Living in Valpo

Local Newspapers

Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana: Valparaiso’s daily newspaper, also available online at post-trib.com. Click on “Entertainment.”

Northwest Indiana Times: Another local publication, which can also be found online at nwitimes.com.

Places of Entertainment

Make sure to check out these fun events and places around Valparaiso. Take your friends!

Drive-In Movie Theater

49er Drive-In Movie Theater: One of Valparaiso’s most awesome attractions. Take some friends and relax in your own car while watching a double feature! 675 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383. For movie times, call: 219.462.6122.

Zao Island

Zao Island: At Zao Island, you and your friends can enjoy a game of mini golf, go-karts, the game room, and the batting cages. They also have a restaurant with great pizza and more. 1050 Horse Prairie Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46385. Call: 219.462.1194 for more information.

Inman’s Bowling

Inman’s Fun and Party Center: If you like to bowl, Inman’s is the place to do it! They also have an arcade and outside attractions. 3201 East Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Call 219.462.1300 for more information.

Valparaiso and the surrounding area have many organizations for the practice of most major world religions. Contact the organization directly for worship schedules. If the religion you practice is not listed, you may try finding a place of worship in Chicago.

Protestant Christian

Chapel of the Resurrection (Valparaiso University)

Immanuel Lutheran Church
1700 Monticello Dr.

First United Methodist
103 N. Franklin St.

Calvary Church
1325 Evans Ave.

Valley Baptist Church
255 Rigg Rd

Liberty Bible Church
824 N Calumet Ave., Chesterton

Good Shepherd Presbyterian
1901 Evans Ave.

Catholic

St. Teresa of Avila
1411 LaPorte Ave.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church
1855 Harrison Blvd.

Jewish Synagogue

Temple Israel of Porter County
1405 Evans Ave.

Messianic Synagogue

Hope of Israel Congregation
504 Lincolnway

Mosque

Northwest Indiana Islamic Center
9803 Colorado St., Merrillville, IN 46411

Islamic Center of Michigan City
5000 East Brown Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360

Greek Orthodox

St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church
36W 700N, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Serbian Orthodox

St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
8700 Taft St., Merrillville, IN 46410

Navigating American Culture & Life at Valpo
Living in a foreign country is both a challenge and a valuable opportunity for growth. At Valparaiso University, we aim to help international students feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for cultural adjustment. Below is a guide to help you understand American customs, values, and everyday behavior to ease your transition and enrich your experience.

Core American Cultural Values
Self-Sufficiency
Americans place high value on being independent and self-reliant. While they’re usually happy to help, you’re expected to ask directly rather than assume someone will notice you need assistance.

Attention to Time
Punctuality is important. Americans dislike wasting time and tend to stick to tight schedules. Being late can be seen as disrespectful, even though not everyone is always on time.

Independence
From a young age, people in the U.S. are encouraged to live independently. Moving out of the family home is a cultural norm and often seen as a milestone of adulthood.

Equality
The idea of “equal opportunity” is central to American culture. Social and economic status, race, or gender typically do not entitle someone to better treatment or privileges.

Informality
It’s common to address people—even superiors—by their first names, dress casually, and engage in relaxed conversation. Americans often value approachability over formality.

Directness and Openness
Americans are generally honest and direct, even when discussing unpleasant topics. This may feel rude in other cultures, but here it’s seen as respectful and clear communication.

Privacy and Personal Space
Personal space is taken seriously. Avoid standing too close, and refrain from asking about age, income, or weight—topics that are often considered too personal.

American Social Customs
Meeting People

Shake hands firmly, including with the opposite gender.

Maintain eye contact—it shows honesty and confidence.

Practice good hygiene; it’s expected and noticed.

Respect personal space when greeting or standing near others.

Out in Public

Hold doors open and wait your turn in line.

Treat service workers respectfully and tip them (e.g., in restaurants, taxis, salons).

Dining Etiquette

Don’t rush meals—enjoy the experience and conversation.

Use a napkin, and ask for help politely in restaurants.

Know when to use fingers vs. silverware.

Each person usually pays for themselves unless otherwise stated.

Tip at least 15% in non-fast food restaurants.

Driving Norms

Obey all traffic signals and laws.

Yield to pedestrians.

Give a friendly wave to say thanks.

Use the right lane if driving slowly.

Friendship in the U.S.
Americans are often friendly and open to casual conversation. However, close friendships can take time to develop. Because people frequently move for jobs or school, long-term friendships are less common. Actions that may seem like deep friendliness in your culture might only be surface-level friendliness here. Be patient as connections form.

Culture Shock and How to Cope
Moving to a new country comes with an emotional adjustment. Here are the common stages you might experience:

Honeymoon – Everything feels exciting and new.

Culture Shock – You begin to feel overwhelmed by differences.

Initial Adjustment – You get used to daily routines.

Mental Isolation – You may feel lonely or frustrated.

Acceptance & Integration – You feel comfortable and connected.

Note: These phases may repeat and can also happen when returning home (called reverse culture shock).

Tips for Adjusting
Get Involved: Don’t isolate yourself. Join campus events and social groups.

Exercise: Stay active to reduce stress and improve your mood.

Make Friends: Reach out to both Americans and fellow international students.

Be Open-Minded: Avoid judging unfamiliar behaviors—learn about them instead.

Seek Support: Talk to International Programs or Counseling Services if you’re struggling.

Be Patient: Adjustment takes time. Focus on the positives and learn from challenges.

If you have any questions, visit the International Programs office at 209 Harre Union. We are here to support you throughout your Valpo journey.

As a nation, the United States celebrates a number of official holidays. The following holidays are “Federal Holidays” on which many places of business — such as banks and stores — are closed, including university offices.

NOTE: Valparaiso University remains open and classes meet on Labor Day.

• July 4: Independence Day
• September 5: Labor Day
• November 11: Veteran’s Day
• 4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
• December 25: Christmas Day
• January 1: New Year’s Day
• January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• March/April: Easter (click for more information)
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day

Daylight Savings Time

Most places in the United States observe “Daylight Savings Time”. In the spring, all clocks are moved forward one hour, and in the fall they are moved back again. The historical purpose of this practice was to give more daylight time to agriculture workers in the summer. Nowadays, Americans find that they just enjoy more daylight hours for summer recreational activities!

Each year Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Currency Conversion

When you arrive in the United States, and specifically when you arrive in Valparaiso, you will want to exchange your country’s currency to U.S. dollars or withdraw U.S. dollars from your international bank account. Use the website below to calculate the currency conversions.

Oanda.com

Temperature Conversion

You will notice that the United States does not use degrees Celsius to indicate the temperature. Here, we use degrees Fahrenheit. Listed below is a website that will help you convert the two.

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion

Or, if you think you are able to calculate this yourself, use this formula:

General Unit Conversion:

Easyunitconverter.com

Public Transportation

Valparaiso has a few economically and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving around the Chicagoland area. The V-Line is available to travel around the city of Valparaiso, and the Transit Connect, ChicaGo Dash, and South Shore Train Line provide options to travel to Chicago.

In Valpo, along with the V-Line, many students find walking or riding a bike a viable option during most of the year. Many of the restaurants and stores, including the downtown area, are within walking distance from the campus. However, during the winter months, many students seek other forms of transportation.

Check the links below for the various public transportation services available:

• V-Line : A bus service operated by the city in collaboration with the University. Students ride free of charge and the V-Line runs routes to downtown shopping centers, Wal-Mart, and Target, as well as a weekend line that goes to the Dunes so that people can catch the train to and from Chicago.
• Transit Connect: Similar to the V-Line, this bus service provides daily service from Valpo to the South Shore train station.
• ChicaGo Dash: Weekday bus service from Valpo to Chicago.
• South Shore Train Line from Dune Park Station in Chesterton to downtown Chicago.

Car Rental

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Hertz

Purchasing Your Own Car

Purchasing your own car is a big investment and should only be done after careful consideration. If you are unsure about any part of the process, you should contact International Programs or ask a friend who has already purchased a car for advice. Remember that the state of Indiana will charge you a 7 percent sales tax, which can possibly add hundreds of dollars to your purchase. Also, once you have purchased the car, you must go to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to title and register the vehicle. Remember, Indiana law requires that you have your car registration, proof of insurance, and Driver’s License (or Learner’s Permit) with you at all times while driving. However, the title should always be left at home.

Insurance

Insurance is a legal requirement in the state of Indiana before you operate a vehicle. There are several locations around the area where you may purchase insurance. You may also purchase insurance online.  See the Helpful Links section below for some suggested insurance companies.

Learning to Drive

If you have never driven before or if you simply feel uncomfortable with the laws of driving in the United States, then it may be a good idea to attend a driving school before you begin driving. See below for local driving schools:

• Coastline Academy – has options to obtain a permit, take an online road education course, and testing for a driver’s license.
• Certified Driving – offers online and in-person driving classes

Obtaining a Driver’s License

Unless you have an official International Driving Permit (IDP), you must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license in order to drive legally. To apply for a driver’s license, bring the following documents to the Indiana BMV:

• I-20 or DS-2019 (Current)
• Passport & Visa
• Current I-94 (The card stapled to your Passport)
• 2 Proofs of Indiana Residency

See this page on our website for more details on how to apply for a U.S. driver’s license.

Rules of the Road

While you are driving, be sure to observe laws, including the posted signs. In addition, when you hear a siren, be sure to pull over to the side of the road. If your vehicle is pulled over by a police officer, remain calm and keep your hands on the steering wheel in plain sight. If you are involved in a car accident, be sure to call 911 right away and make sure that you exchange insurance information with the other person. For more tips on driving, you can either visit the Indiana BMV website or go to a local branch to pick up a driver’s manual.

Driver’s Manual

VUPD

Indiana BMV

Geico Insurance

Nationwide Insurance

Allstate Insurance

American Family Insurance

State Farm Insurance

Farm Bureau Insurance

V-Line

ChicaGo Dash

South Shore Train

Excel Driving

Types of Accounts

When opening a bank account, you have several options: most people open both a savings account and a checking account.

• Savings Accounts: money earns interest based on the bank’s percentage rate. Banks generally allow you to have a certain number of transactions (deposits and withdrawals), after which a small fee is charged.
• Checking Accounts: money in this type of account generally does not earn interest, but it usually allows you more access to your money. Many checking accounts allow an unlimited number of transactions each month.

If you wish to open only one type of account, it is more helpful to have a checking account. You not only don’t need to carry cash around, but you can also pay any bill sent to you through the mail. Never send cash through the mail!

Opening an Account

When you open an account, the banks normally require a minimum deposit. They also require some pieces of identification. Make sure that you pay attention to all the details that the bank representative tells you. The representative will talk about specific information for each type of account, such as the number of checks you can write without paying a fee, the regulations for withdrawing money from the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), the different penalty charges for going below a minimum balance, etc.

Banks also normally provide you with a regular monthly “bank statement” summarizing all your transactions during that month so you can keep track of your account. Make sure you keep the monthly statements for future reference.

Bank Options

If you will be receiving money regularly from abroad, you may find it more convenient to have an account in one of the national banks located in Valparaiso.

Chase Bank
2200 Morthland Ave,
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-9730

Fifth/Third Bank
56 S Washington St
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-6611

1st Source Bank
2005 Laporte Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-3167

If you decide to rent off-campus housing, utility services may or may not be included in your apartment lease. Before signing the lease, ask the apartment manager which utilities you are responsible to arrange yourself.

Most utility services will ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) as a requirement. In all cases, it is possible to obtain these services without a SSN, but you may need to explain that as non-working foreign citizen, you are not eligible for a SSN. If you have a SSN, you will be able to arrange most services for telephone during the hours of service listed.

If you do not have an SSN, we recommend that you visit the offices in person where possible. It is generally easier to present your passport and other required documents in person. If you require assistance in these matters, please speak to anyone in International Programs.

There are three main types of utility services in Porter County. Gas and electricity are provided by NIPSCO, water and trash pickup are provided by Valparaiso City Utilities, and internet, cable, and phone service are usually provided by Comcast or DirecTV (though there are other providers for these services).

Electricity & Gas

Electricity is used for heating and cooking in many apartment buildings, and you may be responsible to arrange and pay for your own electrical service if it is not included in your rent payment.

NIPSCO

You can apply for electric and/or gas service by calling our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1.800.4.NIPSCO (or 1.800.464.7726). They are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Below information you will need to complete the application process:

• Full name
• Birth date
• Social Security number
• Place of employment, address, and telephone number
• Address where service is located
• Landlord‘s name, address and telephone number

Note: NIPSCO may require deposits.

Water

This also includes waste pickup and storm-water drainage.

Valparaiso City Utilities 
205 Billings St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219.462.6174

There are two ways to begin service with the water company, and the website provided lists them both in detail.

Graduate On-campus Housing

If you are graduate student and looking for a housing option with affordable price and utilities included, Valpo has got that option. Click the link for information.

Graduate Student Housing.

Undergraduate 0n-campus Housing

If you are a new undergraduate student, you are probably living in a residence hall. Our office staff will bring you directly from the bus station to the residence hall. The residence halls are open early to accommodate international students. Please note that there is no bedding provided upon arrival so please bring a minimum of $30-$50 U.S. Dollars cash with you to purchase bedding, basic supplies, and food for the first few nights in the residence hall. For summer and fall arrivals, you can wait for a couple of months before purchasing a heavier blanket immediately.

International Programs recommends that international undergraduate students live on campus for at least the first two years because it is the best way to meet American students and adjust to the U.S. Many students opt to live in Brandt Hall because it is open during break periods; however, you may live in another hall and find a friend’s room to stay in during breaks. Make sure you pay attention to the rules about the length of stay in residence halls and requirements for break housing, such as completing forms and picking up new keys BEFORE the deadline. In general, it is necessary to move out after your exams are finished. Your RA (resident assistant) will help to explain other rules, and Residential Life will also be happy to help you.

You may want to live off campus for dietary or other reasons; however, if you are under 22, you must file a petition with the Housing Office to do so. Do not sign the off-campus ‘lease’  before you are ‘released’ from on-campus housing by Residential Life. There are several apartment complexes around campus, and many houses are divided into apartments. When you seek an apartment, make sure it meets your needs and that you can meet your obligations for rent and damages.

Off-campus Housing

Searching for an Apartment

It is best to start by asking your friends if they know of an opening. Many times, other students are looking for roommates or renters. This “word-of-mouth” method is usually best. The Graduate School maintains a list of apartments for rent. The Times and The Torch newspapers also carry “classified” listings of places to rent. The phone book has agencies listed under “Apartments” (in the yellow pages), which rent apartments. Finally, you may see “For Rent” signs on houses near campus.

Be sure to bring money with you when you arrive to purchase furniture and other household items you might need (you can also check the “Valpo Students: Free & For Sale” Facebook page for advertisements of furniture you can purchase cheaply).

Choosing an Apartment

When you find some good possibilities, call the landlord or rental agency and ask about the location and cost. If you find the rent to be reasonable, set up an appointment to see the apartment. Ask to see the actual apartment, not a “model.” Is the apartment clean and ready for immediate occupancy? Think of some questions you want to ask ahead of time, such as the cost of utilities and length of lease. Do not sign the lease right away — give yourself some time to think about it.

Questions to Ask

Here are some questions to ask the landlord and yourself:

– Is the apartment in good condition?

– How are the walls, the floors, the windows?

– Do the appliances work? (Try them to find out.)

– How is the hot water supply?

– Where can you do your laundry?

– What are the average utility costs?

– How many people can live in the apartment?

– Are pets allowed?

– How long is the lease? (Remember, you are responsible even if the lease extends beyond the school year.)

The Lease

After asking about the length of the lease, find out when the rent is due and how it is to be paid. Ask about the security deposit (usually it is equal to one month’s rent), and find out what it covers and how much you will get back. Ask what the conditions are if you break the lease, or if your landlord breaks the lease. Remember, once you sign the lease, you are responsible for adhering to its terms, so take your time and get advice on it if needed.

It is very important that each person living in your apartment should sign the lease with the landlord (for your own legal protection).

DO NOT LEASE apartments on behalf of friends, as they may back out and you will be stuck with the lease. Again, if you are wanting to move off-campus, do not sign the off-campus lease before you are ‘released’ from on-campus housing by Residential Life.

Insurance and Safety

Your landlord will most likely not have insurance to cover your personal belongings. It is not necessary to have renters insurance, but you may want to buy your own policy if you own expensive things (computer equipment, etc). Short of insurance, it is always a good policy to rent an apartment that is kept in good condition and can be secured with good locks. Use common sense in not overloading circuits with too many electrical appliances, turning them off when not in use, and remembering to lock your door whenever you leave. It is useful to know your escape route in case of fire and to keep a list of emergency numbers next to the phone. Prices range from $100-$150 for a year, depending on deductible, which, over 12 months, is about $8-$12 a month.

Other Responsibilities

Keep your apartment in good shape and report any broken features to your manager right away. Follow landlord guidelines for taking out the trash, having pets, quiet hours, maximum number of renters in the apartment, smoking outdoors, etc. Be sure to keep your apartment clean. Any change in tenants should be reported to the landlord, such as when you change roommates or sub-lease the apartment to someone else (short-term visitors are ok). Be respectful of your neighbors’ rights to quiet and/or cleanliness. Your American neighbors may not understand some of the things you do or may feel uncomfortable in approaching you. If you are patient and courteous, most problems between neighbors can be easily solved.

There are many places in Valparaiso to get what you need for the upcoming year. On-campus and off-campus students will need different things, though, so if you have questions about these things, please do not hesitate to ask International Programs.

Dining

Please check this link for more dining options.

There are many places to dine in Valparaiso, ranging from fast food to fine-dining restaurants, as well as many ethnic restaurants. Explore the town and find everything that Valparaiso has to offer! Don’t forget to travel to Merrillville as well, where you can find a much more diverse selection of restaurants.

Shopping Note: “Sales Tax”- In the state of Indiana, you will be charged a tax of 7 percent on every purchase except essential grocery items. This tax is calculated at the register and is not included in the price marked on the product.