University of Nebraska-Lincoln
International Affairs

Check our Web Site for the New Student Orientation Schedule
www.unl.edu/iaffairs/internationalstudents/orientationschedule.shtml

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Affairs (IA) provides assistance to all international students at UNL. The International Student Advisors in our office are familiar with the unique situations that confront international students, and are available to help you throughout your stay in Lincoln . Assistance is available to you with registration, housing, U.S. immigration regulations, cultural opportunities, adjustment to a new environment and many other educational and personal concerns. All advice is offered on a strictly confidential basis.

International Affairs (IA) is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM . You may telephone directly to (402) 472-5358, send a FAX to (402) 472-5383, or email to: ISSS@unl.edu .

 

ORIENTATION

The New Student Orientation program at UNL is designed to meet the immediate and continuing needs of new international students. This required orientation takes place prior to the beginning of classes. You will be assisted by the International Student Advisors, and Cultural Ambassadors, with registration, familiarizing you with the university and Lincoln, and you will receive information on several important aspects of life at UNL. You will also find orientation an excellent time to meet other UNL students.

When coming to orientation please bring your I-20/DS2019, Passport, and I-94 Card. If you arrive on campus prior to the holiday close down in December, please check in right away at the International Affairs Office, 420 University Terrace, and bring your I-20 or DS-2019, Passport, and I-94 Card.

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEES

All new international students are assessed a one-time new international student enrollment fee and then each term students are assessed the international student fee. For the current fee amount, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Student Accounts website: http://www.unl.edu/regrec/registration/tuition_07-08.shtml

 

PLACEMENT EXAMINATIONS

After being admitted to UNL, all new students, whose native language is not English, must be evaluated on campus for English proficiency. When you arrive in Lincoln you will be required to take the UNL English Placement Examination. This evaluation will not only assist the university staff in assessing your English skills, but will enable them to determine if special study in English is necessary to ensure your academic success. If such English study is needed, you will be required to enroll in an Intensive English class as part of your academic program during one or more semesters.

The English Placement Examination is scheduled before classes begin. Information about the exact time and place will be available on-line, at orientation, and the International Affairs Office.

Undergraduate students who want to enroll in mathematics courses must take a Mathematics Placement Examination. That information will be available on-line, at orientation, and the International Affairs Office.

 

IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS

If you are outside the U.S. , you must take your UNL admission documents (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) with your passport and financial documentation to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a visa. You should apply early because visa issuance may take several weeks. Be sure to use UNL's immigration documents (or a sponsoring agency's Form DS-2019 specifying UNL) to obtain your visa if you intend to study at UNL.

Students transferring from other U.S. institutions, please take your UNL admission document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) to the International Student Advisor at your present institution as soon as possible and ask for a written statement indicating that you are presently a full-time student of that school. Bring this statement with your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to IA when checking in at the IA Office, or at orientation.

 

ARRIVAL IN LINCOLN

Lincoln 's airport can be reached from every major city in the U.S. The Office of Admissions is now offering free Lincoln airport pick-up for new UNL students. Students can make a reservation on-line at http://admissions.unl.edu/international/travel.asp . Otherwise you may get a taxi to the UNL campus for approximately $15.00 You will find more detailed information upon arrival at the Lincoln Airport Customer Service Desk regarding a place to stay until your permanent housing is arranged. You will need extra money to pay for your living expenses during this time.

 

HOUSING

•  On Campus Housing
The Office of University Housing has prepared a special publication for international students. Please read it carefully. A UNL residence hall is the most convenient place for a student to live, however, on-campus housing fills up quickly prior to the beginning of each semester.

•  Family Housing
Limited married student accommodations exist on campus. Since there is a very long waiting list for these units, requests and reservations must be made far in advance.

•  Off Campus Housing
There are many apartments located at a greater distance from the university campus, which will required the use of a bicycle, automobile or bus. Some apartments are available with furniture, others are without furniture. All require one month's rent as a damage deposit. For more information visit the following website: www.offcampushousingguide.com .

 

HEALTH INSURANCE AND SERVICES

Please complete and bring with you the form from the University Health Center , which provides information about your tuberculosis x-rays and measles inoculation. Both are required by UNL. The completed forms can save you additional costs.

To meet major medical expenses, which can be very costly, you will be required to purchase a contract of health and accident insurance with a death benefit. The cost will be automatically billed with your tuition statement. Many of your medical needs can be met inexpensively at the University Health Center , which is a clinic and hospital on campus, www.unl.edu/health . Please bring a copy of any insurance policy already in effect (in English) to obtain a waiver from this requirement. Waivers are given only in the first 14 days of the semester and must be renewed each semester.

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION

•  Sign up to receive our weekly international student newsletter
From your email account, send an email to: listserv@listserv.unl.edu .
In the body of the email, with no signature file or other lines, type: subscribe intl-news

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