Answering your questions from the start.
Check here first for answers to the questions we hear most from new students making the transition to the University at Buffalo.
If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page in the FAQ, try one of these options to contact our team.
Phone Hours: Our regular business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Drop-in Live Chat: This is best for quick questions. We're online every day during our regular business hours; click the button that says "Start a Live Chat" on this page.
Email: Send us your more detailed questions here and we'll respond in 1-2 business days.
Be sure to check the details of any hold or to-do listed in your HUB Student Center (accessed through myub.buffalo.edu).
Within five business days of successfully completing the online orientation program, the New Undergraduate Student hold will be removed. This hold is not preventing you from registering for fall classes, but it does prevent registering for future semesters (beginning with Winter 2021).
You'll need this information to complete your Orientation Data Form. First, look on the letter or emails you received from Admissions; it's an 8-digit number that probably starts with 5.
If you have your UBIT information, you can find your person number in your HUB Student Center (access through myub.buffalo.edu).
You can also contact Admissions for assistance at 716-645-6900 or ub-admissions@buffalo.edu.
Please fill in the subject/course title. You can list your anticipated score or write "TBD" in that box. Leave the "exam taken" box unchecked.
Use your best judgment and fill in your anticipated grade for the course you're currently taking.
Please do not wait to submit your Orientation Data Form for a final grade or exam score. Just knowing you're in the course is helpful to your academic advisor. Visit Step 1: Complete the Orientation Data Form and submit your form now.
Once you submit the Orientation Data Form, you are unable to make changes.
If you notice an error or that something is missing, please email us at ub-newstudent@buffalo.edu with a detailed description of what you would like to add or change on your Orientation Data Form.
It may take 10 minutes for your Orientation Data Form confirmation email to arrive to your inbox. If you do not see it, check your spam folder or email us at ub-newstudent@buffalo.edu to re-send it.
You can notify UB about your request on your Orientation Data Form. This will temporarily prevent you from completeing the form while we process your request. We will email you once we have processed so you may resume the form (usually within one to two business days).
Visit Step 1: Submit the Orientation Data Form to take action now.
Please email us your request at ub-newstudent@buffalo.edu. Include your first name, last name, and requested major in your email.
We will initiate your request by notifying your academic advisor.
Please note that it may take up to one week for your major to be updated in your HUB Student Center. If you have not yet registered for classes, refer to Step 3: Register for Classes to learn how you will work with your academic advisor.
Once your immunization records have been received, processed, reviewed and deemed compliant with requirements by our immunization coordinator, your IMM and MEN holds will be removed; this will be reflected in your HUB Student Center in real time. This will occur 3-5 business days after we receive your compliant records.
Students will not be individually contacted to confirm receipt of records. Please check the HUB system for the current status of your service indicators.
If your paperwork is not in compliance, you will receive an email from Health Services.
Please contact us only if you have a hold on your account for a prolonged period of time after submitting your records/forms:
The process and timeline for working with your academic advisor to register for classes differs by each major and/or advising center. Utilize the information in your Orientation Data Form confirmation email and the chart on Step 3: Register for Classes to know what to expect.
Be sure you've completed Step 1: Complete the Orientation Data Form and Step 2: Submit Immunization Records, and cleared holds on your HUB Student Center with a start term of "fall 2020" or earlier.
Your fall class schedule may be temporarily unavailable in your HUB Student Center as the university makes adjustments for modified, in-person instruction. You will be notified once the fall schedule is available with any steps you need to take to finalize your fall class registration.
You can find the most up-to-date information on fall schedules on the Student Academic Resources page.
Our highest priority is to help students succeed at UB and orientation is an important foundation for your success.
Your required online orientation program is designed to help you navigate the transition to life at UB and how to prepare for the rigor of UB academics, while providing information about helpful resources for new students.
Some of the information included is mandated by New York State; your completion ensures you meet this requirement.
Students were notified via email with the instructions for how to complete the orientation requirement. Please check your buffalo.edu email or the email used when completing your Orientation Data Form for detailed instructions on how to access online orientation.
The online modules will include a series of videos, written text and un-timed quizzes. The online orientation will overview the most important information you need to know as one of UB’s newest Bulls. You need to complete the online orientation at any time that is convenient for you, before August 27. You should plan on 2 - 3 hours to complete the online orientation.
During July and early August, students received an email from their Orientation Leaders within a week of completing online orientation. The message included details about additional live opportunities to learn about resources to help you excel your first year, connect with other UB students and Orientation Leaders and understand requirements and resources available for your major (through your department or school).
On the final page of the online orientation program, when you click the last arrow you will be taken to the "items of interest" list you saved throughout the program and our "additional resources" selected for you. When you see that page you will have completed the online orientation requirement.
Within five business days of successfully completing the online orientation program, the New Undergraduate Student hold will be removed from your HUB Student Center. This hold is not preventing you from registering for fall classes, but it does prevent registering for future semesters (beginning with Winter 2021).
Building connections and community at UB can be an important step in finding success here. In order to accomplish this in our virtual format, we have created a number of live, optional events for new students to attend in July and August.
We strongly encourage new students to attend at least one of these meet-ups. They are a great way to get your questions answered in a live setting and hear tips and advice from current students. The full schedule and Zoom links will be sent to your email within one week of completing the online orientation requirement.
This summer, we will be offering monthly e-newsletters and a webinar series for parents and family members of new UB students.
Beginning July 8 and continuing every Wednesday until the start of the semester, the orientation office will host offices from across campus to share helpful and timely information, and answer your questions.
As you prepare for the fall semester, UB will continue to communicate helpful information and guidance related to COVID-19 directly to your bufflao.edu email. Please check that account regularly.
Many of the sessions are on-demand; we provided a suggested schedule via email on August 14. You can make schedule choices that work for you and still allow you to meet the requirements.
Yes! New students who choose not to complete this requirement are at a disadvantage for the start of their first semester at UB. Be sure to prioritize the experience.
Welcome Weekend is accessible to both remote and in-person students; meaning, there are virtual options to complete all three elements of Welcome Weekend.
The required elements of Welcome Weekend will be completed through virtual, live meet-ups (over Zoom) and virtual, on-demand sessions accessed on our website. Learn more at Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend.
Students living on campus can connect in smaller groups. To learn more, students should:
There are no planned activities for parents and family members.
Welcome Weekend is designed just for new students to get acclimated to their first semester at UB. Family members are an important supporter of new students, so they’re encouraged to read about the schedule on Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend and check in with their student during the weekend to understand what they have learned or new connections they have made.
For families of residential students, two supporters can assist with residential move-in during the scheduled 3 hours. Learn more about move-in on Campus Living’s website. After the allotted 3 hours supporters will not be able to access the residence halls or apartments.
Students and families are able to walk around campus or explore the local area. Please be mindful of UB's health and safety guidelines and adhere to them both on-campus and off campus - stay socially distanced and wear a face covering/mask at all times.
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
