University at Buffalo (UB)
Fall Welcome 2023
It’s almost time to kick off the fall semester! If you’re a returning student, we look forward to seeing you again, and if you’re a new student—welcome!
Whether you’re a first-year student or a senior, you have many resources and opportunities to make your UB experience great. You can read about them below, where we’ve also included important information every student should know. Please take note of the information on Brightspace, our new Learning Management System.
As you prepare for this semester, remember that the UB community is here for you. Make connections early and often, and get ready for an exciting year ahead.
With warm wishes for a strong start,
Ann Bisantz, Dean of Undergraduate Education
Brian F. Hamluk, Vice President for Student Life
Graham Hammill, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School
Check out what’s happening during the first week.
- Come Prepared. The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 28. Consult your schedule before the first day of classes to confirm the date, time, location and mode of instruction of your courses.
- Welcome Home! New and returning students living on campus will move in by appointment from Aug. 24-27. Check the Campus Living Welcome Home Guide for arrival information, recommended packing lists and more.
- Fall Opening. Fall Opening will feature exciting programming to get you back into the swing of things before classes start.
- New to UB Activities. New undergraduate students will participate in New to UB activities, including the in-person Welcome Weekend, for a strong start at UB.
- Dining and Swag at UB. Campus Dining & Shops locations will be open for your dining and UB swag needs this fall. We look forward to serving you with our award-winning experience.
- Tech Check. Make sure your technology is up to the task. Before the semester begins, review UBIT’s Student Technology Guide. If you’re new to UB, start by setting up your tech in six easy steps.
- Student Services. Student services are available in 1Capen on North Campus and 1Diefendorf on South Campus. Check the 1Capen website for the most current information on services available at each location, including extended hours on certain days.
Introducing Brightspace.
Brightspace is the new platform powering UB Learns, our university’s Learning Management System.
PLEASE NOTE: If you’re a returning student, this system replaces Blackboard, which you used in prior semesters. Fall 2023 courses are in Brightspace and can be accessed after Aug. 22 by visiting ublearns.buffalo.edu and clicking the “Log in to Brightspace” button. There are plenty of student guides and videos to help you learn the new system quickly.
Connect on the Go.
Two free mobile apps every student should download before the semester begins are Pulse and Navigate. With one easy view of your course information (e.g., calendars, assignments, discussions, etc.), the Pulse app allows you to visualize upcoming activities, receive notifications from your instructor, and stay on top of coursework. Students should download the Navigate app to make appointments with advisors, tutors and other support staff, manage tasks related to their academics, find Study Buddies and connect with resources. This app offers many benefits for undergraduate students, and graduate students can also download Navigate to utilize applicable functionality. Together, the Pulse and Navigate mobile apps will make it easy to manage your semester!
Financial information & important FAFSA updates.
- Changes are happening to the 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This year, the application will open in December instead of Oct. 1. Students seeking federal financial aid must file the FAFSA every year. More information about the changes will be available during the fall.
- UB’s Financial Aid Office provides service and support from student-focused advisors who look forward to working with you. Visit the Financial Aid website to contact an advisor. Other financial resources for students can be found on the Health Promotion Financial Wellness website.
- Student Accounts provides the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and billing. Visit the Student Accounts website to ask questions and find information about direct deposit, UB’s payment plan, authorized payers and more. For questions about your specific student account (e.g., balances, transactions, registration holds, etc.), complete the Contact Us form on the Student Accounts website, visit 1Capen in person, or call Student Accounts at 716-645-1800.
- Part-time employment and Work-Study opportunities will be posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake. The Career Design Center has workshops scheduled to assist students in developing job-seeking skills.
Outside the classroom.
- Visit the Student Guide to stay up to date with events, activities and workshops outside the classroom to help you make the most of your UB experience.
- Taking Care of your health and well-being is important. With an intentional emphasis on health promotion, emotional and mental support, and the delivery of high-quality medical services, we help foster a vibrant and healthy campus community.
- Know the Rules. UB students are members of a community and are required to know the rules and regulations as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
- Be a Good Neighbor. Whether you live on or off campus, it's important to be courteous to those living around you.