Stay on track with the tasks associated with your start at UB.
This list overviews many of the tasks a new student needs to complete to successfully start at UB.
On this page:
Before You Complete the Orientation Data Form
Activate your UBITName to log in to your UB accounts, including email. UB will communicate with you via your buffalo.edu email, which requires you to set up your UBITName and password. You have access to activate your UBITName a couple days after you are admitted. Then, login to your UBmail by visiting ubmail.buffalo.edu from a web browser and using your UBITName and password. Note: We recommend utilizing your UB email when creating your orientation data form sign-in and encourage you to begin checking this email regularly for all UB communication.
Learn more about how to choose your major. On the Orientation Data Form, you will see your current major listed and have the option to change to another available major. Inform your choice by reviewing UB's tips for how to choose your major and/or the Undergraduate Catalog. It is also okay to not be sure; select "exploratory" if you'd like to start at UB with an undeclared major.
Review your Orientation Data Form confirmation email. This email will be sent 10-15 minutes after you submit the form and includes detailed information about instructions, timelines and action steps just for you. If you used your UB email and have "Focused inbox" set up, be sure to look in the "Other inbox" tab.
(international students only)Finish Provisional Admission Checklist if applicable. If you received a Provisional Admission checklist with your I-20/DS-2019, you must prepare the documents to finalize your admission.
Complete the UB Financial Agreement to acknowledge you understand and are responsible for costs associated with enrolling in courses. Read and accept under the To-Do tile found in the HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on Student Accounts' website.
(international students only)Begin the online International Student Check-In and upload all required immigration documents, including your U.S. Visa Stamp.
Review the timeline and process chart on Step 3: Register for Classes. This chart overviews the timeline and process you can expect for your major to register for classes. You need your assigned advisor code; check your Orientation Data Form confirmation email to learn your advisor code.
Respond promptly to your academic advisor and take any action steps they advise to finalize your class schedule.
(international students only) Review the Maintaining F-1 Student Status resources. You must be registered full-time (12 or more credits, or less than 12 credits will appropriate authorization) by the end of the drop/add period for the upcoming semester.
Download the Navigate app to support your academic experience. Download the Navigate app to schedule appointments with academic advisors and tutors and locate helpful academic resources, such as Study Buddies.
If you're living on campus, log in to the Housing Portal to confirm your new student move-in date, January 21. Complete this after you have selected your room in the Housing Portal. Select 'move in and break housing requests,' then the 'early arrival request' option.
Complete any to-do list items for financial aid located in your HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password).
Review billing dates on the Student Accounts website. Your first payment may be due before classes start. If you expect a financial aid refund, set up direct deposit to receive these funds faster. Learn more about direct deposit at UB and sign up in your HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password).
Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and your coverage options. If you have comparable U.S.-based health insurance, submit a waiver of UB's coverage to remove the automatic charge from your eBill. UB recommends submitting a waiver by mid-January.
Register your license plate (requires UBIT name/password) if you plan to bring a car to campus. Make sure your plate is on record before your first trip to campus in January for Winter Welcome.
(international students only) Complete the online International Student Check-Inand upload all required immigration documents, including your Form I-94 (only available after you enter the U.S.).
(international students only)Review information about international payments through Flywire. By using Flywire, you can track your payments, save on bank fees and exchange rates, and receive multilingual customer service.
Prepare for living on campus. Use the Welcome Home website to review packing lists and what to expect on new student move-in day, and more!
Review your meal plan. You can increase to a larger meal plan or add Dining Points at any point in the semester; the deadline to decrease to a smaller meal plan is February 9, 2024. Learn more about meal plans.
Download the GET App to order and pay for campus meals using your meal plan from the convenience of your phone.
Connect to UB's eduroam Wi-Fi. eduroam is UB's official Wi-Fi for internet almost everywhere on campus. Follow the instructions for connecting your device and you'll stay connected wherever eduroam is available.
Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.