The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, often referred to as Nebraska, UNL or NU, is a large public research university located in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital. UNL is the state's oldest university and the largest in the University of Nebraska system with an undergraduate population over 20,000. A member of the Big Ten Conference, the school’s athletic program is infamous as the Cornhuskers, often abbreviated to Huskers. Lincoln’s downtown is a vibrant college town with many of the attributes of larger cities, while retaining its friendly Midwestern charm. .
SHORTCUTS
Sleep: The Graduate | Breakfast: Engine House Cafe
Lunch: Lazlo's Brewery and Grill | Dinner: Blue Sushi
Visitor Information: Tour UNL
Transportation: The closest major airport to campus is Lincoln Airport (LNK / KLNK) approximately 5 miles from the center of the university. Omaha Municipal Airport is a much larger airport located approximately 65 miles from campus, about an hour drive. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Lincoln about a 1-mile walk to school. Lyft or Uber’s are available throughout the city.
Stay: Close to campus, relive your college days in style at the Graduate Lincoln, located downtown in the middle of the historic Haymarket, a quick walk from campus. Younger siblings tagging along will be thrilled with vintage arcade games in the lobby and an indoor swimming pool, while adults can refresh at John J’s Tiki Bar. Other popular hotels include the Marriott Cornhusker, Cloverleaf Suites, and Hyatt Place Lincoln Haymarket. All the above hotels offer special discounts to Office of Admissions campus visitors, check with each hotel when you make your reservations as all rates are subject to hotel availability. A bonus--each hotel also offer a complimentary airport shuttle, so there’s no need to rent a car for your visit.
Fun Facts: Why Cornhuskers? Way back, the NU football teams were called a wide range of nicknames such as the Rattlesnake Boys, Antelopes, and Bugeaters. In 1899, Nebraska State Journal writer Cy Sherman began referring to Nebraska's football team as the Cornhuskers, and soon after the school officially adopted the nickname. In 1945 the "Cornhusker State" became the official nickname of Nebraska. For more interesting facts about Nebraska football click here.
Coffee: On campus join the students at Starbucks in the Nebraska Union, it opens early weekdays starting at 7 am. While there get your Husker apparel in the university’s bookstore, located in the lower level of the Union. The Coffee House is another favorite student hangout just a short walk from UNL, and we hear they make a mean vanilla latte. Ask most students and locals, and they’ll steer you towards The Mill in Haymarket, it’s everyone’s overwhelming favorite, serving locally roasted coffee in a lively atmosphere.
Breakfast: : Staying at the Graduate? Start your day with a buzz at the hotel’s Poindexter Coffee, serving not only coffee but fresh juices, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches. One parent told us her favorite morning spot when in Lincoln is the Engine House Café. If you’re in town on the weekend treat yourself to brunch in the lovely room of The Green Gateau, an excellent choice for lunch or dinner as well.
Lunch: Near UNL, Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill has something to satisfy everyone in your group with an extensive menu of comfort food. Single Barrel bills itself as ‘A Chop House by Day, Full Service Whiskey Bar by Night’, it’s good at lunchtime for excellent salads, sandwiches, and BBQ, while at dinner you can dine on more substantial entrees such as grilled steak, chicken or fish. Yia Yia’s is a downtown staple serving what many say is the city’s best pizza, with all the pies completely customizable. Another pizza option is Mellow Mushroom. If your crew is in the mood for burgers, head to Leadbelly’s or Honest Abe’s.
Dinner
Casual: The Oven specializing in Indian cuisine has a few locations in Lincoln, but we suggest the original Haymarket location on North 8th. New Orleans-style chain joint Buzzard Billy’s has an avid following thanks to tasty Cajun-Creole grub and an authentic roadhouse setting. Vincenzo’s is everyone top choice for Italian, Blue Orchid for Thai, and if you’re looking for sushi book a table at Hiro 88 or Blue Sushi Sake Grill. For good burritos, head to D’Leon’s.
Sweets: Don’t miss a visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Dairy Store serving handmade ice creams, cheeses and meats to the local community since opening its doors in 1917. Open every day 11 am -9 pm.
Local Attractions: Explore downtown’s historic Haymarket district with unique warehouses. (The name comes from the original market square of 1867 where wagons, camping equipment, and hay were bought and sold.) Haymarket is home to the new Pinnacle Bank Arena, check the schedule for when you are in town—it’s an excellent venue for concerts or to catch a Cornhusker basketball game. Don’t miss a stop at the Sheldon Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. The museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of 20th-century American art. For more art, check out The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery which exhibits the work of UNL faculty and students in addition to showing artists works who reside in the state of Nebraska, located right on City Campus. History and architecture buffs don’t miss a tour of the capitol building, a 1932 Art Deco gem. Visit capitol.nebraska.gov/visit to plan your tour. For a local flavor, The Great Plains Art Museum showcases the art and culture of the Great Plains region of the U.S. The downtown is easy to navigate, but if you’re interested in covering more ground consider a bike rental, you can find bike-shares kiosks, called BikeLNK, throughout the city. Learn more at go.unl.edu/bike-lnk. Have more time and want to get to know the great state of Nebraska click here for some interesting and quirky things to do.
Campus Tour
— Quotes From Campus —
“Lincoln is a fun town, it’s a very safe and walkable city and there’s always something to do. Try and come for a football game and experience the excitement of game day—Go Big Red! ”
“I choose UNL for its combination of affordability and strong academics plus its location in Lincoln, an ideal college town with an abundance of restaurants and music venues. ”
“Greek life and varsity sports are big part of campus life. ”
UNL FAST FACTS
Established
1869
Mascot
Cornhusker
School Colors
Cream & Crimson
Acceptance Rate
64%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Rolling Admission
SAT
Average - 1240
ACT
Average - 25
Type
Public
Size
Big - 20,000 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
1410 Q Street
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417
(p) 402-472-2023
(f) 402-472-0670
admissions@unl.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Warren Buffet
Willa Cather
SHOP
UNL
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