Opening 2021
Aug. 24 - Sep. 3, 2021
Welcome back to UB! Opening Week this year is jam-packed with a line-up of exciting events created specifically for you. It's truly a reason to celebrate! Meet new friends and join fellow classmates throughout the week to kick-off your UB experience.
Calling All Sophomores
Stepping onto campus for the first time this fall? We've got you covered as a new sophomore! Get started by picking-up your free UB t-shirt to show your spirit during the first football game. See a full list of new opportunities for sophomores in the tab below.
Pick-up 8/30 - 9/2 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Student Engagement, 150 Student Union, North Campus
Please Note!
All events are in-person unless otherwise stated. If you need help finding any of the Opening Week event locations, check out our campus maps.
Move-In Continues for New Students - Campus Living
We're excited as we continue welcoming new students to their residential homes.
On-Campus Job Fair - Here to Career, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (in-person), 3 p.m. (virtually)
Want to work on campus? Look no further - multiple jobs and internships on campus and all in one space at this ONE DAY ONLY event. Here's your opportunity to meet with on-campus offices and departments that want to hire students for work-study, student assistant and/or graduate assistant positions. Join us in-person, or on zoom.
Locations
- Student Union from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Virtually at 3 p.m.
Welcome Weekend for New Students, 8/26-29
Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for students beginning their first semester as UB undergraduate students. Welcome Weekend helps new students prepare for academics; explore UB resources; and connect with other new UB students.
Program details are emailed directly to eligible participants.
Move-In for Returning Residents - Campus Living, 8/27-29
To allow for a safe distance while moving in, each returning resident will select a time slot from designated/available dates. Students will not be allowed to move in outside of their assigned time slot. Instructions for selecting your move in time will be communicated to you by email in early August. To prepare for your return to campus, visit the Welcome Home site.
New Students
New students participating in orientation/pre-semester activities will receive information about their specific check-in dates.
Find Your Community Pop Up, 2-4 p.m.
Find your community Pop-up -- Keep an eye out 👀 for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and your career community swag bag from the Career Design Center. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Snap a picture with your community swag and tag @UBCareerDesignCenter on Instagram by September 11 for a chance to win a Wonderboom speaker.
Location
- Student Union Courtyard (between Knox/Bell)
UB Rec Open House, 6 - 10 p.m.
UB Recreation will have giant, life-size games (chess, Jenga, Connect 4), cornhole, Yoga sessions, single elimination 3-on-3 tournament, dodgeball games, open-swim, and more. The Bulls Team Shop will also be open.
Location
- Alumni Arena
Student Union Game Room Sneak Peak, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Looking some friendly competition, beautiful views of Lake LaSalle, or just want to relax and meet new people? Check out room 341 Student Union - Open to all students-- we have something *new* to show you! You will be one of the first to try out our new Game Room! GAME ON!
Location
- Student Union Game Room, 341 SU
Ring of Fire - Undergraduate Student Association , Midnight - 2 a.m.
Students will have the opportunity to meet new people, while enjoying the smell of campfires and enjoying s’mores
Locations
- Student Union Courtyard
- Residential Areas: Ellicott and Greiner
Campus Fest - Student Engagement, 2 - 6 p.m.
Discover the rich opportunities for student engagement during this large-scale involvement fair that features clubs and organizations, student-facing university departments and fun activities.
Locations
- Student Union Field (across from the Student Union) (inflatables)
- Furnas Lot (next to Furnas Hall) (Tabling Event)
- Mary Talbert Way (closed to traffic for pedestrians)
Live Outdoor Music - Student Engagement, 8 - 10 p.m.
Students will be entertained by live music from local artists in the Student Union Field.
8 - 9 p.m. - Live DJ from VIBE
9 - 10 p.m. - Live Band - "Mom Said No"
10 - 11 p.m. - Live DJ from VIBE
Location
- Student Union Field (across from the Student Union)
- Rain location: T.B.D.
UB Future Alumni Tie-Dye Night, 8 – 10 p.m.
Tie-dye a t-shirt, connect with young alumni, and learn all about your over 280,000+ strong UB Alumni Network! The first 500 students will get a free UB Future Alumni t-shirt or you may bring your own item to tie-dye! To-go bags and care instructions for projects will be provided. Presented by the UB Future Alumni Leadership Council and the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Location
- Student Union Field (across from the Student Union)
- Rain location: T.B.D.
Outdoor Skating Rink and Giant Games, 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Check out the pop-up skating rink and play giant, life-size games (chess, Jenga, Connect 4) or corn hole with other UB students.
Location
- Furnas Lot
UB Trivia Night, 9 - 10:30 p.m.
UB Trivia Night will feature a professionally hosted trivia game with lots of great UB swag prizes.
Location
- Student Union Field tent (across from the Student Union)
- Rain location: 228 Student Union
Outdoor Movie (Fast and the Furious 9) sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Association, 9 p.m.
The Undergraduate Student Association will present a feature film (Fast and Furious 9). Popcorn and refreshments will be available.
Location
- Student Union Courtyard (between Knox/Bell)
- Rain location: T.B.D.
Student Union Game Room Sneak Peak, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Looking some friendly competition, beautiful views of Lake LaSalle, or just want to relax and meet new people? Check out room 341 Student Union - Open to all students-- we have something *new* to show you! You will be one of the first to try out our new Game Room! GAME ON!
Location
- Student Union Game Room, 341 SU
Giant Blacklight Video Dance Party - Student Engagement, 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Join thousands of your fellow Bulls as you dance late into the night at this Giant Blacklight Video Dance Party, which includes a professional DJ, concert style lighting, cold air blasts, LED foam batons, black light cannons and black light strips, fog machines, large video screens, florescent body paint station and glow party favors. This will be the biggest dance party on campus all year!
Location
- Student Union Field (across from the Student Union)
Bulls Welcome Back Blast Spirit Rally and Fireworks Spectacular
Get your free Perry's Ice Cream and fireworks enhancement glasses and join us for the biggest spirit rally of the year. Celebrate the start of the semester and the upcoming UB athletic fall sport season, all culminating with a spectacular fireworks finale, featuring UB athletics teams, coaches and student-athletes, Thunder of the East Marching Band, UB Cheerleaders and Dazzlers, the incredible ZOOperstars and more! Guaranteed to be a Blast!!
Location
- Student Union Field (across from the Student Union)
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Presented by: Perry’s Ice Cream and Buffalo Amherst Fairfield Marriot
Co-sponsored by: Division of Student Life and UB Athletics
Lead On! Podcast is Live
Our first podcast of the year is live! We had a great conversation with our new Vice Present of Student Life, Dr. Brian Hamluk. Dr. Hamluk talked to us about what it means to be a leader at a higher education institution.
First Day of Classes
Today is the first day of the fall semester. Welcome back to in-person classes!
Student Union - Welcome Back
Looking for a place to catch-up with friends, listen to music, play games or grab a bite to eat? Stop by the Student Union (North Campus).
Welcome and Information Tents, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
If you have a question or need directions, stop by the blue pop up tents outside the Student Union, on the Academic Promenade ("Spine"), at Flint (Capen) Loop, or near Main Circle Loop (South Campus). Orientation staff will welcome you to campus and provide assistance/direction.
Locations
- North Campus: Flint (Capen) and Lee Loops (Union)
- South Campus: Main Circle Loop
- Academic Promenade ("Spine")
"First Day Photos" 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The first day of classes at UB is an important day to celebrate! Visit the Academic Promenade ("Spine") to pose for your photo on the first two days of the semester.
Locations
- Academic Promenade ("Spine")
Sophomore T-Shirt Pick -Up, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Sept. 2
Sophomore students are invited to pick-up a UB t-shirt to wear for the first football game. When you arrive, Student Engagement Ambassadors and Student Assistants will greet you and discuss getting involved at UB.
Locations
- Student Engagement office, 150 Student Union
- Pop-up locations across campus
Welcome and Information Tents, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Welcome Weekend staff will be on hand to answer questions, give directions and talk about the upcoming semester.
Locations
- North Campus: Flint (Capen) and Lee Loops (Union)
- South Campus: Main Circle Loop
- Academic Promenade ("Spine")
"First Day Photos", 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Celebrate your first days on campus! Visit the Academic Promenade ("Spine") to pose for your photo on the first two days of the semester.
Locations
- Academic Promenade ("Spine")
Student Life Open House(s), 1 -3 p.m.
Stop by the Student Union, Veteran Services or the Career Design Center to see the services and offerings that will help you along your UB journey.
Locations
- Career Design Center, 259 Capen
- Health Promotion, 114 Student Union
- Veteran Services, 321 Student Union
Student Life Open House(s), 1 -3 p.m.
Stop by Health Promotion, Student Engagement or the Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) to see the services and offerings that will help you along your UB journey.
Locations
- Health Promotion, 114 Student Union
- Student Engagement, 150 Student Union
- Intercultural and Diversity Center, 240 Student Union
- Blackstone Launchpad, 220 Student Union
Student Life Open House(s), 1 -3 p.m.
Stop by Accessibility Resources, Student Conduct or Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs offices to see the services and offerings that will help you along your UB journey.
Locations
- Accessibility Resources, 60 Capen
- Student Conduct, 9 Norton
- Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs, 112 Student Union
UB Football Home Opener
Show your spirit by cheering on our UB Bulls as they face the Wagner Seahawks during their home opener Thursday, 9/2.
Student Life True Blue Football Tailgate
Join us in the North Endzone (next to the Murchie Family Fieldhouse) for your first UB Tailgate party. Or meet us at the Student Union lobby at 5:15 p.m. to walk over together!
Locations
- Sign up to meet in Student Union lobby to walk over together (5:15 p.m.)
- North Endzone at UB Stadium (North Campus)
Student Tailgate Party: 5:30 p.m.
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m.
Get Blue Fridays
Support the Bulls and show your UB spirit! You look good in blue, and we want to see you looking your best! Join UB students, faculty and staff in showing your UB spirit every Friday during the academic year. Learn more about Get Blue Fridays.
Ongoing Opportunities
The following opportunities are available throughout Opening Week and the beginning of the fall semester:
- Join the UB Marching Band - Make friends, make music, make memories. Find out how to be part of sights and sounds of the Thunder of the East.
- Voter Registration - Your voice matters! Interested in registering for or voting in the next election? Stop into 150 Student Union to register to vote or update your address!
- Meet a Student Engagement Ambassador - Find out how to get involved and make the most of your time at UB.
- Parking & Transportation Information Aids - Look for Information Aides at the bus stops and riding the shuttles to help you find your way and learn how to navigate the campuses.
- Career Design Center Consultations - Stop by the Career Design Center’s new space to relax, explore and start designing your life after college.
- Engage the Lake - Enjoy paddling or kayaking on Lake LaSalle throughout the semester.
- Find Student Clubs - UBLinked is the virtual engagement platform where you can get involved in clubs and learn what events are happening every day.
- The first 350 students to visit the Accessibility Resources office for the fall semester will receive a "Message in a Bottle," which includes a drink tumbler and welcome back celebratory message and resources.
Buffalo has many restaurants, cultural spaces, parks and other outdoor destinations to enjoy. Find some time to get to know your city!
For more services and opportunities like this:
Student Life
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: Contact form
Phone: (716) 645-6469