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.
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.
- 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. Keep you and your devices safe.
- 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.
- 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. If you used your UB email and have "Focused inbox" set up, be sure to look in the "Other inbox" tab.
- Take action on Step 2: Submit immunization records. You must meet this requirement before registering for classes.
- Choose where to live this spring. If you plan to live on campus, submit your housing application and deposit 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.
- (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.
- Get the right gear and save money. Review UB recommendations for laptops and desktops, and learn about educational device discounts from vendors like Apple, Lenovo and Dell.
- Get free software. Get your devices ready for coursework by downloading UB-provided software.
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 (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password). 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 (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on the Office of the Registrar's website.
- (students in these majors only) Complete the Math Readiness Assessment (MRA) as soon as possible in order for your academic advisor to enroll you in the appropriate first-semester math course. Schedule your MRA through the Navigate app.
- (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.
After You Register for Classes
- 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.
- (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, select your room during your assigned appointment time on January 9 or 10. Review your housing options and the selection process on the Campus Living (UB Housing) website.
- 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.
- Submit a photo for your UB Card by January 8. You will need your government issued ID to complete this step.
- 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.
- 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 by January 19. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- 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-In and 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.
- Sign up for UBAlert to stay informed.
- 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.
- Set up UBmail on your devices. Learn how to set it up on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- 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.
- Download the UB Rewards App and create your account using your UB email to access your tickets to all UB Athletics events.
- 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.
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