Everything you need for life outside the classroom
Welcome Weekend Schedule
Schedule of events for new U.S. and international undergraduate students during Welcome Weekend.
Welcome Weekend helps you meet your classmates, find your way around campus and prepare for a successful first semester at UB. Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 4 to plan your weekend.
New international students participate in International Welcome Weekend (Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21) which will help you with understanding academic expectations, learning about out-of-classroom experiences, and meeting other new UB students. Then, join all new students for Welcome Weekend.
Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 4 to plan your weekend.
- International First-Year Students are highly encouraged to attend Wednesday events and required to attend Thursday events.
- International Transfer Students are highly encouraged to attend events both days; we especially encourage participation in Thursday events.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
Pick up program materials (including a meal voucher for lunch) and ask questions to UB staff.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Note: You only need to check in once. If you attend today, you do not need to check in again on Thursday.
Use the meal voucher provided for lunch on campus.
LOCATION
Student Union Marketplace, North Campus
Visit the following local stores for shopping needs as you get settled in Buffalo, NY.
- Walmart: Supermarket with housing supplies, clothes, food, and more
- Wegmans: Local grocery store
- Tops: Local grocery store
- Target: Supermarket with housing supplies, clothes, food, and more
- Asia Food Market: Local grocery store specializing in goods from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia
LOCATION
Departing from Flint Loop, North Campus
Shuttles depart every 30 minutes beginning at 12:00 p.m. and visit each store in the order listed before returning to Flint Loop.
Visit at least five (5) locations on North Campus that can help support your success as a new UB student.
Check back August 20 for detailed instructions.
Connect with other students and enjoy some of UB’s global cuisines.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
If you did not check in on Wednesday, pick up program materials (including a meal voucher for lunch) and ask questions to UB staff.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Note: If you checked in on Wednesday, you do not need to check in again.
Use the meal voucher provided for a meal on campus.
LOCATION
Student Union Marketplace, North Campus
Learn more about your new UB community and be welcomed by University leaders. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Mainstage Theatre, Center for the Arts (CFA), North Campus
Learn from current UB student leaders and make connections with other new international students.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Note: Students are dismissed to Meeting #1 with Orientation Leaders from the Welcome Session.
Learn from faculty and academic advisors what it means to study in the UB classroom.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Knox Hall 20, North Campus
Attend up to two of the following 20-minute information sessions that cover UB resources or services in more detail. Sessions start at 2:55 p.m. and 3:20 p.m.
| INFORMATION SESSION | LOCATION |
| How to Commute to UB (living off campus) | NSC 220 |
| How to Learn in the UB Classroom | NSC 215 |
| How to Use Your Meal Plan | NSC 210 |
| How to Plan your Out-of-Class Experiences | NSC 201 |
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
Discuss your start at UB with current student leaders and ask questions about how to succeed in your first semester.
- Required for international first-year students
- Highly encouraged for international
transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Note: Students meet up with their Orientation Leaders following "How to UB" Info Sessions.
Connect with other students and enjoy some of UB’s global cuisines.
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Beginning with dinner, new international students follow the Welcome Weekend schedule below.
All new students participate in Welcome Weekend which helps you meet your classmates, find your way around campus, and prepare for a successful first semester at UB.
Use this schedule and the "New to UB" email sent on August 4 to plan your weekend.
- First-Year Students have requirements on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Transfer Students are highly encouraged to attend most events; some have requirements.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
Most new students move in today during the time you selected through the . Arrive to your on-campus housing location to get your key and settle in to your room.
LOCATION
Check in at your assigned residential location
Family and friends are encouraged to join today for move-in to help new students get settled in to their new home. Required events just for new students begin Friday as early as 8:30 a.m.
If you have a meal plan, it is active and available through the or your UB Card. Eat when and where it is convenient for you.
LOCATION
Crossroads Culinary Center (C3), Ellicott Complex, North Campus
Governors Dining Center, Governors Complex, North Campus
Main Street Market Dining Center, Goodyear Hall, South Campus
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Your meal plan is active and available through the or your UB Card.
LOCATION
For students living on campus,
- Use a "meal swipe" for breakfast in the residential dining center where you live.
- Use a "meal exchange" to eat on campus somewhere other than your residence hall between 7:00 and 10:30 a.m.
For students living off campus, eat when and where it is convenient for your day.
Receive your free New Student Planner, discuss expectations of Welcome Weekend, and continue the conversation about starting college at UB.
- Required for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
All new first-year and transfer students are assigned a time and location; check your August 4 "New to UB" email from ub-newstudent@buffalo.edu to know your assigned time and location.
Your meal plan is active and available through the or your UB Card.
LOCATION
For students living on campus,
- Use a "meal exchange" to eat on campus somewhere other than your residence hall between 10:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Use "dining points" to eat at any time at campus locations.
For students living off campus, eat when and where it is convenient for your day.
Your college or school has planned events for new students. Time and location vary by college/school (based on your major). Verify your assignment in your August 4 "New to UB" email.
School of Architecture and Planning (AED)
Following check-in and lunch, you will be divided into groups to visit various places such as the IT department, Library, Advising, Studios, Fabrication Department, and Career Counseling.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Hayes Hall Lobby, South Campus
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Hear “How Not to F*** Up Your First Year” from history professor and Honors College director, Pat McDevitt, followed by Wingin’ It Live!, where we’ll answer your burning questions with a side of hot wings. Wrap up the day with a meet and greet with faculty, staff and students from each College of Arts and Sciences academic department/program.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Center for the Arts, North Campus
Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (EPAC) and other exploratory (undecided) students
Hear “How Not to F*** Up Your First Year” from history professor and Honors College director, Pat McDevitt, followed by Wingin’ It Live!, where we’ll answer your burning questions with a side of hot wings.
Wrap up the day with a meet and greet with your EPAC advisors, a Career Design Center Consultant and our student ambassadors. Cookies provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Center for the Arts, North Campus
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Main Stage Theatre
- 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Screening Room
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS)
Your visit to UB's downtown medical campus will include a Dean's Welcome, lab tours, and opportunities to learn more about our undergraduate majors, clubs, and other Jacobs School resources. Snacks provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Meet at Hamilton Loop (outside ground floor Capen) for transportation to Downtown Medical Campus
Transportation departs from the Hamilton Loop (ground floor Capen) at 12:30 p.m.; Last bus departs at 12:45 p.m. Busses will return starting at 3:00 p.m.
School of Law (LAW)
Gain valuable insight from our current students and faculty on how to make a smooth transition to college, and how to succeed in the Law BA program and at UB. Faculty will provide insight into their expectations for students. Bring your questions and enjoy some snacks.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
O'Brian Hall 107, North Campus
School of Management (MG)
Meet other MG students, alums, faculty, and staff while we enjoy music and fun activities. You can also take a tour of the School of Management, chat with an academic advisor, and explore club offerings. Snacks provided.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Paula’s Plaza between Alfiero Center and Park Hall, North Campus
School of Nursing (NUR)
Learn about student services and talk with current nursing students from the undergraduate and graduate programs. Come prepared to ask your questions about the programs, becoming a nurse, and getting admitted into the nursing program.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Wende Hall 114, South Campus
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
Launch into the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the campus we call home. Sessions for each major begin at 1:00 p.m. at the location listed.
After, visit Grace Plaza for our Community Welcome Extravaganza to enjoy ice cream, other refreshments and activities that introduce you to SEAS student club representatives, faculty, and staff.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
- Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering at Norton Hall 190
- Biomedical Engineering at Knox Hall 109
- Chemical Engineering at Knox Hall 14
- Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering at Knox Hall 110
- Computer Engineering at Knox Hall 104
- Computer Science at Knox Hall 20
- Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics at Davis Hall 101
- Industrial Engineering at Norton Hall 218
- Undecided Engineering, Engineering Science, Material Science and Engineering at Natural Sciences Complex (NSC) 215
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS)
Connect with students, faculty, and staff from our school and attend exclusive sessions on pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences topics while enjoying ice cream, activities, and prizes.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Pharmacy Building 125, South Campus
School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP)
Meet and greet with faculty, attend a Dean's welcome, and learn strategies for academic success from academic advising staff. Connect with program directors and senior students. The afternoon ends with lawn games and an outdoor picnic.
- Required for first-year students
- Required for transfer students
TIME
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Diefendorf Hall 147, South Campus
Attend up to three of the following 20-minute information sessions that cover UB resources or services in more detail. Sessions start at 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
| INFORMATION SESSION | LOCATION |
| How to Survive Your First Week | NSC 201 |
| How to Study Abroad | NSC 210 |
| How to "Syllabus Map" and Get Organized for the Semester | NSC 215 |
| How to Maximize UB Technology Tools | NSC 220 |
| How to Learn in a Really Big F*^&%#* Classroom | NSC 225 |
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
After Â鶹´«Ã½ at UB, walk through your fall class schedule on your own or take a guided campus tour with Welcome Weekend staff, details below.
Ìý TOUR | LOCATION |
Ìý Walking North Campus Tour Ìý Take a 45-minute walking tour of North Campus. Ìý | We'll depart every 15 minutes from the second floor of the Student Union beginning at 3:30 p.m.; last tour leaves at 4:45 p.m. |
Ìý Walking South Campus Tour Ìý Take a 30-minute walking tour of South Campus. Ìý | We'll depart every 30 minutes from the Welcome + Information Tent outside Goodyear Hall beginning at 3:30 p.m.; last tour leaves at 4:45 p.m. |
Ìý Ride Along to Learn the Stampede Ìý Ride with Welcome Weekend staff on the UB stampede between North and South Campuses. Ìý | We'll leave every 15 minutes from both the Welcome + Information Tent outside Goodyear Hall and the first floor of Capen Hall beginning at 3:30 p.m.; last guided tour leaves at 4:45 p.m. |
Current students will guide you around campus and teach you about using campus transportation services.
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
New transfer students are invited to bring gear from your previous school to swap for a fresh UB t-shirt.
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Look for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and learn which on-campus employers are hiring now in Bullseye powered by Handshake.
If you have questions about how to work on campus, eligibility, and where to find jobs, drop by this event for assistance.
Hosted by the Career Design Center
LOCATION
Founder's Plaza, North Campus
Your meal plan is active and available through the or your UB Card. Use a "meal swipe" for dinner this evening in the residential dining center where you live, or a "meal exchange" or Dining Points at other open dining locations.
LOCATION
Crossroads Culinary Center (C3), Ellicott Complex, North Campus
Governors Dining Center, Governors Complex, North Campus
Main Street Market Dining Center, Goodyear Hall, South Campus
Attend the official welcome for the incoming class of 2025, featuring the creation of the traditional human interlocking UB logo.
This is an outdoor event; please dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and leave personal items at home (e.g., backpacks).
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. with pre-show entertainment and giveways; arrive no later than 7:40 p.m.
- Required for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
New students form UB's logo as part of the incoming class photo during the New Student Welcome.
LOCATION
UB Stadium, North Campus
To get to UB Stadium, we recommend:
- If you live on North Campus, walk (~25 minutes) or take the UB Stampede to Lee Loop and walk (~15 minutes)
- If you live on South Campus, plan extra travel time to take the UB Stampede to Flint Loop and then walk (~15 minutes)
- If you are driving to campus, park in or get dropped off at the .
Details forthcoming from Student Engagement.
LOCATION
TBA, South Campus
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Weekend Dining On Campus
Dining in Residential Dining Centers is all day (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Use the to locate other options and when they’re open. Eat when and where it is convenient for you.
All new students are assigned specific times (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.) to rotate through the three sessions below.
Check your August 4 "New to UB" email to know your assigned time and location; seating is limited and we can only accommodate you at your assigned time and location.
Learn more about Our UB Community expectations and resources during the required sessions.
Diversity Keynote
This interactive discussion will address one of UB's values: promoting a culture of equity and inclusion. Our speaker will highlight how everyone contributes to the strength and richness of our UB community, emphasize the importance of embracing our differences and connecting with peers, and help us continue to create a supportive and welcoming environment.
.
Hosted by the Intercultural and Diversity Center
- Required for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
LOCATION
Mainstage Theatre, Center for the Arts (CFA), North Campus
"The Hook Up"
All new first-year students attend this fun, interactive show that explores college, sex, and hook up culture.
Hosted by Health Promotion
- Required for first-year students
Transfer students do not participate in this event.
LOCATION
Various North Campus Lecture Halls
Time for Self-Care
Explore what self-care can look like at UB. As a college student, it is important that you figure out how to continue your existing habits or establish new ones at UB!
Review the schedule options below under UB Rec and UB Well.
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Details forthcoming from Health Promotion.
Hosted by Health Promotion
LOCATION
In and Around the Student Union, North Campus
Alumni Arena Tours
Come explore and discover Recreation at Alumni Arena. Take one of our guided tours to get acclimated with the building and amenities of the facility. Finding your fit just got easier with a personal tour guide to locate the hidden gems of Recreation inside Alumni Arena!
Tours begin at 175 Alumni Arena and leave at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Hosted by UB REC
LOCATION
Alumni Arena, North Campus
Open REC: Sports
Open REC: Sports offers laid-back activities for all skill levels and backgrounds. Play basketball in the Ed Wright Practice Facility in Alumni Arena, familiarize yourself with the Fitness Center in Alumni Arena, play pickleball or tennis at the Ellicott Tennis Complex, or jog at the outdoor track at Kunz Stadium.
Hosted by UB REC
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Details forthcoming from Student Engagement.
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
Explore opportunities on campus and sign up to participate in student-run clubs/orgs.
LOCATION
TBA, North Campus
Check back in August for details on how to check in to the event.
Celebrate the new school year with a pep rally featuring local entertainment and fireworks.
LOCATION
UB Stadium, North Campus
Details forthcoming from Student Engagement.
LOCATION
TBA, North Campus
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
Details forthcoming from Student Engagement.
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Details forthcoming from the LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center
LOCATION
TBA, North Campus
Attend up to three of the following 20-minute information sessions that cover UB resources or services in more detail. Sessions start at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
| INFORMATION SESSION | LOCATION |
| How to Commute to UB (living off campus) | NSC 210 |
| How to Get Around Campus | NSC 220 |
| How to Know What is Happening On Campus | NSC 201 |
| How to Use Your Meal Plan | NSC 215 |
- Highly encouraged for first-year students
- Highly encouraged for transfer students
Learn the basics about UB through information sessions.
Open REC: Sports offers laid-back activities for all skill levels and backgrounds. Play basketball in the Ed Wright Practice Facility in Alumni Arena, familiarize yourself with the Fitness Center in Alumni Arena, play pickleball or tennis at the Ellicott Tennis Complex, or jog at the outdoor track at Kunz Stadium.
Hosted by UB REC
LOCATION
Various North Campus Locations
Bulls Like Me are affinity spaces designed for you to connect with students with a shared identity or interests; sessions are open and welcoming to all students. Welcome Weekend staff facilitate casual conversation and share resources for each group. Snacks provided.
LOCATION
Check back in August for available groups and locations.
Reconnect with other new international students, enjoy snacks, and celebrate the beginning of your UB journeys together!
LOCATION
Student Union 215 (Social Hall), North Campus
Look for the blue and white tricycle to get a free treat and learn which on-campus employers are hiring now in Bullseye powered by Handshake.
If you have questions about how to work on campus, eligibility, and where to find jobs, drop by this event for assistance.
Hosted by the Career Design Center
LOCATION
Founder's Plaza, North Campus
Details forthcoming from the Intercultural and Diversity Center.
Hosted by the Intercultural and Diversity Center
LOCATION
TBA, North Campus
Meet the people living around you and share expectations for your new community.
Additional details forthcoming from Campus Living.
- Required for new students living on campus
LOCATION
Your Residence Hall
Your Resident Assistant (RA) will let you know the time and location for your meeting.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25 + TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
Celebrate the first two days of classes at UB with a pic!
Stop by the Academic Promenade (between the Student Union and Lockwood Library) between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. where Welcome Weekend staff will have signs and photographers to help you capture the moment.
Tag us on social media (@ubstudentexp) and use UB hashtags (#ubuffalo and #NewtoUB).
- Welcome + Information Tents continue outside the Student Union (Lee Loop) and Capen Hall (Flint Loop). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions during the first two days of the fall semester!
Welcome Weekend is the official kickoff to the fall semester and the second part of the "New to UB" experience for new undergraduate students, coordinated by Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs.
- Welcome + Information Tents are available outside the Student Union (Lee Loop), Capen Hall (Flint Loop), and Goodyear Hall (South Campus). Look for the blue tents and Welcome Weekend staff to provide directions and answer questions!
- Contact the Orientation Office via email, phone (716-645-6125), or in-person (112 Student Union) during our Welcome Weekend hours:
- Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
Student Life
Â鶹´«Ã½o
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125