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 |
|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | TBA |
| August 14, 2026 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | TBA |
| August 17, 2026 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm | TBA |
| August 18, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium (Vendor Fair) |
| August 21, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 |
| August 24, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 |
| August 31, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 |
| September 8, 2026* | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Talbert Hall 210 |
*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.
| Session | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
|
| 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
AUGUST 18, 2026
Times listed below are tentative and may be subject to change.
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting with your International Peers | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | CFA Atrium |
| ISW Vendor and Resource Fair | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium |
| North Campus Tours | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm | CFA Atrium |
| Welcome Ceremony | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | CFA Main Stage Theater |
| Welcome Party | 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Baird Point |
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 | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
Sail Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | TBD | Registration opens August 1, 2026 |
Boat tour of Lake Erie and the Buffalo Harbor | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | TBD | Registration opens August 1, 2026 |
| Trip to Niagara Falls | Saturday, August 29, 2026 | TBD | Registration opens August 1, 2026 |
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.