Everything you need for life outside the classroom
Welcome Weekend Schedule
Schedule of events for new U.S. and international undergraduate students during Welcome Weekend.
Welcome Weekend helps you meet your classmates, find your way around campus and prepare for a successful first semester at UB. Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 3 to plan your weekend.
New international students participate in International Welcome Weekend (Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20) which will help you with understanding academic expectations, learning about out-of-classroom experiences, and meeting other new UB students. Then, join all new students for Welcome Weekend.
Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 3 to plan your weekend.
- International First-Year Students are highly encouraged to attend Wednesday events and required to attend Thursday events.
- International Transfer Students are highly encouraged to attend events both days; we especially encourage participation in Thursday events.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Join us in the Student Union Social Hall to receive your program materials, including a meal voucher for lunch between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Use your meal voucher from check-in to get a meal in one of our most popular dining halls.
LOCATION
One World Café
Note: You only need to check in once. If you attend today, you do not need to check in again on Thursday.
Get on the shopping shuttle at Ellicott Complex for a ride to Wegmans or Tops (grocery stores), and/or Target or Walmart (retail stores), to pick up supplies or groceries as you settle in at UB.
LOCATION
Ellicott Complex
Connect with departments that provide support and resources for UB students such as wellness, tutoring, and libraries.
LOCATION
SU (STUDENT UNION) 235
UB offices will highlight on campus involvement opportunities.
LOCATION
SU 145
North Campus Tour
Take a 30-minute walking tour of North Campus.
South Campus Tour
Take a 60-minute bus and walking tour of South Campus.
Gather with current UB students and other new international students and enjoy some snacks. Chat with International Student Services (ISS) about their programs and services.
LOCATION
SU 215 (Social Hall)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
If you did not check-in on Day 1 of International Welcome Weekend, join us in the Student Union Social Hall to receive your program materials. Make your way to the Center for the Arts for refreshments and to grab a seat for the University Welcome.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Note: If you checked in on Wednesday, you do not need to check in again.
Learn more about your new UB community from University leaders.
LOCATION
Center for the Arts (CFA) Mainstage Theatre
Faculty share insights and discuss expectations, opportunities
and tips for succeeding academically at UB.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Center for the Arts (CFA) Mainstage Theatre
Follow Orientation Leaders on a meaningful tour of North Campus spots and connect with other new students over lunch at One World Café.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Note: Students are dismissed to Meeting #1 with Orientation Leaders from the Welcome Session.
Learn from academic advisors what it means to succeed academically at UB.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Knox Hall 20
Everyone attends How to Plan Your Out-of-Class Experiences and chooses another 20-minute information session to learn about UB services and resources.
| INFORMATION SESSION | LOCATION |
| How to Work Part-Time On Campus | NSC 220 |
| How to Commute to UB | NSC 201 |
| How to Practice Wellbeing | NSC 215 |
| How to Use Your Meal Plan | NSC 210 |
| How to Plan your Out-of-Class Experiences | NSC 225 |
Your Orientation Leader will instruct you on whether you will attend this session at 2 or 2:30 p.m.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
Reconnect with your Orientation Leader to debrief the day, discuss the transition to UB and prepare for the rest of Welcome Weekend!
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Note: Students meet up with their Orientation Leaders following "How to UB" Info Sessions.
Wrap up International Welcome Weekend by gathering with current UB students and other new international students and enjoy some snacks. Chat with International Student Services (ISS) about their programs and services.
Everyone ends their day here by picking up their new student t-shirt!
LOCATION
SU 215 (Social Hall)
Beginning with dinner, new international students follow the Welcome Weekend schedule below.
All new students participate in Welcome Weekend which helps you meet your classmates, find your way around campus, and prepare for a successful first semester at UB.
Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 3 to plan your weekend.
Boating on Lake LaSalle
The boat dock will be open throughout Opening Week, including Welcome Weekend! The dock will be open at 3 p.m. The last boat goes out at 7:30 p.m., and all boats come in at 8 p.m.
- First-Year Students have requirements on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Transfer Students have a required academics session on Friday and are highly encouraged to attend most other Welcome Weekend events.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Move in Day for U.S. first year students. Refer to Campus Living’s Move In website for more information.
LOCATION
Check in at your assigned residential location
Family and friends are encouraged to join today for move-in to help new students get settled in to their new home. Required events just for new students begin Friday as early as 8:30 a.m.
Stop by an “ask us anything” tent on North or South Campus to get directions or advice from current UB student leaders.
LOCATION
Various Locations
Hosted by Campus Living
Meet at Hayes Hall on South Campus by 7:30 p.m. to join the parade which culminates in a celebration of local and international cultures with food and music.
LOCATION
UB South Campus
Sign in at Hayes Hall to receive your food voucher.
Tent Outside of Goodyear Hall, South Campus
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Stop by an “ask us anything” tent on North or South Campus to get directions or advice from current UB student leaders.
LOCATION
various locations
Meet back up with your Orientation Leaders to learn about all the opportunities Welcome Weekend has in store for you! Get your new student planner, ask questions of your Welcome Weekend Leaders, and continue building your connections at UB.
LOCATION
Various Locations
The UB Votes Committee will be putting on a fun game of civic bingo! Students will participate in a game of bingo, learning about how to best get involved in their communities and in the democratic process, with the added benefit of fun prizes for those who win bingo! Students will also have the opportunity to jumpstart their involvement by registering to vote!
LOCATION
Student Union Field
Refer to the UB Dining What’s Open? webpage for locations and hours.
LOCATION
various locations
Bring shirts, hats, hoodies, etc. from your previous school to drop off and trade for new UB gear.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall)
Attend the event for your specific college or school during this afternoon.
School of Architecture and Planning (AED)
Following check-in and lunch, you will be divided into groups to visit various places such as the IT department, Library, Advising, Studios, Fabrication Department, and Career Counseling.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
LOCATION
Hayes Hall Lobby, South Campus
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Hear “How Not to F*** Up Your First Year” from history professor and Honors College director, Pat McDevitt, followed by Wingin’ It LIVE!, where we’ll answer your burning questions with a side of hot wings. Wrap up Academics Day by enjoying outdoor games and snacks while mingling with faculty, staff and students from each College of Arts and Sciences academic department/program.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Center for the Arts, North Campus
Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (EPAC) and other exploratory (undecided) students
Hear “How Not to F*** Up Your First Year” from history professor and Honors College director, Pat McDevitt, followed by Wingin’ It Live!, where we’ll answer your burning questions with a side of hot wings. Wrap up Academics Day with a meet and greet with your EPAC advisors, a Career Design Center Consultant and our student ambassadors. Cookies provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Center for the Arts, North Campus
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Main Stage Theatre
- 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Screening Room
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS)
Your visit to UB's downtown medical campus will include a Dean's Welcome, lab tours, and opportunities to learn more about our undergraduate majors, clubs, and other Jacobs School resources. Snacks will be provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Meet at Hamilton Loop (outside ground floor Capen) for transportation to Downtown Medical Campus
Transportation departs from the Hamilton Loop (ground floor Capen) at 12:30 p.m.; Last bus departs at 12:45 p.m. Busses will return around 4 p.m.
School of Law (LAW)
Gain valuable insight from our current students and faculty on how to make a smooth transition to the University, and how to succeed in the Law BA program and at UB. Bring your questions and enjoy some snacks.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
O'Brian Hall 106, North Campus
School of Management (MG)
Meet other Management students, alums, faculty, and staff while we enjoy music and fun activities. You can also take a tour of the School of Management, chat with an academic advisor, and explore club offerings. Snacks provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Paula’s Plaza between Alfiero Center and Park Hall, North Campus
School of Nursing (NUR)
Come prepared to ask your questions about becoming a nurse and getting admitted into the upper division program. Students will also participate in the following program: Stop the Bleed. This national public health campaign and training initiative launched in 2015 that empowers bystanders to act as immediate responders, stopping life-threatening bleeding before professional help arrives. It focuses on three simple, evidence-based techniques—applying pressure, packing wounds, and using tourniquets—to prevent death from traumatic bleeding.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1 - 4 p.m.
LOCATION
150 Farber Hall, South Campus
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
Launch into the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the campus we call home. Sessions for each major will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the location listed.
Then visit Grace Plaza for our Party in the Plaza to enjoy ice cream, other refreshments and activities that introduce you to SEAS student club representatives, faculty and staff.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
various locations by major, see below
- Aerospace Engineering – Knox 110
- Biomedical Engineering – Knox 109
- Chemical Engineering – Knox 14
- Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering – Knox 104
- Computer Science and Computer Engineering – Norton 190
- Electrical Engineering and Engineering Physics – Davis 101
- Industrial Engineering BS – Norton 218
- Material Science Engineering – Bonner 120
- Mechanical Engineering – Knox 20
- Undecided and Engineering Science – Natural Sciences Complex (NSC) 218
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS)
Connect with students, faculty and staff from our school and attend exclusive sessions on pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences topics while enjoying ice cream, activities, and prizes.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
125 Pharmacy Building, South Campus
School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP)
Meet and greet with peer mentors and explore all of the SPHHP academic programs in a fun and interactive afternoon. Connect with program directors and senior students. Enjoy local snacks from The Veggie Van and get some SPHHP swag!
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1 - 3 p.m.
LOCATION
Harriman Hall Ballroom, South Campus
Attend up to three information sessions to learn about UB resources and services.
| INFORMATION SESSION | LOCATION |
| How to Study Abroad | NSC 201 |
| How to Maximize UB Technology Tools | NSC 210 |
| How to Get Around Campus | NSC 220 |
| How to Work Part-Time on Campus | NSC 225 |
LOCATION
Natural Sciences Complex (NSC)
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
Look for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and learn about on-campus employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake. If you have questions about how to work on campus, eligibility, and where to find jobs, drop by for assistance!
Hosted by the Career Design Center
LOCATION
Founders Plaza
Refer to the UB Dining What’s Open? webpage for locations, menus, and hours.
LOCATION
various locations
Attend the official welcome for the incoming class of 2026, featuring remarks from UB’s President and the iconic human UB class photo. Students are encouraged to leave bags in their cars or residence hall rooms. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Live stream the event HERE.
For live captioning, use this link.
LOCATION
Broadview Stadium
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. | Esports and Gaming – Red Jacket Esports Lounge (Ellicott Complex, Red Jacket 262)
- Grab your squad and take over Red Jacket’s gaming lounge—whether you’re all about PC battles, console clashes, or just vibing with a board game crew. Meet new Bulls, rack up some wins, and play your way into the semester.
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. | The Glow Up - Student Union Courtyard
- Gather your friends—or make some new ones—and jump into a glowing night of bumper cars, mini golf, volleyball, and bowling under the blacklights. Stop by anytime, play your favorite games, and make memories that will kick off your UB experience.
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Heights and Hatchets – Student Union Field
- Bring your friends, meet some new ones, and experience a night of adrenaline-filled challenges. Climb higher, aim farther, and take on attractions like rock climbing, axe throwing, the mechanical bull, inline swing, and more as you create unforgettable memories!
9:30 – 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Victor’s Big Bingo Game – Student Union Field
- This isn’t your grandma’s bingo – it’s bingo Victor E. Bull style! Expect hype hosts, dance-offs, and plenty of chances to win UB gear while you sing, laugh, and play the night away. There are two sessions offered but space is limited.
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Bulls on Skates – Student Union 145
- Make new friends and skate it out at UB’s pop-up skating rink. Whether you’re a pro or just trying not to fall, it’s all part of the fun.
9:30 – 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Trivia Bulls – Pop Up Trivia – The Landing at Ellicott Complex
- Big brain energy? Prove it! Drop in for fast-paced trivia, compete for prizes, and see if you've got what it takes to come out on top. Whether you're a trivia champion or just guessing your way through, everyone has a chance to win!
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Bulls Under the Stars: Outdoor Movie Night, featuring Project Hail Mary
- Location: Ellicott Bowl
- Popcorn, friends, and blockbuster vibes – watch a movie under the UB night sky.
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. | Silent Stampede: Silent Disco on South Campus – Tent adjacent to Goodyear and Clement Hall
- It’s a dance party like no other—three music channels to match your vibe, glowing headphones and a UB herd all moving to their own beat. Only rule: don’t stop dancing.
12 – 2 a.m. | Make S’more Friends – Firepits near Greiner Hall and Ellicott Complex
- Join the Undergraduate Student Association (student government) for friendship, campfires and s’mores at this late-night event.
LOCATION
Various Location Across North and South Campus
Big Blue and Little Blue
UB"s very own Little & Big Blue Food Trucks will be on Mary Talbert Way begining at 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Weekend Dining On Campus
Dining in Residential Dining Centers is all day (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.). Use the GET App to locate other options and when they’re open. Eat when and where it is convenient for you.
Refer to the UB Dining What’s Open? webpage for locations, menus, and hours.
LOCATION
various locations
Stop by an “ask us anything” tent on North Campus to get directions or advice from current UB student leaders.
LOCATION
various locations
All new students are assigned specific times (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.) to rotate through the three sessions below.
Check your August 3 "New to UB" email to know your assigned time and location; seating is limited and we can only accommodate you at your assigned time and location.
Learn more about Our UB Community expectations and resources during the required sessions.
Diversity Keynote
This interactive discussion will address one of UB's values: promoting a culture of equity and inclusion. Our speaker will highlight how everyone contributes to the strength and richness of our UB community, emphasize the importance of embracing our differences and connecting with peers, and help us continue to create a supportive and welcoming environment. Learn more about our speaker, Rev. Sam Offer.
Hosted by the Intercultural and Diversity Center
- Required for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
LOCATION
Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre
"The Hook Up"
All new first-year students attend this fun, interactive show that explores college, sex, and hook up culture.
Hosted by Health Promotion
- Required for first-year students
Transfer students do not participate in this event.
LOCATION
Various North Campus Lecture Halls
Time for Self-Care
Use this time to take care of your wellbeing in whatever way you need. Consider attending a UB Wellness or UB REC event, walk your class schedule, take a nap, eat lunch, or call a loved one during this time.
UB Well Event: BINGO!
Stop by Student Union 145 to join in on games of BINGO! and win UB swag.
Outside of SU 145 stop by our tables for Health + Wellness resources or to grab a snack.
Throughout the day, therapy dogs will join this space.
Hosted by Health Promotion
Outdoor Games and Mingling
Meet new people while playing fan favorites games like SpikeBall, Cornhole, hula hooping, and more outside in the Student Union Courtyard (Progress Pride Paths).
Throughout the day, therapy dogs will join this space.
Hosted by Health Promotion
Relaxation Room
Meditate, unwind, do some deep breathing, or even walk a labyrinth in SU 235.
The Relaxation Room is your opportunity to step away from the bright and busy day to recenter yourself and pick up some stress management skills to carry with you through the semester.
Hosted by Counseling Services
Crafternoon and Chill
Visit SU 210 for crafting, coloring, building legos, puzzling, and more!
Hosted by Health Promotion
LOCATION
Various Location in the Student Union
Broadview Arena Tours
Come explore and discover Recreation at Broadview Arena. Take one of our guided tours to get acclimated with the building and amenities of the facility. Finding your fit just got easier with a personal tour guide to locate the hidden gems of Recreation inside Broadview Arena!
Tours begin at 175 Broadview Arena and leave at 12., 1., and 2 p.m.
Hosted by UB REC
LOCATION
Broadview Arena, North Campus
Open REC: Sports
Open REC: Sports offers laid-back activities for all skill levels and backgrounds. Play basketball in the Ed Wright Practice Facility in Broadview Arena, familiarize yourself with the Fitness Center in Broadview Arena, play pickleball or tennis at the Ellicott Tennis Complex, or jog at the outdoor track at Kunz Stadium.
Hosted by UB REC
Updated Indoor Schedule:
How 2 Get Involved Tables (helping students find clubs)
4- 8 p.m. - SU 215
Crafting and Board Games
4- 8 p.m. - SU 145
Movie Night
5-7 p.m. - SU Theater
Open Mic Coffeehouse
6-8 p.m. - SU 222
Hosted by Student Engagement
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
Explore opportunities on campus and sign up to participate in student-run clubs/orgs.
LOCATION
INDOOR LOCATION UPDATE: Student Union
The Bulls Welcome Back Blast, an annual tradition that serves as the ultimate semester kick-off party, brings together thousands of students, staff, faculty and UB community members for the biggest pep rally of the year. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Broadview Stadium, North Campus
The ultimate dance party experience with a professional DJ, concert lighting and sound, and gallons of neon paint and blacklights make this an experience you’ll never forget! Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on.
Hosted by Student Engagement
LOCATION
Student Union Field, North Campus
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Student-run groups host activities and events designed to introduce new students to their organization.
Hosted by Student Engagement
LOCATION
Various Locations
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | LGBTQ+ students
- Meet up with other LGBTQ+ students to connect, have snacks, and learn about identity-specific resources from student leaders. Walk over to the LGBTQ+ welcome social together!
3 – 3:30 p.m. | Interest groups
- Meet up with other students if you are from a small town, a gamer, a creative, or from New York City. Connect, have snacks, and learn about interest-specific resources from student leaders.
3:30 – 4 p.m. | Students of color
- Meet up with other students of color to connect, have snacks, and learn about identity-specific resources from student leaders. Walk over to Fusion Fest together!
LOCATION
Student Union 210
Find your flavor at our LGBTQ+ Welcome Social! Dive into a scoop of community, sprinkled with friendship, and topped with acceptance. Chill out, make new connections, and celebrate our vibrant diversity over scoops of ice cream. *Non-dairy options available*
Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Center and Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC)
LOCATION
Student Union 145, North Campus
A place to relax and recharge throughout the day. We will have comfortable seating, low light, and many sensory activities including puzzles, fidgets, and sensory blankets.
LOCATION
Student Union 222 and 235
Look for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and learn about on-campus employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake. If you have questions about how to work on campus, eligibility, and where to find jobs, drop by for assistance!
Hosted by the Career Design Center.
LOCATION
Founders Plaza
Drop by the new Rec Lounge to relax and game with friends.
LOCATION
Broadview Arena
Connect with international students, enjoy some snacks, and play some games.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Fusion Fest Update
Due to forecasted weather, Fusion Fest has been postponed until Wednesday, August 26 from 2-5 p.m. in the Student Union Courtyard
Fusion Fest is a campus welcome back event created to bring together new and returning students in a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment. The event celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities that make up the UB community. Attendees can enjoy a live DJ, photobooths, food trucks, face painting and airbrush tattoos, games, and activities. RSVP preferred but not required. Free food will be available for a limited time. We hope you join us; all students are welcome!
Hosted by the Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC)
LOCATION
Student Union Courtyard
Meet the people living around you and share expectations for your new community.
Hosted by Campus Living
- Required for new students living on campus
LOCATION
Your Residence Hall
Receive more details from your Community Assistant (CA).
Refer to the UB Dining What’s Open? webpage for locations, menus, and hours.
LOCATION
Various Locations
MONDAY, AUGUST 24 + TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Academic Spine outside Student Union
Celebrate the first two days of classes at UB with a pic!
Take photos with our signs and send them to your loved ones as you kickstart your semester at UB.
Tag us on social media (@ubstudentexp) and use UB hashtags (#ubuffalo and #NewtoUB).
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Various Locations
Stop by an “ask us anything” tent on North Campus to get directions or advice from current UB student leaders.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hop on one of our UB golf carts for a ride to class! Start your semester off in style and True Blue spirit!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 + THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hop on one of our UB golf carts for a ride to class! Start your semester off in style and True Blue spirit!
Welcome Weekend is the official kickoff to the fall semester and the second part of the "New to UB" experience for new undergraduate students, coordinated by Orientation and Transition.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Student Life
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125