First-Year Summer Orientation
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.
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.
- 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
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.
- July 6-7
- July 10-11
- July 13-14
- July 17-18
- July 20-21
- July 24-25
- July 27-28
Please note: on your Orientation Data Form you will only see the session dates currently available to you.
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 starting at UB, including Summer Orientation, Welcome Weekend and academic planning. The $225 fee is billed to your student account.
Students who are unable to attend an on-campus orientation program will receive a partial fee refund.
Tasks to Complete Before Summer Orientation
- If you're living on campus, you will select your room during your assigned appointment time in late June. Review your housing options and the selection process on the Campus Living (UB Housing) website.
- Submit a photo for your UB Card. You will need your government issued ID to complete this step. You must complete this to receive your UB Card during Summer Orientation 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. 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
Day One - Required
| TIME | SESSION |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Summer Orientation Check-In
Arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. to check in to the program and settle in to overnight housing. Arrive earlier to take advantage of Choice Events listed below, including lunch.
|
| between 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Choice Events after Check-In
Arrive to campus earlier to take advantage of:
|
| 1:00 p.m. | Summer Orientation Welcome |
| 1:45 p.m. | Meeting #1 with Orientation Leaders |
| 3:00 p.m. | Academics at UB - A Faculty Perspective |
| 4:00 p.m. | Paying for College (Financial Aid and Billing) |
| 5:00 - 7:15 p.m. | Rotate through presentation and dinner:
|
| 7:30 p.m. | Life at UB Interactive Session |
| 8:00 p.m. | Meeting #2 with Orientation Leaders |
| 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. | Evening events to connect with other UB students
|
Day Two - Required
| TIME | SESSION |
| 7:30 a.m. | On-Campus Housing Checkout |
| 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. | Rotate through two assigned sessions:
|
| 11:15 a.m. | Out-of-Class Experiences |
| 11:40 a.m. | Summer Orientation Capstone |
| 12:00 p.m. | Meeting #3 with Orientation Leaders |
| 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Orientation Endings
Choose experiences most important to (or required for) you. We strongly recommend you plan your afternoon to participate in the following events:
|
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
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