International Student Welcome
Learn more about UB's welcome for F-1 graduate, J-1, and SIM students.
Starting your journey at the University at Buffalo is an exciting step, and our International Student Welcome (ISW) program is here to guide you through it. Designed for F-1 graduate students, J-1 students, and SIM students, ISW provides the information, resources, and community you need to make a smooth transition to life at UB.
From pre-arrival communications and online information sessions and tools to in-person activities and community programs, ISW helps you feel prepared, connected, and supported—before and after you arrive in Buffalo.
Welcome to UB—we’re excited to have you join our international community!
Spring 2026 International Student Welcome has online and in-person programs, sessions, and resources.
- Friday, October 17, 2025 - Online ISW programs and activities start
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - International Student Welcome in-person programs (an additional ISW program will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026)
Spring 2026 ISW Overview
Online Programs and Resources
Pre-Arrival Live Events: October - December, 2025
Did you miss a live event before arriving? Wondering what's next? Don't worry, catch up with our event recordings! They're part of your International Student Welcome to help you start at UB.
Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Tasks
Excited to begin your studies at UB? There are lots of things you can do before you arrive in the U.S. and before your first semester at UB begins to make your transition smoother.
To help you prepare, ISS has created recommended pre-arrival and post-arrival task lists so you’ll know what to focus on before classes start.
Keep in mind that your academic department may have additional requirements, so be sure to check with them, too!
In-person Programs and Resources
Welcome Packet Pick-Up
Pick up your ISW Welcome Packet during the times listed in the chart below:
| Date | Time | Location | RSVP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Talbert Hall 107 | Coming Soon! |
| Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | CFA Atrium | Coming Soon! |
International Student Welcome: January 20, 2026 (additional program on January 24, 2026)
RSVP for events and activities you plan to attend.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
Times listed below are tentative and may be subject to change.
| Event | Time | Location | RSVP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Ceremony | 8:30 am – 9:15 am | Center for the Arts (CFA) Drama Theater | Coming soon! |
| North Campus Tours | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | CFA Atrium | Coming soon! |
| Welcome Packet Pick-up | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | CFA Atrium | Coming soon! |
| Connecting with your International Peers | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Location TBD | Coming soon! |
| Welcome Lunch | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | CFA Atrium | Coming soon! |
Need Directions?
UB's Campus Map will help you find your way around North Campus.
Saturday, January 24
ISW Community Connections Program
The ISW Community Connections program introduces new and transfer international students to sites and activities in Western New York. For Spring 2026 ISW, students will receive a voucher for ice skating and ice skate rentals, and an NFTA Metro pass to go skating on their own at the Ice Rink and Canalside. Additionally, we will host a shopping trip to the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA. Registration is required to participate in the shopping trip.
| Activity | Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
Ice Skating at Canalside | Your choice | Your choice | Visit "The Ice at Canalside" webpage for "Public Skate" dates and times |
| Shopping Trip to Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA | Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | Details coming soon
|
International Student Welcome Fee
The ISW Fee (listed on your student account as “International Student ISS Fall Orientation – Full Program”) is a one-time charge of $125 for all new F-1 graduate students, J-1, and SIM international students.
This fee supports International Student Welcome programs, activities, sessions, and materials. It will appear on your student account in the second or third billing cycle.
Please note: The ISW fee is charged to all new international students, whether or not you attend ISW events, activities, sessions, or receive welcome items.