Academic School Year

2024-2025
International
Students
Welcome
Guide
2024-2025
Table of Contents
Welcome! ................................................................................................................................... 2
About ISF ................................................................................................................................... 2
Contact Information: ............................................................................................................... 3
Brian and Beth Cordell, City Director/Mobilizer ................................................................... 3
Josh Tidd, ISF Staff ............................................................................................................ 3
Mark Meyer, ISF Staff ......................................................................................................... 3
Stay in Touch! ........................................................................................................................ 4
Find us on Social Media: ........................................................................................................ 4
Community of Lincoln, Nebraska ............................................................................................... 5
Jet Lag: What is it and how do I get over it? ............................................................................... 7
Jet Lag Relief ......................................................................................................................... 7
Weather in Lincoln ..................................................................................................................... 8
Wind Chill ............................................................................................................................... 9
Culture Shock: What is it? .........................................................................................................10
What are the signs of culture shock? .....................................................................................11
Strategies to cope with culture shock ....................................................................................11
How Can I Improve My English? ...............................................................................................14
Getting Around in Lincoln ..........................................................................................................15
Streets in Lincoln ...................................................................................................................15
Bicycle ...................................................................................................................................15
Bus ........................................................................................................................................16
To get your digital bus pass for free: ..................................................................................16
Car ........................................................................................................................................17
Renting an Apartment in Lincoln ...............................................................................................18
Shopping for Food in Lincoln.....................................................................................................20
Food Resources in Lincoln ........................................................................................................19
Restaurants in Lincoln...............................................................................................................21
Lincoln Thrift and Secondhand Stores ......................................................................................22
Useful Charts and Helps ...........................................................................................................23
Temperature: .........................................................................................................................23
Kilometers to miles: ...............................................................................................................23
American Currency: ...............................................................................................................24

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 1

Welcome!

On behalf of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and International Student Fellowship

(ISF), we wish to welcome you to Lincoln, Nebraska! We’re glad you are here!

This short guide will help you survive your first few days and weeks in our community.
This guide has information that is not on the UNL website. Hopefully this will help your
first weeks of life here in Lincoln! You have traveled a long way to get here, and you
have lots of questions. Everything is new, different, and maybe strange and a little
scary. You are not alone!

About ISF

International Student Fellowship (ISF) in Lincoln, Nebraska, provides opportunities for

students to build friendships with other students and American volunteers, take part in
fun activities and trips, practice English speaking skills, and share cultural and life
experiences while living and studying in the United States. ISF is a friendship and
cultural organization that is motivated by the biblical principles regarding Jesus Christ
and follows and promotes these principles. ISF welcomes each person regardless of
affiliation, status, or background and maintains a caring and respectful atmosphere in
all functions. ISF is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) of the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln. We are affiliated with International Students Inc.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 2

Contact Information:

Brian and Beth Cordell, City

Director/Mobilizer
5968 S. 81st Street
Lincoln, NE 68516
Brian Phone: 402.617.4409
Brian Email: [email protected]
Beth Phone: 402.617.4419
Beth Email: [email protected]

Josh Tidd, ISF Staff

3623 S. 77th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
Phone: 402.890.8012
Email: [email protected]

Mark Meyer, ISF Staff

611 N 23rd Street
Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402.613.4647
Email: [email protected]

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 3

Stay in Touch!
Sign up to receive information relating to upcoming ISF events, activities, and trips. We
will never sell or give your contact information to any third parties. Of course, you may
remove yourself from our contact database at any time. https://eepurl.com/ioYBDw

Find us on Social Media:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/groups/unlisf
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/isfunl1/
WhatsApp Connect Group – https://chat.whatsapp.com/H3ybxNwdyhvGDNQc5jc8Yj
WhatsApp Announcements – https://chat.whatsapp.com/E6AE3N4X

International Student Fellowship (ISF) is here to help you have a “soft” landing.
We are a collection of community members and students who want to help you succeed
in your studies here. We have English conversation groups to help you with idioms,
phrases, and cultural questions. ISF also offers short trips around the area, and even
some overnight trips to communities outside of Lincoln. If you want to visit an American
home, we have home groups where you can join an American family for dinner and
games. For those who are interested, there are a variety of Bible studies available, both
in-person and online. We also offer the M28 Discovery Bible study, especially designed
for people who do not speak English as their first language. We will read the Bible
together and discover what the Bible says about God, people, and the world. You are
welcome, whatever your religious/faith background for friendly discussion of various
parts of the Bible, make friends and practice your English.

We also offer a program called “Friendship Partners” which connects international

students with individuals/families in the community. An American Friendship Partner is
just that, an American from the community who wants to be a friend to one or more
international students. We ask the Friendship Partners to be in contact with you at
least once a week by phone, text, or email and to try and get together with you at least
once a month. Some will be willing to do much more. You can sign up for a Friendship
Partner here: https://tinyurl.com/ISF-Friendship-Partner

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 4

Community of Lincoln, Nebraska

Welcome to Lincoln! We are excited that you

have chosen to come here to study! Here is
some information about your new home.

Lincoln is the capital of and second largest city in Nebraska. Located midway between
Chicago and Denver, the city is approximately 101 square miles and serves 294,000
residents. We are the center of the State’s governmental and educational activities,
including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the state’s largest with 25,000 students.

Prior to the city’s incorporation in 1869, Native Americans inhabited the area for
thousands of years and lived and hunted along Salt Creek. The first westward settlers
were also drawn to the area due to the abundance of salt.

The State of Nebraska is the largest employer with nearly 10,000 employees, followed
by Lincoln Public Schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Health care is another
major industry and the city’s three largest hospitals employ 7,300 residents and deliver
a key service that contributes to our safety and quality of life.

Lincoln also has major industries. This includes Kawasaki, Burlington Northern Railroad
and Duncan Aviation, who together employ 5,600 people. Simultaneously, we have a
burgeoning startup scene that innovates alongside established academic and
government sectors.

Lincoln is growing – and growing more diverse. Our population grew by 33,000 from
2010 to 2020. Our city is projected to add roughly 105,000 people between now and
2050. As this happens, the share of persons of color will also grow. Today, they
comprise 21% of the county’s population; by 2050, persons of color will represent
roughly 1/3 of the county.

Lincoln is a proud resettlement community. Refugees started resettling here in the

1980s, and today 30,000 immigrants and refugees from roughly 150 countries call
Lincoln home. We were recently cited as the 12th largest resettlement site per capita in
the country.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 5

Community of Lincoln, Nebraska, cont.

We are also young and educated. Lincoln’s median age is 33 years old, while the
national median age is 38.3. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of adults in Lincoln have a
bachelor’s degree compared with 35% nationwide.

Lincoln is an affordable and convenient city. Lincoln’s cost of living is 7% lower than the
national average, with housing and utilities 17% and 28% less, respectively. In fact, we
have the nation’s 8th lowest residential electric rates. Our average commute time is
18.5 minutes, nearly 10 minutes less than the national average.

Above all, we prioritize public safety. Thanks to our Lincoln Police Department, violent
crime decreased in 2021 compared to the previous five-year average. Our Lincoln Fire
and Rescue Department saves the lives of non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients at a
rate nearly double the national average.

Our college football and volleyball teams are supported by the most loyal fans in the
country. On football gamedays, Memorial Stadium becomes the third largest city in the
state. The women’s volleyball team, five-time national champions, plays its games at
the Bob Devanney Sports Center on Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Lincoln also has a thriving performing arts scene. Regional and national artists flock to
venues like the Zoo Bar, Bourbon Theatre, Lied Center, and Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Theater has a stage too. Pinewood Bowl hosts everything from Broadway musicals to
Disney adaptations.

We also have niche attractions. Robber’s Cave, dug in 1869 for Lincoln’s first brewery,
is our oldest tourist attraction. The International Quilt Museum is home to the world’s
largest publicly held quilt collection. For motorheads, the Speedway Motors Museum of
American Speed was recently voted Best Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today.

*Adapted from https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/About-Us

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 6

Jet Lag: What is it and how do I get over it?

You have traveled many miles and hours to get here, and your body feels strange! You
may feel very tired during the day and not be able to sleep at night. If you have
traveled through several time zones, you are probably suffering from jet lag. Don’t
worry, it’s temporary and you will recover in a few days. Recovering from jet lag
depends on the number of time zones crossed while traveling. In general, the body will
adjust to the new time zone at the rate of one or two time zones per day. For example,
if you cross six time zones, the body will typically adjust to this time change in three to
five days.

Jet Lag Relief

● Make sure your watch and phone are set to the correct time.
● Don’t make any important decisions the first day.
● Eat meals at the appropriate local time.
● Spend time in the sun. The UNL campus is lovely, go take a walk and enjoy!
● Drink plenty of water and avoid excess caffeine.
● If you are sleepy during the day, take short naps (20–30 minutes) so you can
still sleep at night.
● Try to go to sleep at the appropriate time, if possible.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 7

Weather in Lincoln

Lincoln experiences four distinct

seasons throughout the year.
Nebraskans often joke that "if you
don't like the weather, just wait 10
minutes!" because the weather can
change significantly in the same day.
Lincoln tends to be windy as well.

The extreme climate (very hot in the

summer, very cold in the winter) is
typical of the Midwestern region of the
United States. High temperatures of 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit (29-35 degrees Celsius)
are normal in the warm summer months (June, July, August), and high temps of about
32 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit (0-11 degrees Celsius) are normal in the winter months
(December, January, February, March). Low temps in winter are usually between 0 and
20 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -7 degrees Celsius), but can easily drop below that. It
does snow in the winter. The fall and spring seasons are milder, with high temperatures
ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 21 degrees Celsius).

It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast each day. Here is a guide to help
you figure out what to wear each day:

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 8

Lincoln Weather, cont.

Before winter arrives, you will need to be prepared. The weather in Nebraska begins to
cool in September, and by October you will need to have a jacket. We usually see some
snow starting in November and will continue to have snow until April (sometimes even
in May!). Here are some basic items you will need before cold weather arrives in
November.

● Heavy coat
● Warm pants
● Hats and gloves
● Boots or other warm shoes
● Scarves
● Sweaters or sweatshirts

Wind Chill

During the winter, we experience “wind chill”. The actual air temperature plus the wind
speed creates wind chill. So even if the actual air temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit
(F.) (-7 degrees Celsius), it may feel as though it’s much colder, like -10 degrees F (-23
degrees Celsius). You must be prepared for this wind chill by wearing warm clothing,
especially a hat and gloves/mittens, to protect your ears and hands from frostbite
(when the skin becomes frozen).

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 9

Culture Shock: What is it?

Culture shock is a syndrome due to the stress

people experience as they lose the
environment they are familiar with. Moving to a
new environment can be exciting and fun; but
losing the familiarity in way of life can also be
stressful. Simple tasks such as mailing letters,
buying groceries, and conversing with others
become more difficult. People suffering from
culture shock may feel disoriented in the
process of adjusting to new ways of life. There
could be a point in the United States when you might question yourself on the purpose
of studying abroad instead of completing a degree back home. Be prepared.

Many people think that culture shock occurs only in the first few weeks in a new place.
In fact, it takes about a year to adjust to a new location and culture. The first few
weeks can be fun, as you meet new people and begin your classes. This is known as
the “honeymoon” phase, where everything feels fine. The next few months can be
challenging as you realize that EVERYTHING feels different: the language, food, culture,
people, even the air you breathe smells different. The realities of trying to keep up in
classes that are in English, missing your family and friends back home, wanting to eat
“real” food instead of what Americans call food start to wear on you. This is very
normal, and you may feel tired, have headaches, or stomach aches, sleep or eat too
little or too much.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 10

Culture Shock, cont.

What are the signs of culture shock?

● Headaches ● Sleep difficulties

● Upset stomach ● Feeling sick much of the time

● Feelings of anger over minor ● Excessive concern over minor

inconveniences pains

● Irritability ● Loss of ability to work effectively

● Extreme homesickness ● Unexplainable fits of crying

● A new and intense feeling of ● Withdrawal from people who are

loyalty to your own culture different from you

● Difficulty concentrating ● Exaggerated cleanliness

● An increase or loss of appetite ● Boredom

● Depression

You may not notice all of these signs but only a few of them. Do not be afraid to ask for
help if you are having difficulty adjusting to your new life. You do not have to go
through it by yourself.

Strategies to cope with culture shock

a) Get connected with other international students

Chances are your international peers are confronted with similar challenges. Talk to
them, especially students who have been here longer, ask them for advice and build
your support network.

b) Get involved on campus

You might hear this phrase – “get involved” – a lot here. There are many ways you can
get involved on campus such as joining a student organization, getting an on-campus
job, etc. Indeed, getting involved can be a rewarding experience and it can also ease
your adjustment to the American culture. By being active on campus, you are slowly
building your new life here in the states.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 11

Culture Shock, cont.

c) Make American friends

You have completed the tougher part of your journey, leaving your home behind. Now,
it is time for you to be brave and initiate conversations and relationships with the
people here. You might have a cultural perception that it is the “host’s responsibility” as
part of their hospitality. However, this concept is not common here. Ask questions and
be willing to answer questions about your own culture; bond over both similarities and
differences that you share with your American peers.

d) Observe and learn

Spend time outside your room or apartment. Observe how your peers communicate
and build relationships. Get comfortable with the American culture; listen to the music,
watch the movies and television shows, and read the books your American peers are
enjoying. Go to campus events, parks, libraries, and sporting events. [Note: You might
observe that drinking is prevalent among college students. But NEVER let anyone
pressure you into drinking.]

If there are things that confuse you, ask your American peers. Many of them will gladly
answer your questions. Listen for unusual phrases and ask about slang terms you do
not understand.

e) Exercise
Find a physical exercise you enjoy doing and do it! If you enjoy team sports, there are
many sports clubs on campus that you can join. On top of that, you can also build your
own intramural sports team and compete with others. Exercise can help you deal with
the stress from adjusting to a new environment or stress from the many assignments
you will have.

f) Communicate with your family

With Skype, Google phones and so many other free internet calling methods, it is not
difficult to communicate with your family back home regularly. Look to them for support
but do not forget to build relationships with people around you.

g) Be patient – “This too shall pass”

Realize that what you are facing is not permanent and will fade with time. Habits take
time to form, and relationships take time to build.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 12

Culture Shock, cont.

h) Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There are many upper-level students who have gone through culture shock. Talk with
them and ask them to help you work through your feelings. Additionally there are
Americans in the community who have lived overseas and understand the challenges
you face.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 13

How Can I Improve My English?

One of the best ways to improve a skill is to use it and use it often! There are so many
ways to do so, in regard to strengthening your English language skills, you can watch
movies, read books and magazines, play computer games, etc.

On top of the suggestions above, making friends with people from outside your home
country helps tremendously! Building relationships with these people takes significantly
more time than with people who share more similarities with you. This can be
intimidating especially when you are in a new environment. But, if you tough it out and
keep pushing yourself to speak in English, soon you will be able to converse
comfortably and confidently. You could also make friends from all around the world.
Everyone has to start somewhere!

● Don’t worry too much about your English. Just force yourself to keep talking and
you will become more fluent.

● Expect to make intercultural mistakes! Find ways to apologize for them, forgive
yourself and don’t worry about it.

● Talk to international students who have been around longer for advice on
building relationships with other students.

International Student Fellowship (ISF)

offers English Conversation Groups which will
give you opportunities to speak with
Americans in a comfortable, non-threatening
setting. This is a great way to learn about
the American money system (what are all
these coins?), customs, idioms, and generally
have fun. Check our social media or
WhatsApp groups to find the times and
locations. These conversation groups are led
by ISF staff and American volunteers.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 14

Getting Around in Lincoln

Streets in Lincoln

Lincoln streets are laid out in a grid fashion, with numbered streets running north-
south, going east as the street number increases, and lettered streets east-west. The
main street in Lincoln is “O” Street.

Bicycle

If you enjoy cycling, Lincoln has more than 130 miles

(209 Km) of bike trails (also great for walking). Simply
equip yourself with appropriate attire for each season.
The city maintains the trails by clearing them in the
mornings on snowy days. This makes commuting from
home to the university feasible, especially if you live
nearby. Here’s a link to the Lincoln Bike Trails:
https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-
and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Trails

A good place to buy a used bike is the Lincoln Bike Kitchen

(https://www.lincolnbikekitchen.org/).The Lincoln Bike Kitchen is a community-building
organization that provides bicycles and related resources to all people.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 15

Getting Around in Lincoln, cont.

Bus

StarTran bus service is provided

through a contract with the City of
Lincoln, and University Parking
and Transit Service van service
and connects City, East and
Nebraska Innovation campuses.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
students receive a bus pass at no
additional cost as part of the
student transit fees fund. (UNL
Bus Pass and UNL Photo ID
required)

To get your digital bus pass for free:

1. Download Token Transit app from app store and register using your phone
number.

2. Open Link: https://tokentransit.com//startran/unl-pass. Enter your phone

number and your NUID in password place.

3. You will receive a message, click the link in the message. You will be taken to
the app where it will ask to pay, just go back and search for My Passes. Hit
Refresh button if you don't see your pass.

4. Click the pass and show this digital pass to the bus driver and enjoy free rides.

No pass is required for Parking and Transit Services campus van services, Route 23,
running between East Campus and Innovation Campus.

To learn more about bus routes throughout the city, visit

https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/StarTran/Routes

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 16

Getting Around in Lincoln, cont.

Car

For comprehensive information, visit the official Department of Motor Vehicles

(https://dmv.nebraska.gov/).

Keep in mind that owning a car is expensive! You should plan to add at least
$300 per month to your budget for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and savings
for future repairs.

Here are some valuable pointers:

1. Begin by acquainting yourself with Nebraska's traffic laws and test your
knowledge online. You can practice all of the questions on the DMV website.

2. If you possess your home country's driver's license, acquire insurance from
Progressive. Drive for 30 days before transitioning to a Nebraska license.

3. If you're learning to drive, consider enrolling in a professional driving school in

Lincoln. We recommend Road Ready Driver Training School
(https://www.roadready.biz/)

4. For those seeking improvement and useful tips, join us on Tuesdays at 6:00pm
on East Campus (near the Dairy Store) for a knowledge-sharing session.

5. It's worth noting that Progressive insurance accepts licenses from other
countries, whereas some other insurers might not.

6. Prioritize obtaining a driver's license before purchasing a car.

Remember, active insurance is mandatory for driving, and driving
without insurance can lead to severe consequences, including denial of a
driver's license.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 17

Renting an Apartment in Lincoln

Be sure to ask these questions from the rental management company (your landlord)
before you sign a contract…

• What are the requirements to qualify as a renter for your company, as

background check, credit score, employment, legal status, etc.? (If they require
credit scores and additional co-signers besides the people who will live there, go
away and find a different company. That means that they are not catering to
international students and require extensive assurances for payment.)
• Which exact unit is it? Is it the one we are looking at currently, or is it a different
unit on a different level or even a different building?
• How much is the rent per month for the entire unit? When is the rent due each
month?
• Is there a deposit fee? How much is it? When is it due? Under what conditions
will it be returned?
• How is rent collected? Can it be collected through auto pay with a bank, or can it
be paid by Venmo/Paypal, or does it need to be paid by check?
• Who is considered responsible for payment? If it is a two-bedroom apartment, do
both parties need to cosign? Are rent and deposit fees collected individually from
each signer, or does one person need to pay the landlord and be reimbursed by
the other resident? (Most likely, they will only care that the rent gets paid and
will put both of you at fault if the total amount is not paid each month,
regardless of who didn’t pay their share.)
• What is the lease term? As in, how long does the contract last? What happens if
you cancel the contract for the apartment partway through the contract period?
What are the penalties if this happens?
• Is there a washing machine and dryer for the unit or complex?
• What utilities is the renter responsible for? Whom do I contact about this?
• Is trash included, and is there a dumpster outside?
• (If you notice something that already needs to be fixed)… Who will
fix this and when?
• Ask about bugs, roach and other pests. What are they doing to treat the
premises? How often do they treat and what chemicals are being used.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 18

Renting an Apartment in Lincoln (cont.)
Here are some recommendations to find suitable apartments closer to the campus
where you work or study. It gets extremely cold during the winters so traveling from
afar is not ideal. Bus frequencies are usually an hour and connectivity isn't extremely
good. Resources to look at for apartments:

1. ISF Connect WhatsApp Group – This is a great place to look for apartments to
share with others, or to sublease from another student.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/H3ybxNwdyhvGDNQc5jc8Yj
2. UNL CSSA Facebook Group (Forum for Asian Students and Scholars, but open for
all) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/131121220292746/

3. Lincoln Rentals Facebook Group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/413652572534342 or any other group for
apartments here in Lincoln.

4. Century Sales and Management.

(https://www.gocentury.com/search?address=Lincoln,%20Nebraska) A Property
Management Company, they're affordable and offer discounts.

5. Lincoln Housing Authority (https://www.l-housing.com/). Great apartments and

great rates! Close to City Campus. There is often a long waiting list.

6. ApartmentFinder
https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Nebraska/Lincoln-Apartments

7. Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist

Apartments here (most of them) don't come pre-furnished so you will have to look for
things you might need (that even includes a bed, chair, etc.). Places to look for these
items are Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores. A thrift store is also known as a
second-hand or used items store. There are many such stores in Lincoln, and you can
often get good quality used furniture and appliances (microwave, blender, etc.) there.
Lincoln residents also often hold “garage sales” where they sell unwanted household
items, like clothing and furniture. These can be good places to buy winter coats and
boots as well as kitchen items (dishes, pans). These garage sales are often advertised
in Facebook Marketplace or just by signs on the edge of the street.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 19

Shopping for Food in Lincoln

Lincoln has many grocery stores throughout the city. Many students find it convenient
to shop for food at stores like Walmart or Target, which sell many other items as well
as food to help furnish your home.

Walmart Supercenter (Department store)

Walmart Supercenter
4700 N 27th St ·
(402) 438-4377
Accessible by Bus Route #27 – North 27th Street
Walmart Supercenter
8700 Andermatt Dr ·
(402) 484-6166
Accessible by Bus Route #40 – Heart Hospital
Walmart Supercenter
2500 Jamie Ln ·
(402) 975-6171
Accessible by Bus Route #13 – South 13th

Target (Department store)

Target
5330 S 56th St ·
(402) 423-0300
Accessible by Bus Route #53 – SouthPointe
Target
333 N 48th St ·
(402) 464-8292
Accessible by Bus Route #44 – "O" Street (short walk)

SuperSaver (grocery store with low prices)

Super Saver, 48th & O
233 N 48th St ·
(402) 464-8552
Accessible by Bus Route #44 – "O" Street (short walk)

Super Saver, 27th & Cornhusker

2662 Cornhusker Hwy · (402) 466
Accessible by Bus Route #27 – North 27th Street

Aldi (discount grocery store, occasionally sells halal meat)

Aldi, 84th and O
8350 O Street
Accessible by Bus Route #44 – "O" Street

8701 S. 28th Street, 28th and Yankee Hill Road

Accessible by Bus Route #13 – South 13th

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 20

Shopping for Food in Lincoln, cont.

Lincoln also has many smaller ethnic food markets. Halal meats may be available at
some of these markets. Call before you go to confirm their hours.

Little Saigon Asian Grocery Store Mingalar Asian Market

Asian grocery store Grocery store
940 N 26th St #207 1328 S 33rd St

Viet Hao Market Cho Moi

Asian grocery store Asian grocery store
2373 O St 1111 N 27th St

Oriental Market Sun Grocery

Asian grocery store Grocery store
610 N 27th St 2412 N St

KT Market New Market

Asian grocery store Grocery store
1547 S 17th St 1111 N 27th St

Jung's Oriental Food Store Nile Grocery

Korean grocery store Grocery store
3031 E O St # 105A 621 N 27th St

Dai Phat Market Suji's Indian Grocery

Asian grocery store Grocery store
4640 Bair Ave #240 3140 O St

Alfourat Grocery Red Clover Market

Asian grocery store Grocery store
1434 N 27th St #1 5500 Old Cheney Rd #14

Hong Kong Market Lago's Market

Asian grocery store Grocery store
1228 N 27th St 850 N 27th St

Asian City-Mart
Asian grocery store Lobo's City Mex Supermarket
246 S Antelope Valley Pkwy Mexican grocery store
338 N 27th St
Wah Wah Family Asian Market
Grocery store
501 W A St

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 21

Food Resources in Lincoln

Unfortunately, sometimes the money gets finished before the end of the month. You
don’t need to be hungry! There are many free resources for food in Lincoln.

UNL Husker Pantry

https://pantry.unl.edu/
University Health Center, Rm. 123
(402) 472-8975
East Campus Visitors Center, Rm. 108B
(402) 472-4974

Foodnet
http://foodnetlincoln.org/sites/
Many locations around Lincoln. We provide mostly perishable foods such as fruits,
vegetables, dairy products, bread, etc. Click on the link for a location near you.

Food Bank of Lincoln Inc

https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/
Fresh fruits and vegetables at different locations. Click on the link for a location near you.
1221 Kingbird Rd
(402) 466-8170

Center for People in Need

https://www.cfpin.org/distribution
Non-profit organization
3901 N 27th St
(402) 476-4357

Good Neighbor Community Center

Community center
http://gncclincoln.org/programs.htm
2617 Y St
(402) 477-4173

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (mtko) – Food Distribution Center

Provides meals twice a day.
https://www.mtko.org/hunger_relief/
2121 N. 27th St.
(402) 477-4116

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 19

Food Resources in Lincoln, cont.

Food Fort
Fresh produce and farm fresh eggs will be available at each location Monday-Wednesday of
each week.
http://www.lincolnfoodfort.com/giving-garden.html
Monday: Clinton Elementary 5:30pm
Tuesday: West Lincoln Elementary 5:30pm
Wednesday: Saratoga Elementary 5:30pm
2124 Y St #130
(402) 540-4445

The Salvation Army of Lincoln

Social services organization, many resources available
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/lincoln/
2625 Potter St
(402) 474-6263

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska

Social services organization
https://csshope.org/what_we_do/programs/food-market-meal-services.html
2241 O St
(402) 327-6200

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 20

Restaurants in Lincoln

Lincoln has many wonderful ethnic restaurants! You can enjoy American, Mexican,
Indian, Chinese, Brazilian, Malaysian, Italian, and many other cuisines. We even have a
few Halal places. Grab a friend and explore something new!

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 21

Lincoln Thrift and Secondhand Stores

There are many good places in Lincoln to purchase used furniture, clothing, and
household items. It is perfectly acceptable to shop in these stores and you can get
some great bargains!

Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln

Center ReStore
Thrift store Non-profit organization
6300 Apples Way 5601 S 59th St
(402) 421-2669 (402) 464-0010

Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation BetterWays Thrift

Center Thrift store
Thrift store 5700 Old Cheney Rd
4555 Vine St (402) 904-7618
(402) 466-3223
Transformations Thrift Store
Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation Thrift store
Center 1241 S 14th St
Thrift store (531) 500-3297
1700 S 17th St
(402) 438-1109 St Louise Gift & Thrift Store
Thrift store
Goodwill Thrift Store & Donation 2201 O St
Center (402) 474-1600
Thrift store
3910 N 27th St #4120 Blessings & More Thrift Store
(402) 465-4663 Thrift store
4040 Adams St
Cause for Paws Lincoln
(402) 904-6820
Secondhand store
2445 S 48th St
St. Teresa Thrift Shop
(402) 420-5758
Thrift store
643 S 25th St Suite1
Ruby Begonias
(402) 475-7065
Thrift store
1321 P St
Bud's Thrift Shoppe
(402) 438-4438
Thrift store
This 'N That Consignment 2226 O St
Consignment shop (402) 420-5697
3235 S 13th St
(531) 510-8844

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 22

Useful Charts and Helps

In the United States, we use a LOT of different systems than what you are used to.
Here are a few useful charts to guide you.

Temperature: We use Fahrenheit instead

of Celsius to measure temperature.

This is a quick way to convert Fahrenheit to

Celsius:

Start with the temperature in F°, for

example, 60°F.
Subtract 32:
(60-32= 28)
Add 10%: (10% of 28 = 2.8 or 3)
28 + 3 = 31
Divide by 2:
31 ÷ 2 = 15.5°C

Kilometers to miles:

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 23

American Currency:

Penny = $0.01 or one cent

Nickel = $0.05 or five cents

Dime = $0.10 or ten cents

Quarter = $0.25 or twenty-five cents

Half Dollar = $0.50 or fifty cents

You may wish to bookmark your favorite exchange rate to help you figure out the value
of each of the US bills.

ISF International Students Welcome Guide, 2024-2025 Page 24