International Orientation & Welcome Series

Remember to check out our Facebook page for information about activities hosted by ISS throughout the year!

International Orientation and Welcome Series features virtual and in-person programs and events with helpful information and tools that support new students to engage with, connect to, and thrive at the University at Buffalo. The International Orientation for undergraduate students will consist of:

• Pre-Arrival Live Events
• Online Orientation Modules
• ISS Check-in: International Student Check-in (online)
• Undergraduate In-person Check-in
• International Orientation
• Welcome Weekend
• Immigration Session
• Welcome Series

Please review the descriptions for each of these activities below.

In addition, you will receive communication from ISS via email with reminders about upcoming activities, information tips, actions you should take, and reminders to help you transition to your life at the University at Buffalo.

The Pre-Arrival Live Events are a series of information sessions designed to help you successfully prepare to arrive, live and study at UB. Recordings will be available on the Pre-Arrival Live Events page.

Information about when and how to complete this part of your Orientation program will be available soon. All new undergraduate students (international and domestic) must complete a set of online orientation modules. These virtual orientation modules provide students with basic information about UB that is essential to your success. Some of the information presented in the program is required by New York State.

Undergraduate international students who began their academic program remotely must complete the online orientation modules as well.

1. If this is your first academic semester at UB (this means that you did not start your degree program online before coming to the UB campus), then you are required to complete the Orientation Data Form (information about how to complete the Orientation Data Form can be found in the International Student Check-in).
2. Your U.S. Visa Stamp E-form in the online International Student Check-in must be submitted and approved before ISS can remove the IS hold on your HUB.  The IS hold and other holds must be removed before you will be eligible to register for classes.
3. You cannot complete the I-94 E-form until after you have entered the U.S.  Be sure to complete the I-94 e-form as soon as possible after your arrive in the U.S. and before the Program Start Date found on your I-20.

All undergraduate students entering the U.S. with an Initial I-20 must check-in in person with ISS.  The undergraduate in-person check-in date is coming soon.  More details about time and location will be available in your International Orientation Schedule (coming soon).  You must submit your I-94 E-form in the online International Student Check-in before checking in with ISS.  In-person check-in is required for undergraduate students before we can register your SEVIS record.

Undergraduate International Orientation Program will consist of the following:

• Information Sessions
• Completion of the mandatory Immigration Session
• Group Activities
• Virtual sessions with banks about setting up bank accounts
• Welcome activities hosted by campus partners

Welcome Weekend: Participate in activities, discussions, and programs as UB kicks-off the start of the upcoming semester.   Welcome Weekend activities are a great way to meet and engage with your domestic and international peers.   

All international students are required to complete the Immigration Session.  Details about how to complete the Immigration Session will be shared with you in pre-arrival communications.

The Welcome Series sessions and activities are informative, useful, and important as you continue your transition to UB throughout your first semester on campus.

International Orientation and Welcome Series features virtual and in-person programs and events with helpful information and tools that support new students to engage with, connect to, and thrive at the University at Buffalo. International Orientation for graduate students will consist of:

The Pre-Arrival Live Events are a series of information sessions designed to help you successfully prepare to arrive, live and study at UB. Recordings will be found on the Pre-Arrival Live Events page.

Graduate student will complete their ISS Check-in online. You must complete all check in requirements! More information is available on our New International Student Check-In page.

Graduate International Orientation Program will consist of the following:

• Information Sessions
• Completion of the mandatory Immigration Session
• Group Activities
• Virtual sessions with banks about setting up bank accounts

Please keep in mind that your graduate department may facilitate separate orientation program.  Please verify with your graduate department if you will have a departmental orientation that you must attend. 

All international students are required to complete the Immigration Session.  Details about how to complete the Immigration Session will be shared with you in pre-arrival communications.

The Welcome Series sessions and activities are informative, useful, and important as you continue your transition to UB throughout your first semester on campus.