Life in Nebraska
Nebraska is in the “Heartland” of America, that geographical area often considered as the country’s “Bread Basket,” because of its abundance of farmland and crops of corn, soybeans, maize, and wheat.
Nebraska has two large cities; Omaha with a population of about 800,000, and the capitol city of Lincoln with a population of about 250,000. Seward, with a population of 6,500 people, is small and peaceful.
Lincoln is only thirty minutes away by car. Being both the capitol city and a large university city, it has entertainment centers, fine arts performances, restaurants, and shopping malls, making it very popular to Concordia students.
The weather patterns of Nebraska (as part of the Great Plains) are ruled by the vast amount of surrounding land and the winds that traditionally come from the west. Add to this the warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico in the south and the cold air masses that creep down from the north and Nebraska receives four different seasons with different weather patterns.
The warmer temperatures of spring begin in April. It’s a time for everything to turn green and for farmers to get in their fields and plant crops. High temperatures for this season begin in the 70s (F) and reach the 80s in May. Nighttime is cool. The month of May is anticipated for the bright warm, sunshine and blossoms in the trees.
During summer, the weather often ushers in Great Plains thunderstorms with dark, gray skies, and late afternoon thunder, lightning, and rain. Summer lasts through August and is often hot and humid. Temperatures can sometimes reach 100 degrees.
The first signs of fall are seen in September with decreased humidity and cooler nights. The fall foliage decorates the campus and countryside throughout October. Early morning temperatures may dip into the freezing range and reach 60-70 by mid-afternoon. Sometimes the first snow covers the ground before November arrives.
Winter is cold and windy. Snowfalls of 5-10 centimeters are common, and heavy snowstorms of 20 -30 centimeters can occur.
Students typically wear shorts and t-shirts in the spring, summer and into the fall. Jeans are always appropriate, as are sweaters, pants, dresses and skirts. In the colder months it is absolutely necessary to wear heavier, warm clothes, including coat, gloves, hat and heavy shoes or boots. Since winter clothing is bulky and takes up a large amount of space, it might be advisable to purchase these items of clothing once you have arrived on campus.
Living in Seward
Shopping
Seward has a number of small stores in the downtown square area. Wal-Mart has sections for clothing, household needs, appliances, linens, sporting goods, hardware, automotive, pharmaceuticals, food items, photo needs, and more. Secondhand stores are also popular places for the university students. Visit Blue Valley Community Action Thrift Shop or Et Cetera, both downtown, for some great buys.
Entertainment
The Rivoli movie theater is located downtown. If you have a VCR or DVD player for your TV, there are also video stores where you can rent movies. There is also a bowling alley and number of community event that take place throughout the year. Concordia’s Student Activities Council (SAC) often hosts entertainment on campus which includes concerts, comedians, talent shows, and game nights that are free of charge to all students.
Food
Sun Mart supermarket is located downtown and is in walking or bike riding distance from the campus. Pac-n-Sav is a larger supermarket on the west edge of town. Wal-Mart is right outside of town on Highway 15 and can meet many of your shopping needs. Seward also has a number of restaurants, pizza, and fast food establishments.