Accepted Student Frequently Asked Questions

Intent to Participate Forms Will Open Upon Acceptance into CLIMB UP 2026
CLIMB UP 2024 participants in front of Hayes Hall.

CLIMB UP 2024 participants at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the CLIMB UP poster symposium.

Preparing for CLIMB UP

When should I arrive at UB?

We will purchase all tickets relating to travel (flight, bus, train, etc.) after signing the Intent to Participate form. For those who will be traveling to Buffalo, we ask that you arrive before 6 p.m on the date of arrival (TBD) to take part in the CLIMB UP welcome dinner!

Departure will be late July/early August (exact date TBD), unless otherwise discussed with us.

What should I bring?

  • Money to get you through up to the first month (while appointment paperwork is still processing)
  • Passport (if you would like to visit Canada)
  • Lab approved outfits - no shorts or open toed shoes in the labs
  • Two (2) professional outfits - for events and research symposium
  • Clothes to wear while out exploring - it gets pretty warm in the summer, but bring jacket/hoodie etc. for cooler days/evenings (or air conditioning)
  • Cooking utensils 

*For those flying, CLIMB UP supplies one carry-on. All other luggage you are responsible for paying and cannot be reimbursed.

Can I ship my belongings?

Yes. For those of you staying in campus housing, you are welcome to ship your bedding/towels, clothes, etc directly to the dorm via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. for delivery before your arrival to save costs on checked bags. Please address package to:

*You are responsible for paying for this shipment, and you cannot be reimbursed.

What is the shipping address?

Hold for (Name) - CLIMB UP Program
University at Buffalo
Greiner Hall Office
A102 Greiner Hall
Buffalo, NY 14261-0065
(716) 645-8900

*Upon arrival, you will be given your own room number and will address all future mail as such:

Name
University at Buffalo
Room Number including letter(s); Greiner Hall
Buffalo, NY 14261-0065

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Elizabeth Muriithi, Dee Nossir and Christina Hinojosa in the Surgery Lab in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Elizabeth Muriithi, Dee Nossir and Christina Hinojosa in the Surgery Lab in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Information While You're Here

How will I be paid?

You will be paid biweekly or through multiple payments (CLIMB UP is supported by several funding sources). Please ensure all appointment and financial documents are filled out and returned as soon as possible, as there is a possibility of delayed payment if received late.  

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Mia Piede, Rafael Ortiz, Victor Mina, Khalida Khatun and Jeishlyn Galloza Quiles in the Behling Simulation Center at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Mia Piede, Rafael Ortiz, Victor Mina, Khalida Khatun and Jeishlyn Galloza Quiles in the Behling Simulation Center at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

What campus facilities are available to me?

You get to take advantage of:

  • Free WiFi 
  • Use of laundry - washers and dryers are located on every housing location
  • Gym passes at UB's state of the art fitness and recreational center
  • Common kitchen access
  • UB Stampede transit system

What do the weekly workshops entail?

Every week, participants will have designated time to learn about effective research communication, have alloted time to soley work on their final presentations, and gain knowledge from UB guest speakers!

Workshops are led by the CLIMB Workshop Coordinator and Instructor, Dr. Hann Norris and assisted by UB PhD volunteers. CLIMB UP participants will breakout into groups to work on their presentations and be practice in front of their peers and PhD breakout leaders, gain insightful feedback from experienced research presenters, and prepare for the end of summer oral and poster presentations!

Participants also attend the BioSTEM Series lecture, which gives insight into different career options, educational pathways and more presented by UB faculty from across multiple disciplines! 

Information about Buffalo

What can I do?

Buffalo is a vibrant and diverse city with a welcoming community. In the summer, you can enjoy multiple art festivals, music festivals, museums, and other fun events! 

How do I get around?

In Buffalo, the city uses NFTA public transit, which has buses and rails (rail between South Campus to downtown Buffalo’s Key Bank Center). In addition to Buffalo’s public transit system, UB’s offers a free shuttle and bus system, UB Stampede, which offers rides between campuses. Please see NFTA or UB’s Parking and Transportation site for more info.

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Alisha Mokal, Christina Hinojosa, Elizabeth Muriithi, Haley Levan and Leah Beth Stewart enjoying scenic Niagara Fall trails.

CLIMB UP 2024 participants (left to right) Alisha Mokal, Christina Hinojosa, Elizabeth Muriithi, Haley Levan and Leah Beth Stewart enjoying scenic Niagara Fall trails.

View of Niagara Falls taken by a CLIMB UP 2024 participant.

What is the weather like in the summer?

Our summers are traditionally mild and pleasant with breezes from nearby Lake Erie keeping temperatures moderate and humidity low. This "Oasis Effect'' makes Western New York's summer weather among the most spectacular in North America. The average daytime temperature in July is a comfortable 80 degrees. Buffalo receives a higher percentage of sunshine than much of the United States in the summer months. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has never recorded a reading above 100 degrees. In other words - dress for summer!