Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through semi-structured experiences.
On this page:
Welcome Weekend
Thank you for participating in Welcome Weekend 2020. Have a great first semester at UB!
Information for Fall 2021 students will be available in May 2021.
Program 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. There are three elements of Welcome Weekend.
- Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting on Friday, August 28. First-year students will participate at 10:30 a.m. and transfer students will participate at 11:30 a.m.
- "The Hook Up" is a fun, interactive virtual show that explores college, sex and the hook up culture (transfer students and international students are exempt). First-year students will be assigned a session on Friday or Saturday evening.
- Welcome Weekend Challenge. Over the course of the weekend, you will complete twelve experiences in three categories: Academics (3), Resources (6), and Connections (3). Some experiences are live, while other are on-demand and can be completed at your convenience. Check the schedule below for live options and our recommendations for on-demand experiences; view the Welcome Weekend Challenge section on this page for full details.
Schedule Details
Monday 8/24 - Thursday 8/27
| Time | Session | Welcome Weekend Challenge Category |
|---|---|---|
| Any time | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 1-2 on-demand Resources experiences.
Recommended for students living on campus: "Learn about How and Where to Use Your Meal Plan"
Recommended for all: "De-code Online Tools at UB"
| Resources
|
| Wednesday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m. |
Attend an Outdoor Movie at Governors Complex
| |
| Thursday, August 27 at 8:00 p.m. |
Attend an Outdoor Movie at Ellicott Complex
| |
| Various date/times |
Residential students should check with their Resident Advisor (RA) about small events for their floor or hall planned during new student move-in.
Each residence hall also has it's own page on UBLinked where events will be listed and updated. All you need to do is sign in; you are already a member of the group for where you live! Look for the name of where you live listed under "memberships" on the main page of UBLinked. Find event details on UBLinked.
| |
| Various dates/times | Explore other virtual and small in-person opportunities from Student Engagement available on UBLinked.
Events include online bingo, online trivia, and small group, in-person activities designed to help you meet others. Due to capacity restrictions at in-person events, students must RSVP for any UBLinked events you plan to attend. | |
Plan Your Time
Before Friday, complete 1-2 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences:
- Resources (1-2)
Friday 8/28
| Time | Session | Welcome Weekend Challenge Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 a.m. | Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting for First-year Students Check your email on August 14 for the details about this virtual meeting. | ||
| 11:30 a.m. | Welcome Weekend Kickoff Meeting for Transfer Students Check your email on August 14 for the details about this virtual meeting. | ||
| Afternoon | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 1 Academics experience. Check back on August 14 for the live event options! | Academics | |
| Afternoon | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 1 on-demand Resources experience.
| Resources | |
| 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 1 Connections experience. Live options include: | Connections | |
| 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. | Orientation Leader Meet-up Check your email on August 14 for the details. | ||
| 3:00 p.m. | Transfer Student Meet-up Check your email on August 14 for the details. | ||
| 8:00 p.m. | Virtual Community Meet and Greet for Residential Students Check your email on August 14 for the details. | ||
| 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. | The Hook Up
First-year students are assigned to one session on either Friday or Saturday; check your email on August 14 for details. | ||
| 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. | UBelong Here Activity
Attend a small group, in-person activity to help you meet other new students. Capacity is limited and students must register in advance. | Connections | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Virtual Bingo!
Register to attend virtual Bingo on UBLinked. Student Engagement will follow-up with the details on how to attend. | ||
| Evening | Other Engagement Opportunities
Attend an outdoor movie at 8:00 p.m. at South Lake Village Apartments.
Residential students should check with their Resident Advisor (RA) about small events for their floor or hall or check out their hall's page on UBLinked.
| ||
Plan Your Day
On Friday, complete at least 3 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences:
- 1 Academics
- 1 Resources
- 1 Connections
Saturday 8/29
| Time | Session | Welcome Weekend Challenge Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 2 on-demand Resources experiences.
| Resources | |
1:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 2 Connections Experiences.
Live options (listed below!) allow you to get to know other new students who have something in common. Join us for casual conversation led by Orientation Leaders. Check your email on August 14 for details. | Connections | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Creatives at UB | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | Gamers at UB | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | LGBTQ+ at UB | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | LatinX at UB | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | NYC at UB | ||
| 1:00 p.m. | Transfer Students at UB | ||
| 2:00 p.m. | Black at UB | ||
| 2:00 p.m. | East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander at UB | ||
| 2:00 p.m. | First Gen at UB | ||
| 2:00 p.m. | Language Learners and Cultural Exchange at UB | ||
| 2:00 p.m. | Sustainability Supporters and Outdoor Adventurers at UB | ||
| 3:00 p.m. | Creatives at UB | ||
| 3:00 p.m. | LatinX at UB | ||
| 3:00 p.m. | South Asian/Desi American at UB | ||
| 3:00 p.m. | Veterans at UB | ||
| 4:00 p.m. | East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander at UB | ||
| 4:00 p.m. | Language Learners and Cultural Exchange at UB | ||
| 4:00 p.m. | LGBTQ+ at UB | ||
| 4:00 p.m. | NYC at UB | ||
| 5:00 p.m. | Black at UB | ||
| 5:00 p.m. | Gamers at UB | ||
| 5:00 p.m. | South Asian/Desi American at UB | ||
| 5:00 p.m. | Sustainability Supporters and Outdoor Adventurers at UB | ||
| 4:00 p.m. | Virtual Involvement Fair
This event will connect you with numerous involvement opportunities (including student clubs and orgs!) at UB.
Register on UBLinked to attend the Virtual Involvement Fair. Student Engagement will follow-up with the details on how to attend. | Connections | |
| 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. | The Hook Up
| ||
| 5:00 p.m. | Mask Tie-Dying
Wearing a mask can be fun and look awesome! Attend this event to receive a free mask to tie-dye and take home with you. Register on UBLinked to attend. | ||
| 8:00 p.m. | Virtual Community Meet and Greet for Residential Students
Check your email on August 14 for the details. | Connections | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Virtual Trivia Night
Register on UBLinked to attend. Student Engagement will follow-up with the details on how to attend. | ||
| Evening | Other Engagement Opportunities
Residential students should check with their Resident Advisor (RA) about small events for their floor or hall. | ||
Plan Your Day
On Saturday, complete at least 4 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences:
- 2 Resources
- 2 Connections
Sunday 8/30
| Time | Session | Welcome Weekend Challenge Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 2 Academic experiences. Live options include:
| Academics | |
| 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. | Majors Meet-ups
This virtual session will allow you to meet-up with potential classmates before classes begin and hear from expert current students about how to succeed your first semester. Check your email on August 14 for details for your major. | ||
| 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. | Acing Academics at UB
Current students will share their strategies and insider tips to help you succeed in the UB classroom. Check your email on August 14 for details. | ||
| Afternoon | Welcome Weekend Challenge: Select 2 on-demand Resources experiences.
Recommended for all new students: "Practice Your First Week of Classes" | Resources | |
| Late Afternoon and Evening | Residential Floor Meetings Students
Check with your RA for time and location of meeting. | ||
Plan Your Day
On Sunday, complete at least 4 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences:
- 2 Academics
- 2 Resources
Welcome Weekend Challenge
Over the course of weekend, you will complete 12 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences in three categories: Academics (3), Resources (6), and Connections (3). Some experiences are live, while others are on-demand and can be completed at your convenience. Live options are included in the schedule above. Click on the categories below for a full list of on-demand experiences that you can complete at your convenience, and start planning your weekend now.
Complete the Challenge
Complete 12 Welcome Weekend Challenge experiences:
- Academics (3)
- Resources (6)
- Connections (3)
Academics
How to Read a Syllabus
Learn from the experts (current students!) how to read a syllabus to help prepare for classes and plan for the semester. Have at least one syllabus for the fall semester available to follow along with this session.
Time Management 101 for College Students
This session will help you think ahead for how to budget time in online, in-person, hybrid, or HyFlex classes. Current students will talk about tools they use to manage time (planners, apps, and more!).
How to Not F*&% Up Your First Week
Learn tips from current students about how to be successful in the virtual or in-person classroom. This will help you prepare for your first week of classes and how to not make the wrong move at the start of your college journey.
Resources
De-Code Online Tools at UB
Learn about all the resources you can access on your phone, laptop or tablet that make it easy to navigate the key online resources and portals used by UB students.
Learn About How and Where to Use Your Meal Plan
Review how to use your meal plan (when and from which account?) and learn about current students' favorite spots to eat on campus.
Must-Have Apps for UB Students
Current students walk you through what apps to use and the benefits for UB students -- both general and UB apps.
College Student on A Budget
Learn from current students how to save money. From buying textbooks to eating on the cheap, these are money saving tips that will save you a dime.
How to Get Around Campus
Learn about how to use campus transportation for easy, convenient travel on, around and even off campus.
Zoom Guide for UB Students
Zoom is the safest, best way for UB students to gather in large groups. To make the most of the experience, this guide will help you get comfortable and familiar with Zoom.
Practice Your First Week of Classes
Get a feel for what to expect with your class schedule. For online classes, spend some time figuring out 1-2 locations in your current environment that work for you to focus and set-up for class. If you have in-person classes, walk around campus to figure out where it is located and the best route to get there from the parking lot, bus stop, or residence hall. If you need help, visit orientation staff at the info tents (more details below!).
Relax and Chill Out Wherever You Are
Get to know resources from UB and general tips for managing stress as a college student during COVID-19.
Access session handouts at the links below.
Check an Item off your Buffalo Bucket List
The greater Buffalo-Niagara region has a lot to offer UB students. Utilize this to guide what you should see and do during your time at UB. Get started during Welcome Weekend and cross an item off your Buffalo Bucket List.
Explore the Outdoors on or Near UB's Campuses
Review the best outdoor places on and around UB's North and South campuses for outdoor recreation or a socially distanced hangout with new friends.
Connections
Get Involved!
Hear current students share their experiences and advice about getting involved at UB and how to use UBLinked to find clubs/orgs and connection opportunities. You’ll learn about different paths to get involved and how you might apply similar strategies during your first semester.
Additional Resources During Welcome Weekend
Quick Links to Additional Resources
Welcome Weekend Assistance and Information
Orientation staff will be available at Information Tents across campus and through drop-in Zoom during Welcome Weekend (August 28 - 30). The team is available for directions, answering questions, and supporting you at your start!
Before Participating in Welcome Weekend
- Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and your coverage options.
- Complete part 1 of both AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (between August 1-28); instructions sent to your buffalo.edu email. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- Upload a photo for your UB Card on or before August 18. This is required for new on-campus residents to ensure UB has your UB card prepared for you when you arrive for move in. Students living off-campus can make an appointment to visit 1Capen beginning August 31 to get their UB Card.
- If you plan to bring a car to campus this fall, register for your Parking Permit online (requires UBIT name/password). Select to have this mailed to you. UB recommends you register for your parking pass by August 14 to ensure it arrives by mail before the start of classes.
- Use the Student Technology Guide to learn about available device discounts, configure devices for Wi-Fi and download free software.
- Review billing dates on the Student Accounts website.
- Sign up for UBAlert and download the UB Guardian App to stay informed.
- If you'll be living on campus, please visit the move-in website for arrival instructions.
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