Stay Connected. Stay Supported. Stay Engaged.
The Summer Connections Series (SCS) brings together international students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars for a fun-filled lineup of social events, local adventures, and community-building experiences designed to help you stay connected during the summer.
From outdoor excursions and cultural outings to casual hangouts and interactive gatherings, Summer Connections offers something for everyone. This is your chance to expand your network, form friendships across disciplines and cultures, and experience Buffalo in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment.
The Summer Connections Series welcomes international students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars at the University at Buffalo who are spending the summer in the Buffalo area or continuing their programs into the fall semester. Whether you're taking classes, conducting research, or simply staying local, this is your opportunity to build connections, explore the region, and be part of a vibrant summer community at UB.
Note: This series is designed for students and scholars actively engaged with UB and is not intended for those completing their degree program or research at the end of the Spring 2026 semester or transitioning to OPT (graduating international students).
| Program | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hike at Devil's Hole State Park | June 6 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | Check in at One World Cafe, North Campus |
| The Social Spot | June 11 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | 210 Student Union, North Campus |
| The Social Spot | June 15 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Harriman Hall Lower Level, South Campus |
| Midsummer Celebration | June 22 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Harriman Hall Greenspace, South Campus |
| The Social Spot | July 7 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Room 2101, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences |
| Explore Buffalo | July 16 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Canalside, Buffalo |
| Sunset Cruise Aboard the Moondance Catamaran | July 17 | 7:45 pm | Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo |
| Snack Meals: Quick Meals for Busy UB Students | July 23 | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Harriman Hall Fireside Lounge, South Campus |
| The Social Spot | July 29 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | 210 Student Union, North Campus |
| Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Buffalo Bisons Baseball and Fireworks Show | August 7 | 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm | Check in at the NFTA University Station, South Campus |
Join us for a hike along the Niagara River, including the opportunity to check out the Devil’s Hole Whirlpool. Afterwards, we will take a short drive into the Village of Lewiston and stop at The SILO restaurant (for those who want to buy lunch), and visit the Freedom Crossing Monument. Transportation provided.
The Social Spot offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where peers can meet new people, unwind, and engage in fun activities. Each session features a mix of games, music, activities, snacks, and conversation starters. Whether you're looking to make friends, take a break from academics, or simply enjoy good vibes with good people, The Social Spot is your go-to hangout.
| Date | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | 210 Student Union, North Campus | Registration for the June 11th Social Spot is coming soon. |
| June 15 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Harriman Hall Lower Level, South Campus | Registration for the June 15th Social Spot is coming soon. |
| July 7 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Room 2101, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences | Registration for the July 7th Social Spot is coming soon. |
| July 29 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | 210 Student Union, North Campus | Registration for the July 29th Social Spot is coming soon. |
One of Sweden’s most popular holidays, Midsummer celebrates the arrival of summer and its warmth and light. The heart of Midsummer celebrations brings together family, friends, and even strangers to connect (or re-connect) and celebrate the longest day of the year (June 21 – Summer Solstice). Join us as we mark the official start to summer while enjoying food, fun, crafts, and games.
Join your peers on July 16th (otherwise known in Buffalo as 716 Day) for a fun tour of Canalside with Explore Buffalo.
Celebrate the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal's completion with a walking tour of Canalside - the original western terminus of the Erie Canal! The Erie Canal and later the railroads brought unprecedented commerce and industry to the city. This waterfront walking tour will explore the area of the Erie Canal's 1825 western terminus, which is known today as Canalside and the site of ongoing development as the city returns its focus to the water. The redevelopment of Canalside and new waterfront attractions are featured in this tour, along with the history of the Erie Canal and the development of the grain elevator and other waterfront industries.
The Graduate Student Association is hosting a sunset cruise aboard the Moondance Catamaran. Enjoy camaraderie and snacks as you watch the sunset from the lake! Tickets are $10.00 per person and will be available on the UB Ticket Office website starting June 1. There is a limited number of tickets available, and they sell out quickly.
Note: This event is restricted to UB graduate students only.
Get ready for UB on the Green by learning how to fuel your day with simple, budget-friendly snack meals! This interactive workshop introduces UB students to easy meal planning strategies that save time, reduce food costs, and support overall wellness. Participants will learn how to build balanced snack meals using everyday ingredients, explore campus resources like the Blue Table Food Pantry and farmers markets, and create their own quick meal—perfect for busy schedules and life on the go. Registration is required.
Attending UB on the Green is an optional activity that you can attend with others you meet at this event.
Join us for a fun night of baseball and cheer on the Buffalo Bisons. We will stay after the game to enjoy a beautiful fireworks display. Transportation to and from the game will be provided.
The Graduate Student Association will be the corporate sponsor of the July 11th presentation of Pericles at 6:30 pm at Delaware Park.
Free tickets are available starting June 1, 2026, on the UB Ticket Office website or at the UB Ticket Office (221 Student Union). You are allowed one ticket per UB ID. There is a limited quantity of tickets available, and they will be sold on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Note: Tickets include VIP seating and light hors d’oeuvres in the tent before the show.
The Graduate Student Association will be the corporate sponsor of the July 11th presentation of The Taming of the Shrew at 6:30 pm at Delaware Park.
Free tickets are available starting August 3, 2026, on the UB Ticket Office website or at the UB Ticket Office (221 Student Union). You are allowed one ticket per UB ID. There is a limited quantity of tickets available, and they will be sold on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Note: Tickets include VIP seating and light hors d’oeuvres in the tent before the show.
If you have any questions about the Summer Connections Series, e-mail ISS at iss@buffalo.edu.
The Summer Connections Series is provided in collaboration with International Student Services, The Graduate School, Graduate Student Association, Office of Postdoctoral Scholars, and Student Life.