Prepare to Attend NSE
1. Reserve your New Student Enrollment Day
Dates for NSE are based upon each student's major. The Explore Center must be selected as the college of choice for all students who are undecided.
NSE dates run from June to the beginning of July and is an all-day program from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. When filling out guest information please do not include yourself as a guest.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT2. Complete Advising Inventory
This document is required and will assist each advisor in preparing for the advising session during NSE. The Advising Inventory can be completed at myred.nebraska.edu.
myred.nebraska.edu3. Complete Placement Exams
PLACEMENT EXAMS4. Pre-Registration Health Requirement Forms
Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONSStudents 18 or younger should have their parent or guardian complete and have notarize this Power of Attorney Form to expedite care at the University Health Center.
POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM5. Upload NCard Photo
Submit NCard ID photo ahead of time.
SUBMIT6. Download Guidebook app
Download Guidebook app for your smart phone or tablet from your app store. You will find your New Student Enrollment schedule, parking information, and get to know your orientation leaders and academic advisors.
1. Reserve your New Student Enrollment Day
Dates for NSE are based upon each student's major. The Explore Center must be selected as the college of choice for all students who are undecided.
Transfer NSE is an all-day program from 8:00 am. to 4:15 pm.
When filling out guest information please do not include yourself as a guest. Make your reservation today!
RESERVATION2. Complete Advising Inventory
This document is required and will assist each advisor in preparing for the advising session during NSE.
Advising Inventory3. Complete Placement Exams
Everyone is required to complete placement exams. It helps us ensure you register for courses that match your skill level.
PLACEMENT EXAMS4. Pre-Registration Health Requirement Forms
Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONSStudents 18 or younger should have their parent or guardian complete and have notarize this Power of Attorney Form to expedite care at the University Health Center.
POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM5. Upload NCard Photo
Submit NCard ID photo ahead of time.
SUBMIT NCARD PHOTO6. Download Guidebook app
Download Guidebook app for your smart phone or tablet from your app store. You will find your New Student Enrollment schedule, parking information, and get to know your orientation leaders and academic advisors.
1. Register for Classes
We require all new fully admitted international students to register for classes through the New Student Enrollment Program. IEP, CEAP, and Exchange students will not register for classes through this system. Full admits: Log into MyRed, click on the "Admissions" tab, click on the "New Student Enrollment Reservation", and then select the "mail-in" option. Do not select an in-person date for NSE unless you are currently a student living in the United States.
REGISTER2. Arrival Information
We provide you with information about arrival dates, airport arrival, transportation to campus, and International Welcome Week activities to make sure you're prepared for your time at Nebraska.
MORE INFORMATION3. International Welcome Week
We host lots of events to introduce you to campus, help you make new friends, teach you about academic and social success at Nebraska, and much more. International Orientation occurs during Welcome Week, and orientation is a required multi-day event.
LEARN MORE
Hyatt Place
The Hyatt Place, located in Lincoln's new downtown development The Railyard, is New Student Enrollment's host hotel. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, as well as discounts at nearby restaurants and shops. To reserve a room for the NSE rate of $119, please call 402-742-6007 or book online and use code G-NS18.
Orientation Leaders
Don Agiro
Actuarial Science
Rusinga, Kenya
Resources I sought out on campus and how it helped:
I think coming to university from high school taught me a very valuable lesson; you can never get it done on your own. Even if you think you did it by yourself someone somewhere directly or indirectly contributed to your successes. As much as I love mathematics and would do anything to solve an impossible calculus equation, I am no genius. I take forever to finally get a simple concept and forever is a lot of time. Time in college is a very rare thing even with a normal course load. Nebraska seems to get this and that’s why we have the math resource center (MRC). I walk in, ask for help and tutors help me out anytime of the day and it’s free!
Kensie Burnside
Agricultural Education
Stapleton, NE
Moving to Lincoln from a small town:
Where the hills of Nebraska are never ending, the soil is sandy, and cows and horses outnumber the people 6:1, is where you’ll find my home, Stapleton, Nebraska. Where my life has been grounded ever since birth. From a family of 6, to a class size of 18, and to a town of 300, the word small-town, follows me everywhere. The move to a college of 25,000 people seemed impossible, but then I stepped on campus and knew that I had opened a whole new world of possibilities. The university is the place I met new friends from around the state, the country, and even the world. The university was terrifying with stop lights, roundabouts, and one way streets, but with the right group of friends from clubs, classes, roommates, and new resources. I wasn’t ever alone, and I felt like I had my own small town of new best friends and activities.
Allie Carlini
Community Health and Wellness
Grand Island, NE
The best advice I could give an incoming first-year student:
The best advice I could give to incoming freshmen is to find a balance of school, activities, and social life which best fit them. Every individual places a different amount of importance on each of these. Don’t waste your time comparing your balance to someone else’s. Each balance is different and disproportionate. Even though academics are extremely important and the major reason to come to college, don’t forget to get involved and create those new experiences. Getting involved is a great opportunity to meet others who share the same passions and hobbies as you. Work to strike a healthy balance for you and be honest with yourself. If you’re getting too involved and your academics begin to slip, recognize that and reset your balance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with finding that balance either.
Alicia Chan
Geology and Biological Sciences
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Getting involved with a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) and its impact on me:
Coming to Nebraska makes me miss home, and being a part of the Nebraska University Malaysian Student Association has placed me in the company of Malaysians and more importantly given me an opportunity to make Malaysia shine in the university community. Through this involvement, I have come to appreciate my Malaysian roots more, and to learn how to cook Malaysian cuisine in the US. The biggest takeaway from joining an RSO is making connections and learning how to work with people of different working styles and characters, helping me grow in my soft skills outside the classroom.
Rosie Dayton
Interior Design
Urbandale, IA
Why I chose my major and what are my career aspirations:
I have wanted to be an interior designer since fourth grade and my love of design goes back as far as I can remember. I think that the way that people interact in and with a space is extremely interesting. Interior designers have a duty to protect the health and well-being of the users of the space they design. I am specifically focused on universal design and Americans with Disabilities Act design. With my minor of Gerontology, I hope to design for older adults including senior living, assisted care facilities, Alzheimer care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities as well as renovating homes to “age in place.” It is my goal to design spaces that makes the user feel comfortable and safe.
Elizabeth Elliott
Animal Science
Grand Island, NE
Resources I sought out on campus and how it helped:
In order for me to get into veterinary school, I need to take four semesters of chemistry courses. Chemistry is a very dense subject that takes a lot study and practice time to be able to understand. My first chemistry exam was harder than I expected and I knew that I would need to change how I prepared for these exams so that I would be ready for the next one. The professor told us that if we wanted more help understanding the material, we could go to the chemistry resource center. In the resource center, teaching assistants were on hand to help answer questions. My professor’s office was attached to the resource center, so I was able to see when he was available to offer help. Utilizing the resource center helped better prepare me for upcoming exams and earn better grades.
Nathan Goltz
Advertising and Public Relations
Aurora, NE
The best advice I could give an incoming student:
The best advice I could give to an incoming student would be to just be yourself. Coming to college is such a fresh start and opportunity to make something of yourself. I came from a small town where the pressure to fit into social norms and to react in certain ways was always present. One of my favorite things that I found when I came to Lincoln was that I had the opportunity to challenge everything I knew and truly understand what it meant to find yourself.
Colton Hageman
Biochemistry
Lake Preston, SD
Moving to Lincoln from a small town:
Being from a town of about 500 people, and coming to Lincoln was a huge transition for me. I knew that coming to college here would be a big change, but I was not prepared for how drastic this change would be. My dorm building alone had nearly as many people as my hometown and I was going from some classes as small as three to four students to classes of two hundred students. The biggest challenge this presented for me was finding ways to make new friends and make the university seem smaller. I learned that the best way to make the transition easier was to get involved. By getting involved in different clubs and organizations, I found people who had similar interests and I was also able to talk with people in a smaller setting so the university did not seem as large and intimidating. By getting involved I was better able to meet new people and make new friends and also make the university feel smaller which helped to ease my transition to Lincoln.
Evan Hansmeier
Agribusiness
Ogallala, NE
Moving to Lincoln from a small town:
Coming from Western Nebraska where I graduated from a class of 68 was a big change. One of the biggest concerns that I had initially was getting lost in the crowd, but that wasn’t the case! The students, as well as the faculty, are so willing to meet new people. Before I knew it, I had developed that same small town feel that I was used to back home here at the University. When walking across campus now, it isn’t unusual to run into several of my friends. It’s this sense of community here at Nebraska that helped moving to Lincoln from a small town a whole lot easier.
Celine Haynes
Broadcasting and Advertising and Public Relations
Omaha, NE
Resources I sought out on campus and how it helped:
When it comes to college, there are going to be times when everyone needs a little guidance. So when the time arrives, one must not be bashful because no matter how tiny or big your problem may be, there is always a multitude of people on campus eager to assist. I have sought out plenty of resources on campus to help me. For example, when I was super sick I called and made an appointment at the health center. When I was experiencing writer's block and my English paper was due in less than 48 hours, the writing center made things simple. And when I decided to become a vegan who already had type 1 diabetes, the dining hall services made arrangements for me to have quality meal options. These are just a few ways in which seeking out resources on campus helped me. All in all, never be afraid to ask for help because the outcome could create a stronger, wiser, healthier, happier, or even better you.
Mary Heng
Global Studies and Spanish
York, NE
The best advice I could give an incoming student:
If I could tell incoming students one thing, it would be that campus involvement is just as important as academic success. Getting involved in a Recognized Student Organization on campus has been just as rewarding to me as getting an ‘A’ in a hard class and has helped me grow in ways classes cannot. While I believe that succeeding academically is important, I also believe that leadership roles and skills learned from being involved in a campus organization will define your college career, not your GPA. My best memories in college are from when I stepped out of my comfort zone and got involved in something new, not by sitting in my dorm all day long. With hundreds of organizations to join at Nebraska, it is easy find something you might be passionate about. Take advantage of new opportunities presented to you in college and get involved!
Amy Heusinkvelt
Secondary English Education
Columbus, NE
The best advice I could give an incoming student:
No matter how prepared (or not prepared) you feel for college, there is no denying that it is something different and new. It is a time to discover your passions and create the life you want to live. However, it is okay to not know exactly what that life is. Throughout your time at Nebraska, you will become a part of many different communities. My advice to you is to not limit your identity by defining yourself through just one of those communities. Everything from your major to where you live impacts a part of you. Though it may be simpler to find one organization or club and build your identity around that, you have so much more to offer if you create yourself as the combination of influences that are unique only to you.
Brenden Lehr
Electrical Engineering
Mitchell, SD
The on-campus job I hold and how it impacts me:
Time management is a vital skill for students to possess. Gaining this skill, however, is not an easy task. For me, being involved keeps me organized and conscious of my time and how to use it properly. Knowing that I have commitments that I must uphold forces me to plan my time and not leave a moment wasted. Some of my commitments that help me manage my time are the two on-campus jobs I have. I work one job through the Admissions office as a campus host, giving tours of campus to prospective students and another through Campus Recreation as an intramural official. These two jobs offer flexible hours, allowing me to choose when I can and cannot work. This permits me to have a little financial stability while learning how to manage my time between my academics, social activities, and other responsibilities.
Jake Modica
Marketing
Naperville, IL
What it's like coming to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as an out-of-state student:
Deciding to live eight hours away from home is never an easy choice. Your first semester is an extremely important time, and getting involved in different organizations on campus that are important to you is crucial for success. As an out-of-state student, going to the events that are put on for students like you will help you meet other people and create those connections that are so important to success in college.
Grace Mosier
Psychology
Pensacola, FL
What it's like coming to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as an out of state student:
I had never considered coming to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before my campus visit during the fall semester of my senior year of high school. Growing up as a military child and currently calling Pensacola, Florida my home, I’d always planned to go to another university; somewhere my friends were applying, somewhere a little bit warmer year round, and somewhere a lot closer to home. Once I set foot on campus, everything changed. From the smiles in passing on the sidewalks to people holding doors open for someone they didn’t know, it was the warmest, most welcoming environment and I could not wait to be a part of it. Over one thousand miles away from everyone and everything I knew, Nebraska became my home. It is where I am up until two in the morning working on lab reports, laughing over my mistakes in the Math Resource Center, and itching to get involved. While leaving home was hard, there truly is no place like Nebraska, and I could have never prepared myself for the incredible college experience I was going to have here.
Dakota Mathew
Vocal Music Education
Harrisonville, MO
Getting involved with an RSO and how it impacted me:
There are so many benefits to getting involved with a Student Organization on campus. As a member of the all-male a cappella group, Bathtub Dogs, I can honestly say that I have grown so much in my identity and passions in life. From meeting new people and making professional connections to simply having a group of friends who genuinely care about you and want you to succeed in college, being in a student organization has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Often times, it is easy to feel lost and isolated at a large university like UNL, but having a support system is a very good tool to have while at college. Additionally, in order to be an effective member, you have to be accountable. Being a part of the Bathtub Dogs has pushed me to improve my communication skills and be very diligent with my planning. I feel very blessed to be a part of such a supportive and positive organization.
Jada Morris
Biological Sciences
Bellevue, NE
The best advice I could give an incoming student:
The best advice I could give an incoming student is to never give up. The first semester here at the University of Nebraska will be an exciting time but may be overwhelming as well. It is important to set goals for yourself and to pursue them with great determination. It is also important to realize that things don’t always go as planned. As a freshman, I wasn’t sure how to balance my social life with my academic life which caused me to lose sight of my goals. At first, I was disappointed in myself and was discouraged by the outcome of my first semester, but with the help of my academic advisor and some advice from my parents, I was able to dust myself off, reassess my goals and set new ones. Despite the setbacks I faced, I learned from my past mistakes and never gave up.
Amanda Nelson
Psychology
Lincoln, NE
Getting involved with a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) and its impact on me:
Coming to the University my freshman year I wanted to get involved and have a positive impact on my campus. As soon as I heard about the Character Council, I knew it was a perfect fit for me and applied immediately. In this Recognized Student Organization (RSO), we strive to promote integrity among students and develop the six building blocks of character, which are citizenship, dependability, commitment, respect, caring, and open-mindedness. It is our hope that this recognition will create a domino effect in the student body and encourage even more students to embrace this behavior full of character. I have created amazing friendships, been pushed to be the best version of myself, and found pure joy in helping make Nebraska a more peaceful and enjoyable place. I highly recommend getting out there and joining an RSO because it definitely can change your life for the better.
Sophia Nocera
Psychology and Journalism
APO, AP
What it's like coming to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as an out-of-state student:
When you first come to UNL as an out-of-state student it’s going to feel like everyone knows each other. You hear about the same few high schools and wonder if anyone has gone to school anywhere else. Don’t let that overwhelm you. They are just as afraid of college as you are. Everyone is excited to make new friends, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Some of my best friends have been friends for decades, and I blended into their friendship perfectly. Just remember that you are an individual that is unique and amazing and there’s a lot of other people who value the experiences that you’ve experienced.
Jeffrey Owusu-Ansah
International Business
Lincoln, NE
The most surprising thing about Nebraska:
Coming to Nebraska I imagined that every part of my life would be consumed with school work. Throughout my time here I have learned that there is more to school than just academics, you have an opportunity to truly expand your world view. The past two years I have been able to learn a lot about not only myself but also others around the university.
Gabby Rodriguez
Management
Lincoln, NE
Tips for approaching a faculty member:
The first time I needed to contact one of my professors I was extremely nervous. It was a large class and I didn’t think that my professor would want to take the time to talk to me individually. When I first went to talk to her during their office hours I found that I was completely wrong. She was so helpful in helping me understand the topics that I was confused on. After that first visit, she really comforted me and helped me with any topics that I struggled with. At the end of this class I learned that although I was nervous at first, contacting my professor was one of the best decisions I made.
Damien Scovill
Criminal Justice
Kearney, NE
Getting involved in a multicultural organization or event:
When I first transferred to UNL, I felt isolated from my culture. I am a Latino with Mexican roots, and I was so used to being surrounded by my family and friends who were Latino and shared my culture. Coming to UNL, even after being at UNO for a few months (where most of the students weren’t Latino), was a culture shock; I didn’t encounter a single Latino on campus until my second semester at UNL. During the fall of 2017, I attended Big Red Welcome where there were many organizations handing out information about themselves. I walked past the Mexican American Student Association booth, otherwise known as MASA, and picked up a pamphlet which had the meeting information within the folded pages. I attended a meeting and instantly fell in love with this organization. Through this organization, I have met and become good friends with many of the members here through connecting via our culture. I also got involved in two other multicultural organizations through MASA, one of which I am an executive member of currently (NAACP). I have been provided many opportunities and have met many individuals through MASA, Define American, and the NAACP. I highly recommend becoming involved in multicultural organizations if you wish to connect with others who share your culture, or to expand your views and look at things from a different perspective.
Xiao Yun Sim
Vocal Performance and Psychology
Georgetown, Malaysia
Getting involved in a multicultural organization or event:
Coming from a diverse country like Malaysia, I know the important of diversity in any society. College provides the platform for knowing people from different backgrounds and it is definitely an opportunity to get involved with campus life. At Nebraska, I was introduced to the International Welcome Team, a multicultural organization on campus. Through this position I was able to work with students from different backgrounds and friendships were built. Being involved in a multicultural organization has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and immerse myself in campus life.
Pattapoon Srisa-an
Economics
Bangkok, Thailand
Resources I sought out on campus and how it helped:
One of the main resources I have sought out is going to professors’ office hours. There has been a number of times when I have struggled in classes and could not figure it out myself. Through my experiences going to office hours, I found out that professors are more than willing to help out students who are struggling. They are also willing to set up different times to meet with students if their hours don’t match with students’ availability. College moves faster than high school, and it is important to not be afraid to seek out help and know that professors are there to help you.
Sammi Surber
Biochemistry
Herman, NE
Tips for approaching a faculty member:
A faculty member can seem a bit intimidating at first, but they all want to help you succeed. The easiest way to have a first interaction is to personally introduce yourself at the beginning of the semester after a class or at their office hours. Office hours are a great way to build a relationship with your professors while also getting assistance on homework, advice on classes, or even if you just need someone to talk to. Personally, I have two professors who are actively helping me better understand my undergraduate project along with assisting me in their classes. Had I not built up the courage to speak with them I would be lost in both their classes and in my project. They are great resources for you and genuinely care about your success, you just have to be willing to put in the time, effort, and work.
Hunter Traynor
Political Science
Omaha, NE
Getting involved with a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) and its impact on me:
During my freshman year, friends of mine encouraged me to register for a yearly event on campus, Dance Marathon. I knew the organization raised money for Children’s Hospital in Omaha, yet outside of that, I entered the event with profound skepticism. After twenty minutes of uncertain dancing with a few hundred other college students, dozens of kids from Children’s Hospital, and their families, joined us to celebrate. The rest of the marathon left me physically exhausted, but emotionally energized. Since that leap-of-faith my freshman year I’ve served as a staff member and vice-president for Dance Marathon, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Children’s. This organization has taught me unparalleled lessons in leadership, service, and friendship. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of opportunities on campus to get involved. Build a habit of exploring the uncertain early, it’ll pay off!
Logan Uhlir
Computer Engineering
Sidney, NE
What it's like to get involved in a research or UCARE project:
Getting involved in a UCARE project during the summer after my freshman year was very important to my college experience. Through this research project, I gained a better understanding and appreciation of what faculty at Nebraska go through everyday outside the classroom. I worked on an interdisciplinary team of 6 other students with majors like Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. We gained experience looking for funding, working with experts to come up with solutions to problems we faced, and actually working in a lab and gathering and analyzing data. Thanks to the compensation from UCARE, I was able to stay in Lincoln that summer and take classes. I was very thankful to get ahead on my demanding major. My favorite part of the experience was traveling to Boston, MA, and presenting our research at the 2017 iGEM Giant Jamboree. Our team received a gold rank for our work with reducing methane emissions in cattle. Undergraduate research at Nebraska was a unique and valuable experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
Jeb Vavak
Management
Ashland, NE
My study abroad experience and how it impacted me:
I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain for six weeks last summer. It was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I got a taste of what it’s like to live independently in a large foreign city by going to class each day in the city center, navigating the metro and bus systems, managing foreign currency, and traveling around on weekends. One of the biggest things I gained from this experience was a cultural awareness. I realized how much we can learn from other cultures and how important it is to have a global mindset in order to avoid ethnocentrism. Also, I have no complaints about the food in Spain!
Alair Vega
Secondary Spanish Education
Omaha, NE
Why I chose my major and what my career aspirations are:
I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career that served and helped other people. After changing my major five times and using the Explore Center as a guide, I decided that I wanted to serve students in the classroom setting, teaching them the value of cultural awareness and the power of bilingualism as a high school Spanish teacher. I have also decided to begin an endorsement in English as a Second Language, with the hopes of one day being able to reach out to different communities. My ultimate goal in life is to serve as a superintendent at a school district and be an advocate for educational rights in the public school system.
Logan Volk
Psychology and Women and Gender Studies
West Fargo, ND
Getting involved with a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
The RSO that has had the most impact on me has been Spectrum; it is the LGBTQA+ social student organization on campus. I found out about Spectrum from the club fair that Nebraska has at the beginning of the fall semester. Since getting involved I have met people who I would call my family. They support me and have helped me feel as if I have a place at Nebraska. Spectrum has also introduced me to many opportunities with other organizations/programs, as well as allowed me to meet amazing individuals who are doing great work on our campus. Spectrum is always my favorite part of my week and this is why I encourage every college student to find an RSO that they are passionate about, one that excites them.
Hoai Vu
Business Administration
Hastings, NE
Getting involved in a multicultural organization or event:
One of the biggest surprises to many students when they come to college is the amount of diversity that’s present. Getting involved in a multicultural organization or event is a great way to learn more about another person’s culture or background. The Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center has been my home away from home since I got to campus. It has opened me up to many opportunities and I always enjoy learning more from others and hearing their story. College is a mixing pot of different people and is something that is celebrated as a community.
David Weed
Geography and Political Science
Maineville, OH
Tips for approaching a faculty member:
Approaching a professor for the first time can be intimidating. Unlike the teachers back in high school, you don't know them at all and have no clue what to expect. But, they aren't intimidating at all, in fact, they love to talk to you and want to get to know you more as a student. Every semester I make it my goal to meet with each of my professors during the first week of school to go over the syllabus and talk about how I can be successful in the course. This has helped out tremendously because the professor actually knows your name and I'm not afraid to ask questions during class time, even if I am in a lecture hall with over 100 students. Personally knowing the professor has given me advantages such as asking a recommendation letter.
Math Placement
Modern Language