Fall Welcome

We are all True Blue sign in the SU.

Published August 11, 2026

Get ready to kick off a fantastic fall semester! Whether you're a new or returning student—welcome!

True Blue Welcome 2024_Email Graphic.

Welcome to a new academic year at the University at Buffalo!

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning to campus, we're excited to have you as part of the UB community. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to learn, connect and grow. 

This fall in particular has a special energy and excitement as we welcome Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco as UB’s 16th president

From academic support and career development to wellness resources, student organizations and campus events, there are countless ways to engage with the university and make the most of your experience. Below, you'll find important information and resources to help you navigate the start of the semester and stay connected throughout the year.

As you begin this next chapter, know that you are part of a community committed to your success. We encourage you to stay curious, get involved, seek support when you need it and embrace the opportunities that come your way.

With our best wishes for a successful start to the academic year,

Ann Bisantz PhD, Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Education
Brian F. Hamluk EdD, Vice President for Student Life
Graham Hammill PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School

Jump to:

Check out what’s happening during Opening Week.

  • Welcome Home! New and returning students living on campus will move in by appointment from Aug. 20-23. Check the Campus Living Move-In 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. New undergraduate students will participate in Welcome Weekend to continue the New to UB experience.
  • Get Your Horns Up. Visit the UB athletics website to see what teams are in action this week and learn about how to secure your student tickets. Go Bulls!

Hit the ground running.

  • Come prepared. The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 24. Consult your schedule via your HUB Student Center before the first day of classes to confirm the date, time and location of your courses.
  • Dining and Gear at UB. Campus Dining & Shops locations will be open for all your dining and UB apparel and merch 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 at 1Capen on North Campus and 1Diefendorf on South Campus. For the most up-to-date information on services at each location—including extended hours on select days and options for virtual drop-in appointments—visit the 1Capen website.
  • Parking and Transportation. Use the UB Mobile app to access the Parking and Transport section for parking updates, service alerts and information on bicycling on campus. For UB Stampede bus service, including real-time bus tracking, schedules, route planning and reserving the Late Night Safety Shuttle from South Campus, download the Passio GO app.

    UB uses License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, which means your license plate is your virtual parking permit. All UB students must register their license plate(s) before parking on campus. Register today to ensure a smooth, stress-free arrival. To save time searching for a parking space, take advantage of our Park and Ride lots on the North and South Campus. Simply park and ride! The UB shuttles will pick you up and take you to your destination! 
Get to know UB Learns.

UB Learns is our university’s Learning Management System powered by Brightspace. To learn more about the basics of UB Learns for students, visit our Guides for Students.

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. Download the Navigate app to make appointments with advisors, tutors and other support staff, manage academic tasks, 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!

Find Your Textbooks and Course Materials.

Getting ready for classes? Use My Textbooks in the UB Learns navigation bar to view and order textbooks and course materials for all your courses in one convenient place. 

Support and Resources.

  • 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.
  • Undergraduate students can find academic support on the Student Success Gateway — a starting point for information about advisors, resources and strategies for academic and personal success.
  • Graduate Professional Development (GPD) offers professional support and development to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at all levels and stages by working with key stakeholders to provide workshops and training. Learn more about available GPD resources.
  • 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. 
  • Getting your annual flu vaccine at one of UB's on-campus vaccination clinics between Sept. 10 and Nov. 6 is a quick and easy way to protect your health, stay on track with your classes and avoid missing out on the experiences that make college life rewarding. By getting vaccinated, you're also doing your part to help keep the UB community healthy, protecting your friends, classmates, faculty, staff and those who may be more vulnerable to illness.
  • The Dean of Students Office provides assistance to students in navigating a complex university life. Support is available if you need help or are concerned about a friend. If you’re experiencing an unanticipated hardship, the office can connect you with resources to access basic needs. Additionally, some students may be eligible for SNAP, a federal program to help buy healthy food. Appointments for assistance with the SNAP application are available.

Financial Support.

Student Accounts.

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 or 1Diefendorf in person, or call Student Accounts at 716-645-1800.

Grad Guard.

UB has partnered with GradGuard to offer an optional benefit to all UB students. GradGuard is tuition insurance that can protect against loss if your studies are interrupted due to a covered reason. For more information, visit GradGuard Tuition Insurance Plan - Student Accounts - University at Buffalo.

Financial Aid.

UB’s Financial Aid Office is here to guide you through the financial aid process. Visit our website for important updates and deadlines, or visit an advisor in 1Capen or 1Diefendorf.

Scholarships.

The 2026-2027 UB Scholarship Portal is open. Log in with your UBIT credentials and complete one application annually to be considered for multiple opportunities.

Your UB Community.

  • ROT waste stations. Help keep UB sustainable by using our standardized ROT (Recycling, Organics, Trash) waste stations across campus. Check the labels, place your items in the correct bin and scan the QR code on the station if you have questions about where something belongs. Learn more about UB's Zero Waste initiatives on the Sustainability website
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Whether you live on or off campus, it's important to be courteous to those living around you.
  • 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.