Spring Orientation

Spring Orientation is an important experience at the beginning of your UB journey. Your orientation is designed to get you started with understanding academic responsibilities, planning your 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. 

Spring Orientation is a series of required and optional experiences that you will complete in January prior to the start of the spring semester. You will participate in some sessions live with other new UB students, and you will complete other components asynchronously (on your own, at your convenience). 

Review the details on this page for more information about Spring Orientation and your requirements. 

We look forward to welcoming you to UB!

Please note, Spring Orientation is just for students; guests and supporters learn more about Parent and Family Orientation resources available to them.

• The online modules cover the basics about being new to UB through a series of videos, written text and un-timed quizzes. You will complete virtually and asynchronously (on your own time and at your own pace).
  
• All new students are required to complete the online orientation modules. 
• New students are emailed instructions for accessing the modules starting on January 9. Plan 1-2 hours to complete.

• Available January 9 
• Due January 23

• In this live, virtual session (using your UB Zoom account) current students go beyond the Online Modules to give you the inside scoop about what it means to be a UB student and what to expect your first semester at UB.
• First-year students are required to attend; transfer students are very highly encouraged to attend.
• You must complete the Online Modules before attending this meeting.
• This live session will take place virtually the week before classes begin. Register for one of the available options on your Orientation Data Form. 

A Zoom link will be sent to you via email in January.

• Monday, January 23, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 25, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

You select your meeting day and time on the Orientation Data Form. Times are in Eastern time.

Get to know Orientation Leaders and other new students during casual meet-ups hosted on Zoom the week before classes begin. Bulls Like Me sessions are affinity spaces for you to connect with students with a shared identity or interest. Expect casual conversation and helpful resources from current students. 

Sessions are highly encouraged; use the Zoom links below to join the virtual events. 

• Thursday, January 26

No pre-registration needed. 

Some academic advising units will offer a virtual information session or drop-in hours. View the details and access the Zoom links below.

• Thursday, January 26
• Friday, January 27

• This on-campus event is the official kick-off to the spring semester for new students. The day is semi-structured, meaning some sessions are assigned while others allow you to choose what to attend from several options.  
• First-year students are required to attend; transfer students are very highly encouraged to attend.
• This in-person program will take place the Sunday before classes begin. New domestic students living on campus will move in the day before (January 28); new international students living on campus will arrive earlier in the week. New students living off campus should plan to commute to UB for Welcome Day.

• Sunday, January 29 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; optional evening programming until 8:30 p.m.

No pre-registration needed. 

• If you're living on campus, log in to the Housing Portal after you have confirmed your room selection to request your new student move-in date. Most new students will move in on January 28; some international students will move in earlier. In the housing portal, select 'move in and break housing requests,' then the 'early arrival option' form. 
  
• Beginning December 1, submit a photo for your UB Card. You will need your government-issued ID to complete this step. 
  Students living on campus must submit a photo by January 13 and will have your UB Card mailed home. You must bring your UB Card with you to campus. 
  Students living off campus must submit a photo by January 25 and will receive your UB Card when you arrive to campus for Welcome Day (January 29).
  
• 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).
• (international students only) Review information about international payments through Flywire. By using Flywire, you can track your payments, save on bank fees and exchange rates, and receive multilingual customer service. 
• Prepare for living on campus. Use the Welcome Home website to review packing lists, what to expect on new student move-in day (January 28), and more! 

Welcome Day begins in the Student Union on the University at Buffalo's North Campus. 

• If you live on campus, take the UB bus or shuttle to Lee Loop. 
• If you live off campus, you may park your car in the Jarvis Lot and you do not need a parking pass during Welcome Day (enter 'Jarvis Lot, University at Buffalo' in your GPS or navigation tool). If you are getting a ride, use Furnas Lot as your drop-off location (visit Google Maps for directions to Furnas Lot).
  

As you adjust to Buffalo, NY and UB, use the events and resources listed below to get settled, connect with campus services, and meet other UB students.