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. We will email you timely reminders to encourage your progress.
On this page:
Before You Complete the Orientation Data Form
Activate your UBITName to login 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 should have access to activate your UBITName a couple days after submitting your tuition deposit, beginning in November. Then, login to your UBmail by visiting ubmail.buffalo.edu from a web browser and using your UBITName and password.
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. 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. Please contact International Admissions if you need assistance.
(international students only)Looking for more? Attend Virtual Pre-Arrival Events. International Student Services offer many optional Pre-Arrival Events that provide information and resources in preparation for your time at UB. Each of these Pre-Arrival Events will be recorded and posted on the Pre-Arrival Live Events webpage.
(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.
After You Register for Classes
Respond promptly to your academic advisor and take any action steps they advise to finalize your class schedule.
(international students only) Review the applicable Maintaining F-1 Student Status or Maintaining J-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. The Navigate app is available once you are enrolled in classes. Download it to schedule appointments with academic advisors and tutors and locate helpful academic resources, such as Study Buddies.
Before You Complete Spring Orientation
If you're living on campus, log in to the Housing Portal after you have confirmed your room selection to request your new student move-in date. Most new students will move in on January 28; some international students will move in earlier. In the housing portal, select 'move in and break housing requests,' then the 'early arrival option' form.
Beginning December 1, submit a photo for your UB Card. You will need your government issued ID to complete this step. Students living on campus must submit a photo by January 13 and will have your UB Card mailed home. You must bring your UB Card with you to campus. Students living off campus must submit a photo by January 25 and will receive your UB Card when you arrive to campus for Welcome Day (January 29).
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).
(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, what to expect on new student move-in day (January 28), and more!
During Spring Orientation
Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirementand your coverage options. If you have existing health insurance, submit a waiver of UB's coverage to remove the automatic charge from your eBill. UB recommends submitting a waiver by January 16.
Complete part 1 of UB's online health/safety courses (Alcohol EDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email in January. Complete part 1 before January 27. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
(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.).
Register for your Parking Permit online(requires UBIT name/password) if you plan to bring a car to campus. Select to have this mailed to you. Request your parking pass by January 16 to ensure it arrives before your first trip to campus.
Review your meal plan. You can increase to a larger meal plan or add Dining Points at any point in the semester. If you want to decrease to a smaller meal plan, you must select this option by February 3. Learn more about meal plans.
Complete the final steps of the New to UB Technology Guideto configure devices for Wi-Fi, set up UBmail on your personal device(s) and download free UB software and apps, like Microsoft 365 and Zoom.
Download the GET Appto order and pay for campus meals using your meal plan from the convenience of your phone.
Download the UB Rewards App and create your account using your UB email to access your tickets to all UB Athletics events.
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.
Understand bus and shuttle schedules to get around and between campuses. View the bus schedules.
Download UB Mobile to take UB with you wherever you go.
Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.
