Supports and Resources

Information for Incoming Nepalese Students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Welcome to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln! This guide is designed to assist you as you begin your journey as a Husker. If you are a new student arriving from Nepal, the following information will be particularly helpful.

Getting Started at UNL

UNL App Suite: To get acquainted with the campus and its resources, it's highly recommended that you download the official UNL app suite, including the Nebraska App. This app provides access to campus maps, a directory, and news and events. For getting around Lincoln, the RideLNK app is essential for tracking city buses in real-time, many of which serve the UNL campus and surrounding areas. The campus bus routes are also a key feature to learn.

MyRed: MyRed is your primary student portal for registering for classes, viewing grades, and managing your student account. You will receive your NUID (Nebraska University Identification) and login credentials, which are vital for accessing this and other campus systems.

International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO): The ISSO is your dedicated resource for all immigration and international student-related matters. It is important to engage with their office and utilize their online portal for document submissions and requests.

The UNL Campus: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has two main campuses: City Campus and East Campus. Two buses run every 20 minutes between these campuses which makes it easier to travel. The campus can feel expansive at first, but you will quickly become familiar with the buildings relevant to your major. Don't hesitate to ask for directions; the UNL community is known for its friendliness. Using a navigation app like Google Maps will also be very helpful in finding your way around.

Important First Steps

Airport pickups:  While the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) and student organizations like the Nepalese Student Association have occasionally organized airport pickups in the past, these are not always guaranteed and must be arranged well in advance. It is crucial to check directly with the ISSO and student groups for availability for your arrival date. 

New International Student Welcome and Orientation: The ISSO hosts a mandatory orientation for all new international students. This event is designed to provide you with essential information about maintaining your visa status, academic expectations, and adjusting to life in Lincoln. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other new students and learn about various campus resources. Be sure to register for this as soon as you receive information from the ISSO. Your academic department may also hold a separate orientation.

Campus Tours: The university offers official campus tours that can help you become familiar with key buildings and learn about the history and traditions of UNL. This is a great way to get your bearings in the first few weeks.

Nebraska Union: The Nebraska Union on City Campus and the Nebraska East Union on East Campus are central hubs of student activity. Here you will find food courts, study spaces, the university bookstore, and various student organization offices. The City Campus Union is a major stop for many local and campus bus routes.

ISSO Check-in: One of your first and most important tasks upon arrival is to complete the mandatory check-in with the ISSO. You should schedule this as soon as possible, even before you leave Nepal, if possible. You will need to present several documents, typically including your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 record. Please confirm the required documents with the ISSO directly. Completing this check-in is necessary to have your immigration hold removed, which will allow you to register for classes.

NCard (Student ID): You will need to get your NCard, the official university ID, shortly after arriving. This card is essential for accessing buildings, using the library, and for meal plans. You will get your picture taken for the card at the NCard Office. The NCard office is located in Nebraska Union on City Campus. Be sure to have your NUID number and one identification document (e.g. passport) with you.

Immunization: You have to submit your required vaccination records to the University Health Center. If you do not have records with you, you should schedule an appointment with University Health Center to complete your immunization records. 

Social security number and direct deposit setup: If you have funding through assistantships or on-campus jobs, you might need to apply for social security number and setup a meeting with HR professional to setup a direct deposit. We recommend you do this as soon as possible to avoid delay in getting your paychecks. Attending orientation with ISSO will provide more details about the process.  You can visit the following link to start the process of getting a social security number. 

Social Security Signature | International Student and Scholar Office | Global Nebraska | Nebraska

Holds: Check your MyRed portal for any "holds" on your account. These must be cleared before you can register for classes. Common holds for international students include the ISSO check-in hold, and immunization holds.

Finances and Living

Banking: Opening a U.S. bank account will simplify managing your finances. You will need a debit card for daily expenses and a secure place to deposit any funds you bring with you. To open an account, you will generally need your passport and NUID. Union Bank and Trust (UBT) bank is the official partner bank of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and they have their offices in Nebraska Union. Some banks with branches near the UNL campus include Chase Bank, US Bank, Wells Fargo, and Pinnacle Bank. The Nepalese Student Association can also offer guidance on this.

Mobile Plans: Major mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer reliable service in Lincoln. Customized and budget-friendly options that work well in the area, consider providers like Mint Mobile, Tello, Lyca Mobile. Huskertech at Nebraska Unions also provides discounted phone plans tailored to UNL students and faculty. You can visit the following link to know more about plans offered by Huskertech cellular services. There are some good deals at Huskertech if you want to buy new gadgets for your school needs.

Cellular Services | Huskertech

Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations and referrals from the community members because some companies provide good deals if you sign up from referral links. If you arrange airport pickup with ISSO, sometimes they provide free sim cards that works for few days. Check ISSO's website for more information about free sim. 

Housing: Finding a suitable place to live is a top priority. Many Nepalese students at UNL live in apartments near the campus. NSA members usually live in apartments managed by Prime Place, Century Management, Arrow Capital, Ashley Square Homes, Eden Management, LivRed etc. Please look up these companies in google and you will find availabilities and ways to apply. For advice and to connect with other students who may be looking for roommates, it is highly recommended that you join the Nepalese Student Association's social media groups.

Groceries: Major American supermarkets like Hy-Vee, Super Saver, and Walmart are easily reachable for everyday needs, often along city bus routes. Crucially, specialty shops like Asian market and Indian grocery shops are also located nearby where you can buy spices for cooking traditional meals.

On-Campus Employment and Financial Aid

For information regarding on-campus jobs, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, please refer to the following guidelines.

Funding and Assistantships

The availability of funding and assistantships varies by academic department. While some departments offer these opportunities to incoming students, others may not. The following are the primary forms of financial support available:

  • Scholarships: These can be awarded by your academic department or other university offices. An important benefit of many scholarships is that they may also qualify you for in-state tuition rates, significantly reducing your educational costs.
  • Teaching Assistantship (TA): Awarded by academic departments, TAs typically involve assisting professors with undergraduate courses, which can include grading, holding office hours, or leading lab sections. TA positions usually provide a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.
  • Research Assistantship (RA): These positions are typically offered by individual professors who have funding for their research projects. As an RA, you would work directly with a professor on their research. These assistantships often come with a tuition waiver and a stipend. It is generally easier to secure an RA position after your first semester.
  • Graduate Assistantship (GA): These are non-teaching and non-research positions in various university offices. Responsibilities could include administrative tasks, event planning, or technical support. GAs also typically receive a tuition waiver and a stipend.
Student Worker Positions

If you do not secure an assistantship, you can still work on campus as a "student worker." Part-time jobs become available throughout the year.

Key Information for International Student Employment:

  • On-Campus Work Only: As an F-1 student, you are only permitted to work on the UNL campus. Working off-campus without specific authorization from the ISSO is a serious violation of your visa status and can lead to deportation. These rules might change with time. Please consult with ISSO if you have any questions about student employment and/or about your visa status.
  • Work Authorization: Your on-campus employment must be authorized. The department that hires you will typically coordinate with the ISSO to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed.
Finding On-Campus Jobs

The primary resource for finding on-campus student employment is Handshake, UNL's career services platform. You can log in with your MyRed credentials to search and apply for on-campus jobs.

While you can browse Handshake before you arrive, most applications and interviews will need to be completed once you are in Lincoln.

Types of Student Jobs:

Limited on-campus jobs are available, including:

  • Food Services: Working in the dining halls.
  • Library Assistant: Assisting with tasks at one of the university's libraries.
  • Office Assistant: Providing administrative support in a university department.
  • Lab Assistant: Assisting in undergraduate teaching labs.
  • Recreation Center Staff: Working at the campus recreational facilities.

Connect with the Nepalese Student Association (NSA) at UNL

The Nepalese Student Association at UNL is an invaluable resource. We are a community of current Nepalese students who are here to help you with your transition. We can provide information or guide you to relevant resources for various supports related to navigating campus life. Be sure to connect with us through our social media channels.