5 Steps to Housing Success

Housing Search Guide:
Use this checklist to confidently find and secure housing in Lincoln or Omaha.

Step 1: Define Your Budget & Needs

• Determine your monthly housing budget
  
• Determine your monthly housing budget
  
• Tip: Rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.
  
• Consider proximity to campus (closer = more expensive).
  
• Decide if you want roommates to help share costs.
  
• Watch the UBT Housing Video | UBT Housing Slides
  
• Review the Apartment Shopping Checklist
  
  

• Rent + utilities should stay within your means.
  
• Utilities (electric, gas, internet) are often not included.
  
  

• Security deposit
  
• First month’s rent
  
• Application fees
  
  

• Start your search on trusted housing sites:
  
• UNL Housing
  
• myHouser
  
• Apartments.com
  
• RentCafe
  
• Apartment Guide
  
• Apartment Finder
  
• Zillow
  
• Trulia
  
  

• UNL has 4 campuses:
  
• Lincoln: City Campus (main), East Campus, Innovation Campus
  
• Omaha: Peter Kiewit Institute at UNO
  
• Housing closer to campus tends to be more expensive and may be farther from shopping/grocery stores.
  
  

• Make a list of “must-haves”: roommates, lease term, number of bedrooms, appliances, laundry, distance to campus, parking, etc.
  
• Schedule virtual or in-person tours.
  
• Take notes and photos during visits.
  
• Be cautious of scams—do not send money before viewing
  
• Ask about the rental application process
  
  

• Start/end dates are correct
  
• Full address listed accurately
  
• Your name is spelled correctly
  
• Verify deposit, rent, and any extra charges
  
• Understand cancellation and cleaning policies
  
• Submit rental applications (application fees: $25–$100, non-refundable).
  
• Required: ID, rental history, references, Social Security Number, proof of income
  
• Submitting an application does not guarantee approval and is not legally binding
  
• Review example lease agreements before signing.
  
• Sign your lease and pay the security deposit
  
  

• Cost: $5–$15/month
  
• Providers: Allstate, State Farm, American Family, Geico, Liberty Mutual
  
  

• Before moving in, find out what utilities are included in rent and what you’ll need to set up:
  Lincoln Utility Providers
  
  • Electricity: Lincoln Electric System
    
  • Natural Gas: Black Hills Energy
    
  • Internet: ALLO, Kinetic
    Wi-Fi is free on campus, in libraries, and many coffee shops.
    
    

• Electricity: Omaha Public Power District (OPPD
  
• Natural Gas: Northern Natural Gas
  
• Internet: Cox, T-Mobile, Quantum Nextlink
  
  

• Refrigerator
  
• Full stove/oven
  
• Microwave
  
• Dishwasher
  
• HVAC (heating & air conditioning)
  
• Laundry (in-unit or shared on-site)
  
  

• Set the date you wish to move-in and discuss with your landlord.
  
• Moving in prior to the first day of classes will allow you to acclimate yourself to Lincoln and the campuses.
  

• Download the MyLink App
  Find local support services: housing help, legal aid, food access, employment, childcare, and more.