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Lincoln, NE 68506 USA

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Spark Start

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It all starts August 17, 2026

College is a grand new adventure and we're glad to be along for the ride. We'll do everything we can to help you have a great experience. Keep reading to learn more about the schedule and click the button to register right away.

What is Spark Start?

Spark Start is our version of a new student orientation. You'll spend Tuesday - Friday learning how to be successful in college, getting to know your new classmates, discovering our beautiful park-like campus, and worshipping together.

The weekend will feature a full slate of worship and social events, all to get ready for classes to begin on Monday, August 24, 2026.

This program is designed to help you maximize your experience — and it is required for all freshmen. So plan to move in on August 17 and get ready for a great college experience. Please register as soon as possible.

Register for Spark Start

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Download our Spark Start guide for Fall 2026 



REGISTER FOR SPARK START TODAY!

Registration Schedule

Monday | August 17, 2026

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.

Finish the Registration Checklist | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you have questions about the Registration Checklist, visit the appropriate office to get your questions answered.

Tuesday | August 18, 2026

Spark Start Kickoff | 8:30 a.m. | Woods Auditorium
Start your college career with all the preparation you need to be successful. You'll make friends with your new classmates, learn about campus resources, gain valuable study and time management skills and much more. Plus, this four-day event is required for all freshmen.

Parent Orientation | 8:30 a.m. | Hill Amptheater (DB003)
Parents, join us for a special orientation session where we discuss all the ways we can work together to support your student in their college journey. This will also be live-streamed on Union Live.

Calling Dedication | 10:30 a.m. | College View Church sanctuary
In this moving worship service, we learn more about what it means to find a calling and commit our quest for learning to God. This is designed for all students and parents. This will be live-streamed on Union Live.

President's Picnic | 11:30 a.m. | College View Church Heartland Hall
Join Dr. Bazan for a special free lunch for all students and families.

Spark Start continues 1:30 p.m. | Woods Auditorium
Spark Start sessions will continue through the week, ending along with a variety of social and worship events. We'll post more details soon.

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 | August 23

New Transfer Orientation | TBD
If you've already attended college and know the ropes, join us for this special orientation session where you will learn your way around campus and learn how to use all the resources Union has to offer. We will post a time and location soon!

Graduate students

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

Thursday | August 20

Graduate Orientation Session | 1:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.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.

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Visit Union

Want to see Union for yourself? Come for a free preview. We'll even help pay for your travel. Start planning your trip today.
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You can afford Union

College sounds expensive. But when you crunch the numbers, you just might be surprised at how affordable Union can be. See costs and scholarships.
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Union helps you succeed

Our alumni go on to do big things—both in Lincoln and all over the world. Read their stories.
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The five biggest questions of your life

During college, you'll be answering five questions that will impact the rest of your life. Where do you want to make those decisions? Watch the video.
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Why Union students succeed

Research show that our students are far more likely to succeed in life thanks to key experiences at Union Adventist University.
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Finding a calling

What does it mean to find a calling? For these Union students, it meant discovering the person God created them to be—and then learning to be that person. Read their stories.

 
Student ...