Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through a semi-structured experience.
On this page:
This page is an overview of Welcome Weekend 2021
Check back in April for details about Welcome Weekend 2022.
Before Welcome Weekend
- Complete part 1 of both AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention; instructions will be sent to your buffalo.edu email. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- Download your UBLinked Event Pass to your phone. You will need this mobile event pass to check in to all events during Welcome Weekend. Sign in to UBLinked (requires UBIT name and password), select your profile icon (top right corner), select "Event Pass" and save to wallet or screenshot.
Welcome Weekend Overview
Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for new students. During Welcome Weekend, you will prepare for academics at UB, explore UB resources and connect with other students.
Welcome Weekend is an on-campus experience from Thursday, August 26, through Sunday, August 29; classes begin Monday, August 30. Most new students who will be living on campus will select either Tuesday, August 24, or Wednesday, August 25, as their move-in day; you will receive more specific information about how to select your move-in timeslot from Campus Living in early August.
Welcome Weekend is a semi-structured experience, meaning first-year students will have some requirements that are assigned, in addition to several opportunities to choose what is most important to you.
New Students Will Receive:
- their unique Thursday, Friday, and Saturday schedule details to their UB email on August 9. Your assignments may differ from other new students, so follow your assignments!
- a printed Welcome Weekend Guide when they move in on 8/24 or 8/25 or at Welcome Weekend Check-In (for commuting students) on 8/26.
Both are necessary for you to successfully navigate Welcome Weekend.
What do you get out of Welcome Weekend?
During Welcome Weekend you will
- Be welcomed to UB
- Connect with others
- Prepare for academics
- Learn about getting involved
- Explore UB campuses
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.
Returning Students
Welcome Weekend is designed for students beginning their first semester as UB students. Review events and activities taking place for all UB students.
Welcome Weekend Requirements
Select from the tabs below to review which events are required or highly encouraged for you during Welcome Weekend.
First-Year Students
As a new first-year student you are required to attend:
- Welcome Weekend Check-in (Thursday) only for students commuting to campus
- Your assigned Orientation Small Group Meeting (Thursday)
- Your assigned "The Talk" (Thursday)
- Your assigned "The Hook Up" (Saturday)
- Residence Hall Community (Floor) Meetings (Sunday) only for students living on campus
What happens if I don't attend my required events?
Welcome Weekend is designed to prepare you for a strong start at UB. Only a handful of events are required and the rest are highly encouraged for you to decide what’s most important for you, knowing UB’s recommendations!
If you miss a required event:
- Welcome Weekend Check-in - You will not receive your Welcome Weekend Guide and nametag.
- Orientation Small Group Meeting – You will not receive your New Student Planner and additional UB swag.
- “The Talk” – UB will follow up with you directly with your make-up experience during the fall semester.
- “The Hook Up” – UB will follow up with you directly with your make-up experience during the fall semester.
- Residence Hall Community (Floor) Meeting – Your RA will follow up with you to attend an additional meeting; however, you will not be part of creating community expectations that you will be expected to follow.
With ample time before Welcome Weekend, UB expects you to plan now to attend the entire weekend because a strong foundation is essential to your college success.
Move-in Days and Early Arrival
Schedule for Tuesday, August 24
New Student Move-In
New students who will be living on campus will select either Tuesday, August 24, or Wednesday, August 25, as their move-in day. You will self-select your move-in timeslot in early August. You will receive more specific information via email from Campus Living.
Early Arrival
Students participating in special programs on Wednesday, August 25 should select Tuesday, August 24 as their move-in date. This includes, ACE students, Acker scholars, EOP students, and students in the University Honors College.
New Student Meet-Ups @ 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Join Orientation Leaders and Welcome Weekend Leaders for a casual event designed to help you meet other new students.
Locations:
- Student Union Field
- Greiner Courtyard
- Goodyear Lawn
Dinner in Your Residential Dining Center
Once residential students arrive on campus, your meal plan is ready for you to use.
Programming in your Residence Hall, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new residential students
For students living on campus, check out evening events right where you live. Events include an outdoor movie, build-a-buddy, dec out my dorm crafts, and tie-dye.
Schedule for Wednesday, August 25
New Student Move-In
New students who will be living on campus will select either Tuesday, August 24, or Wednesday, August 25, as their move-in day. You will self-select your move-in timeslot in early August. You will receive more specific information via email from Campus Living.
New Student Meet-Ups @ 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Join Orientation Leaders and Welcome Weekend Leaders for a casual event designed to help you meet other new students.
Locations:
- Student Union Field
- Greiner Courtyard
- Goodyear Lawn
Dinner in Your Residential Dining Center
Once residential students arrive on campus, your meal plan is ready for you to use.
Programming in your Residence Hall, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new residential students
For students living on campus, check out evening events right where you live. Events include an outdoor movie, build-a-buddy, dec out my dorm crafts, and tie-dye.
Check out additional early arrival options for new students.
Ready...Set...Buffalo!
New students can apply for an early arrival, immersive community service program. During Ready...Set...Buffalo new students will volunteer locally and meet other new students and UB staff interested in community service.
WiSE Early Move-In Program
New first-year and transfer women majoring in STEM may register to move in early (Monday, August 23) and participate in two days of activities designed to help you make connections with one another and campus.
Welcome Weekend Schedule
Thursday is the most structured day of Welcome Weekend. Review the general schedule below to learn what you can expect to kick-off your weekend.
You'll receive your assigned schedule (times/locations) in your UB email on August 9 and should use your printed Welcome Weekend Guide to navigate the day.
Welcome Weekend Check-In, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Required for first-year students who are commuting to UB; highly encouraged for transfer students commuting to UB
New first-year and transfer students living off campus (commuting to UB) start their day at this check-in event. Here, you'll meet Orientation Leaders and receive your Welcome Weekend materials, including your printed schedule and nametag.
UB Connections Rotations, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Required for first-year students; highly encouraged for transfer students
New students will participate in their assigned event during each of the four rotations on Thursday. Your order of events, assigned times, and assigned locations will be unique to you! You'll receive your assigned schedule in your UB email on August 9 and should use your printed Welcome Weekend Guide to navigate the day.
Rotation Times:
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Learn more about the events happening during each rotation on Thursday.
You'll receive your assigned times and locations for each rotation in your UB email on August 9. Save that to reference during Welcome Weekend while using your printed Welcome Weekend Guide.
"The Talk" Keynote
Required for first-year students; highly encouraged for transfer students
This conversation is a high energy, engaging, and interactive discussion that helps students navigate through the banter and issues on their social media timelines. Led by Odell Bizell, this session on the topic of inclusion works to break down barriers that often limit us from truly connecting with one another and introduces an actionable plan to be more diversity minded as a college student at UB.
Orientation Small Group Meeting
Required for first-year students; highly encouraged for transfer students
Orientation Leaders and Welcome Weekend Leaders facilitate conversation about starting college at UB and "The Talk" keynote. You will also receive your new student planner at this session.
Explore Campus
Highly encouraged for all new students
"Explore" North Campus locations that all UB students should know how to find and utilize. At the locations you'll have a chance to win prizes, connect with current students, and meet UB VIPs.
Take a Break for Self-Care
Highly encouraged for all new students
As a college student, it is important that you figure out how to continue your existing self-care habits at UB, or maybe start engaging in new ones. This time will be for you to explore what breaks and self-care can look like at UB. In your printed Welcome Weekend Guide, you'll have a curated list of events and opportunities for how to use this assigned hour.
Lunch and various activities, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Use this time to drop in to UB offices during their regular business hours or consider making an appointment at 1Capen if you require one of their services (e.g., UB Card or parking permit).
Use the GET App to see what's open and eat where it is most convenient for your schedule.
New Student Welcome, 3:30 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
New students attend the official welcome for the incoming class of 2021 featuring the creation of the traditional human interlocking UB logo. This is an outdoor event; plan to be outside for 90 minutes.
Dinner in Your Residential Dining Center
Bulls Like Me Meet-Ups, 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Get to know Orientation Leaders, Welcome Weekend Leaders and other new students during a casual meet-up event. Bulls Like Me sessions are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity or interest. Attend as many that interest you or fit your schedule.
View the Bulls Like Me Meet-Up Schedule.
| TIME | MEET-UP GROUP |
| @ 7 PM | LGBTQ+ |
| Outdoor Adventurers | |
| Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) | |
| Black | |
| Gamers | |
| From Small Towns | |
| @ 8 PM | WiSE |
| Asian and Pacific Islanders | |
| Latinx | |
| Creatives | |
| Gamers | |
| From NYC |
Evening Programming in Your Residence Hall
Highly encouraged for all new students
Evening programs will be hosted in residential areas; attend an event right where you live.
Events include:
- Dancing After Dark - Glow Dance Party, 9:00 p.m.
- Gov Glow Mini Golf, 8:00 p.m.
- Build-A-Buddy (Stuffed Animal), 8:00 p.m.
Hang out in the Student Union, 9:00 - 11:30 p.m.
Chill with Welcome Weekend staff and play board games, listen to music, or paint a canvas.
Review the general schedule below to learn what you can expect on Friday.
You'll receive your assigned schedule (times/locations) in your UB email on August 9 and should use your printed Welcome Weekend Guide to navigate the day.
Academics Day, various times based on college/school
Your UB college or school has planned events and programs to help you succeed academically. View the chart below for what to expect. If you are not sure about your college or school, look for your major here and the college or school will be listed next to it. Make plans to attend and participate in order to start off strong with your academic department.
View the schedule for Academics Day based on your college/school
| COLLEGE OR SCHOOL | TIME | WHAT TO EXPECT |
| School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) | 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | The School of Public Health and Health Professions welcomes you! |
| School of Architecture and Planning (AED) | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Join us for a welcome from the Dean and Chair, followed by introductions to the faculty, teaching assistants, and key staff members. You will then rotate through a sequence of workshops in the library, computer labs, fabrication shop, and design studio. We will close with an open question and answer session with the faculty and teaching assistants. |
| Exploratory majors who are in the following programs: ACE, Acker Scholars, student-athletes, EOP, Honors College | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Take time to connect with other new exploratory students! Address any last minute questions before the start of the semester. Representatives from the Experiential Learning Network and UB Curriculum office will also be on-hand for brief, engaging activities and discussions of majors, careers and hands-on experiential learning opportunities for exploratory students. |
| College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) welcomes our students to UB with our kickoff event! The events today include a "What to Expect" talk by Lance Rintamaki, Associate Professor of Communication; a series of TED-style talks by CAS faculty members from a range of disciplines; a tabling event featuring departments as well as academic student organizations; and department-specific events. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to all the College of Arts and Sciences has to offer. Please note attendance at these events is expected of CAS students. |
| Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS) | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (last names A-F)
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (last names G-M)
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (last names N-Z) | Join your fellow incoming Jacobs School undergraduate students in a fun, interactive and informative activity - Amazing Race style! Meet your future classmates, explore the UB South Campus, and learn more about what it is like being a Jacobs School student! You will join a team and work together to complete tasks such as answering trivia questions, playing games, and finding different spaces on campus. The more tasks you complete, the better the chance you have to win a prize! |
| School of Nursing (NUR) | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Welcome to the School of Nursing! Today, you will rotate through four activities/topics that will help you start your year off strong. Topics include connecting math and science to nursing practice, evidence-based nursing practice, a simulation and lab activity and time management and self-care strategies. We are looking forward to meeting you! |
| School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Launch into SEAS - Get to know your orbit: Explore the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the campus we call home. You will begin your day with your academic department before heading out to explore the spaces and places on campus that support and serve SEAS students. The full day will include a welcome from academic departments, a scavenger hunt, lunch along the way at one of the many spots on campus, and a gathering afterward in Grace Plaza with current SEAS student club representatives, faculty, and staff. |
Aerospace Engineering & Mechanical Engineering | Each major will start in a different location. Check your printed Welcome Weekend Guide for details! | |
| Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Chemical Engineering | ||
| Civil Engineering & Environmental Engineering | ||
| Computer Science | ||
| Computer Engineering | ||
| Industrial Engineering | ||
| Electrical Engineering & Engineering Physics | ||
| Undecided Engineering & Engineering Science & Material Science and Engineering | ||
| School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS) | 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Welcome to UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. As an SPPS student, you are invited to attend exclusive sessions on pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences topics. |
| School of Management (MG) | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Please come and meet your fellow students, faculty, staff and student leaders while we enjoy some music and fun activities, such as a dunk tank, photo booth and virtual scavenger hunt. The Big Blue food truck will be available (use Campus Cash, Dining Points, cash or credit for lunch) and we’ll provide the snacks! Come join the fun and take a tour of the School of Management, meet some alumni, chat with an advisor or dunk the Dean if you dare! |
| Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (EPAC) | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (last names A-M)
| Connect with your EPAC academic advisor and meet with other new exploratory students! Address any last minute questions before the start of the semester. Representatives from the Career Design Center and Experiential Learning Network will also be on-hand for brief, engaging activities and discussions of majors, careers and hands-on experiential learning opportunities for exploratory students. |
| School of Law (LAW) | 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Join us for our “Get to know the BA in Law Program.” Gain valuable insight from our current students on how to make the most of your BA in law during our current student panel. Our program will also include a Q&A session to answer all of your questions about getting started in the program. |
Kayak and Paddle Boat on Lake LaSalle, 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Career Design Center Pop-up, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join the Career Design Center to find your career community and help you start imagining and designing your life after college. Keep an eye out for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and pick up your career community swag bag.
Sell Me This!, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Engage in a fun, fast-paced selling experience that hits the feels with a low-barrier to entry competition. Students will learn the Anatomy of a Pitch (in 7 minutes!!). Students who engage will have an opportunity to learn and practice their storytelling and oral communication skills, while understanding the power of influence.
PLAYFAIR, 4:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Will you be the rock, paper, scissor champion for the incoming class of 2021? Find out at PLAYFAIR, an outdoor, large-scale event designed to help you mix and mingle with other UB students.
Bulls Like Me Meet-Ups, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Get to know Orientation Leaders, Welcome Weekend Leaders and other new students during a casual meet-up event. Bulls Like Me sessions are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity or interest. Attend as many that interest you or fit your schedule.
View the Bulls Like Me Meet-Up Schedule.
| TIME | MEET-UP GROUP |
| @ 5:30 PM | LGBTQ+ |
| Outdoor Adventurers | |
| From NYC | |
| Gamers | |
| From Small Towns | |
| @ 6:30 PM | WiSE |
| Asian and Pacific Islanders | |
| Latinx | |
| Creatives | |
| @ 7:30 PM | Black |
| Gamers | |
| Asian and Pacific Islanders |
Dinner in Your Residential Dining Center
Play giant, life-size games (chess, Jenga, Connect 4) or corn hole, practice yoga, or participate in a single elimination 3-on-3 basketball tournament, dodgeball games, and open swim. The Bulls Team Shop will also be open.
New Student Carnival, 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
DJ, carnival rides and games (including small UB prizes!), and carnival snacks. Don’t miss this fun, free event!
Late Night in the Student Union, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Hang out in the Student Union and check out the debut of the Student Union Game Room!
Ring of Fire (bonfire), 12:00 - 2:00 a.m.
Join the Undergraduate Student Association (student government) for a campfire and s’mores.
Review the general schedule below to learn what you can expect on Saturday.
You'll receive your assigned schedule (times/locations) in your UB email on August 9 and should use your printed Welcome Weekend Guide to navigate the day.
"How to UB" Breakout Sessions, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Attend sessions led by Orientation Leaders to help you figure out how to find your place on campus. Topics include: involvement, traditional campus events, insider tips from current students, meal plan, campus transportation, and more!
Session titles and locations will be in your printed Welcome Weekend Guide. Attend as many as you’d like or that your schedule allows. Each session will last around 30 minutes.
Campus Fest, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Campus Fest is a large-scale involvement fair featuring over 200 student organizations and university departments, plus a street party festival – it is the place to be on Saturday! Meet with student clubs/organizations, dunk an Orientation Leader, kayak or paddle boat on Lake LaSalle, play on inflatables, or grab a snack at local food trucks.
"The Hook Up" at 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., or 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Required event, only for first-year students
“The Hook Up” is a fun, interactive show that explores college, sex and the hook up culture. Check your August 9 email for your specific time and location you’re assigned, and the link to pre-register for the session. You are highly encouraged to watch on campus at the assigned location, but could opt to watch virtually on a personal device.
UB Future Alumni Tie-Dye Night, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Tie-dye a t-shirt, connect with young alumni, and learn all about your over 280,000+ strong UB Alumni Network! The first 500 students will get a free UB Future Alumni t-shirt or you may bring your own item to tie-dye! To-go bags and care instructions for projects will be provided. Presented by the UB Future Alumni Leadership Council and the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Live Outdoor Music, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Outdoor Movie @ 9:00 p.m.
The Undergraduate Student Association presents an outdoor movie (Fast and Furious 9). Popcorn and refreshments provided.
Trivia Night @ 9:00 p.m.
Bring a friend or meet a new one at this professionally hosted trivia night, including UB prizes.
Late Night in the Student Union, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Hang out in the Student Union and check out the debut of the Student Union Game Room!
Outdoor Skating Rink and Giant Games, 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Check out the pop-up skating rink and play giant, life-size games (chess, Jenga, Connect 4) or corn hole with other UB students.
Giant Blacklight Video Dance Party, 11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
You won’t want to miss a professional DJ, concert style lighting, cold air blasts, LED foam batons, black light cannons and black light strips, fog machines, large video screens, fluorescent body paint station and glow party favors at this dance party. Refreshments will be available to keep you hype on the dance floor.
Review the general schedule below to learn what you can expect on Sunday.
Use the printed Welcome Weekend Guide to choose your sessions and find locations.
"How to UB" Breakout Sessions, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Attend sessions led by Orientation Leaders to help you figure out how to find your place on campus. Topics include: preparing for the first week of classes, what to expect in the UB classroom, planning your schedule, how to read a syllabus, and more!
Session titles and locations will be in your printed Welcome Weekend Guide. Attend as many as you’d like or that your schedule allows. Each session will last around 30 minutes.
Campus Walking Tours, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Welcome Weekend staff will lead new students in guided north campus and south campus tours, leaving every 30 minutes (check your Welcome Weekend Guide for location details!).
Looking to explore your class schedule independently? You can also “get lost” on your own or with a new pal during this time. Look for Welcome Weekend staff around north campus for assistance locating your classroom locations. We’ll also pair students for a buddy tour, leaving from the Academic Promenade (“Spine”) outside the SU.
Welcome Weekend Final Stop, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
On the last day before the start of the semester, wrap up your weekend and take care of any final preparations. Check in the Welcome Weekend Guide for details on the Welcome Weekend Challenge and other celebratory, drop-in activities during this time.
Bulls Backyard Bash, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
One last day of summer! Stop by for snacks, music, and backyard games. Check your printed guide for location details.
UB Well Event, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Join the staff from Student Wellness (i.e. Counseling Services, Health Promotion, and Health Services) to sample Student Wellness offerings such as meditation, yoga, pet therapy, healthy snacks, and more!
Self-care is fundamental to your success as a student and in life. This event helps you explore options to de-stress as a UB student, featuring therapy dogs from the SPCA Paws for Love Program.
Student Clubs/Organizations Run Events, 2:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for all new students
Student clubs and organizations are hosting events designed just for you! From BBQs to game nights and skills clinics for lacrosse or rowing to crafting or gaming, there’s something to suit your interests and goals.
First Community (Floor) Meetings, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Required for new students living on campus
Before the first day of classes, meet the people living around you.
Your RA will let you know the time and location for your floor.
Bulls Welcome Back Blast Pep Rally and Fireworks Spectacular @ 9:00 p.m.
Get your free fireworks glasses and join us for the biggest spirit rally of the year. Celebrate the kick-off of the semester with the UB Thunder of the East Marching Band, new head football coach Maurice Linguist and members of 2021 UB Football team, all culminating with a spectacular fireworks finale.
First Day Photos, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Highly encouraged for new students
The first day of classes at UB is an important day to celebrate! Join Orientation Staff on the Academic Promenade ("Spine") to pose for your photo on the first two days of the semester.
Welcome and Information Tents, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
If you have a question or need directions, stop by the blue pop up tents outside the Student Union, on the Academic Promenade ("Spine"), at Flint (Capen) Loop, or near Main Circle Loop (South Campus). Orientation staff will welcome you to campus and provide assistance/direction.
Welcome and Information Tents available on the first and second day of the semester. Have a great first week!
During Welcome Weekend
- Connect to UB's eduroam Wi-Fi. eduroam is UB's official Wi-Fi for fast 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 or download the UB Guardian App to stay informed.
- Download the GET App to order and pay for campus meals using your meal plan from the convenience of your phone.
- Understand bus and shuttle schedules to get around and between campus with ease. View the bus schedules.
- Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.
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