University at Buffalo (UB)
New Students
How to get started on your major exploration journey.
Welcome to the University at Buffalo and to the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (EPAC)! We are excited to work with you and support you on your major exploration journey.
All new students who are assigned to the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center are required to meet with their academic advisor, who will assist with course registration. To get started, we ask that you complete the following steps.
- Submit medical and immunization records. Our New to UB website has more information on how to meet immunization requirements.
- Remove all holds in the HUB Student Center (most students must remove Profile Information and Financial Agreement holds).
- This Registrar's Office guide reviews how to review holds.
- This Registrar's Office guide reviews how to update your Personal Information.
- This Registrar's Office guide reviews how to view your to-do list.
- To learn more about you and how we can best assist you, we've created the Course Registration Guide - a short questionnaire for you to complete prior to meeting with your academic advisor.
- A link to the Course Registration Guide will be sent to your UB email. You will need to sign-in to Navigate with your UB IT name and password to complete the guide.
- The Course Registration Guide helps us understand your unique academic interests so that we can recommend classes that align with your goals and potential major paths. Every exploratory student is different, and your responses help your advisor personalize your registration experience. To best support your academic journey, please take this opportunity to reflect on what truly interests you!
- After completing your Course Registration Guide, we will send a link to schedule your academic advisement appointment within 2-3 business days. If we have any questions about your responses, we will contact you prior to your appointment.
- The scheduling link will be sent to your UB email. You will need to sign-in to Navigate with your UB IT name and password to schedule your appointment.
- In this appointment, your academic advisor will discuss information shared in the Course Registration Guide, review any possible transfer/exam credits, and assist you with course selection and registration based on your interests and goals.
Stay on Track!
Find answers to common new student frequently asked questions.
Stay on task with the new student checklist.
Adjusting to UB Involves Effectively Navigating Three Areas of Transition.
- Academic Success
- Social Integration
- Understanding UB
There are numerous UB resources available to help you get started!
What are the benefits of starting as an exploratory student?
Students who make informed and confident major decisions are more likely to enjoy and excel in their studies!
Your EPAC advisor will help you develop a plan to complete UB Curriculum requirements while also exploring majors of interest in a variety of fields and disciplines.
The Beauty of Being Exploratory
Watch this recorded session to discover how embracing exploration, curiosity and flexibility can support a confident and intentional start to your college journey.
When do I need to declare/apply to a major?
While it's normal for students to start college exploratory or change their major, you will need to be accepted into a major by the time you have 60 credits completed (45 credits recommended). This is typically the end of a student's second year. It is also important to know that changing your major or declaring your major after 60 credits completed can influence time to degree and financial aid eligibility.
How can I make the most of my time before entering UB?
Take the opportunity to make some professional friends by conducting informational interviews, volunteering, shadowing or gaining work experience to explore possible areas of interest.
- Check your schedule for any last-minute changes (e.g., time, location) before classes begin and remember to attend every class! Attending your first day of classes ensures you get the syllabus for each of your classes, you are able to meet your instructors, and you gain an understanding of what you learn for the semester.
- Approach faculty early and often during office hours. Use office hours to ask questions about course content, get study ideas, prepare for an upcoming assignment or to review an exam or paper.
- Use your Navigate app to connect to student success campus wide! Utilize Navigate to make an appointment, set alerts and reminders, locate campus resources, find Study Buddies and explore majors.
- Check the UB Academic Calendar frequently. Stay informed of start and end of semester dates, official holidays, final exams, course registration, drop/add and course resignation deadlines.
- Stay organized in college. Use a planner or sync your Navigate app to your phone calendar, make note of each instructor's contact information and office hours in your phone, and check your UB email frequently.
- Establish good time management skills. For each class syllabus, record all due dates for quizzes, tests, papers and projects. Plan to study at least 4-5 hours a day.
- Practice academic integrity. Honestly and ethically complete and submit all of your academic work, regardless of whether instruction is in-person or remote.
- Get involved beyond the classroom. Join clubs and organizations of majors of interest or just for fun. It's a great way to experience UB and make new friends.