Step 5: Attend Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend prepares you for the start of classes through a semi-structured series of events.
On this page:
Program Overview
Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for new students. During Welcome Weekend you'll connect with current students, meet new students, find your way around campus and participate in events designed just for you.
Welcome Weekend is semi-structured, meaning that we'll provide some guidance, but there's also a lot of choice for you! Review the information below to know what is required for first-year students, and recommended for new transfer or international students.
Schedule Details and Requirements
First-Year Students
You are required to attend:
- Your assigned Small Group Meeting on Friday morning
- Playfair (large-scale icebreaker forum) on Friday afternoon
- New Student Welcome on Friday evening
- Your assigned "The Hook Up" on Friday or Saturday evening
- Residence Hall Floor Meetings on Sunday
You'll receive your assigned locations and times for these via email by August 15. It is important that you attend each requirement during Welcome Weekend, and bring your cell phone with your UBLinked pass for attendance.
If you have a conflict and are unable to attend an event, we'll follow-up with you during the first few weeks of the semester for any make-up requirements. Check your UB email.
In addition to your requirements, Welcome Weekend also features events to help you prepare for success in the UB classroom and meet new friends and classmates. Review the schedule online or the printed version you'll receive when you arrive on campus to plan the rest of your first weekend at UB.
Plan Ahead
You may have other UB commitments during the weekend, such as the start of a required course, student-athlete requirements or department or special interest meetings.
Be sure to consider those when planning your Welcome Weekend schedule.
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Sample Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | New Students Move In to Residence Halls |
| 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. | Welcome Weekend "Welcome!" Meetings |
| 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Programming in Residence Halls |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Commuter Student Check-in and Breakfast |
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Welcome Weekend Leader Group Meetings |
| 11:30 - 2:30 p.m. | On-Campus Job Fair (Review available jobs and plan ahead for the fair on Career Services website.) |
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Transfer Student Meet-up |
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Playfair (large-scale icebreaker) |
| 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. | New Student Welcome |
6:30- 7:30 p.m. 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. | "The Hook Up" |
| 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Commuter Student Picnic |
| 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. | First Night Fun |
| 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. | Late Night Programming in Residence Halls |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Pride and Service Day (pre-register on UBLinked) |
| 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | "How to UB" Breakout Sessions |
| 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Campus Fest |
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | "The Hook Up" |
| 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. | Bulls After Dark Welcome Bash |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Academic Connection Faculty Sessions |
| 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | "How to UB" Breakout Sessions |
| 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Campus Walking Tours |
| 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Transfer Student Meet-up |
| 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Dog Therapy Chill Out Event |
| 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Residence Hall Programming |
| 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. | Residence Hall Floor Meetings |
Before You Attend
- Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and your coverage options.
- Complete part 1 of both AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (between August 1-24). Access both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- Connect with UB Information Technology to learn about available device discounts, configure devices for Wi-Fi and download free software.
- Review your meal plan options and make final adjustments for the fall semester by August 30.
- Review billing dates on the Student Accounts website. Your first payment may be due before classes start.
- Sign up for UBAlert or download the UB Guardian App to stay informed.
- If you'll be living on campus, please visit the move-in website for arrival instructions.
Next
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 or (877) 434-0665