Orientation

An orientation leader taking a group of students on a tour of the UNL campus

Orientation is a required program for all new first-year, transfer and international students. Through orientation, you'll learn about campus resources and support, connect with peers and prepare for college at Nebraska.

In-Person Orientation

Experience being a Husker and learn about the different resources available as a student. Regardless of which type of student you are, our in-person orientation programs will support your transition to the university.

An orientation walking with a group of students on a tour of the UNL campus

Online Orientation

Learn about life as a Husker, paying for college and next steps through four modules in Canvas (the university's academic portal).

An orientation leader turning to talk to a group of students

International Orientation

The Office of New Student Enrollment provides new international undergraduates an online and in-person orientation experience to help students transition to the U.S. and connect on campus.

Two students talking

Orientation Reservation Process

Your $250 enrollment deposit must be paid or deferred to gain access to New Student Enrollment processes. To pay or defer the enrollment deposit, login to MyRED, click the "Admissions" tab, "Undergraduate" and then "Pay Enrollment Deposit." Please direct deposit-related questions to admissions@unl.edu.

To submit your orientation reservation, login to MyRED, click the "Admissions" tab, "Undergraduate" and then "Orientation Reservation" within the "Complete New Student Enrollment Steps" section of the page.

Confirm your major on the first page of the orientation reservation. If the major displayed is not your intended major, submit the Change of Major request form in MyRED under the "Admissions" tab.

Orientation Requirements

Fall Term Orientation Requirement

First-Year Students

First-year students who live within 300 miles of campus are required to attend First-Year In-Person Orientation.

First-year students who have extenuating circumstances may choose Online Orientation, but First-Year In-Person Orientation is highly recommended for all first-year students.

Fall First-Year reservations will default to In-Person Orientation in MyRED.

Transfer Students

Online Orientation is required.

Transfer In-Person Orientation is optional.

Fall Transfer reservations will default to Online Orientation in MyRED. The reservation form for the optional In-Person Orientation will be sent via email when registration opens.

International Students

Online Orientation is required.

International In-Person Orientation is required.

Visit the International Orientation page for more information.

Spring Term Orientation Requirement

First-Year Students

Online Orientation is required.

In-Person Orientation is optional.

Transfer Students

Online Orientation is required.

In-Person Orientation is optional.

International Students

Online Orientation is required.

International In-Person Orientation is required.

Visit the International Orientation page for more information.

Orientation Dates

Spring 2027 Term

Spring Start dates
Date Description
October 15, 2026 Online Orientation reservations open in MyRED. Students receive an invite for the optional In-Person Orientation via email after submitting their required Online Orientation reservation.
November 1, 2026 Online orientation access opens for first-year and transfer students.
January 6, 2027 Optional In-Person Orientation (domestic students).
January 8, 2027 Required In-person Orientation (international students).

Parent and Family Online Orientation

Parents and family members can access our public Online Orientation through Canvas (the university's academic portal). The orientation includes information about paying for college, academic success, next steps and more.

Learn More About Parent and Family Orientation