First Husker: Frequently Asked Questions

Students whose parents or family members graduated from college before them have the advantage of knowing what to expect from the college experience. First-generation students (students whose parents/guardians have not earned a 4-year degree) can feel like they’re trying to build a lifeboat from a set of instructions written in a foreign language.

The First Husker Program is designed to help first-gen students build connections on campus and learn the skills and strategies they need to succeed in college and beyond.

The program is FREE for students who participate in all events and activities. Lodging, activities, and meals are all provided during the August event.

*Students who do not participate in the entire program after arriving on campus will be responsible for all early move-in fees and meals.

Because First Husker is an all-day commitment during the August event, students who plan to audition for the UNL marching band or participate in ROTC, athletics, or Sorority Rush are ineligible.

If you have questions about eligibility, please contact the CAST office at success@unl.edu or 402-472-1880.

First (and most importantly), we have fun, a LOT of fun!

As a First Husker, you will also have the inside track to success. Not only do you get free early move-in if you're living on-campus, you also get to meet faculty and staff, participate in interactive workshops, connect with other first-gen students, and explore a wide variety of campus resources.

Not living on campus? Not a problem! Commuter students can be First Huskers too! You'll just be heading home in the evenings instead of heading back to a Residence Hall.

First Husker students will connect with Academic Success Coaches and Peer Mentors during the August event and carry these connections into the First Husker seminar course (UGEP 120) where they will explore important topics like how to build on the unique strengths they bring to campus, how to connect to a vast support network, and how to make the most of the college experience.

First Husker students are required to:

• Participate in the August foundational event
• Attend and participate in the seminar course UGEP 120. (The class is taught by the CAST staff and Peer Mentors and meets once a week for 50 minutes)
• Attend 1-1 meetings Academic Success Coach and Peer Mentor

*Students who do not participate in the entire program after arriving on campus will be responsible for all early move-in fees and meals.

Space is limited to 200 students and reserved on a first come, first served basis. Don’t wait. Sign up today!

Registration Open

**First Husker students will be invited to campus starting Sunday, August 18, 2024 to attend the Opening Ceremony. Students who are living on-campus will move in to Residence Halls on Sunday, August 18. The 2024 First Husker 4-day event will run August 18-22. Students who sign up for the program will receive more information and updates about move-in and the event schedule throughout the summer as plans and schedules are finalized.

Please contact the CAST office at success@unl.edu or 402-472-1880 to arrange accommodations.

Before the First Husker Opening Ceremony begins on Sunday, August 18, 2024, you should have completed your First Husker Checklist:

• Purchase your parking pass
• Get your NCard
• Order your textbooks
• Finalize your financial aid

If you have questions about any of these items, contact the CAST office at success@unl.edu or 402-472-1880.

Otherwise, just bring your energy to learn! Everything else will be provided.

Housing will contact you over the summer with your room assignment.

Most first-year students move in later in the week (Wednesday or Thursday). However, students participating in marching band, sorority recruitment, and athletics may move in early. We encourage you to communicate with your roommate(s) prior to arriving on campus to discuss your move-in schedules and coordinate what each of you will bring.

Housing will be in touch over the summer to give you your room/roommate assignment.

The First Husker schedule is pretty full, but we always make sure to include time for you to organize and settle into your room, get organized, continue to explore Lincoln, and spend time with your roommate and new friends.

If you need some last-minute supplies, check out the UNL Bookstore and NU market, located in the basement of the Union on City Campus. Otherwise, there are several Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS stores nearby:

• Target – 333 N 48^th St
• Walmart – 4700 N 27^th St or 3400 N 85^th St
• Walgreens – 1301 O St
• CVS – 1550 South St or 4808 O St

Here are some hotels within walking distance of campus:

• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Lincoln – 801 R St, 402-475-9000
• The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel – 333 S 13^th St, 402-474-7474
• The Embassy Suites – 1040 P St, 402-474-1111
• Hyatt Place Downtown Lincoln – 600 Q St, 402-742-6007
• Town House Extended Stay – 1744 M St, 402-475-3000
• Courtyard by Marriott – 808 R St, 402-904-4800
• Graduate Lincoln - 141 North 9th St, 402-475-4011
• The Scarlett Hotel - 2101 Transformation Dr, 531-300-6300
• Holiday Inn Express Downtown - 905 O St, 402-904-6701

There are also a number of hotels further from campus.

Yes, you will move into your assigned room when you arrive for First Husker. No additional moving will be required.

If you are living on campus, you will have at least one RA on your floor. RAs will be in training throughout First Husker, but will be present in the Residence Halls during non-training times.

Be sure to include any dietary restrictions on your First Husker application. Additional information can be shared with the CAST office by emailing success@unl.edu or calling 402-472-1880. Dining Halls are prepared to meet dietary restrictions.

Visit http://parking.unl.edu. There are passes available for students living on and off campus. You will need your parking pass during the August event, so order it today!

UNL students are eligible for a free bus pass. Bus passes can be mailed to your home address or picked up in the Parking & Transit Services Office.

You will need your bus pass to use the bus. Download the StarTran Bus Tracker app or visit http://parking.unl.edu/transitfor more information.

Parking & Transit Services
625 Stadium Drive, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68588-0161
402-472-1800

Order your bus pass today so you can bring it with you to the First Husker event in August.

Your NCard is your University ID and you’ll need it for just about everything—getting into the residence halls, using your meal plan, library checkout, printing services, Campus Rec, athletic tickets, campus events, and the NCard campus accounts. Students get their NCards at NSE (New Student Enrollment).

If you set up an NCard account, charges can be billed to your student account and paid monthly.

Visit http://ncard.unl.edu for more information.

Please contact CAST at 402-472-1880 or success@unl.edu as soon as possible. If you are unable to participate, you will not be allowed to move into the residence halls early, and an Academic Success Coach will follow up with you when the semester begins.

Most importantly, seek appropriate medical attention. If you are living in the residence halls, contact the on-call Residence Director. Also, be sure to contact the CAST office at 402-472-1880 or success@unl.edu.

Union Bank & Trust is the on-campus banking partner. Their office is located in the Nebraska Union on City Campus.

You can also contact the Student Money Management Center at 402-472-0461 or smmc@unl.edu for more information and local resources.