Fall Opening

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The start of the new 2024 academic year is jam-packed with exciting events created just for you. Join us in August as we kick-off the new semester.

Something for Everyone

Campus Fest

Students attend Campus Fest during Opening Weekend.

Meet with over 150 clubs/orgs, dunk an orientation leader (OL), play on inflatables, or grab a snack from a food truck during this event.

Sat. 8/24 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Student Union Field/Furnas Parking Lot/Mary Talbert Way

Victor's Glow Zone Party

Victor E. Bull Glow Zone dance party illustration.

An unforgettable night of pulsating beats, neon revelry, and boundless fun!

Sat. 8/24 from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Student Union Field

Bulls Welcome Back Blast

Fireworks exploding behind baird point.

Celebrating the start of the new academic year with fireworks and entertainment. A live DJ kicks-off this free event under the stars. View the full schedule.

Sun. 8/25 from 8 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; UB Stadium

For New Students

New undergraduate students participate in Welcome Weekend. Learn about the semi-structured experience, including assigned sessions and requirements for first-year students, on the Welcome Weekend page.

Aerial image of the annual human interlocking UB photo during opening weekend.

Interlocking UB - a unique tradition you'll experience as a new student.

For Campus Residents

Welcome home campus residents - we can't wait to see you during Move In and our first signature event Thursday night, FOCUS on the South Campus.

Opening video still: FOCUS: Festival of Cultures Uniting Students Event.

A student-led parade kick-offs a celebration of cultures followed by a dance party, games and international foods during FOCUS (Festival of Culture Uniting Students).

Thu. 8/22 from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Goodyear Hall, South Campus

Upcoming Events

Apr - 21 - Sign-A-Bull - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Apr
21
2025
Apr - 21 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMSign-A-Bull
4/21/2025 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Apr - 21 - Tough Topics: Xenophobia: The Feat of the "Other" - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Apr
21
2025
Apr - 21 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PMTough Topics: Xenophobia: The Feat of the "Other"
4/21/2025 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Student Union - Room 240
Apr - 22 - Sign-A-Bull - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Apr
22
2025
Apr - 22 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMSign-A-Bull
4/22/2025 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
See more events>

Ready to Explore Buffalo?

Buffalo has many restaurants, cultural spaces, parks and other outdoor destinations to enjoy. Find some time to get to know your city after your orientation activities:

Level Up Your Experience

Visiting UB?

Student Life proudly partners with local hospitality services to offer both convenience and value to guests visiting UB and attending our events. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.

2024 Opening

  • Campus Living staff welcomes students move into the Ellicott Residence Hall Complex on North Campus.
  • South Campus comes to life as students move into Goodyear and Clement Halls on the South Campus.
  • The FOCUS event included a parade from Hayes Hall to Goodyear Hall, with an array of flags from countries representative of the UB student body.
  • The Intercultural and Diversity Center met with students at the FOCUS event to share upcoming events and office information.
  • The interlocking UB is truly the first test for the class of 2028.
  • The human interlocking UB is the first step to becoming True Blue.
  • The UB Class of 2028 continues the tradition of forming a human interlocking UB logo.
  • Hundreds of students attended Campus Fest on Saturday of Opening Weekend.
  • Student Engagement Ambassadors and Staff engage with students to share information about getting involved on campus.
  • Victor's Glow Party is a student favorite event during Opening Weekend.
  • UB Alum and Host of That UB Life Peter Johnson gets the crowd excited for the Blast.
  • NBC's The Voice finalists Cami Clune and Josh Vicanti perform at the Bulls Welcome Back Blast.
  • An energized crowd looked on in amazement as UB students did their best to stay on the mechanical bull during the Bulls Welcome Back Blast.
  • America's Got Talent performers, the Spyros Bros, performed for an enthusiastic crowd at the Bulls Welcome Back Blast.
  • Head Football Coach Pete Lembo addressed the crowd during the Bulls Welcome Back Blast pep rally.
  • UB drones capture an aerial view of the thousands that attended the Bulls Welcome Back Blast.
  • Students stop at a station to take a first day photo outside the Student Union along the Promenade on the Spine of North Campus.
  • Orientation Leaders provide students directions outside Capen Hall on the first day of classes for the fall semester.
Video thumbnail: Celebrating Fall Opening 2024.
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