Everything you need for life outside the classroom
New Student Checklist
Stay on track with the tasks associated with your start at UB.
This list overviews many of the tasks a new student needs to complete to successfully start at UB.
On this page:
Before You Complete the Orientation Data Form
- Activate your UBITName to log in to your UB accounts, including email. UB will communicate with you via your buffalo.edu email, which requires you to set up your UBITName and password. You have access to activate your UBITName a couple days after you are admitted. Then, login to your UBmail by visiting ubmail.buffalo.edu from a web browser and using your UBITName and password. Note: We recommend utilizing your UB email when creating your Orientation Data Form and encourage you to begin checking this email regularly for all UB communication.
- Enroll in Duo, UB's two-step verification to protect your UBITName. If you have not done so already, follow the steps on UBIT's website to enroll now. Complete this at the same time you activate your UBITName. Keep you and your devices safe.
- Submit your on-campus housing application. If you plan to live on campus this spring, we strongly recommend you complete a Housing Application and $300 deposit as soon as possible and prior to December 1. Priority for selecting your on-campus housing location/room is based on the date you submit your Housing Application, so it is best to submit right away.
- Learn more about how to choose your major. On the Orientation Data Form, you will see your current major listed and have the option to change to another available major. Inform your choice by reviewing UB's Undergraduate Academic Programs. It is also okay to not be sure; select "exploratory" if you'd like to start at UB with an undeclared major.
- Explore your interests. On the Orientation Data Form, you'll select an interest area to help us connect you with other new students who share this interest. Learn more about your options on the FAQ page ("How do I know which group (interest area) to select?").
After You Complete the Orientation Data Form
- Review your Orientation Data Form confirmation email. This email will be sent 10-15 minutes after you submit the form and includes detailed information about instructions, timelines and action steps just for you. If you used your UB email and have "Focused inbox" set up, be sure to look in the "Other inbox" tab. Learn about the Focused Inbox feature of Outlook.
- Take action on Step 2: Submit immunization records. You must meet this requirement before registering for classes.
- (international students only) Finish Provisional Admission Checklist if applicable. If you received a Provisional Admission checklist with your I-20/DS-2019, you must prepare the documents to finalize your admission.
- Get the right gear and save money. Review UB recommendations for laptops and desktops, and learn about educational device discounts from vendors like Apple, Lenovo and Dell.
- Get free software. Get your devices ready for coursework by downloading UB-provided software.
Before You Register for Classes
- Complete the UB Financial Agreement. Read and accept under the To-Do tile found in the HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on Student Accounts' website.
- Enter your Personal and Emergency Contact Information. Complete under the To-Do tile found in the HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password). Having trouble? Reference the step-by-step guide on the Office of the Registrar's website.
- (students in these majors only) Complete the Math Readiness Assessment (MRA) as soon as possible in order for your academic advisor to enroll you in the appropriate first-semester math course. Schedule your MRA through the Navigate app.
- (students interested in languages other than English) Review Languages Offered at UB and Placement Exam Information prior to working with your academic advisor.
- (international students only) Begin the online International Student Check-In and upload all required immigration documents, including your U.S. Visa Stamp.
- Review the timeline and process chart on Step 3: Register for Classes. This chart overviews the timeline and process you can expect for your major to register for classes. You need your assigned advisor code; check your Orientation Data Form confirmation email to learn your advisor code.
- Respond promptly to your academic advisor and take any action steps they advise to finalize your class schedule.
After You Register for Classes
- Send your official high school and college transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions. Review the details about where to send your transcript(s). If you receive New York State financial aid, your final high school transcript must be on file by the first day of classes; learn more from Financial Aid.
- Send your official exam scores (AP, CLEP, IB, etc.) to UB. Review the details about where to send your scores.
- (international students only) Review the Maintaining F-1 Student Status resources. You must be registered full-time (12 or more credits, or less than 12 credits will appropriate authorization) by the end of the drop/add period for the upcoming semester.
- Download the Navigate app to support your academic experience. The Navigate app allows you to schedule appointments with academic advisors and tutors and locate helpful academic resources, such as Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS).
- (on-campus residents) Select your room during your assigned appointment time in early December. Review your housing options and the selection process.
- Complete any to-do list items for financial aid located in your HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password).
- Review billing dates on the Student Accounts website. Your first payment may be due on the first day of classes. If you expect a financial aid refund, set up direct deposit to receive these funds faster. Learn more about direct deposit at UB and sign up in your HUB Student Center (access through MyUB, requires UBIT name/password).
- (international students only) Understand UB's Health Insurance Requirement and your coverage options.
- (international students only) Review information about international payments through Flywire. By using Flywire, you can track your payments, save on bank fees and exchange rates, and receive multilingual customer service.
- Submit a photo for your UB Card (requires government issued ID) by January 15. Your UB Card will be printed for you and ready to pick up at Winter Welcome. If you are a U.S. student planning to live on campus, submit your photo by December 31 and UB will mail it home to you.
- (on-campus residents) Prepare for living on campus. Select your move-in date/time in early January through the Housing Portal; you will move in between January 18 and January 20 at the date/time most convenient for you. Use the Campus Living website to review packing lists, what to expect when you move in, and more!
- (off-campus residents) Prepare for commuting to campus. Plan extra time for your first trip to campus to navigate winter weather, on-campus parking, and/or wayfinding. Review UB's tips as you plan off-campus housing.
- Complete part 1 of UB's online health/safety courses (Alcohol EDU and Sexual Assault Prevention); instructions will be sent to your UB email in January. Complete part 1 by January 21. Learn more about both programs on the Health Promotion website.
- Register your license plate (requires UBIT name/password) if you plan to bring a car to campus. Make sure your plate is on record before your first trip to campus in January for Winter Welcome.
- Review your meal plan. You can increase to a larger meal plan or add Dining Points at any point in the semester; your last day to choose a smaller meal plan online is January 31, 2025 and in-person (at 1Capen) is February 7, 2025. Learn more about meal plans.
- (international students only) Complete the online International Student Check-In and upload all required immigration documents, including your Form I-94 (only available after you enter the U.S.).
- 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.
- Set up UBmail on your devices. Learn how to set it up on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Download the GET App to order and pay for campus meals using your meal plan from the convenience of your phone.
- Sign up for UBAlert to receive UB's emergency text messages.
- Download the UB Guardian App to turn your phone into a personal safety device on campus.
- Download your UBLinked Event Pass to your phone wallet or camera roll to check in to events at UB.
- Make a plan for how you'll get your textbooks: buy, rent, borrow, and/or share.
- Understand bus and shuttle schedules to get around and between campuses. View the bus schedules.
- Download UB Mobile to take UB with you wherever you go.
- Download the UB Rewards App and create your account using your UB email to access your tickets to all UB Athletics events.
- 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