Complete the following tasks before the first day of class and you'll be well prepared for your first year at Nebraska.
Campus arrival checklist for US students
Many of these can be completed during the International Student Orientation; these are shown here with light blue highlighting.
Check in at the Office of Graduate Studies.We will give you access to register for classes. Also, bring any academic records that have been requested. Our office is located at 1100 Seaton Hall, across from the University Health Center at 16th and U Streets.
Check in at International Affairs.Complete New Student Check-In at International Affairs as soon as possible. This is necessary to maintain legal immigration status. Bring your immigration documents including I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and I-94 card. International Affairs is at 420 University Terrace, 17th Street between R and S Streets.
Visit your department office.Stop by and introduce yourself to department staff and faculty. You may have additional paperwork to complete, in particular if you are on an assistantship or will be issued keys to the building. The department will be able to provide information regarding your advisor if you haven't already received it.
Contact your advisor.Your advisor can provide information about the duties of your assistantship (if you have one) and your program of study, including suggested courses for your first semester.
Register for classes.Access WAM to register for courses. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for course descriptions and the Schedule of Classes for course times and locations.
Get your NCard.Your NCard is your student ID at Nebraska. It is used for identification, access to certain buildings and labs, and educational discounts. It also offers the optional service of purchasing items on campus.
To obtain your NCard, first register for classes and then take a current photo ID and your NU ID number to the NCard office located in Room 121 of the Nebraska Union, 14th and R Streets, City Campus. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $20 issuance fee, payable by check or cash only. If you were a UNL undergraduate, you do not need a new NCard.
To obtain your NCard, first register for classes and then take a current photo ID and your NU ID number to the NCard office located in Room 121 of the Nebraska Union, 14th and R Streets, City Campus. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $20 issuance fee, payable by check or cash only. If you were a UNL undergraduate, you do not need a new NCard.
Schedule a TB test at the University Health Center.UNL requires all new international students to have a PPD (Mantoux) tuberculosis skin test once on campus. Call 402-472-5000 to schedule an appointment at the University Health Center. You must have your NCard before you call to schedule your test. Testing is available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. There is a fee for the test which is payable by cash, check, or credit card. If possible, also bring your immunization documents.
Enroll dependents or waive student health insurance.Nebraska's student health insurance is provided by Aetna Student Health. Coverage includes medical, dental, and prescription medications. International students holding F1 or J1 visas are automatically enrolled and must participate unless they provide proof of comparable insurance and complete a waiver request form every semester by the published deadline.
You can enroll dependents in your insurance at the University Health Center at 1500 U Street on City Campus.
You can enroll dependents in your insurance at the University Health Center at 1500 U Street on City Campus.
Enroll in or waive student health insurance.Nebraska's student health insurance is provided by Aetna Student Health. Coverage includes medical, dental, and prescription medications. You can enroll yourself and dependents at the University Health Center, located at 1500 U Street on City Campus.
Students on assistantships are automatically enrolled in student health insurance. However, if you have other insurance or wish to waive this benefit, you must complete the waiver request form every semester within 14 days of employment.
Students on assistantships are automatically enrolled in student health insurance. However, if you have other insurance or wish to waive this benefit, you must complete the waiver request form every semester within 14 days of employment.
Apply for a Social Security card. (Graduate Assistants only)To receive your assistantship stipend, you must apply for a Social Security card. After you have registered for classes, checked in with International Affairs, and have been in the U.S. for 10 days or more, you may apply for your Social Security card.
Bring all of your immigration paperwork and the letter from International Affairs verifying your student status. They will also provide a map to assist you in finding the Social Security Administration office.
Bring all of your immigration paperwork and the letter from International Affairs verifying your student status. They will also provide a map to assist you in finding the Social Security Administration office.
Arrange for a bank account.You will need to arrange for a local bank account, especially if you have an assistantship. All payroll payments are made via direct deposit. Many banks are within walking distance of City Campus, and one of them, Wells Fargo Bank, has a branch in the Nebraska Union. When opening an account, bring your passport and an initial deposit.
Purchase a parking permit.There is no free parking on campus. If you will have a car, purchase your parking permit from Parking and Transit Services online or in person in the Stadium Drive Parking Garage. Don't forget to register your bicycle, if you plan to bike to campus. A free bus pass (valid for both campus and city bus systems) will be mailed to all registered students.
Plan to attend welcome and orientation events.- Your department orientation: Most academic departments will provide a time in which you can learn the norms of the department and meet fellow students, faculty, and staff.
- International Student Orientation: Meet other international students and learn about services specific to international student needs. Many of the tasks listed here can also be completed during the orientation program.
- New Graduate Student Welcome: Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies, it's a great time to meet graduate students from other disciplines and to learn about the various campus and community resources.
Review academic integrity principles.It is expected that you will conduct every aspect of your academic career with complete honesty. Review how academic integrity applies to graduate education and understand that expectations may be different here than in your home country.
Explore resources for current students.Beyond your basic needs for progressing through a degree program, it's your responsibility to take charge of your development as a student, researcher, teacher, and professional.
Become familiar with new ways of using the libraries.Get to know your liaison librarian, your subject specialist who can assist in locating materials easily and quickly.
