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 undergraduate students. You will prepare for academics at UB, explore UB resources and connect with other students.
Welcome Weekend is an on-campus experience from Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25; classes begin Monday, August 26. Most new students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 22; international students will move in Tuesday, August 20.
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 August 5.
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. Explore options below.
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.
First-Year Students
As a new first-year student you are required to attend:
- (international students only) International Welcome Weekend
- Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting
- Academic Programming by College or School - required for students in the School of Architecture and Planning, highly encouraged for all
- New Student Welcome
- Diversity Dialogue
- The Hook Up
- Community Meetings - only for students living on campus
PARTICIPATE IN A CAMPUS TRADITION
Our favorite new student tradition during Welcome Weekend takes place during the New Student Welcome. Learn more about the iconic human UB photo.
Welcome Weekend Schedule Overview
Review the schedule overview below for what to expect during Welcome Weekend!
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | New Student On-Campus Move-In
| recommended latest day of arrival for new undergraduate students |
| Afternoon | Transfer Student Meet-Up
| |
| 8:00 p.m. | Residence Hall programming: Festival of Culture Uniting Students (FOCUS)
| highly encouraged for new students living on campus |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS | |
| 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting
You'll be assigned a specific time and location. | required for first-year students
highly encouraged for transfer students
| |
| 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Academics at UB
Academic programming by College or School. | required for some majors
highly encouraged for all new students | |
| 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Campus Tours and Exploration
| highly encouraged for all new students | |
| Self-Guided Class Schedule Tours | Walk through your fall class schedule. If you need directions, ask Welcome Weekend staff at the blue tents; see location details on the map. | ||
| Walking Tour: North Campus | 45-minute tours leave Capen Hall every 30 minutes. | ||
| Ride along with us to South Campus | Ride on the UB Stampede with Welcome Weekend staff from Flint Loop to South Campus. | ||
| Walking Tour: South Campus | 30-minute tours leave Main Circle Loop every 30 minutes. | ||
| Ride along with us to North Campus | Ride on the UB Stampede with Welcome Weekend staff from Goodyear Hall to North Campus. | ||
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | New Student Welcome including iconic human UB class photo! | required for first-year students
highly encouraged for transfer students | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Late Night Events
Check back in May for details! | ||
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS | |
| 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. | UB Community Rotations
You will be assigned a specific schedule to rotate through three sessions, which include:
"Diversity Dialogue" to learn about engaging with and contributing to UB's diverse community
"The Hook Up" is an interactive improv show about relationships
Self-care is time dedicated for you to choose what you need, including some popular UB events or optional Q&A with Orientation Leaders
Seating is limited and you are required to follow your assigned schedule in your August 5 email. | required for first-year students
highly encouraged for transfer students | |
| 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Campus Fest
UB's largest student organization tabling event and street party. | highly encouraged for all new students | |
| 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Bulls Like Me Meet-Ups
These are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity. Welcome Weekend staff will facilitate casual conversation and share resources for each group. Food provided.
The August schedule will include the locations for the following groups: Black, Latinx, East/Southeast Asian, LGBTQ+, South Asian/Desi American, WiSE, from NYC, from small towns, creatives, gamers, outdoor adventurers. | highly encouraged for all new students | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Late Night Events
Check back in May for details! |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Student Organization Showcase
Student-run clubs and organizations host activities and events designed to introduce you to what they're all about. Drop in to as many that interest you!
Session details (title/locations) will be available in August. | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. | "How to UB" Information Sessions
15-minute information sessions led by Orientation Leaders cover topics such as campus transportation, working on campus, helpful technology tools and apps, learning in a 400+ person classroom, and more.
Session details (title/locations) will be available in August. | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | International Student Social | highly encouraged for new international students |
| 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) Welcome Back BBQ
Come meet other BIPOC Bulls, connect with faculty/staff, learn about cultural clubs, and celebrate the start of the semester with good music, good food, and good company. | |
| 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Community Meetings
Your Resident Advisor (RA) will share your floor's assigned time and location when you move in! | required for new students living on campus |
| 9:00 p.m. | Bulls Welcome Back Blast
|
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Welcome and Information Tents
Look for orientation staff in blue tents at key outdoor locations for help finding your way around North Campus and South Campus. | |
| 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | First Day Photos
Celebrate the first day of classes at UB! We'll have signs and photographers on the Academic Promenade to help you capture the moment. If you post on social media, be sure to tag us (@ubstudentexp) and use UB hashtags (#ubuffalo and #NewtoUB). | highly encouraged for all new students |
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 22; most new international students will move in Tuesday, August 20.
Campus Living will email you on July 31 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 23 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 before arriving for Welcome Weekend.
- Complete part 1 of UB's online health/safety courses (Alcohol EDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email on August 1. Complete part 1 before August 21. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- Submit a photo for your UB Card (requires government issued ID). If you haven't already received it, your UB Card will be printed for you and ready to pick-up from 1Capen your first week on campus.
- 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.
- Sign up for UBAlert to receive UB's emergency text messages.
- Download your UBLinked Event Pass to your phone wallet or camera roll to check in to events at UB.
STAY ON TRACK
Take action on all tasks listed on the New Student Checklist.
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