The Office of New Student Enrollment (NSE) assists new international undergraduates with orientation, academic advising, course enrollment, travel to the U.S. and campus arrival.
International In-Person Orientation and Online Orientation are both required for new international students.
Completing Online Orientation
On your assigned Online Orientation date indicated on your orientation reservation, you will gain access to the orientation in Canvas (the university's academic portal). The earliest possible access date is June 1. You do not need to complete your Online Orientation before being advised and enrolling in courses.
Follow the steps in the password configuration tutorial to set up your Canvas account. Then, log in and find the New Student Enrollment course in your Canvas dashboard. Students also receive a direct link to the course via email once it is accessible to you.
Your Online Orientation consists of three modules that contain detailed information about topics like academic success, University Housing, transportation in Lincoln, immigration requirements and more. This content supports your transition to the U.S. and helps you be successful at Nebraska.
You have two weeks from your assigned orientation date to complete all three modules of your Online Orientation. For your convenience, the orientation content is available 24/7 (all day) and can be completed at any time. You do not need to complete the orientation in one sitting; you may log out and log in as needed. It takes about two hours to finish all three modules. After completion, the orientation remains accessible for you to reference throughout your first semester.
International In-Person Orientation
At International In-Person Orientation, you will interact with new students from around the world and participate in small-group activities that promote academic success, cultural exchange, well-being and more. You will also visit various buildings around campus, practice conversing in English (if you are not a native English speaker) and complete any remaining essential steps, such as opening a bank account, getting phone service, setting up campus login accounts (MyRED or Canvas) and picking up your NCard (used for campus-wide student identification, authentication and access).
International In-Person Orientation is hosted August 21 and 22 at the Nebraska Union (1400 R Street). Attendance on both days is required. You will receive information about specific times and locations via email before International In-Person Orientation.
Arriving in Lincoln
The International Welcome Team is comprised of current university students who speak a variety of languages and lead most of the International In-Person Orientation. The team also transports students from Lincoln Municipal airport (LNK) during our international arrival dates, August 18-20.
New international undergraduate students must arrive in Lincoln by no later than Tuesday, August 20. Late arrivals are not permitted as classes begin August 26. Make sure you submit your arrival information before traveling to the U.S., regardless of mode of transportation.
Transportation
Nebraska does not have an international airport. If you are arriving by plane, you need to connect through an international airport in the U.S. and go through passport control and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol inspection before arriving in Nebraska.
After flying into a U.S. international airport, we recommend flying to Lincoln Municipal Airport (LNK) as it is the closest and most convenient airport to campus. The International Welcome Team will be at LNK to greet you, answer questions and provide a free shuttle from the airport to campus August 18-20. We strongly suggest arriving on one of those dates.
Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA) is located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) from campus. If you arrive at OMA, you can reserve a shuttle through OMALiNK, a licensed airport transport company (not operated by the university). Contact OMALiNK for pricing information.
Submitting Arrival Information
All new international students must submit arrival information to the Office of New Student Enrollment, regardless of your mode of transportation (car, plane, bus, train, etc.). Once you have confirmed your arrival plans, please submit your travel information.
Submit Your Arrival Information
International Welcome Week
We also encourage you to attend International Welcome Week events, August 18-25, hosted by our International Welcome Team. This is a week-long series of optional events, including exploration and social opportunities, designed for you to get excited about being a Husker.
Explore International Welcome Week