Everything you need for life outside the classroom
Welcome Weekend
Prepare for the start of the fall semester during this on-campus program.
On this page:
Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for all new U.S. and international undergraduate students. You will prepare for academics at UB, explore UB resources and connect with other students.
- Most new students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 20; international students will move in Tuesday, August 18.
- Welcome Weekend is an on-campus experience from Friday, August 21, through Sunday, August 23
- Classes begin Monday, August 24.
Learn more about program details and requirements below.
We cannot wait to welcome you to UB and help you plan for a successful first semester!
Additional Requirements
Some students have additional requirements prior to the start of the semester, either before or during Welcome Weekend. View details below and plan your time to comply with all requirements.
During Welcome Weekend you will
- Be welcomed to UB
- Prepare for academics
- Explore out-of-classroom activities
- Connect with others
- Begin the adjustment to life as a UB student
- Explore UB campuses
Welcome Weekend is a semi-structured experience, meaning that you will be assigned a specific schedule for portions of the weekend, and you can choose what is most important to you during the other times.
You will receive your individualized schedule of assigned events, including times and locations, in your UB email on or after August 3. Use your assigned schedule and the detailed Welcome Weekend schedule to plan your weekend.
Learn more about:
Enhance your experience
UB offers several opportunities before Welcome Weekend to enhance your experience, settle in to campus early, and connect with other students.
What's Required
Review the tabs below for a summary of what's required. To view in a schedule format, see the Welcome Weekend Schedule Overview below or review the Welcome Weekend detailed schedule.
First-Year Students
As a new first-year student you are required to attend:
- International Welcome Weekend - for international students
- Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting
- Academic Programming by College or School
- University Convocation
- Diversity Keynote
- "The Hook Up"
- Community Meetings - for students living on campus
Participate in a Campus Tradition
Our favorite new student tradition during Welcome Weekend takes place during the University Convocation. Learn more about the iconic human UB photo.
Welcome Weekend Schedule Overview
Check your UB email on or after August 3 for an individualized schedule of your assigned events, including any requirements. Review the schedule overview below for what to expect during the program. The full, official Welcome Weekend schedule is accessible via the Welcome Weekend Detailed Schedule site.
| TIME | SESSION |
| Morning | Sessions include:
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| Afternoon | Sessions include:
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| Evening | Sessions include:
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Morning sessions start as early as 8:30 a.m. The New Student Convocation ends by 9 p.m.
| TIME | SESSION |
| Mid-Day | Sessions include:
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| Evening | Sessions include:
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Sessions start as early as 11:00 a.m.
| TIME | SESSION |
| Afternoon | Sessions include:
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| Evening | Sessions include:
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Sessions start as early as 11:00 a.m.
How to Get to UB
Whether you're living on one of UB's campuses or commuting from an off-campus location, it is an exciting week of settling in to new places or routines! Use the information below to prepare for your arrival to campus in August.
On-Campus Move-In
Most new students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 20; most new international students will move in Tuesday, August 18.
Campus Living will email you at the end of July to select your move-in time through the Housing Portal. Plan to arrive at the time you select to check in (get your key) and then you'll have a few hours to move in your belongings and settle into your space.
Plan to walk or use UB's shuttles/buses to navigate around our campuses during Welcome Weekend.
Family and friends are welcome to join for move-in day; we strongly recommend saying goodbye before your required Welcome Weekend events begin.
Commuting to Campus
Students living off campus should commute to campus on Friday, August 21 in time to attend your Welcome Weekend kickoff meeting.
You should park (or get dropped off) at the lot most convenient for your day; consider one of the commuter lots, Jarvis A (Google Maps directions to Jarvis A) or Hochstetter B (Google Maps directions to Hochstetter B) on North Campus.
Plan to commute to campus each day of Welcome Weekend to help you get familiar with how you navigate to and around UB's campuses.
On-Campus Resources
Questions about Welcome Weekend?
Have a question about the weekend or anticipate a conflict? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for guidance.
Complete the following tasks during for Welcome Weekend.
- Connect to UB's eduroam Wi-Fi. eduroam is UB's official Wi-Fi for internet almost everywhere on campus. Follow the instructions for connecting your device and you'll stay connected wherever eduroam is available.
- Set up UBmail on your devices. Learn how to set it up on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Understand bus and shuttle schedules to get around and between campuses. View the bus schedules.
- Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.
- Download UB Mobile to take UB with you wherever you go.
- Download the UB Horns Up App and create your account using your UB email to access your tickets to all UB Athletics events.
Stay on Track
Take action on all tasks listed on the New Student Checklist.
Helping new students transition to life at UB:
Student Life
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125