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!
Fall 2026 International Student Welcome Overview
Pre-Arrival Live Events: May - July, 2026
Pre-Arrival Live Events are your first step into life at the University at Buffalo—before you even land in the U.S. These online information sessions will connect with campus experts and resources to prepare and support you for the start of your journey 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!
Join the Fall International Student Welcome Group in UBLinked to RSVP for the in-person ISW programs!
To RSVP for any of the Fall 2026 International Student Welcome programs, events, or activities, you must first join the Fall International Student Welcome group in UBLinked.
Welcome Packet Pick-Up
Pick up your ISW Welcome Packet during the times listed in the chart below:
| Date | Time | Location | Let us know when you will pick up your Welcome Packet |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Capen Hall 240 | Click to RSVP for an August 13th pickup |
| August 14, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Capen Hall 240 | Click to RSVP for an August 14th pickup |
| August 17, 2026 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm | Talbert Hall 107 | Click to RSVP for an August 17th pickup |
| August 18, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium (Vendor Fair) | Click to RSVP for an August 18th pickup |
| August 21, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 | Click to RSVP for an August 21st pickup |
| August 24, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 | Click to RSVP for an August 24th pickup |
| August 31, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 | Click to RSVP for an August 31st pickup |
| September 8, 2026* | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 | Click to RSVP for a September 8th pickup |
*Welcome Packet Pick-up on September 8, 2026, will be the last available time to collect the Fall 2026 ISW Welcome Packet.
International Student Welcome: August 17 - 20, 2026 (additional program on August 29, 2026)
RSVP for events and activities you plan to attend.
AUGUST 17, 2026
ISW Kickstart Conversations
ISW Kickstart Conversations are a series of small-group discussions and activities designed for new international students to meet peers, build connections, review resources, and start meaningful conversations from day one.
| Time | NSC 205 | NSC 216 | NSC 218 | NSC 222 | NSC 228 | Alternate Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 pm – 1:10 pm | ISW Kickstart Conversations Check-in | |||||
| 1:10 pm – 1:40 pm | Finding Your Place at UB: Get Engaged on Campus | Academic Culture in the U.S. |
| Career Success Starts Now | Immigration Basics | Yoga for Managing Stress (Talbert Hall 11) |
| 1:45 pm - 2:15 pm | Graduate Student Map and Pathway to Success | Making Friends Across Cultures | Working in the U.S. | Living in Buffalo: Student Experiences | ||
| 2:20 pm - 2:50 pm | Learn more about ISAC and your International Student Advocates | Faculty Relationships: Advice from your Peers | Balancing School and Life | Internship Success | Small But Mighty: A Meet-Up for Students from Less Represented Countries at UB | LGBTQ+ Student Welcome
2:30 – 3:30 pm
LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Student Union 230 |
| 2:55 pm - 3:25 pm* | Student Advice for Self-Advocacy | Academic Success Strategies | Thriving through Challenges | Personal Branding | ISS Resources | |
*3:25 pm - 4:00 pm Social Mixer and Refreshments to follow the sessions in the last time block
AUGUST 18, 2026
Times listed below are tentative and may be subject to change.
| Event | Time | Location | Let us know you are attending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting with your International Peers | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | CFA Atrium | Click to RSVP for Connecting with your International Peers |
| ISW Vendor and Resource Fair | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium | Click to RSVP for the ISW Vendor and Resource Fair |
| North Campus Tours | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium | Click to RSVP for North Campus Tours |
| ISW Welcome Ceremony | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | CFA Main Stage Theater | Click to RSVP for the ISW Welcome Ceremony |
| ISW Welcome Party | 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Baird Point | Click to RSVP for the ISW Welcome Party |
Need Directions?
UB's Campus Map will help you find your way around North Campus.
AUGUST 19, 20, & 29, 2026
ISW Community Connections Program
The ISW Community Connections program introduces new and transfer international students to sites and activities in Western New York. Students can RSVP for one of the opportunities listed below.
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
Sail Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor*
*SEAS Graduate students - Do not register for this activity. | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Boat tour of Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
| Trip to Niagara Falls | Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm |
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.