Spring Orientation
Attend an orientation program in January to set you up for a successful spring.
On this page:
For students starting at UB in spring 2021
Welcome to UB! Please visit this page in November to read more about what to expect for spring orientation.
Program Overview
Your orientation program is designed to get you started with:
- Understanding academic requirements and faculty expectations in the UB classroom
- Planning your out-of-classroom activities and experiences
- Learning about what it means to be a member of the UB community
- Connecting with other UB students, and with faculty and staff
- Learning about the resources and services available to help you excel during your time at UB and beyond
- Navigating your start at UB in the spring semester
The new student fee covers all expenses associated with your start at UB, including orientation and your academic planning. The $120 fee will be billed on your student account.
Transfer Student Spring Orientation
Choose from among three orientation sessions in January. If you cannot attend one of the on-campus orientation programs, some majors can choose to participate in our online program.
If you select the January 23 orientation session and you will be living on campus, you should plan to move into your residence hall on January 22, 2020.
Transfer Spring Orientation - Sample Schedule
Most students complete the program between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Please plan your day accordingly to attend the entire orientation program.
First-Year Student Spring Orientation
This orientation session is designed for new students who have completed one semester or less of college and is an in-depth program that will assist you in your transition to UB.
This program starts the Friday before classes begin. If you live on campus, you should plan to move into your housing assignment on Thursday, and stay in your room during the orientation program. If you live off campus, you will commute to the orientation program.
First-Year Spring Orientation - Sample Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 a.m. | Orientation Check-In |
| 10:00 a.m. | Orientation Welcome |
| 10:30 a.m. | Orientation Leader Small Group Meeting #1 |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch |
| 12:15 p.m. | Adjusting to Academics at UB |
| 12:45 p.m. | Academic Department Advising Session |
| 3:30 p.m. | Paying for College |
| 4:00 p.m. | Campus Resource Fair | Breakout Session | Time on your Own |
| 5:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 p.m. | optional evening programming "Bulls After Dark" |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:45 a.m. | Orientation Leader Small Group Meeting #2 |
| 11:00 a.m. | Your Role in the UB Community |
| 11:45 a.m. | Making UB Home (Housing, Dining, Transportation) |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Life at UB (skits) and Orientation Leader Small Group Meeting #3 |
| 3:25 p.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:30 p.m. | Orientation Capstone |
| 5:00 p.m. | Orientation Leaders Small Group Meeting #4 |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 p.m. | optional evening programming "Bulls After Dark" |
Sunday's optional events are designed to help you find your way around campus, connect with orientation staff and your new peers, and help you get familiar with common programs on campus.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Campus Tours leaving from Student Union Lobby |
| 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Ask an Orientation Leader (OL) Information Table in the Student Union Lobby |
| 12:00 p.m. | Open Recreation in Alumni Arena |
| 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. | Breakout sessions: |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Dog Therapy and Relaxation in Student Union 145s |
Plan Your Trip
Where to Go
Check-in for Spring Orientation takes place in the Student Union on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. If you are using a GPS device for navigation, enter Jarvis Lot, University at Buffalo.
What to Bring
- Photo identification (passport, military ID, driver’s license or non-driver’s ID)
- Any recent college transcripts
- If you'll be living on campus, consult the Campus Living's "What to Bring" list located on their move-in page.
Non-Perishable Food Donation
You may choose to support Blue Table by bringing a non-perishable food item to your Summer Orientation. Learn more about UB's virtual food pantry service.
Before You Attend
- Submit immunization records. You must meet this requirement before registering for classes.
- Respond promptly to your academic advisor and take any action steps they advise to finalize your fall class schedule.
- Enroll in two-step verification from Duo to confirm it is really you and protect your account. Visit UBIT's website to learn more and enroll.
- Beginning December 1, upload a photo for your UB Card. We will have your UB Card ready for you when you check in to Spring Orientation.
- If you plan to bring a car to campus this spring, register for your Parking Permit online (requires UBIT name/password). Select to pick up at 1Capen during your orientation program.
- Complete 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.
- Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and your coverage options.
- Complete part 1 of both AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (between January 1-24, 2020). Access both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- If you will be living on campus this spring, please visit the move-in website for arrival instructions.
- Review your meal plan options and select an option that meets your needs.
- Connect with UB Information Technology to learn about available device discounts, configure devices for Wi-Fi and download free software.
- Sign up for UBAlert or download the UB Guardian App to stay informed.
Prepare for your First Week
New Student Requirement - "The Hook Up"
You’ll continue the conversation about decision making as a college student through an interactive program during your first week at UB. All first-year and transfer students will attend this show on Friday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. Bring your cell phone with your UBLinked pass for attendance.
If you have a conflict and are unable to attend an event, we'll follow-up with you during the first few weeks of the semester for any make-up requirements. Check your UB email.
Start of Semester Drop-in Events
Take a campus tour, learn about UB from the Orientation Leader perspective in a breakout session or stop by our information table in the Student Union. Get the details on our UBLinked page.
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