Spring Orientation
Complete all three components of Spring Orientation to prepare for a successful first semester.
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!
Spring Orientation Includes:
What do you get out of orientation?
- Learn about academic requirements and expectations
- Plan your out-of-classroom activities and experiences
- Find out about the UB community and your responsibilities
- Connect with other UB students
- Explore campus resources and services
New Student Fee Information
The new student fee covers all expenses associated with starting at UB, including orientation and academic planning. The $120 fee is billed to your student account.
- 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 10. Plan 1-2 hours to complete before your Spring Orientation Meeting.
details
- Available January 10
- Due before your Spring Orientation Meeting or January 30
Spring Orientation Meeting
- 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 here.
- First-year students are required to attend; transfer students are very highly encouraged to attend.
- You must complete the Online Modules before attending the Spring Orientation Meeting.
- This 3-hour live session will take place virtually the week before classes begin. Register for one of the two options on your Orientation Data Form.
Dates + Times
- Monday, January 24, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 25, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
You select your Spring Orientation Meeting day and time on the Orientation Data Form.
Spring Orientation Meeting Schedule
| TIME | SESSION | DESCRIPTION |
| 20 minutes | Welcome to UB! | Orientation Leaders welcome you to orientation and take you behind-the-scenes of their lives as UB students. They will share insider tips to prepare you for your start at UB. |
| 20 minutes | Connections | Get to know other new students and learn about favorite locations and landmarks on campus. |
| 50 minutes | Orientation Group Meeting | Orientation Leaders will lead you through a discussion about what to expect your first semester at UB. This session is interactive, so expect to both hear strategies and resources from Orientation Leaders, and participate in the conversation. |
| 15 minutes | Break | |
| 30 minutes | Explore Campus - virtually! | Orientation Leaders will take you on a short tour of UB’s North Campus. Expect to see classroom space(s), study space(s), and shortcuts to navigate between buildings without going outside. |
| 30 minutes | Choose Your Own Info Session | Orientation Leaders will cover what you need to know about a variety of topics. Choose what’s most important to you from the options below. Living on Campus Living off Campus (commuting) Technology Tools Self-Care Strategies and Supports Planning your On-campus Involvement |
| 15 minutes | Wrap Up | The virtual meeting will end with a short wrap up by Orientation Leaders and an opportunity for you to ask any final questions. |
Bulls Like Me Meet-ups
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.
Sessions are highly encouraged; view the meet-up schedule below. Zoom Links available below under 'Bulls Like Me Meet-up Schedule'.
Bulls Like Me Meet-up Schedule
| DAY | TIME | SESSION |
| Wednesday, January 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: Gamers |
| Bulls Like Me: LGBTQ+ | ||
| 7:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) | |
| Bulls Like Me: Creatives | ||
| 8:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: Black | |
| Thursday, January 27 | 6:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: NYC |
| Bulls Like Me: Small Towns | ||
| Bulls Like Me: Gamers | ||
| 7:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: Latinx | |
| Bulls Like Me: Outdoor Adventurers | ||
| 8:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me: Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) |
Select the title to access the Zoom link for each meet-up.
Dates + Times
- Wednesday, January 26 at 6, 7, and 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 27 at 6, 7, and 8:00 p.m.
Full schedule included on this page. No pre-registration needed.
Game Night
Get to know Orientation Leaders and other new students during casual hangouts hosted on Zoom the week before classes begin. Game Nights are for everyone! Expect to play Jackbox, Among Us, or a game of your choosing while you interact with other UB students.
Sessions are highly encouraged. Click here to access the Zoom link for Game Night (both nights).
Dates + Times
- Wednesday, January 26 at 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 27 at 8:00 p.m.
No pre-registration needed.
- This in-person 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 based on what is most important to you.
- 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 students living on campus will move in the day before (January 29); new students commuting to campus should plan to commute to UB for Spring Welcome Day.
Dates + Times
- Sunday, January 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
No pre-registration needed.
Spring Welcome Day Schedule
| TIME | SESSION | DESCRIPTION |
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Spring Welcome Day Check-In | |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Orientation Group Meeting | Orientation Leaders welcome you to campus and help you meet other new students. This session will prepare you to start at UB, including strategies for academic success, tools to manage time (you will receive your free UB planner), walking through your class schedule, and more. This session is also interactive, so expect to hear from Orientation Leaders and participate in the conversation.
|
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30 p.m. | Choose Your Own Info Sessions | Orientation Leaders will cover what you need to know about a variety of topics. Choose what's most important to you and attend as many as your schedule allows. Sessions are 20 minutes.
How to Not F*** Up Your First Week
Technology Tools
Explore Out-of-Class Experiences
Getting Around UB: Parking and Transportation
Bulls Bucket List (what every UB Bull should experience!)
|
| 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Afternoon Events | Choose what you need to best prepare for the start of the semester.
(1) Explore campus! Look for “explore” signs to learn about important locations on north campus. Orientation staff will be available to provide directions and answer questions.
(2) Campus Tours begin at 2:30 p.m. and depart every 30 minutes from the Student Union Lobby. Last tour at 4:00 p.m.
(3) Visit 1Capen between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. to meet with financial aid, student accounts, and other student services. Save time to check important items off your to-do list before the first day of classes.
(4) Take a Break for Self-Care from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. to de-stress before the first day of classes with dog therapy, coloring, and more!
(5) Visit the Involvement Fair from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. to discover what clubs and organization are available to you as a UB student.
|
| 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Spring Welcome Day Final Stop | New students who complete the challenge* can pick up their UB gear. Ask any final questions of orientation staff and participate in a photo opportunity with a UB celebrity: Victor E. Bull.
*challenge details are included on the schedule provided at check-in |
| 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me Meet-ups | These are affinity spaces for you to connect with students with a shared identity or interest.
5:00 p.m.: Outdoor Adventurers, NYC, Small Towns, LGBTQ+, Latinx 6:00 p.m.: WiSE, APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American), Creatives 7:00 p.m.: Gamers, Black, LGBTQ+
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| Hours vary by location | Dinner on your own | If you live on campus, return to your residence hall and use your meal plan to eat at a location near where you live.
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| 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | First Community Meetings in your Residence Hall | If you're living on campus, your Resident Advisor (RA) will let you know the time and location of the first floor meeting this evening (approx. 1 hour). This one is required!
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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