Spark Start

It all starts January 11, 2026

College is a grand new adventure and we're glad to be along for the ride. Starting in the spring is a little different from the typical experience, we but we'll do everything we can to help you have a great experience. Keep reading to learn more about the schedule.

Registration Schedule

Sunday | January 11

Move-in | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Residence Halls
This is the time to unload your stuff and get settled in the residence halls.

Note: If you need to move in before Sunday, please contact Dean Emily Patterson (women) or Dean Santi Fernandez (men). NO MOVE IN WILL BE ALLOWED FROM SUNDOWN ON FRIDAY TO SUNDOWN ON SATURDAY.

Get your Photo ID | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Ortner Center lobby
Come take your official Union Adventist University photo ID and get your ID card. This will allow you to access buildings and make purchases in the Union Market and the Campus Store.

New Student Orientation | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Meet in the Ortner Center Lobby
Come tour the campus and learn about all the academic resources, facilities and social activities that will make your time at Union a rewarding experience.
Note: This event is required for first-time students.

Parent Orientation | 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Shawnee Porter Room in the Ortner Center
Parents, if you're dropping off a first-time college student, join us for this discussion about how we can partner to help your student succeed.

Free supper and financial presentation for new students and families | 5:30 p.m | Student Center
New students and families, join us for a free supper and an opportunity to make new friends.

Monday | January 12

Classes begin | 8:00 a.m.
Start the next exciting phase of your life.

Offices open
If you still have questions about finances or registration, all our offices will be open to help you out.

Questions? If you have questions about anything related to Spark Start lite, please contact us at enroll@uau.edu or 402.486.2504.

Transfer students

If you are transferring to Union from another college, you are welcome to join our new student orientation session!

Sunday | January 11

New Student Orientation | 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Come tour the campus and learn about all the academic resources, facilities and social activities that will make your time at Union a rewarding experience.

Graduate students

All graduate students are required to attend a special graduate orientation on Zoom. 

Monday | January 12

Graduate Orientation Session on Zoom | 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Learn about all the resources and people you need to know to have a great experience in your Union Adventist University program.

Need a ride from the airport?

Need help getting from the Lincoln or Omaha airports to Union Adventist University? No problem! We provide free airport pick up for new students and their parents. Please email visit@uau.edu or text 402.617.4483 with your itinerary and cell phone number as soon as possible!

Getting ready for college life

Living in the residence halls

Wondering how big the residence hall rooms are? What you should bring? Check out our Student Housing page to get all the info.

Find your perfect fit

There are all kinds of opportunities for you to connect with clubs, leadership opportunities, jobs, music groups and sports. Click here to learn more.

Know your resources

Union offers lots of resources to help you have a successful college journey—including a life coach for every first-year student. Click here for more.

Union Market hours—it's never fun to be late to dinner.

Life in Lincoln

Lincoln is one of those great big little cities:  big enough to have a wide variety of shopping, dining, internships, jobs, and cultural and entertainment opportunities, but small enough to drive across town without burning a tank of gas. In our mini-metropolis of nearly 300,000 people, we have hundreds of restaurants, a plethora of stores, and 128 miles of bike and hiking trails. Click here to get a taste of the city. We like it here, and we think you will too.

Best cell phone service—While you can use any cell phone carrier, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular provide the best reception on campus.

Find your way around campus

Want to learn more about our campus? Explore our interactive map.

International students

Make sure you’ve done everything on your international checklist and have communicated about airport transportation and bedding packets.