

The KU Writing Center is a great resource to help you with writing assignments for your KU classes. It has many resources to help you avoid plagiarism, cite your sources, and guide you through the writing process. There is a list of resources for grammar and usage and for ESL learners. In addition to the many resources listed on the Writing Center webpage, you can also meet with a Writing Center consultant to get help on a paper or writing assignment. Here is how the Writing Center consultants can help multi-lingual writers.

Physical Health Services

KU Recreation and Gyms

KU has a number of recreation facilities that are available for enrolled students to use, many of them for free. A KU student ID card opens the door to a world of volleyball, rock climbing, martial arts, swimming, racquetball, basketball, and weightlifting.

David A. Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center

KU’s Ambler recreation facility is located south of Watkins Health Center. You can use the fitness center as often as you wish and you can use your KUID to check out sports equipment. This facility contains cardiovascular and strength training equipment, aerobics and martial arts studios, basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor soccer area, a suspended walking/running track, racquetball courts, an indoor golf simulator, and a climbing wall. Open hours at Ambler vary by semester, please see the website for details.

Equipment rental

Ambler also has various sports equipment and lawn games that students can check out with the KUID card.

Fitness classes

KU offers a variety of fitness classes such as yoga, cycling, strengthening, and dance-based exercise. Many of these classes are KU Fit Group Exercise classes while some of them are specialty classes. There are often additional fees associated with these fitness classes. Personal training is also available for a fee.

Intramural sports and sports clubs

KU has both intramural sports and sports clubs. Intramural sports are fun but competitive teams that play against other teams from KU. Sports clubs are teams that play against other regional, and sometimes national, teams in their sport. Both intramural sports and sports clubs usually include a fee, although these will vary based on the sport or club. Signing up also requires a commitment of time. How big that time commitment is depends on the team.

Outdoor facilities

KU has some outdoor sports facilities that KU students can use. There are tennis and sand volleyball courts north of Watkins Health Center and east of Robinson Center. Outdoor basketball courts are located behind Ambler Rec Center. Central Field is an artificial turf field located between Downs Hall and Stouffer Apartments. These facilities are available for use by reservation. You can use them without a reservation but, if someone with a reservation arrives, you will have to leave.

Outdoor Pursuits office

The Outdoor Pursuits office is located on the first floor of Ambler Rec Center. There you can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, tents, sleeping bags and other equipment for camping and water sports. Check online for more information and rental prices.

Robinson Center

Robinson Center has a pool that students can use when it is not in academic use. Open recreation pool hours for students vary by semester and are subject to change, please make sure to check their hours before you go.

Health Care Services

Medical Emergencies

FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES AT 911

Watkins Memorial Health Center

The campus health clinic, Watkins Memorial Health Center, is located at 1200 Schwegler Drive and can provide care for most of your health needs. You should go to Watkins Health Center for immunizations, doctor’s visits for minor problems such as a cold or flu, and counseling. If Watkins Health Center is not open, contact ISP staff to help you decide the best course of action and provide transportation and assistance, if needed. Do NOT go to the hospital unless you have talked to ISP staff, have a referral from the Student Health Center, or have a serious medical emergency. It will be expensive, and the insurance company may not reimburse you. Lawrence Memorial Hospital is located at 4th and Maine for serious medical emergencies.

As a participant of a program by KU International Short Programs, you may be eligible for the full services offered by Watkins Health Center. (NOTE: You must provide your KUID number to receive medical treatment.) For many ISP programs, the program fees you pay include a required health fee and the KU student insurance. The fee and your insurance cover much of the cost of services provided at Watkins Health Center. There may be charges, known as a “copay” for some services, including medications, x-rays and minor surgery. You must pay these charges. If you go to Watkins Health Center, be sure to tell them you have the student health insurance so they can complete the billing process correctly.

Prescription medications filled at the Student Health Center are not free, but they are less expensive than at other pharmacies.

Dental and vision care is not available at Watkins. If you need to see a dentist or optometrist, please contact ISP staff and we will assist you in getting to the most cost-effective options in town.

Hours at Watkins Student Health Center change based on semester. It is generally open Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. It MAY be open a half a day on Saturdays, depending on the time of year. For accurate information on hours, please see the Watkins Health Center webpage.

Walk-in Clinic: If you need to see a doctor but have not made a regular appointment, you may use the Walk-in Clinic. However, it is recommended to schedule a regular appointment as you will likely have to wait longer for walk-in appointments than you would with a regular appointment.

Appointments: To make an appointment, call 785.864.9507 or go to the main Watkins Health Center webpage and click on the blue “log into myWHS” button on the right side of the page. (You should also be able to check test results and pay any bills from the myWHS portal.) If you need to contact Watkins Health Center for any other reason, see the Watkins Health Center contacts page for the appropriate phone number or e-mail whs-services@ku.edu.

Using your KU Health Insurance for off-campus healthcare services

For most ISP programs, the fees you pay for your program at KU include the cost of international student health insurance. Although we recommend that go to Watkins Memorial Health Center on the KU campus for most of your healthcare needs, your insurance will also pay for some of the cost of healthcare at off-campus healthcare facilities. If you cannot use Watkins Health Center, please check with ISP staff or look online to find a healthcare provider within your KU international student insurance network. If you go to a provider outside of the insurance network, your cost will be much higher.

If you need to go to an off-campus medical provider, be sure to bring a copy of your KU student insurance card with you. The ISS plan details webpage gives you more information about how to print or save a copy of your card.

If you want to learn more about how health insurance works in the U.S., please see Resources for International Students on the ISS insurance requirements webpage.

Learning more about your health

Watkins Memorial Health Center has also assembled a list of outside resources and links. These resources can help you find out more about topics from meningitis and tuberculosis to nutrition and fitness to general health.

Emotional Health Services

Counseling and Psychological Services, otherwise known as CAPS, is the KU service that helps students with their emotional and mental health. As an enrolled KU student, you can get help for issues from adjusting to college to dealing with family problems to help managing the stress of writing your dissertation or thesis. Confidential counseling is available through both individual and group sessions, although there is a small fee for these sessions.

CAPS also has other resources that you can use. Their self-help library includes ways deal with issues such as culture shock and homesickness, procrastination and time management, and even test anxiety. CAPS also has the Hope @ CAPS program which includes drop-in peer listening and peer support groups

Daily Life at the University of Kansas

Exploring the U.S.

Depending on your program, you may or may not have time to explore different parts of the U.S. If you do have time to travel, you have many different options on where to go and several options on how to get there.

In the U.S., we usually research travel options and make all purchases for transportation, accommodations, and sight-seeing through the internet and not through a travel agent. Some popular travel websites include: Cheapoair, Expedia, Google Flights, Hotwire, Kayak, Priceline, Travelocity, and Trip Advisor. Here are some considerations to help you in the process.

Destinations

If you know where you want to go, great! Make sure to consider how long it will take to get where you are going and how expensive it might be. The U.S. is much bigger than many countries, so travel by train, bus, or car is not always practical in a short timeframe and air travel can be expensive. Because the Kansas City airport is not a major hub airport, air travel from Kansas City can also be time-consuming. Check out this list of locations with direct flights from the Kansas City airport.

The nearest well-known big city to Lawrence is Chicago. There are also other large cities which are closer than popular tourist destinations on the east and west coasts. These destinations include: Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee (home of Country Music); Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Dallas, Texas; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Air travel

The best way to find good deals on air travel is to use travel websites like the ones mentioned above. Other things to keep in mind to find the best price:

If possible, be flexible about your travel dates and times.

If you are traveling to/from a big city, there may be more than one airport you can use. Be sure to check prices for multiple nearby airports.
Some discount airlines only allow you one small personal item like a purse or laptop bag. Any additional bags or suitcases, even carry-ons, may cost you more. Make sure to check the details of the flight you are considering.
The more often you change planes, the cheaper the flight. But these plane changes can add hours to your flight. Be sure to check the length of the flights.
Make sure you consider the cost of getting to and from the airport. Transportation between Lawrence and the Kansas City airport generally costs about $85-100 per trip.

Air travel tips:

Arrive early – the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), recommends that you arrive two hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Check in online - it saves time and is more convenient.

Screenshot and/or print out your boarding pass – Wi-Fi is not always reliable when you need it!
Carry as little as possible - the less luggage you have, the better. If you do not have any checked bags, you can get through the airport quicker.

Have everything ready for security – this helps you get through the security check and to your gate quickly. And please NOTE, in the U.S., you must remove your shoes at the security check.
Use a quart-sized Ziploc bag to carry liquids (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) in any carry-on bag – TSA requires you to remove all liquids from your bag during the security check. (NOTE: the bag containing the shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap that ISP gave you is quart-sized, so you can use that one if you still have it.)
Have something to do at the gate - not every airport (especially Kansas City) has great shopping, and if you get there early, you will want something to keep you busy. There may or may not be Wi-Fi.
Bring snacks - not all airlines supply food, so if you will miss a meal during your trip, bring something to eat.

Don’t carry too much cash - You do not want to accidentally leave a lot of money at an airport or on a plane. There will be ATMs at your destination, or better yet, bring only credit/debit cards.

Check your flight information (departure/arrival time, gate number, etc.) often - you never know when something might change, and often announcements cannot be heard at an airport.

Pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag - if you check bags, there is a chance the airline/airport could lose them. You will want clean clothes while you are waiting for your bag to arrive (which may take at least a day.)
Whenever you leave a place, check that you have everything - especially passports, documentation, and phones.

Train travel

Traveling by Amtrak train in the U.S. is cheaper than air travel, but there is limited service and it can be very slow. Chicago and St. Louis (Missouri) are probably the easiest destination cities to reach by train from Lawrence. Here is a map of Amtrack routes in the U.S. The train station in Lawrence is located at 413 E 7th Street. Lawrence buses number 1 and 15 will get you close to the train station, but they generally don’t operate at the times the trains depart from/arrive in Lawrence. You may need to take an Uber to get to the train station at the correct time or get back to campus.

Bus travel

Traveling by bus in the U.S. is inexpensive, but it takes a very long time to travel to most places! Greyhound is the most well-known bus service that travels throughout the U.S. The Greyhound stop in Lawrence is located at 712 Vermont St, which is the southwest corner of 7th and Vermont Streets, next to the Lawrence Public Library. Depending on your destination, there may be other bus services as well.

Accommodations

There are several types of accommodations available in the U.S.; hotels/motels, hostels, and vacation rentals. You can book hotels/motels on the travel booking websites above (as well as Trivago) or go directly to their webpages.

Hotels and motels

Many hotels/motels are part of a chain, but there are also independent hotels/motels. It is good to check the reviews of all hotels/motels before you book them as some may not be very clean or safe.

Hostels

Hostels are a great way to save money, especially in big cities! It used to be that hostels were called youth hostels. They were open primarily to young travelers and you shared a room with travelers you did not know. Hostels these days are open to travelers of all ages and have more room options. You can share a room with travelers you do not know to keep costs low, you can get a room for just your group, or you can get an individual room. (NOTE: shared rooms almost always have bunk (stacked) beds so do not pick this option if you have problems climbing up into the top bunk!) Hostels are also good options if you want to meet other travelers or if you want discounts on local tourist sites. If you have never stayed in a hostel in the U.S. before, learn more here. You can also learn more about why you may want to choose a hostel over a hotel.

Like hotels/motels, many hostels are part of a network while some are independent. HI (Hosteling International) is the world’s largest hostel network and is a not-for-profit organization, but there are also many other hostel networks. Simply search for “hostel” in your search engine – but, like a hotel/motel, be sure to check reviews to make sure the hostel is clean and safe!

Vacation rentals

There are more and more options for vacation rentals using sites like AirBnB or VRBO. While these sites can often find you some nice and inexpensive accommodation options while traveling, you should be very careful. Some rental listings on this site are fake and others may be different than they appear or are advertised. It could also be dangerous if you choose a rental that is shared with the host, as sometimes criminals can take advantage of travelers this way. If you are going to use one of these sites, make sure you research the policies on refunds for rentals that are not true to what is being advertised. Make sure you also check the reviews for each rental you are considering.

Food

Dining Plans

KU International Short Programs works hard to find a meal plan option that best fits each of its programs. That meal plan often depends on where you live. ISP program staff will give you details about your dining plan at the beginning of your program.

Some of ISP groups live in Naismith Hall, which is a privately-owned student housing complex on the south edge of the KU campus. Groups living in Naismith Hall will have a meal plan that allows them to eat in Naismith’s private dining center.

Other ISP groups live in a KU residence hall or in KU on-campus apartment complex. These groups will have a meal plan that allows them to eat in KU Dining Halls.

South Dining Commons is located between Oliver and Downs Halls on the south side of campus
Mrs. E’s is located in Lewis Hall in the Daisy Hill residence area

On-campus Retail Dining

All KU ISP program participants may choose to eat in one of the many retail dining locations on campus. At these locations you must pay for each item you want with cash or credit card. (Some dining plans may allow you to use your dining plan at one of these locations.)

North College Café islocated in Gertrude-Sellers-Price (GSP) residence hall on the northeast corner of campus.
The Market is located on the 3rd floor of the Kansas Union, the Market offers a wide variety of options. Entrees include burgers – including veggie burgers - and fries, chicken tenders, pizza, sandwiches and wraps, Tex-Mex cuisine, or make-your-own salads. You can also find baked goods, chips, yogurt, and many kinds of beverages.
Chik-fil-A is a popular U.S. chain restaurant with a small location on the 3rd floor of the Kansas Union. It offers chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, waffle fries, salads, milkshakes, and other beverages.
The Underground(currently closed) is located in the basement of Wescoe Hall. It offers several different options, including chicken tenders, burgers – including veggie burgers - and fries, pizza, the popular CCCW wrap, Tex-Mex cuisine, make-your-own salads, smoothies, on-the-go snacks, chips, and beverages.

Courtside Café is located in the DeBruce Center, next to historic Allen Fieldhouse. It features stations with grain and greens bowls, sandwiches and wraps, Tex-Mex style cuisine, Italian cuisine, smoothies, breakfasts, and Kansas BBQ favorites.
Southside is located in Downs Hall and features to-go sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. It is open late.
The Studio is located in Hashinger Hall. It has a menu of burgers, sandwiches and wraps, pizza, and chicken wings as well as breakfast items. The Studio is open late.
The CoffeeHouse has locations across the KU campus, including inside most of the retail dining locations. They serve Starbucks coffee and beverages.

Off-campus dining

The Lawrence area has many restaurants offering food from all over the world. But beware, many of the dishes at these ethnic restaurants have been adapted to fit midwestern tastes! In addition to international cuisine, a favorite trend in Lawrence is food based on local, seasonal ingredients.

Many restaurants in Lawrence are located downtown, on 23rd Street, or on Iowa Street. However, there are many restaurants tucked away in places you would not expect. If you are interested in trying a restaurant off campus, but do not know which one, a good place to search is the Lawrence Visitor’s Center website, Unmistakably Lawrence. You can also ask other people for recommendations, go out and explore, or do a web search for “restaurants in Lawrence, KS”.

Restaurant prices vary greatly. If you are unsure of whether you would like to dine in a restaurant or not, you have a couple options. If you know where you want to go before you leave home, you can usually find a menu online. If you are already out-and-about, feel free to walk into the restaurant and ask the hostess if you can see a menu. This will allow you to make a better decision about whether you would like to eat there or not.

Supermarkets

Depending on the length of your program and your dining plan, you may also want to buy food to cook. Here are some of the larger supermarkets in Lawrence. Most of these larger supermarkets have a small selection of international foods. Checkers has a wider variety international produce and foods.

Dillons – 4 locations, the store at 1015 W. 23rd Street, on the corner of Naismith Drive, is usually closest to most on-campus residence halls andis on the #11 bus line
Wal-Mart – 3300 Iowa Street, on the #11 bus line
Target – 3201 S. Iowa Street, on the #11 bus line
Checkers- 2300Louisiana, at 23rd Street, on the #27 bus line. A large, somewhat less expensive supermarket with a variety of produce and international foods not found in many other large supermarkets.
The Merc (also known as The Community Mercantile) - 901 Iowa, at 9th Street, on the #36 bus line. The Merc specializes in organically and locally grown produce and other organic food
HyVee – 3504 23rd Street at Kasold Drive

There are also a number of smaller markets where you can find international foods to cook for yourself or get some snacks from home.

African Caribbean Grocery Store – 1530 W. 6th Street, between Wisconsin and Minnesota Streets, has a variety of African and Caribbean foods
Au Marché - 931Massachusetts, near 9th Street, is a European specialty market, with a variety of imported cheese, chocolate, sweets, and other imported foods
F-Mart – 530 Colorado Street, near 6th Street, has a wide variety of Asian food
J & V Oriental Market - 711 W. 23rd St, Suite 29 at Louisiana Street, has a variety of Asian food
Mediterranean Market and Café - 3300 15th St. /Bob Billings Pkwy, near Kasold, has imported and freshly prepared Mediterranean food

Farmer’s markets in Lawrence

Farmer’s markets are great ways to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables if you will be cooking for yourself or if you want some on hand for snacks. Depending on the vendors at the market, you may also be able to pick up meat, eggs, cheese, herbs, and baked goods among other items. Here are the farmer’s markets that take place in Lawrence:

The Saturday morning Farmer’s Market – 824 New Hampshire Street, open from 7:30-11:30 am every Saturday from mid-April to mid-November
The Tuesday Farmer’s Market - 1141 Massachusetts St, the northwest corner of South Park, open in the late afternoon and early evening from the beginning of May until end of October
Cottin’s Hardware farmer’s market - 1832 Massachusetts St, the northeast corner of 19th St and Massachusetts St, open from 4:00-6:00 pm, takes place outside April – October and inside the rest of the year

Ordering food and groceries for delivery

Most restaurants and some supermarkets will now deliver your meals or groceries to your residence hall. However, it is important to know many restaurants or supermarkets may have a minimum order before they will deliver and/or charge a delivery fee. In addition, you are expected to tip the delivery person approximately 15% of the pre-tax cost of your meal or delivery. The tip is usually added through the app or website and not given directly to the delivery person.

If you want to get food or groceries delivered, check out the supermarket or restaurant website. You can order delivery from restaurants through apps like UberEats, Postmates, GrubHub, DoorDash, or EatStreet. If you would like more information about how to order online for delivery, please check with ISP staff.

Mail in the United States

If you ever have any questions about mailing or shipping, please ask ISP staff. We are happy to help make certain that your letters and packages arrive safely.

Addressing a letter or package

The standard address format for mailing items to and within the U.S. is as follows:

Name

Street Address

(Additional information for the street address, if needed)

City, State (2 letter code) zip code

Addresses on an envelope or package, should include the recipient’s name and address in the center of the envelope or package AND the sender’s name and address in the upper left-hand corner. It should look like this.

IMPORTANT – Return Address Needed

Whenever you are sending a letter or package, you should ALWAYS include a return name and address on the box or letter in the upper left-hand corner. If a problem occurs during shipping and there is no return address, the letter or package will be lost and you will not be able to get it back. This could cost you a lot of money.

If you are shipping a letter or package less than one week before you leave, you may want to use the ISP office address as the return address. Use this format:

Your Name

C/O International Short Programs

Strong Hall, Room 300

1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence, KS 66045

Mailing and Shipping Options

There are multiple different options for mailing items within the US or to other countries. The primary choices are the United States Postal Service (USPS), the United Parcel Service (UPS), and FedEx.

United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the government-run, public postal service. It is generally the easiest and cheapest option for mailing postcards and letters within the US and overseas - as long as you don't mind waiting a while! For a listing of current postage rates, please the USPS postage rate webpage.

The standard USPS mailing service is called first-class mail.

Letters mailed first class take about 3 business days to arrive at any destination in the United States. However, it is best to plan for a little more time since some businesses can be slow to process incoming and outgoing mail.

First class packages take longer, often 7-10 business days. The USPS also offers faster shipping options and discounted options for special items. There are two US Post Offices in Lawrence. The easiest to reach is on 7th Street, across from the Lawrence Public Library.

Here are some useful links for the United States Postal Service (USPS):

United Parcel Service

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a private company specializing in packages. If you order a package online, there is a good chance it will come via UPS. Shipping packages using UPS can sometimes be cheaper than the USPS, but sometimes it is more expensive. It is usually faster than using the USPS.

To ship packages that are not pre-paid using UPS, you must go to their store, which is located on 31st Street, near Best Buy. If you have a pre-paid package to ship and you live in Naismith Hall, you can simply take your package to the front desk. UPS regularly picks up pre-paid packages from Naismith and other locations.

Here are some helpful links for United Parcel Service (UPS):

FedEx

FedEx is another private shipping company. Their specialty is business mail and packages, but they also ship letters and packages for individuals. Shipping with FedEx is generally more expensive than using the USPS, but it is often the fastest method.

To ship letters or packages that are not pre-paid using Fedex, you must go to one of their locations. The closest location is on Mass, near 9th Street. If you have a pre-paid letter or package, you can put it in the FedEx drop-box in the Kansas Union, near the ATMs.

Here are some helpful links for FedEx:

Returning Purchases

If you are returning something you purchased online, you MUST find out if the return shipping is pre-paid or if you must pay the return shipping fees. The company you purchased the item from will provide you with a return label but this does NOT mean that the shipping is pre-paid. You must specifically ask about this.

If the return shipping is pre-paid, you can find a drop location and simply leave the package there.
If the shipping costs are NOT pre-paid, proceed using the following steps.
1. Ask the company you ordered from which shipping company to use.
2. Take the package and the return label or address to the shipping company's local store or office.
3. Package the item in a box. If you already have a box and packing tape, that is helpful and will save you money. If not, you can usually buy boxes or tape (if needed) at the shipping company’s store or office.
4. Add the shipping label and your RETURN ADDRESS to the package. This is VERY IMPORTANT!
5. Tape the box closed AFTER you arrive at the shipping company’s store or office and have checked to make sure you don’t need to add anything else.
6. Pay the shipping costs associated with the return.

Media

Newspapers

There are a number of newspapers that you can access in either print or electronic formats.

The University Daily Kansan – this is the student run newspaper for the University of Kansas. You can find free print versions in self-service kiosks around campus. You can also access the paper through the web, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
There are limited paper copies of the Lawrence Journal World, the New York Times, the Kansas City Star, and USA Today in newspaper dispensers around campus.
The local newspaper, the Lawrence Journal World, allows limited digital access without a subscription. For complete access, you will need to pay for a subscription.
The KU Senate provides free digital access to the New York Times for enrolled students. Set up an account.
The Lawrence Public Library provides unlimited digital access to the Washington Post, but you need to either access the newspaper inside the library or have a LPL library card and pin number.
Through the KU Libraries, enrolled students can access a number of different current newspapers.

Television

Televisions can be found in common rooms in most residence halls. You can watch the news or other television programming from these TVs.

If you buy a TV while you are in Lawrence, you can set up free cable television service in any KU owned residence hall through Apogee. For directions on how to set up your service, check here.

Safety Information

In general, the KU campus is a safe place. However, you should take basic precautions to ensure the safety of your person and your possessions. For more details, see the Community Education Pamphlets from KU Public Safety or watch one of the Stay Safe 360° videos. If you have a phone with US service, you can sign up for KU text message safety and weather alerts through Enroll and Pay. Otherwise, you can follow the @UnivOfKansas handle on Twitter or check the alerts website.

Advice from the KU Public Safety Office about keeping safe

To avoid theft

Do not leave belongings unattended in public places. Most thefts on campus happen in residence halls, dining locations, the libraries, and the recreation center. Ask a trusted friend to stay with your belongings if you must leave them.
Lock the door to your room or apartment, even if you are or only going down the hall for a few minutes.
Lock the door to your room or apartment at night.
Keep valuables such as jewelry in a locked drawer in your room.
Do not keep cash in your room or leave it unattended in your backpack. (Please see ISP staff for advice in securing larger amounts of cash.)
Do not attach anything to your keys that indicates where you live. If your keys were lost or stolen, a thief would know where the keys fit.

To keep safe on campus

Avoid walking alone. Walk with a friend or in a group.
Stay in well-lighted areas. Avoid shortcuts behind buildings or off the walkway.
Carry a mobile phone or know where emergency phones are located on campus. Emergency phones are on poles with a blue light and a yellow phone box.
A photo of a KU emergency phone
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like talking on a mobile phone or listening to music while walking alone or at night.
Use the SafeRide transportation service to get home. SafeRide provides a safe ride for KU students at night from locations on campus or within Lawrence to their homes. Call 785-864-SAFE [7233] or use the SafeRide app. iOS download or Android download.
- During fall and spring semesters, SafeRide operates 7 days a week from 10:30 pm to 2:30 am.
- During summer semester, SafeRide operates Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 10:30 pm to 2:30 am.
- SafeRide does not operate when classes are not in session.

General personal safety

Walk with a friend or in a group.
Walk in well-lighted areas and on established paths. Avoid shortcuts behind buildings and off the lighted paths.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like talking on a mobile phone or listening to music while walking alone or at night.
Have your keys or key card out and ready before you get to the door of your residence hall.
Be alert and keep looking around when using ATMs and mobile phones.
Carry your purse, bag, or backpack close to your body and have a tight grip.
When at a bar or a party, do not take an opened or poured beverage from a stranger. Do not drink from a beverage that has been left unattended. Watch your drink being made.
Do not accept a ride from a stranger.
Use a transportation service such as a bus, taxi, or an Uber to get around. If you are in Lawrence, the SafeRide transportation service provides a safe ride for KU students at night from locations on campus or within Lawrence to their homes. Call 785-864-SAFE [7233] or use the SafeRide app. iOS download or Android download.
- During fall and spring semesters, SafeRide operates 7 days a week from 10:30 pm to 2:30 am.
- During summer semester, SafeRide operates Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 10:30 pm to 2:30 am.
- SafeRide does not operate when classes are not in session.
If a situation does not feel right, trust your instincts and leave.

What to do in case of suspicious activity, a crime, or an EMERGENCY

Call 911 in any of the following situations:
- POLICE - If you should see someone committing a crime, a person who is about to commit a crime, or a crime has already occurred.
- FIRE - On all actual fires, smell of smoke or gas, or if you should see smoke rising from an object that is on fire.
- MEDICAL - If a person should need immediate medical attention.
When calling 911, be prepared to give the dispatcher the following:
- The location of the emergency
- The type of emergency
- Your name
- Your phone number and the location you are calling from, if it differs from the location of the emergency
If you have a non-emergency (and non-medical) situation call:
- 785-864-5900 or 785-864-5913 for KU Campus Safety
- 785-832-7509 for the Lawrence Police non-emergency response
- 785-864-8888 to report a crime anonymously to KU Crime Stoppers
If you have a non-emergency medical situation, please contact ISP staff at 785-521-5944 or through the communication app used for your program.

Weather safety

Knowing what to expect from the weather

In Lawrence, it is common for the weather to change frequently, even from hour to hour. It is also not uncommon for Lawrence to experience severe weather.
We highly recommend that you check the weather every day before you get dressed. It is best to use a U.S. based weather app or website for the most accurate forecasts. Popular ones are Weather.com and AccuWeather.

Severe weather information and general safety

There are two levels of severe weather alerts.
- The first level is a severe weather watch. This means that conditions are right for severe weather in the area, but there has not been severe weather yet. If there is a severe weather watch, keep checking the weather for further developments.
- The second level is a severe weather warning. This is more serious and means that there has been severe weather in the area. If there is a severe weather warning, you should follow the safety precautions for that type of severe weather.
In case of severe weather, ISP staff will alert you via the communication app used for your program.
If you have a phone with US service, you can also sign up for KU text message safety and weather alerts through Enroll and Pay. Otherwise, you can follow the @UnivOfKansas handle on Twitter or check the alerts website.
See https://www.weather.gov/safety/ for more detailed weather safety.
During severe weather, there is a possibility of power loss. It is wise to have a flashlight, extra water, and a back-up source of power, if possible. In cold weather, have warm clothing and blankets prepared.
When going outside after severe weather, beware of downed power lines.

Snow, severe cold, and ice

Most common from December through late February.
Use care when walking on sidewalks, paths, or roads as they may be slippery. You may not be able to see the ice due to black ice.
Be extra cautious when crossing roads or walking near cars, as cars may not be able to stop.
Wear cold weather clothing such as gloves, hats, long socks, and boots. Wear layers that you can remove when necessary.
Stay inside during a severe snowstorm.

Severe thunderstorms

Although severe thunderstorms can hit any time of the year, they are most common from mid-March to mid-June.
Flash flooding can occur during heavy rains. Stay away from low lying areas. Do not walk or drive through flooding on sidewalks or roads. Just 6 inches (15 cm) of water can knock over an adult and just 12 inches (30.5 cm) can carry away a car.
Hail is not uncommon during a thunderstorm. Hail stones can harm you and cause damage to vehicles. Find shelter if it is hailing.
Lightning is a part of a thunderstorm. Because lightning is very common in the midwestern part of the U.S., many people continue life as normal. However, lightning can be dangerous. Read lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service.
Classes at KU are unlikely to be cancelled during a severe storm. However, we will never make you do something that you feel is unsafe. Use the links above to learn more and then make your own decision.

Tornados

Tornados are most common from mid-April to mid-June, but can occur at any time during the year, if conditions are right.
If there is a tornado warning, get inside a building very soon and take cover.
If there is a tornado spotted near or in Lawrence, you will hear the tornado siren. It sounds like this.
- If you hear the siren, get inside a sturdy building and take cover IMMEDIATELY.
- If you cannot get inside, seek shelter in a low-lying area and take cover IMMEDIATELY.
The safest space in a building is in the basement or on the ground floor, in the center of the building away from exterior walls. You should avoid areas near exterior windows and doors. In KU buildings, there should be signs indicating where you should go in case of a tornado.
Kneel or sit on the ground with your face toward the floor and your hands over the back of your head.

Tipping

A difficult part of everyday life in the U.S. for many international students (and even most Americans!) is tipping those who provide a service to you, such as wait staff at restaurants.

Who to tip and how much

The people you will need to tip most frequently are wait staff. You should always tip 15 -20% of the pre-tax bill. In large cities or very nice restaurants you should tip 20-25%. If you have poor service, you should complain to the manager instead of leaving no tip or a very small tip. The reason behind this is that wait staff are often paid significantly less than the minimum wage, sometimes only $2-3 per hour. This is allowed by law because it is expected that they will supplement their income with a tip.

Some important notes:

Tipping does not apply to restaurants where you order food at the counter or a buffet where you get the food yourself. It is not required, but you may leave a tip at these locations if you wish. You can leave a cash tip in the tip container or an electronic tip through your credit card payment.
Please note that for large groups or in some restaurants, the tip may already be included in the bill. Look for a phrase such as “gratuity included” or “service charge included” on the bill.

You should also tip other people who provide you a service. Here are some common examples you may experience.

Hair stylists, massage therapists, taxi drivers, or tour guides: 15-20%
Bellhops (help with your luggage), valets, and maids at hotels: a few dollars given directly to the person or, for maids, left on your pillow
Food delivery: 10-20%
Bars: $1-2 per drink or the same as you would leave for a waitperson added to your bill

How to give a tip

If you are paying by credit card, there will usually be line at the bottom labeled “tip” or “gratuity” where you add the amount you would like to tip to the bill. If you are paying by cash at a restaurant, you can leave the tip on the table. For other service people, you can simply hand them cash.

Additional resources about tipping

An Australian website about when to tip and how much
Trip Advisor page about tipping and tipping etiquette (note, this information may be out-dated)
BBC article about tipping in America
A page about who to tip and how much, including tipping during COVID-19
A Time magazine news article about why the practice of tipping is controversial

Transportation

KU and Lawrence bus system

The bus system in Lawrence is operated jointly by the City of Lawrence and KU. Some buses run only around the KU campus, others connect KU to various points in the city, and still others run only in the city. All buses in Lawrence (except the K-10 Connector Kansas City bus) are free to ride with a KU ID card. The buses are free to everyone who boards at a stop on the KU campus. No buses operate on Sundays or U.S. holidays. Bus lines that operate only on the KU campus also do not operate on weekends, during Summer Semester or during KU breaks. For more information and schedules, pick up a “transit guide”, available on any bus, or visit http://lawrencetransit.org/. You can also download the “My Bus Lawrence” app from iTunes or the Google Play store.

Taxis in Lawrence

Although there are taxis in Lawrence, they may not be what you are accustomed to at home. You will need to call ahead to get a taxi as it will generally take at least 20 minutes for a taxi to pick you up. If you know you will need a taxi at a certain time, it is best to call several hours or several days in advance to request that a taxi pick you up at the designated time. You can find taxi companies by searching for “taxis” on https://www.yellowpages.com/lawrence-ks.

Airport Shuttles

There are several companies that offer shuttle service between Lawrence and Kansas City International Airport. These shuttles will be less expensive than taking a taxi to the airport but will need to be booked in advance. Check with ISP staff for information about the shuttle companies we use most often.

UBER

UBER service exists in Lawrence and can be another possibility for you to get around Lawrence or get into Kansas City. Please see https://www.uber.com/cities/lawrence for more details.

K-10 Connector

The K-10 Connector is a bus service run by RideKC, the Kansas City transit service. The K-10 Connector bus runs between Lawrence and Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City. The K-10 Connector costs $3.00 per ride, one-way. However, the K-10 Connector is primarily a commuter service and only operates Monday – Friday from about 6 am until 6 pm, with a couple buses Monday – Thursday evenings. Service during the summer is more limited and service during school breaks and holidays is even more limited. Check out the K-10 Connector route map and schedule. There is a transit center located at JCCC, which is the end of the K-10 Connector route. From there you can take several other routes and get to areas of Kansas City most favored by visitors.