Parents F.A.Q.'s

by Sue Kelly Moore
Assistant Director, Residence Life

A breakdown of common concerns and questions parents may have as their children head off to college, and to live in a residence hall. Topics covered include: Support, Parental Roles, Living Arrangements, Safety, and more.

When will we find out about room assignments and roommates?

The Contracts staff is currently working to meet as many of your students' housing preferences as possible. While we cannot guarantee that every request is met, our staff tries their very best to provide the best placement possible. We will continue to receive contracts up until the day the halls open and even after, so the process does take quite a bit of time. We know you are eager to hear about your student's assignment. You can expect to receive it by mail sometime in late July. Along with his/her room and phone number, you'll receive information about your student's roommate and any contract options requested. If your student wishes to request any changes to his/her contract, please do so in writing or via email housing@unl.edu as soon as possible.

For the first several weeks in each semester, only the most extreme situations (for example, medical necessity) will result in an immediate room change. Students who are interested in making a room change should see the RD/RM for an explanation of the process and a discussion of options. Please review the contract booklet for further details about room/contract changes, room consolidation and cancellation policies.

How long are the beds and what size sheets will we need?

Each resident is provided with an extra-long, twin bed. If you or your student wants to purchase sheets, then extra-long twin sheets would be the correct size, and these are available at many retail stores.

How does my son or daughter get their parking permit?

If your son or daughter ordered a parking permit from UNL Parking and Transportation Services, they can pick up the permit on the day he or she moves in to the residence hall. The permit will be waiting at the desk at check-in.

Where can we park when we move our son/daughter into their residence hall?

More specific instructions for how to drive to your student's residence hall will be available on the UNL Housing website in August. Due to construction and traffic, students and their families are asked to only bring two vehicles. When arriving at the hall, please park in the designated unloading area and proceed into the building to get a temporary unloading permit.

How does my son or daughter get the key to their room?

We call the process by which your student will get his or her room key "check-in." Your son or daughter should bring his or her Ncard (UNL student identification card) with him or her to the desk where he or she will check-in. Your student will be asked to verify information as well as complete various forms. Your son or daughter will be given his or her room key at this time.

Should we inform anyone in particular about my son/daughter's chronic health concern?

We ask that each student complete a Resident Information Card when he or she checks into his or her residence hall. This card provides the student with the opportunity to share information about any chronic health concerns or medications. This information is considered to be confidential and is only accessed and used in an emergency situation.

Should I supply my daughter/son with quarters to they can wash and dry clothes?

Most all of our laundry machines, except those in Burr, Fedde, Love, Cather and Pound, are card operated. A student may request a laundry card from the desk located in his or her hall/complex. Using cash, he or she will place value on the card through the Debitek Machine also located at the desk in his or her hall or complex. The student then inserts the card into the machine and can activate the machine to wash or dry.

How does my son/daughter get tickets to athletic events?

Tickets can be picked up at the Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Stadium Drive Parking Garage. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Should I purchase renter's insurance?

The University DOES NOT accept liability for damage or theft of personal property of residents living in on-campus housing. It is recommended that students either carry his or her own personal property insurance or determine if property loss is covered by their parents' homeowner's policy. In addition, students are urged to put proper identification on his or her valuables, and keep a list of them with descriptive information, model numbers, and serial numbers. Make a copy of the list and keep one at home.