Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through a semi-structured on-campus experience.
On this page:
Fall 2023 Welcome Weekend Details Coming Soon!
Please check back in February for details about Welcome Weekend in 2023. Use the Welcome Weekend details below as a reference for what to expect in 2023.
Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for new 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 26, through Sunday, August 28; classes begin Monday, August 29. New students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 25; you will receive more specific information about move-in from Campus Living in August.
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. Some events are required for first-year students; transfer students are highly encouraged to participate.
We cannot wait to welcome you to UB and help you plan for a successful first semester!
During Welcome Weekend you will
- Be welcomed to UB
- Connect with others
- Prepare for academics
- Learn about getting involved
- Explore UB campuses
You will receive a detailed schedule of your assigned events, including times and locations, in your UB email on August 15. You'll also receive a printed schedule of all the Welcome Weekend events when you arrive on campus (either Thursday, August 25 or Friday, August 26). These two resources will help you successfully navigate the weekend!
Learn more about:
What's Required
Review the tabs below "First-Year Students" and "Transfer Students" for a general overview of what's required for you.
Undergraduate international students should follow the tab that describes your student status.
First-Year Students
As a new first-year student you are required to attend:
- Your assigned Small Group Meeting with Orientation Leaders (Friday)
- Academic Programming by College or School (Friday) -- required for some majors, highly encouraged for all
- New Student Welcome (Friday)
- Your assigned "Diversity Dialogue" (Saturday)
- Your assigned "The Hook Up" (Saturday)
- Residence Hall Community (Floor) Meetings (Sunday) - only for students living on campus
On-Campus Resources
STAY ON TRACK
Take action on the New Student Checklist tasks before Welcome Weekend.
Common Questions
Have a question about the weekend or anticipate a conflict? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for guidance.
Welcome Weekend Schedule Overview
Review the schedule overview below for what to expect during the program and to begin planning for your first weekend on campus! Expect additional events and activities to be added in August.
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | New Student On-Campus Move-In
Most new students move in today! In early August, Campus Living will invite you to select a 1-hour "move-in appointment". Plan to arrive during that time to check-in (get your key), and then you'll have 3 hours to move in your belongings.
Find all the details on UB's Welcome Home website. | |
| 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Check-In
You are invited to pick up your printed Welcome Weekend schedule today. Students who do not will receive it during the assigned Orientation Small Group Meeting on Friday. | optional for all new students |
| 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. | FOCUS: Festival of Cultures Uniting Students
Join and celebrate a world of cultures at UB. Enjoy international foods and drinks, live music, crafts, games, and more!
Parade begins at 8:00 p.m.; celebration begins at 8:30 p.m. | highly encouraged for all new residential students |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Welcome Weekend Check-In
You are invited to pick up your printed Welcome Weekend schedule. Students who do not will receive it during the assigned Orientation Small Group Meeting. | optional for all new students |
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
| Small Group Meeting with Orientation Leaders
You will be assigned a specific time and location to connect with other new students and current students, Orientation Leaders. You will receive the printed schedule and UB swag, and learn from insiders how to successfully navigate your start at UB! | required for first-year students
encouraged for transfer students |
| 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Academic Programming by College or School | required for first-year students
encouraged for transfer students |
| 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | New Student Welcome including iconic human UB class photo! | required for first-year students
encouraged for transfer students |
| 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. | Bulls Like Me Meet-Ups
These sessions are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity. Expect casual conversation and helpful resources. Snacks provided!
The printed Welcome Weekend Guide includes 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. - 1:00 a.m. | New Student Carnival
Enjoy carnival rides, games (including small UB prizes!), and snacks at this free, fun event just for new students. | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. | 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament | |
| 12:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. | Ring of Fire Bonfire |
| 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:
Seating is limited and you are required to follow your assigned schedule. | required for first-year students
encouraged for transfer students |
| 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Campus Fest
Don't miss this street party meets involvement fair. This is UB's largest student organization tabling event of the year! | highly encouraged for all new students |
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Bulls Like Me Meet-Ups
These sessions are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity. Expect casual conversation and helpful resources. Snacks provided!
The printed Welcome Weekend Guide includes 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 |
| 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. | UB Future Alumni Tie-Dye Night | |
| 9:00 p.m. | Outdoor Movie Night | |
| 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. | Live Band "Mom Said No" | |
| 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. | Outdoor Roller Skating Rink | |
| 11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. | GloZone Dance and Paint Party
A professional DJ dance party with LED lights, black light cannons, body paint, large video screens, and so much more! | highly encouraged for all new students |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. | "How to UB" Information Sessions
These 30-minute information sessions led by Orientation Leaders cover topics such as using your meal plan, campus transportation, time management, helpful apps, making a semester plan (using the syllabus), and learning in a 400+ person classroom.
Session details (title/locations) are available in the printed Welcome Weekend Guide. | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Student Organization Showcase
Student-run groups will host activities and events designed to introduce you to what they're all about. Drop in to as many that interest you! | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) Welcome Back BBQ You’re invited to the cookout! Come meet other students of color, connect with faculty/staff, learn about cultural clubs, and celebrate the start of the fall with good music, good food, and good company. | |
| 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Residence Hall First Floor/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. | Welcome Back Blast
Celebrate the kick-off of the semester with a pep rally and ice cream treats sponsored by Perry's Ice Cream Company, culminating with a spectacular fireworks finale. |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Information and Assistance
Look for orientation staff outside of the Student Union, at Flint Bus Loop, and near Main Circle Loop (South Campus) for help finding your way around campus. | |
| 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 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 |
Complete these tasks during or shortly after 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.
- Understand bus and shuttle schedules to get around and between campuses. View the bus schedules.
- Download UB Mobile to access essential UB information and services.
- Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.
- Complete part 2 of UB's required online health/safety courses (AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email 40 days after completing part 1. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
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