Tips for Transfer Students

Welcome to The Good Life! We are so excited for you to join the Husker family. Transferring schools can be overwhelming, which is why we have created a simple collection of the top things to know. From campus involvement to advice from the Husker community, this list will aid in your transition to Nebraska.

Before we begin, know that there is a place for you here at Dear Old Nebraska U. Our campus is filled with clubs, intramurals, professional development programs, Greek life, research and experiential learning opportunities and fitness programs. Take advantage of resources, meet new people (“Nebraska Nice” is true) and get excited for this chapter! The best is yet to come here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!

Traditions

Here at Nebraska, we bleed scarlet and cream. The university was founded in 1869 along four city blocks in Lincoln. Now, we serve nearly 23,000 students involved in over 150 majors across nine colleges. Behind the big red “N” lies the foundation of tradition. Herbie Husker is our mascot but is better known for his contagious Husker spirit and guaranteed high five. We are home to the infamous red hotdogs, the Boneyard student section on game day, and beloved striped overalls. You may hear “Go Big Red” (GBR for short) across campus, at athletic competitions and even across the world. That’s because Husker fans are just that dedicated. Know that when you join us this fall, you are a Husker for life.

Get to know the campus

One campus simply isn’t enough, which is why we have three! City campus is an 873-acre hub filled with academic buildings, the Union, dining halls, dorms, and notably, Memorial Stadium. Here students can enjoy swinging in a hammock on a warm spring afternoon and even building snowmen in the green space during the dead of winter. Just two miles away was once a farm campus but has now been developed into East Campus. Here, students can find housing, ag-based programs such as Animal Science and the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, College of Law, and of course, the UNL Dairy Store. Last, but certainly not least, is Nebraska Innovation Campus. As the name suggests, NIC is fueled with creativity in the worlds of research and ideation. Stop by Makerspace for the opportunity to ideate utilizing fully equipped metal shops, wood shops, ceramics, prototyping studios, and more. Three campuses, one family, that’s who we are!

How to meet new people

Whether you are a freshman or a graduate student, you are sure to find friendly faces around campus and throughout Lincoln. To connect with peers, join Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), volunteer in the community, register for Greek life, apply for honors societies or strike up a conversation at the dining centers. During your first few weeks, we encourage you to connect with others during class time and push yourself to say “yes!” to opportunities. Don’t forget to invite new friends to sporting events and explore downtown’s Historic Haymarket. Huskers are here for YOU, and we can’t wait to give you a Big Red welcome!

Advice from transfer students

You are not alone in this new chapter of life. Hear advice from three of our very own Husker transfers on how they navigated a new future at UNL.

• “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are resource centers and the CAST (Center for Academic Success and Transition) office that can help and communication with professors is key. Transferring colleges is an adjustment so be patient with yourself and make the most of your college experience.” — Nathalie DeJesus
• “I would say the best advice I try to live by is to explore and meet new people. Immerse yourself wholeheartedly. By doing this, you will meet new people, find new places, and maybe end up finding your favorite study spot. Truthfully being a transfer student can be challenging. After all, you can feel alone or isolated because you remember how things were. Meeting new people can help you have a support system.” — Sierra Klein
• “Say yes to as much as possible! … say yes to all the fun events and activities that come up, to the opportunities that land in front of you, to the things you can see and do in class, and to going out and trying new things with friends. Saying yes can lead you to so many new and exciting places that you might never have gone or seen or done!!” — Jamieson Battistella

The university has resources to help you along the way. From transfer mentors to an assistance community dedicated to supporting you socially and professionally, we are here to help. Check out our page specifically for transfer students to learn more about the transition to UNL.

Now, you are officially prepared to join Husker Nation! While this season may be filled with unknowns, offer yourself some grace and be present. Be confident, work hard and jump outside of your comfort zone. There is truly no place like Nebraska. Before you know it, Lincoln will become home!

Learn more about transferring to UNL by contacting transfer@unl.edu or calling 402.416.6195.

To stay up to date, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.