Getting Started as an International Graduate Student at Nebraska

When you arrive in Lincoln, come to campus and check in. You will need to visit a few offices to get started.

Below you will find a list of each place you need to go, and the sequence in which you should make your visits. Following this list will save you time and trips across campus.

Items colored blue may be completed during the International Student Orientation.

1. Check in at your department.

Your first stop on campus should be your academic department. They will be excited to meet you and may have some paperwork for you to fill out.

Be sure to bring your passport, I-20 or DS2019, I-94 card, social security card (if you already have one), driver's license (if you already have one), etc. You should also be prepared to give them your local address and phone number, even if it is only a temporary one, so that they know how to contact you.

Obtain from them a sample course registration of at least 9 credit hours for the semester. You will need to be registered as a full-time student in order to complete many of the steps below. You may certainly make adjustments to your registration once you meet with your advisor.

Please try to visit your department before the International Student Orientation.

2. Check in at the Office of Graduate Studies, register for classes.

The next step is to check in at the Office of Graduate Studies, located at 1100 Seaton Hall. Once we know you have arrived on campus, we will activate your registration so you can register for classes. We even have a computer you may use to access your What About Me (WAM) account. You will need your NU ID and PIN numbers. Register for a minimum of 9 credits for the semester, then print off your registration verification to take with you to get your NCard.

Graduate Studies staff will be present during International Student Orientation, or you can visit our office at another time.

3. Check in with International Affairs.

International Affairs conducts New Student Check-In. Be sure to bring with you all of your immigration documents as you will need them to fill out your paperwork. It is imperative that you check in with International Affairs as soon as possible—failure to do so may result in your visa being out-of-status.

If you have already registered for classes you will be able to obtain a letter from International Affairs verifying your student status to take to the Social Security Office when you apply for your Social Security Number. If you are not employed, you will not need a Social Security Number.

International Affairs will be available at International Orientation or you may check in during regular office hours.

4. Get your NCard.

Once you have registered for classes you may get an NCard (UNL ID Card). The ID Office is located on the main level of the City Campus Union in the copy center. You will need to have your passport and NU ID number. The ID card costs $20, payable by check or cash.

NCards will be available at International Student Orientation.

5. Arrange for a bank account.

You will need to arrange for a local bank account, especially if you have a graduate assistantship, as all payroll occurs via direct deposit. For your convenience there is a branch of Wells Fargo Bank located in the Nebraska Union, although there are other banks within walking distance from city campus, and you are welcome to open an account at any bank.

To open your account at the Nebraska Union branch of Wells Fargo you will need your passport and NCard. The bank requires $100 to open an account, payable by travelers check, cash, or cash advance from a credit card. If you have an assistantship, be sure to mention that you will be using direct deposit, as you will qualify for a different kind of account.

Wells Fargo will be available at International Student Orientation.

6. Check in with the Health Center.

You will need to visit the Health Center to receive your TB test. If possible, bring your immunization documents with you as well. You may also sign up for student health insurance at the Health Center.

Health Center officials will be on hand at International Student Orientation to answer questions, but you will need to visit the Health Center to receive your TB test.

7. Apply for your Social Security Card (Graduate Assistants only).

Once you have registered for classes and checked with International Affairs, you may apply for your Social Security Card. Once again, you will need all of your immigration paperwork and the letter from International Affairs verifying your student status. International Affairs will provide a map to assist you in finding the Social Security Office. Please note that you must wait at least 10 days from entering the country before applying for a social security card.

Social Security staff will be on hand at International Orientation to assist with Social Security applications, which they will hold for processing until the 10 day minimum has been met.

8. Pick up a bus pass.

Bus passes are available at the Parking Office in the parking garage near the football stadium. They are free for students. You will need to show your NCard to get your bus pass. You can pick this up any time after you obtain your NCard.

9. Pick up keys, if applicable.

Once you have your UNL ID Card, you may pick up your building or office keys, if applicable. Some departments provide keys directly and some keys have to be signed out from the key shop. Get your key card from your department and then pick up your keys at the key shop. All keys require different deposit amounts, so be prepared to pay between $5 - $25 for your keys (payable only by check), depending on which keys you need to have. This money is returned to you when you return your keys.