Complete all three components of Spring Orientation to prepare for a successful spring semester.
Please check back in October for details about Spring Orientation in 2024. Use the 2023 Spring Orientation details below as a reference for what to expect in 2024.
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!
The new student fee/international orientation fee covers all expenses associated with starting at UB, including orientation and academic planning.
Please note, Spring Orientation is just for students; guests and supporters learn more about Parent and Family Orientation resources available to them.
A Zoom link will be sent to you via email in January.
You select your meeting day and time on the Orientation Data Form. Times are in Eastern time.
TIME | SESSION |
15 minutes | Welcome to UB! |
15 minutes | Connections |
50 minutes | Small Group Discussion about the Transition to UB |
10 minutes | Break |
30 minutes | Making UB Home Info Session 1) Living On Campus 2) Living Off Campus / Commuting to UB |
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.
No pre-registration needed.
TIME | SESSION | ZOOM LINK |
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Eastern time | Bulls Like Me: Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up |
Bulls Like Me: Black | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Creatives | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Gamers | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Latinx | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Eastern time | Bulls Like Me: LGBTQ+ | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up |
Bulls Like Me: From New York City | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: From Small Towns | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Neurodiverse | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Outdoor Adventurers | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up | |
Bulls Like Me: Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) | Click here to join this Zoom meet-up |
Some academic advising units will offer a virtual information session or drop-in hours. View the details and access the Zoom links below.
ADVISOR CODE | EVENT | DATE / TIME | LINK |
CAS: College of Arts and Sciences | Drop-in Academic Advising
Sign up for a same-day, 15-minute appointment with your academic advisor for help reading your schedule or requesting changes. | January 26 and 27
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Book a virtual drop-in appointment by calling 716-645-6883 or using Navigate. |
EPAC: Exploratory and Pre-Professions Advising Center | EPAC Virtual Event
| January 26
10-11:00 a.m. | Zoom Link (Thurs.) |
January 27
3-4:00 p.m. | Zoom Link (Fri.) | ||
JSMBS: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biodmedical Sciences | Jacobs School Information Session, with Q&A
Attend this event to learn more about JSMBS advising services, why you were registered for your spring courses, services and resources available to JSMBS students, and to get your questions answered, | January 27
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Zoom Link |
MG: School of Management | Prepare for Your First Day
Attend this event to learn how to best prepare for the start of the spring semester as a School of Management student, including first semester tips, trivia, and Q&A with academic advisors. | January 26 and 27
2-3:00 p.m. | Zoom Link |
SEAS: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Drop-in Academic Advising
Sign up for a same-day phone appointment with your academic advisor. | January 26 and 27 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Book a phone appointment by calling 716-645-2775 |
SPHHP: School of Public Health and Health Professions | Drop-in Academic Advising
Drop-in to the Zoom event to ask questions to your academic advisor. | January 26 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom Link |
SPPS: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Drop-in Academic Advising
Drop-in to the Zoom event to ask questions to your academic advisor. | January 26 3:00-4:00 p.m. | Zoom Link |
No pre-registration needed.
Take action on the New Student Checklist tasks before you arrive on campus.
Welcome Day begins in the Student Union on the University at Buffalo's North Campus.
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.
International Student Services (ISS) recommends new international students arrive by Sunday, January 22 and encourages you to attend in-person International Student Welcome events hosted by ISS.
To get to know UB prior to Welcome Day, attend the events below to become familiar with campus and meet other UB students.
TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Ask Orientation Staff
Attend this casual, drop-in event within your first two days at UB to connect with current UB students or staff. You can expect help navigating campus, answers to your initial questions, and tips for a successful start in and out of classes at UB.
Note: this event is offered each of the days listed, we recommend attending once. | Student Union |
TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Buffalo Boots and Bites
Meet current UB students and learn their tips for navigating winter weather and the type of outdoor clothing you will need. Some favorite Buffalo food will be provided. | Student Union |
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Campus Resources Scavenger Hunt
Participate in a self-guided exploration of offices to learn about how utilizing them will support your success at UB. Pick up instructions and turn in the completed scavenger hunt at "Ask Orientation Leaders" information table. | Various North Campus Locations |
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Ask Orientation Leaders
Connect with current UB students and staff who can help with campus directions or answer your questions. Pick up or turn in a completed scavenger hunt for free UB prizes. | Student Union |
TIME | SESSION | LOCATION |
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | New Student On-Campus Move-In
Select your move in date in the Housing Portal before you arrive. Select 'move in and break housing requests,' then the 'early arrival option' form. | Housing Check-in Instruction, by location |
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Hang Out in the Student Union
Orientation staff will host card games, table top games, and arts and crafts. Stop by for free food and to hang out with current students. | Student Union |
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | UB Trivia Night
Learn about what makes UB unique with a trivia game focused on UB facts, figures, and favorite events! UB gear will be awarded to trivia winners. | Student Union |
Review the schedule overview below for what to expect during the program and to begin planning your first weekend on campus! You will receive a detailed schedule at Welcome Day Check-In.
TIME | SESSION |
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome Day Check-In |
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Meeting with Orientation Leaders |
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own |
12:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Choose Your Own Info Session
Choose to attend one or more 30-minute info sessions covering topics such as getting around campus, preparing for the UB classroom, utilizing essential UB services, and more! |
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Get to know Campus
Choose to take a guided campus tour, walk through your class schedule, or complete the self-guided explore challenge (details included in your schedule distributed at check-in). |
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Drop in to 1Capen |
2:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Self-care, featuring Dog Therapy from the SPCA Paws for Love Program |
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Involvement Fair |
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | "The Hook Up"
First-year students are required to attend this interactive improv show about relationships. |
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Hang Out in the Student Union
Orientation staff will host card games, table top games, and arts and crafts. Stop by for free food and to hang out with current students. |
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me Meet-ups |
Hours vary by location | Dinner on Your Own |
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | First Community Meetings in Your Residence Hall
Check with your resident advisor (RA) on your floor after you move in for exact time and location. Meeting required for students living on campus. |
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. | Grocery Bingo |
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