International Student Welcome Series

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Learn more about the International Student Welcome Series, your orientation program, for newly admitted F-1 and J-1 students starting at UB.

On this page:

Welcome Series Schedule

Fall 2019 Welcome Series

Monday, August 19-Saturday, September 14

The first week of the Fall 2019 International Student Welcome Series schedule is here! Additional details on the later programs coming soon.

Check Out the Fall 2019 Schedule

ISS Check-in

Information is available on our New International Student Check-In page.  Remember to check out our Facebook page for information about activities hosted by ISS thorughout the year!

Immigration Session

All international students must attend the Your Role in the UB Community session and one of the Immigration sessions.

To register for classes or make changes to your schedule, you must complete your New International Student Check-in, take any required tests (TOEFL, SPEAK), register for ESL classes (if required), submit your Health Background & Immunization Forms, receive immunizations (if required), and address any other holds on your UB Student Account (if applicable).

SPEAK/TOEFL/ESL

TOEFL

If you are a graduate student with a TOEFL Deferral, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) upon arrival and you may not register for courses until you have taken this test.

The Institutional TOEFL (paper-based) test information for Fall 2019 will be available soon.

SPEAK

You must take the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) before registering for classes if:

  • You have been awarded a teaching, research or graduate assistantship OR
  • Your academic department requires it

Individually administered SPEAK tests scheduling information for Fall 2019 will be available soon.

If you miss the TOEFL or SPEAK test times, your course registration will be delayed.

New Student FAQs

Arrival Date at UB

We recommend you arrive at UB by Sunday, August 18th in order to attend International Student Welcome Series. The first few days have many opportunities to assist you as you start your life as a student at UB.

Arriving Late

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 need to come to International Student Service to complete your ISS Check-in.

If you will arrive late, please remember to contact the Office of International Admissions (intadmit@buffalo.edu) to request a Late Arrival letter to present to the U.S. immigration officer when you enter the U.S. 

Attending Welcome Series Events

The Welcome Series sessions and activities are informative, useful, and important. During the Welcome Series, you can accomplish practical tasks like collecting your University ID card, opening a bank account, buying a cell phone and opening a cell phone account, and receiving immunizations. You will also have the opportunity to meet other students and have fun!

Last, attendance at the sessions titled "Your Role in the UB Community” and “Immigration Session" are required for all new international students. 

Welcome Series & Orientation Fee

The cost of the Fall 2019 Welcome Series is $105.