International Orientation & Welcome Series

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Learn more about the International Orientation and Welcome Series for newly admitted F-1 and J-1 students starting at UB.

On this page:

Welcome Series Schedule

Spring 2020 International Orientation and Welcome Series

Tuesday, January 21-Saturday, February 15

Smartphone displaying the Guidebook application.
Guidebook logo.

Get your International Orientation and Welcome Series Guide (IOWS Guide) now!

Your full IOWS Guide is only available by using the Guidebook app on your smart phone.  Use the IOWS Guide to select the sessions you will attend, keep notes, create to-do list, find information about applying for a social security card, learn about upcoming trips, and much more.

To get the IOWS Guide:

  1. Download the “Guidebook” app on your smart phone. 
  2. Search “Guides” for: UB International Orientation and Welcome Series

If you do not have a smart phone now, or will not be getting on until after you arrive in the U.S., you can view the Spring 2020 IOWS guide here. 

Click for the Spring 2020 Schedule

 Remember to check out our Facebook page for information about activities hosted by ISS throughout the year!

Fall 2020 International Orientation and Welcome Series

Monday, August 24-Saturday, September 19

Recommended latest arrival date: Sunday, August 23

Additional details coming soon!

ISS Check-in

Information is available on our New International Student Check-In page. Be sure you complete this requirement!

Immigration Session

All international students must attend the Your Role in the UB Community session and one of the Immigration sessions.

To register for classes or make changes to your schedule, you must complete your New International Student Check-in, take any required tests (TOEFL, SPEAK), register for ESL classes (if required), submit your Health Background & Immunization Forms, receive immunizations (if required), and address any other holds on your UB Student Account (if applicable).

SPEAK/TOEFL/ESL

TOEFL

If you are a graduate student with a TOEFL Deferral, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) upon arrival and you may not register for courses until you have taken this test.

TOEFL registration dates are coming soon. Register at the English Language Institute (ELI), 320 Baldy Hall, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SPEAK

You must take the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) before registering for classes if:

  • You have been awarded a teaching, research or graduate assistantship OR
  • Your academic department requires it

Individually administered SPEAK tests scheduling information for Spring 2020 will be available soon.

Register for the SPEAK Test Online

If you miss the TOEFL or SPEAK test times, your course registration will be delayed.

New Student FAQs

Arrival Date at UB

We recommend that students starting in Fall 2020 arrive at UB by Sunday, August 23 in order to attend International Orientation & Welcome Series. The first few days have many opportunities to assist you as you start your life as a student at UB.

Arriving Late

We do not recommend arriving late to UB, however, sometimes situations occur where students are delayed in coming to Buffalo.  If you do arrive late into Buffalo, you will need to come to International Student Services to complete your ISS Check-in.

If you will arrive late, please remember to contact the Office of International Admissions (intadmit@buffalo.edu) to request a Late Arrival letter to present to the U.S. immigration officer when you enter the U.S. 

Attending Welcome Series Events

The Welcome Series sessions and activities are informative, useful, and important. During the Welcome Series, you can accomplish practical tasks like collecting your University ID card, opening a bank account, buying a cell phone and opening a cell phone account, and receiving immunizations. You will also have the opportunity to meet other students and have fun!

Last, attendance at the Immigration Session is required for all new international students. Please refer to the orientation schedule for all other mandatory programs.

Welcome Series & Orientation Fee

The cost of the Spring 2020 Welcome Series is $105.