Everything you need for life outside the classroom
First-Year Summer Orientation
Complete a structured orientation experience to set you up for a successful fall semester.
First-Year Summer Orientation is an important experience at the beginning of your UB journey. The orientation program will get you started with understanding academic expectations, planning for out-of-classroom experiences and meeting other UB students. You'll also learn about UB's campuses and the many resources available to you as a new student.
Learn more about your program details and requirements below.
- Learn about academic requirements and expectations at UB
- Find out about the UB community and your responsibilities
- Plan your out-of-classroom activities and experiences
- Connect with other UB students
- Learn about the adjustment to life as a UB student
- Explore campus resources and services
New to UB Newsletters
Check your UB email at the start of June, July, and August for guidance and reminders about important tasks.
You will attend a two-day, on-campus orientation program in July.
You will select your Summer Orientation session date from the options provided on Step 1: Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form. You also have the option to register family members for the separate on-campus Parent and Family Orientation program.
- July 7-8
- July 10-11
- July 14-15
- July 17-18
- July 21-22
- July 24-25
- July 28-29
Please note: On your Advisement and Orientation Form you will only see the session dates currently available to you. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so please confirm your orientation session date prior to booking travel.
Please consider other summer commitments, such as jobs, vacations, or family responsibilities as you select your Summer Orientation session date.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
The new student fee covers all expenses associated with your New to UB experience, including Summer Orientation and Welcome Weekend. The $240 fee is billed to your student account.
Tasks to Complete Before Summer Orientation
- (on-campus residents) Select your room during your assigned appointment time between June 25 and July 1. Review your housing options and the selection process on the Campus Living (UB Housing) website.
- Submit a photo for your UB Card by July 1 (requires government issued ID). You need your UB Card at Summer Orientation. Submit your photo by July 1 to receive your printed UB Card during program check-in.
- 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).
STAY ON TRACK
Take action on these tasks at least one week before your on-campus Summer Orientation.
Where to Stay
Campus Living (UB's housing office) provides overnight accommodation during Summer Orientation at no additional cost. New students are highly encouraged to stay on campus during Summer Orientation. You will be assigned a residence hall room in Governors Complex on UB's North Campus and one roommate for the one-night stay.
As part of Step 1: Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form, you'll let UB know if you plan to stay on-campus for one night during Summer Orientation.
What to Pack
For Everyone:
- Informal, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella and rain gear
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
If you're staying the night on campus:
- Bed linen (twin XL sheets) or sleeping bag and pillow
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.) and towel
- Fan (Governors Complex does not have air conditioning)
How to Get to UB
Check-in for Summer Orientation takes place at Governors Complex on the University at Buffalo's North Campus. You will receive program materials, including a printed schedule, and your key to your room for the night. Accompanying guests registered to attend the Parent and Family Orientation program will also receive their program materials at this check-in.
You may park (or get dropped off) at the Governors B Lot (enter 'Governors B Lot, University at Buffalo' in your GPS or navigational tool or visit Google Maps for directions to Governors B Lot). You do not need a parking pass during orientation.
Additional Resources
Schedule Overview
You will receive a detailed printed schedule when you check in. Review the tentative schedule overview below for what to expect during the program and how to maximize your time on campus.
DAY ONE - required
| TIME | SESSION |
Morning
| Sessions include:
|
| Mid-day | Sessions include:
|
| Afternoon | Sessions include:
|
| Evening | Sessions include:
|
Plan to attend until 9:00 p.m.
Day Two - Required
| TIME | SESSION |
| Morning | Sessions include:
|
| Mid-Day | Sessions include:
|
| Afternoon | Sessions include:
|
Plan to attend until 3:00 p.m.
Tasks to Complete After Summer Orientation
The New Student Checklist overviews many of the tasks you need to complete to successfully begin at UB. Take action on the items below before arriving on campus.
- (on-campus residents) Prepare for living on campus. Select your move-in time through the Housing Portal in late July. Use the Campus Living website to review packing lists, what to expect on new student move-in day, and more!
- (off-campus residents) Prepare for commuting to campus. Plan extra time for your first trip to campus to navigate parking and/or wayfinding. Review UB's tips as you plan off-campus housing.
- Complete part 1 of UB's online health/safety courses (Alcohol EDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email on August 1. Complete part 1 before you arrive to campus. 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 August for Welcome Weekend.
- 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.
- Download the GET App to order and pay for campus meals using your meal plan from the convenience of your phone.
- Sign up for UBAlert to receive UB's emergency text messages.
- Download the UB Guardian App to turn your phone into a personal safety device on campus.
- Check your UB email in August. We'll send you details about Step 5: Welcome Weekend, including your assigned schedule and any required sessions.
You are required to attend Welcome Weekend to connect with other UB students, get familiar with campus, and learn more about resources that are most important to you.
Review the website to know what to expect. Your detailed schedule will be sent to your UB email in August.
SAVE THE DATE
Welcome Weekend is an on-campus experience starting August 21.
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