Incoming Students

Students attend the Welcome Back Blast Pep Rally and Fireworks Spectacular on the Student Union Field at the end of Welcome in August 2022. Photographer: Douglas Levere.

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.

For First-Year Students For Transfer Students FAQs

Getting started as a first-year student

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Before starting your first semester at UB, here is what you need to do.

What's next?

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.

How to get in touch

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.