University at Buffalo (UB)
Incoming Students
Students attend the Welcome Back Blast Pep Rally and Fireworks Spectacular on the Student Union Field. Photographer: Douglas Levere
Welcome to the University at Buffalo! We are thrilled that you chose a major within the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Student Advisement and Services is here to help you every step to graduation.
What we do
We help undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences plan their academic path, develop goals, and provide support and recommendations to help students graduate college.
We will be reaching out to new incoming students by email and phone as you complete these steps below.
Work to remove all your holds
To remove your holds you'll need to have paid your tuition deposit, completed your Orientation Data Form, and submitted your medical / immunization records which may take up to 3-4 weeks to process.
Before starting your first semester at UB, here is what you need to do.
1. Sign up for the virtual Course Registration Informational Sessions. Step-by-step instructions to sign up with dates and times will be sent to your UB email.
2. Attend your virtual session, where you'll spend an hour with our Academic Advisors talking about:
- Ways your academic advisor can help you.
- Your requirements for your major.
- Tools and resources that will help you throughout your time at UB, like HUB Student Center, UB Curriculum and the Academic Calendar.
- Next steps before the semester starts.
💡Pro Tip: Work to remove all your holds, including immunization holds that may take up to 3-4 weeks to process. They will prevent you from getting your class schedule!
Once all your holds have been removed, you'll receive an email from your advisor giving you information about your major and a survey to help create your class schedule.
💡Pro Tip: The sooner you complete the survey, the quicker you can get your class schedule!
After completing the survey, you'll get your class schedule with tips on how to read it, instructions to sign up for a 199 seminar (3-credit) course, and details about important offices you should know.
💡Pro Tip: Email your academic advisor if you have any questions about your schedule.
After completing the steps above, here are things you can do next.
Orientation for New First-Year Students
Please complete the Orientation Data Form to register for orientation. If you have any questions, please contact Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs.
Get your textbooks
Once you receive your schedule, you may review your required textbooks online through the HUB Student Center. You can buy your books from the University Bookstore or other online stores.
💡Pro Tip: You may wait until you arrive to purchase their materials on campus.
Finish in 4
Finish in 4 is a pledge by you to do what it takes to earn your degree in four years and a pledge by UB and your academic advisors to provide you with the resources needed to do that.
When the semester starts, you can get in touch with an advisor to help with:
- For quick questions, sign-up for a drop-in advising appointment using Navigate Monday - Friday, 1-3 p.m.
- Book a 30-minute one-on-one appointment through Navigate to ask more complex questions.
- Sign up for advising workshops starting in October to learn about registering for courses (for either non-major or major-specific), Pathways, changing majors or adding a major/minor.
💡Pro Tip: The drop/add period is August 22 - September 5. Sign-up for a drop-in advising appointment through Navigate to talk to your advisor about adding or dropping classes.
Have questions?
Check out some commonly asked questions that might help you.