A Day in the Life of a NU Start Student
NU Start is a program designed for incoming freshmen at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln to introduce them to the college experience before the school year begins. Students are enrolled in three credit hours which fulfills a general education requirement. Students spend three weeks attending classes, seminars, and various co-curricular activities that prepare them for the upcoming academic year. While attending class, students stay on campus in a residence hall and experience "dorm life," which includes learning to live in a floor community and to manage free time effectively. Co-curricular activities such as a play at the Repertory Theatre, volleyball games, a baseball game, and group tours help to familiarize students with the culture of both the campus and the city of Lincoln.
A Day at NU Start
A typical program day begins with breakfast in one of the many dining halls located on campus. After breakfast, you will spend the morning in class. The classes are small, usually 20 students, so you will know your instructor and classmates. During class you will discuss the previous evening's assignment(s) and new material. You will also participate in group work so you will become better acquainted with each other and the instructor.
After class, you'll eat lunch on campus and then attend group activities designed to help you get to know your classmates. For the remainder of the afternoon, you will have free time to relax or to study before dinner.
Dinner is served on campus, in an all-you-can-eat buffet fashion, providing you with a wide selection of foods. A vegetarian menu is also provided as an option.
After dinner, you will have the opportunity to complete your homework for class. You're given the choice of studying individually, in a group, or in the computer lab.
Once study hours are over, you have free time until your 1:00 A.M. curfew. Optional organized activities are available, as well as the opportunity simply to relax. The activities range from movie nights to dances, and even the occasional late night run to Amigos. With a Blockbuster Video store two blocks away and the movie theaters within walking distance of the residence hall, you can always find a way to spend your evenings.
Sundays usually consist of a large group outing such as the Campus Recreation Center's Challenge course. Generally, these activities last much of the day or evening, but there is still time left for you to spend as you wish.
The Campus Recreation Center's challenge course and an etiquette dinner followed by ballroom dancing are activities that encourage working together and leadership skills. They enable students to work together with others to accomplish tasks that build elements of trust, friendship, and loyalty. The events consist of exercises that challenge your group and other activities that challenge you as an individual. It is an experience that can look intimidating at first, but after completing it, you'll leave with a new confidence in yourself and in each other.
NU Start helps to create friendships that will support you throughout your college years. It exemplifies the values of the University. NU Start is an excellent way for any incoming freshmen to begin their years at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln!
