Everything you need for life outside the classroom
Parent and Family Orientation
Learn about how we help families support their students' success at UB.
On this page:
You play an important role in your student’s college success. While your student is required to participate in their student New to UB experience, there are a number of ways you can help support their transition.
- Review what's expected of your student for Step 4: Participate in Orientation and Step 5: Experience UB Welcome, then help them make a plan to participate.
- Take advantage of Parent and Family Orientation resources, detailed on this page.
- Help your student work through the New Student Checklist.
- Help your student answer common questions about their start at UB; review the New to UB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
- Review Information for UB Parents and Family Members.
- Have a question about the New to UB experience? Email us.
Parent and Family Orientation Resources
Review the items on this page to help support your student's transition to UB.
Helpful and timely information for you as a supporter of a new UB student.
Academics at UB
Review the information linked below to better understand what to expect for your student's academic experience this semester as well as the services and people at UB who support your student's success.
Advice from UB Faculty
UB faculty share their role and expectations, and their approach to teaching in the UB classroom.
Academics at UB Resources
Paying for College (Financial Aid and Billing)
Review the information below to learn about Financial Aid and how to pay the eBill at UB.
Financial Aid Information
Billing and Payment Process at UB
Life on Campus
Campus life can help ease your student's transition to college and help them build community from the start. That might mean using resources or services offered at UB or connecting with other new students. You play an important role helping your student set realistic expectations for the semester and navigating the ups and downs of their new college environment.
Review the information below to learn more about what's ahead for your new UB student.
Living on Campus
Dining on Campus
UB Information Technology
Your Student's Experience
Support for Your Student
- The Dean of Students Office provides assistance and support to UB students in navigating a complex university life so that they can flourish during their time here, and encourages students to know and understand community standards and safety information.
- Student Wellness (Counseling Services, Health Services, and Health Promotion) work together to provide a variety of quality services and programs focused on your student's physical and emotional health and well-being.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions submitted from supporters of new students.
All students are assigned an academic advisor or advising center based their major and/or special program affiliation (such as EOP or Honors). Advisors help students make well-informed decisions and plans regarding their course of study, help students stay on track academically, and provide resources and referrals. Contact information for each student’s academic advisor is listed on their HUB Student Center, in the Navigate App, and can also be found via this directory.
For new students, academic advisors will reach out to students prior to the start of the semester to assist with registering for courses.
The first eBill will be generated and sent to students in July. It is due, in full, in August. Review information about UB's billing cycle and process to learn what to expect.
Students may designate someone, such as a parent, guardian or spouse, as an authorized payer. Authorized payers can view and pay the bill, view transaction history, and more. Learn more about authorized payers, including how to set up an authorized payer.
Most new international students living on campus will move in on Tuesday, August 18. Most new U.S. students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 20.
Campus Living (UB's housing office) will email students with detailed instructions about move-in for their assigned building or apartment, including scheduling a move-in time-slot. Use the Campus Living website to review packing lists, what to expect at move in, and more.
After move-in,
- new international first-year students are required and international transfer students are very highly encouraged to attend International Welcome Weekend from Wednesday, August 19 - Sunday, August 23.
- new U.S. first-year students are required and transfer students are very highly encouraged to attend Welcome Weekend from Friday, August 21- Sunday, August 23.
- the first day of classes is Monday, August 24.
Program Overview
UB offers a two-day, on-campus orientation program for supporters of new first-year, U.S. students. Parent and Family Orientation runs concurrently, but separate from, the first-year student orientation program.
During Parent and Family Orientation, we’ll cover what to expect during your student's first year at UB and how you can support the start of their college journey. You'll also learn about services and resources your student should utilize during their first year, strategies for you to help your student navigate the transition to college, and an opportunity to get to know the UB community and campus environment.
Please Note: The Parent and Family Orientation program is appropriate for supporters ages 16 and up.
Learn more about
The fee includes all costs associated with the program, including meals, staff, and materials. The fee for each guest to attend Parent and Family Orientation is $150.
Program Registration
Register for Parent and Family Orientation through the “Parent & Family Orientation” tab of your student's Advisement and Orientation Form, which your student can log in to at any time. Please note that your student will need their email address and password (created during the initial login to the system) and payment must be made by credit card.
If cost is a barrier to register for the on-campus Parent and Family Orientation, your student can submit a fee waiver request to the orientation office using the link below. Requests must be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled orientation date.
Please fill out the Parent and Family Orientation Fee Waiver Request Form below.
Additional Details
Supporters attending on-campus orientation will need off-campus overnight accommodations.
The on-campus Summer Orientation takes place on North Campus. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing in layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures.
Prepare for your trip to campus
Additional Resources
Not Attending Orientation?
Schedule Overview
You will receive a detailed printed schedule when you arrive on campus. Review the schedule overview below for what to expect during the program and how to maximize your time on campus.
Day One
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Morning | Sessions include:
|
| Mid-day | Sessions include:
|
| Afternoon | Sessions include:
|
Plan to attend until 7 p.m. Your student's orientation program continues until 9 p.m.
Day Two
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Morning | Sessions include:
|
| Afternoon | Sessions include:
All afternoon sessions are with your student. |
Plan to attend until 3 p.m.
Helping new students transition to life at UB:
Student Life
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125