First-Year Summer Orientation

u b students involved in an orientation sesseion.

Complete a structured orientation experience to set you up for a successful fall semester. 

Please check back in January for information about Summer Orientation in 2024. Use the 2023 Summer Orientation details below as a reference for what to expect.

Program Overview

First-Year Summer Orientation is an important experience at the beginning of your UB journey. The orientation program is designed to get you started with understanding academic expectations, planning for out-of-classroom experiences and meeting other UB students. You'll also navigate UB's North Campus and learn about the many resources available to you as a new student. 

Learn more about your program details and requirements below.

Program Details

U.S. Students International Students

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 Orientation Data Form. You also have the option to register family members for the separate on campus Parent and Family Orientation.

Please consider other summer commitments, such as jobs, vacations, or family responsibilities as you select your Summer Orientation session date.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Tasks to Complete Before Summer Orientation

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. You will be assigned a residence hall room in Governors Quad on UB's North Campus and one or more roommates for the one-night stay. 

As part of Step 1: Complete the Orientation Data Form, you'll let UB know if you plan to stay on-campus for one night during Summer Orientation. 

What to Pack

For Everyone:

  • Government issued photo ID (required to pick up your UB Card)
  • Informal, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes
  • Umbrella and rain gear
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • High-quality face covering (recommended)

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

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 attending 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

Sample Schedule

Task to Complete 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 by mid-July. 
  • 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 or before August 1. Complete part 1 before August 23. 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.   
  • 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 and/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 email on August 14. We'll send you details about your schedule for Welcome Weekend (including required sessions!).

Next

  • Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
    8/29/23
    Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through a semi-structured on-campus experience. 

Need Help?

Helping new students transition to life at UB:

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

Phone: (716) 645-6125