New Student Checklist

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.

Actions Related to Step 1: Complete the Orientation Data Form

Before You Complete the Orientation Data Form

Activate your UBITName. After you complete your Orientation Data Form, UB will communicate with your buffalo.edu email, which requires you to set up your UBITName. Follow the instructions to set-up your UB email account and begin checking regularly. You can access your UBmail by visiting ubmail.buffalo.edu from a web browser. You should have access to activate your UB email account a couple days after submitting your tuition deposit.
Enroll in Duo, UB's two-step verification to protect your UBITName. If you have not done so already, follow the steps on UBIT's website to enroll now. Complete this at the same time you activate your UBITName.
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.
Explore your interests. On the Orientation Data Form you'll select an interest area to help us connect you with other new students who share this interest. Learn more about your options on the FAQ page ("How do I know which group (interest area) to select?").

After You Complete the Orientation Data Form

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.
Take action on Step 2: Submit immunization records. You must meet this requirement before registering for classes.
Choose where to live this fall. If you plan to live on campus, submit your housing application and deposit by May 10 and then begin thinking about your housing options, including where you can live, how to select roommate(s), and why you might want to live in a first-year interest (FYI) community. For FYI communities, submit preferences in the housing portal; for other communities (such as Leadership House) complete an additional short application.

Actions Related to Step 3: Register for Classes

Before You Register for Classes

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 (accessed through MyUB). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on Student Accounts' website.
Enter your Personal and Emergency Contact Information to provide accurate information in your HUB Student Center. Complete under the To-Do tile found in the HUB Student Center (accessed through MyUB). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on the Office of the Registrar's website.
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.
Send your official high school and college transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions. Review the details about where to send your transcript(s). If you receive New York State financial aid, your final high school transcript must be on file by the first day of classes; learn more from Financial Aid.
Send your official exam scores (AP, CLEP, IB, etc.) to UB. Review the details about where to send your scores. Submit before the first day of classes (Monday, August 29).
Explore the technology needed for your classes. Review UBIT's recommendations for hardware, find discounts for UB students, and download free software from UB.
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.

Actions Related to Step 4: Participate in Summer Orientation

Before Summer Orientation

If you're living on campus, you will select your room during your assigned appointment time, beginning the week of June 27. Review your housing options and the selection process on the Campus Living (UB Housing) website.
Submit a photo for your UB Card. First-year students must submit a photo one week before your on-campus orientation in order to receive their UB Card during Summer Orientation Check-In. Transfer students should submit a photo in advance, and then plan to get your UB Card at 1Capen at a time convenient for you. If you're in the Western New York area, you're encouraged to visit in July or August to pick up your UB Card. If you're not in the area, plan to get your UB Card within the first week of the semester.
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).

After Summer Orientation

Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and 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 before July 22.
Complete part 1 of UB's online health/safety courses (Alcohol EDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email after you complete Summer Orientation. Complete part 1 before August 26. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
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 August 12 to ensure it arrives before your first trip to campus.
Prepare for living on campus. Use the Welcome Home website to review packing lists, how and when you'll select your move-in timeslot, what to expect on new student move-in day (August 25), and more!
Review your meal plan. You can increase to a larger meal plan or add Dining Points at any point in the semester. Learn more about meal plans.
Complete the final steps of the New to UB Technology Guide to 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.
Sign up for UBAlert or download the UB Guardian App to stay informed.
Download the GET App to 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.
Check your UB email on August 15. We'll send you details about your schedule for Welcome Weekend (including required sessions!).

Actions Related to Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend

Complete part 2 of UB's required online health/safety courses (AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email 40 days after completing part 1. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
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.

Need Help?

Helping new students transition to life at UB:

Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs

Student Life

University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-6125

New Student Checklist

On this page:

Actions Related to Step 1: Complete the Orientation Data Form

Before You Complete the Orientation Data Form

After You Complete the Orientation Data Form

Actions Related to Step 3: Register for Classes

Before You Register for Classes

After You Register for Classes

Actions Related to Step 4: Participate in Summer Orientation

Before Summer Orientation

After Summer Orientation

Actions Related to Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend

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