Everything you need for life outside the classroom
International Welcome Weekend
Prepare for the start of the semester with an extended, on-campus experience just for new international undergraduate students.
Please check back in February for information about International Welcome Weekend in 2025. Use the 2024 details below as a reference for what to expect.
International Welcome Weekend is an extended experience prior to the fall semester for all new international undergraduate students. You will prepare for academics at UB, explore UB resources, and connect with other students.
- International Welcome Weekend is an on-campus experience from Wednesday, August 21, through Thursday, August 22.
- Then, all new undergraduate students attend Welcome Weekend from Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25.
- Classes begin Monday, August 26.
Learn more about program details and requirements below.
We cannot wait to welcome you to UB and help you plan for a successful first semester!
Additional Requirements
Some students have additional requirements prior to the start of the semester, during Welcome Weekend. View details below and plan your time to comply with all requirements.
During International Welcome Weekend you will
- Arrive early to get settled in Buffalo, NY and on campus
- Prepare for the U.S. classroom
- Connect with other new international students
- Explore out-of-classroom activities
- Begin the adjustment to life as a UB student
- Explore UB campuses
International Welcome Weekend is a semi-structured experience, meaning that you will be assigned a specific schedule for portions of the experience, including your requirements, and can choose what is most important to you during the other times.
You will receive your individualized schedule of assigned events, including times and locations, in your UB email in August.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Details
- August 20 - on-campus resident move-in
- August 21 - International Welcome Weekend begins
- Plan to arrive in Buffalo, NY no later than August 21
What's Required?
First-year students
First-year students have some required events during International Welcome Weekend, including:
- Thursday, August 22
Transfer students
Most transfer students do not have required events during International Welcome Weekend, but we strongly recommend you attend to get to know your new university.
PARTICIPATE IN A CAMPUS TRADITION
Learn more about our favorite new student tradition during Welcome Weekend: the iconic human UB photo.
QUESTIONS ABOUT WELCOME WEEKEND?
Have a question about the weekend or anticipate a conflict? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for guidance.
How to Get to UB
Whether you're living on one of UB's campuses or commuting from an off-campus location, it is an exciting week of settling in to new places or routines! Use the information in this section to prepare for your first trip to campus in August.
Utilize UB's regularly scheduled shopping shuttles (view schedule here) or our Wednesday, August 21 shopping trip to purchase supplies after you arrive.
Please note: family and friends are welcome to join to assist you with move-in and getting settled in Buffalo, NY. We strongly recommend reviewing your International Welcome Weekend schedule to plan when to say goodbye.
Navigation Resources
On-Campus Move-In
If you are living in on-campus housing, we recommend you move in on Tuesday, August 20. You may choose to arrive earlier to allow for rest and adjusting to the Eastern time zone. The earliest on-campus move-in date for new students is Saturday, August 17.
Campus Living will email you on July 31 to select your move-in date through the Housing Portal. Plan to arrive on the date you select to check in (get your key) and then you'll have a few hours to move in your belongings and settle into your space.
Commuting to Campus
Plan to commute to campus each day of International Welcome Weekend to help you get familiar with how you navigate to and around UB's campuses.
Program Check-In
Check-in for International Welcome Weekend takes place on August 21 and August 22 on the first floor of Capen Hall at the University at Buffalo's North Campus.
If you plan to arrive by UB bus/shuttle, view the schedule for "North Campus Shuttle" and pick up the shuttle at your location to arrive to the Flint Loop.
If you plan to get dropped off, have your ride use Google Maps directions to Flint Loop to arrive at the south entrance of the building.
If you plan to drive to UB, you may park at the Slee A Lot (enter 'Slee A Lot, University at Buffalo' in your GPS or navigational tool, or visit Google Maps for directions to Slee A Lot). Make sure your license plate is on record before your trip to campus; register your plate now (requires UBIT name/password).
ON-campus Resources
- 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.
- Sign up for UBAlert to receive UB's emergency text messages.
- Download your UBLinked Event Pass to your phone wallet or camera roll to check in to events at UB.
STAY ON TRACK
Take action on all tasks listed on the New Student Checklist.
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