Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through a semi-structured on-campus experience.
On this page:
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 25, through Sunday, August 27; classes begin Monday, August 28. Most new students living on campus will move in on Thursday, August 24; international students will move in earlier. 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
- Prepare for academics
- Explore out-of-classroom activities
- Connect with others
- Begin the adjustment to life as a UB student
- Explore UB campuses
You will receive a detailed schedule of your assigned events, including times and locations, in your UB email on August 14. You'll also receive a printed schedule when you arrive on campus. These two resources will help you successfully navigate the weekend!
Learn more about:
What's Required
Review the tabs below 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 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 your first weekend on campus! Expect additional events and details to be added in August.
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | New Student On-Campus Move-In
Most new students move in today! In early August, Campus Living will email students to select a "move-in appointment". Plan to arrive during that time to check-in (get your key) and then you'll have a few hours to move in your belongings and settle into your space. | |
| 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 Meeting with Orientation Leaders on Friday morning. | optional, but encouraged for all new students |
| 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. | Evening Programming
Kick-off your first evening on campus by getting to know the new community you'll call home. | 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 today. Students who do not will receive it during the assigned Meeting with Orientation Leaders on Friday morning. | optional for all new students |
| 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | 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 |
| 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Academic Programming by College or School | required for some majors
highly encouraged for all new 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 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 |
| 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. | Evening Programming
Check back in August for event details! | highly encouraged for all new students |
| 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
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 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 | |
| 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. | Evening Programming
Check back in August for event details! | highly encouraged for all new students |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 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) will be 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 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 |
| TIME | EVENT | REQUIREMENTS |
| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Information and Assistance
Look for orientation staff outside at key locations 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