Your journey to the UB will be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to make your arrival in the U.S. and Buffalo as smooth as possible!
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. Students should plan to arrive in Buffalo in January, keeping in mind the required quarantine guidance.
Orientation begins Monday, January 25 and classes begin on Monday, February 1.
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. Students should plan to arrive in Buffalo in January, keeping in mind the required quarantine guidance.
Orientation begins Monday, January 25 and classes begin on Monday, February 1. Arriving by January 25 will allow to you participate and engage in International Orientation programs and events in the same time zone instead of having to adjust for time differences.
While we understand that students may experience visa and travel delays due to COVID-19, we do recommend arriving before the start of classes on Monday, February 1.
The latest date that student can arrival for the Spring 2021 semester is Friday, February 5.
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 still need to complete your ISS Check-in.
You will need to carry the documents below with you. Do not pack them in your luggage because you will need to show them to the immigration inspector when you enter the U.S.
First, after deplaning you will proceed to passport control.
If you receive a paper I-94 card, be sure to enter your name on it as it appears on your passport and I-20 (not your U.S. visa stamp).
Second, you will proceed to the baggage claim area and go through customs.
Never make false statements to a border officer as the penalty for doing so is very severe.
To get to UB or your temporary housing from the airport you can hire a taxi or request a ride via Uber or Lyft.
Once you arrive in Buffalo you should:
On September 28th, 2020 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed an executive order reminding international travelers entering New York from Level 2 and 3 countries to quarantine and fill out the NYS Department of Health traveler health form to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For additional information please visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov.
Students coming to campus should understand and follow both local town and UB campus guidelines for self-quarantining and social distancing based on where they are coming from and where they will stay.
UB guidelines and information on these policies is available on the Student Life Gateway and UB's COVID informational pages.
On January 12, 2021, CDC issued an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. This Order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.
For more information please refer to the CDC's website.
If you are living on campus and have made arrangements for early arrival, please refer to the UB Campus Living website for information about check-in days and times.
Otherwise, please make temporary housing arrangements prior to your arrival in Buffalo. We do not recommend arriving on campus with lots of luggage and no place to spend the night, as it is very difficult to find permanent housing in one day.
Student Life partners with local hospitality companies to offer both convenience and value to guests visiting UB. If you're looking to stay at a local hotel be sure to check out these options.
If you're on campus before the start of the semester some campus dining locations may not be open yet.
Here's a list of nearby stores popular with international students:
If you are living off-campus and you need access to grocery or prepared foods delivery, the following apps will connect you to resources that provide delivery services.
Grocery Services
Participating Grocery Stores:
Wegmans
Aldi
Tops
675 Alberta Dr, Amherst, NY 14226 is the store location that is the closest to both North campus and South campus
Restaurant Delivery
All of these apps are available on Google Play and the App Store. They are free to download.
There are plenty of shopping options near campus if you're looking for clothing, bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more.
Visit buffalo.edu/ubit/help for information and assistance.