Moving to a new country for college means getting used to a new campus, a new city, and a whole new routine. Finding the right apartment is one of the first steps toward making that transition feel a little easier.
At Atmosphere Lincoln, our fully furnished apartments, dedicated study spaces, and social amenities give international students a place to settle in and experience life in Lincoln, Nebraska. Whether you’re arriving in the United States for the first time or continuing your education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, our community offers plenty of ways to make yourself at home.
If you’re exploring UNL off-campus housing from abroad, here’s what you should know about our apartments, leasing process, transportation options, and getting comfortable in your new city.
What Housing Options Does Atmosphere Lincoln Offer International Students?
Atmosphere Lincoln offers fully furnished studio, one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom apartments, along with amenities designed around student life. Our community features free high-speed Wi-Fi, private study lounges, a technology lounge with free printing, and a 24/7 fitness center.
For international students, finding a place that already has essential furniture can take a lot of planning off your plate. Instead of coordinating furniture deliveries after an international flight, you can focus on unpacking, getting familiar with your neighborhood, and preparing for classes.
Our apartment layouts also offer flexibility for different living preferences, whether you’d rather have your own space or share an apartment with other students.
Fully Furnished Apartments That Make Moving Easier
Moving internationally already involves plenty of packing decisions. At Atmosphere Lincoln, our furnished apartments help you avoid some of the biggest purchases that typically come with renting a new home.
Our apartments feature furnished living and sleeping areas, stainless steel kitchen appliances, quartz countertops, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Living rooms also feature a 50-inch flat-screen TV, giving you a place to relax after class or spend time with roommates.
You’ll still want to bring or purchase personal essentials like bedding, towels, cookware, and toiletries, but you won’t have to start completely from scratch. Before your move, contact our leasing team to confirm the furnishings included with your specific floor plan.
Find a Floor Plan That Fits Your Lifestyle
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to their living arrangements, especially when moving somewhere new.
Our studio and one-bedroom apartments offer options for students who prefer more independence. If you’d rather share your living space, our two- through five-bedroom layouts provide opportunities to live with roommates while maintaining your own bedroom.
Roommate matching is also available, so you can ask our leasing team about the process if you’re moving to Lincoln without an existing roommate group.
As you compare layouts, consider your budget, preferred number of roommates, bathroom arrangement, and how much personal space you’d like. Exploring your options before arriving can help you feel more confident about where you’ll be living.
Can You Apply for an Apartment Before Arriving in the United States?
Yes. Atmosphere Lincoln provides online floor-plan listings and an application process, allowing prospective residents to explore housing options and begin the leasing process without visiting our community in person.
If you’re applying internationally, we recommend contacting our leasing team before submitting your application to discuss required identification, screening criteria, guarantor requirements, payment options, and lease dates.
Students without a U.S. Social Security number, American credit history, or a U.S.-based guarantor should confirm what documentation is accepted and whether any alternative qualification options are available. Requirements are subject to our current leasing policies.
It’s also important to make sure your apartment’s move-in date works with your academic calendar and travel plans. Asking these questions ahead of time can help you avoid surprises when it’s time to move.
Getting Around Lincoln and the UNL Campus
Transportation is an important part of choosing student apartments near UNL, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Lincoln or don’t plan to bring a car.
Atmosphere Lincoln is located at 909 Q Street, 0.3 miles away or a 7-minute walk from the UNL campus.
Lincoln offers several ways to get around, including walking, biking, and public transportation. The city’s StarTran bus system serves destinations throughout Lincoln, while university transit routes connect UNL’s City, East, and Nebraska Innovation campuses.
Eligible UNL students receive a StarTran bus pass through university transit fees, with mobile passes coordinated through Token Transit. Check current route schedules, stop locations, and eligibility through UNL Parking and Transit Services when planning your commute.
If you’re arriving by air, UNL also publishes international arrival guidance that includes airport transportation information for new students. These university-arranged services are separate from Atmosphere Lincoln, so be sure to review availability and arrival requirements before booking your flight.
Make Connections and Get Comfortable in Lincoln
One of the best parts of studying abroad is discovering new experiences and meeting people from different backgrounds. Finding opportunities to connect with others can make a new city feel more familiar.
At Atmosphere Lincoln, our community amenities give you different ways to spend your time outside the classroom. Meet other residents in our 24/7 clubhouse with gaming, enjoy the outdoor courtyard and hot tub, or make a workout part of your routine at our fitness center and private yoga studio.
When it’s time to focus, our private study lounges, free Wi-Fi, and technology lounge with printing provide useful resources for coursework and group projects.
Beyond your apartment, Lincoln has plenty to explore, from local coffee shops and restaurants to the Historic Haymarket district. UNL’s international student orientation is another great starting point for learning about campus resources, meeting classmates, and getting familiar with daily life in Nebraska.
What Should International Students Bring to Lincoln?
Our furnished apartments take care of many of the larger household essentials, but a little preparation can make your first few days more comfortable.
Before traveling, consider packing:
- Important documents: Your passport, visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019 if applicable, enrollment information, and other required travel documents.
- Personal essentials: Clothing, toiletries, prescription medications, and items you use regularly.
- Bedding and linens: Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels that fit your apartment’s furnishings.
- Electronics: Your laptop, phone, charging cables, and compatible power adapters for U.S. outlets.
- Seasonal clothing: Comfortable everyday outfits, warm layers, and winter clothing for Nebraska’s colder months.
You can purchase groceries, cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials, and other household items after arriving. Keep important travel and immigration documents in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Student Housing at Atmosphere Lincoln
Can international students live at Atmosphere Lincoln?
International students can apply for housing at Atmosphere Lincoln, subject to our standard rental criteria and screening requirements. We recommend contacting our leasing team before applying if you have questions about international identification, credit history, payment methods, or guarantor documentation.
Are apartments at Atmosphere Lincoln fully furnished?
Yes! Our apartments come fully furnished, with furnished living and sleeping areas, modern kitchen appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer. This can make moving from another country easier because you won’t need to purchase large furniture items after arriving. Contact our team for the furniture details included with your selected floor plan.
Does Atmosphere Lincoln offer roommate matching?
Yes, roommate matching is available at Atmosphere Lincoln. If you’re moving to Lincoln without knowing anyone locally, ask our leasing team how matching works and what options are available. We also offer multiple apartment layouts for students who prefer different levels of privacy.
Do international students need a car to live in Lincoln?
Not necessarily. Walking, biking, and public transportation are options for getting around Lincoln. UNL students can also use the StarTran bus system with a valid university student bus pass. We recommend reviewing bus routes and schedules before arriving to determine which transportation options will work best for your daily routine.
Can first-year international students live off campus at UNL?
UNL generally requires incoming first-year undergraduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours to live in approved on-campus housing unless they receive an exemption. International students should review the university’s current residency requirements and confirm their eligibility for off-campus housing before signing a lease.
Start Your Next Chapter at Atmosphere Lincoln
A new country, a new university, and a new place to call home. There’s a lot to look forward to when you begin your college experience in Lincoln.
At Atmosphere Lincoln, we’re here to help you explore your housing options and find a space that fits your routine. If you’re comparing Lincoln student housing communities before your move, take a look at our furnished apartments, study amenities, and shared spaces designed for student living.
Ready to plan your move? Explore our floor plans or contact our leasing team to discuss availability, application requirements, and your next steps at Atmosphere Lincoln.
