Getting Settled / Orientation
When can I move into my residence hall?
You can move into your residence hall starting on August, but will need to pay $36 per day for early move in until the 21st. This will be charged to student bill; you do not need to pay on arrival.
Where do I get my NCard?
1) NCard office in Nebraska Union during business hours
2) At 11:30 on Monday or Tuesday of Welcome Week
3) At the Resource Room on Wednesday, August 21 (12:15-5:00 PM - Heritage Room)
Where can a student get a bus pass and is it free?
Bus passes will be given along with NCard before or during orientation. It is included in the student fees. Students can also download a pass on their phone using the Token Transit. Instructions to register on parking.unl.edu.
What if I'm not enrolled in classes?
Advisors will also be at Triage on Wednesday, Aug 21 to help you register for classes.
Full admits ONLY can visit the NSE Office (312 N. 14th St)
IEP students will be placed in classes upon completion of the English Placement Exam.
What is the health center requirement and when/where do I complete it?
1. Take a tuberculosis test at the University Health Center
2. Provide proof of two rubeola measles/MMR immunizations or a positive rubeola lab result.
The requirements should be fulfilled on the first level Administration Office at the University Health Center, located at 550 North 19th Street. Students can visit the Health Center during walk-in times on Thursday, August 22 (8:00-9:30 a.m.), Friday, August 23 (8:00-9:30 a.m.), or Saturday, August 24 (8:00-1:00 p.m.) to complete the requirement; it is not necessary to schedule an appointment.
Where can I eat in Lincoln?
For students with a meal plan: dining Halls will begin serving food on August 21 for breakfast. Before that, you have the option to purchase interim meals for $8 per meal. You can use your NCard to have these charged to your student bill. Interim meals served in Willa Cather.
Before that (or for students living off campus), there are a variety of places to eat within walking distance of campus. There’s also food in the Nebraska Union food court. On August 18-20, Welcome Team will take students downtown for lunch and dinner each day, at the students' expense. Most meals cost about $7-12. More details on Welcome Week calendar.
What do I do to get cell phone service?
Visit Resource Room between 12:15 and 5 p.m. on the first day of orientation (Aug 21)
OR visit the Computer & Phone Shop (lower level of the Nebraska Union) anytime M-F 8:30am-5:00 pm if setting up a Verizon / Sprint student plan
How does a student buy a car?
Buying a car requires a valid U.S. license, insurance and other documentation. It’s best to talk to the Department of Motor Vehicles before buying one. On Friday, August 23, NSE will host a "Driving in the US" info session to provide more information about how to do this.
When is the English Placement Exam?
This is only for Intensive English Program (IEP) students. It’s on Wednesday, August 21th at 1:30 p.m. in Jorgensen Hall (Welcome Team leaders will walk you over after your morning orientation sessions). Register on PIESL website, bring two forms of ID (passport and NCard).
What are good ways to find out about scholarships?
Talk to academic advisors for college-specific scholarships. Otherwise, the scholarship they came with will likely remain the same.
When and how do I complete my immigration check-in with ISSO?
During the afternoon sessions of international orientation on Day 2 (Thursday August 22).
Bring: Passport with visa attached, I-20, and knowledge of local address.
Do I need to have a campus bank account, and where do I open it?
Not required but recommended. Visit the UBT Office on the first floor of the Nebraska Union during business hours (M-F 8:30-5), or the Resource Room on Wednesday of orientation (between 12:15 and 5pm).
Are there any taxi services available?
Taxis are an expensive option for transportation within Lincoln. HappyCab is a large taxi company. However, Uber or Lyft are alternative “taxi” apps, but the drivers are not taxi drivers. This is generally cheaper than taxis unless it is a very busy time and the prices are surging. If the student wants to download the Uber or Lyft app, they can do that on their smartphone.
Do I need to take the Math Placement Exam?
Every new student at UNL needs to take the math placement exam except for Intensive English students and some Exchange students. You can access it through NSE’s website (nse.unl.edu) under the “placement exams” tab if you haven’t taken it before. Can be taken up to three times online (once per 24 hours).
How do students look for jobs?
Students should visit Career Services to look for on campus jobs. International students can only work 20 hours during the school year.
How do I connect to the wi-fi?
If my.UNL set up: Connect to eduroam network using my.unlID@unl.edu and my.unl password
If not: Connect to temporary wi-fi (NU-Guest network, IWW2019 as the username, iww2019 as the password) and visit trueyou.Nebraska.edu to activate your my.UNL credentials. Instructions available at go.unl.edu/activatecanvas
Parents / guests: use temporary wi-fi
When are the required orientation sessions?
Morning sessions on Wednesday, August 21 (10AM-12PM)
Morning and afternoon sessions on Thursday, August 22 (10:00 - 11:45 AM; 3:00 - 5:00 PM)
Can international students rent cars?
International students can rent cars with a valid foreign license. Students can also drive Zip cars, which are short-term rental cars, located in a few spots on campus. Students can rent by the hour or by the day; gas & insurance is included; can find more details online.
Can I drop a class if I am struggling or I don't want to be in it?
NOT before checking with your academic advisor AND notifying ISSO. Cannot drop below 12 credit hours without express permission, because this violates your immigration status.
Where and how can I buy groceries / personal items? (7 possible answers)
Take city bus to Walmart / Target/ Super Saver / Gateway Mall with student bus pass.
Take free Target shuttle on Thursday, August 21 at 8:30pm
Take intercampus bus to 27th & Vine for international grocery
Downtown Walgreens
NU market in the Union
C-Stores
Health Center Pharmacy