Next Steps for New Students

Three students in class. One is smiling largely.

If you have been accepted to UB, this overview will help you understand how to navigate the process of successfully getting started.

Step 1: Let your department know you're coming

We are looking forward to you joining our community of scholars. Your department will provide you with information on how to accept your offer of admission. Admission to UB is not final until you have acknowledged your intent to enroll with your department and have followed any additional instructions the department has issued. Requirements vary so be sure to check with your department for specific details. You can find department contact information on our list of academic programs.

Step 2: Join the UB community

MyUB is a one-stop online destination for UB students, where you can access the HUB Student Center and find the latest news and events. Once you have your UBITName, person number and one-time use password, you can activate your UBITName account. Returning grads and previously accepted applicants will not receive a one-time use password and should contact the CIT Help Desk for help logging in.

Shortly after you receive an offer of admission, you will be emailed instructions on how to access your UBITName and person number along with instructions for activating your account. 

Step 3: Provide us with proof of your immunizations

UB and New York State require that all students provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella, as well as meet the requirements for meningitis. Review step 2 on the Student Health Services website for more information.

Graduate Student Health Insurance

If you have an assistantship, please visit the Human Resources website for information regarding:

  • Health insurance eligibility for state graduate student employees.
  • Bi-weekly cost of health insurance.
  • Registration for a mandatory Student Employee Health Insurance Program (SEHP) orientation and enrollment session.

All others should read about student health insurance on the Student Guide.

Step 4: Accept our rules and regulations

The State University of New York (SUNY) requires all UB students to acknowledge receipt of and affirm UB's Rules and Regulations. You may do this by logging on to the HUB Student Center through MyUB and reviewing your "holds" box. Click on the hold for rules and regulations to see the affirmation screen, where you can view and affirm them. We also recommend reviewing the Graduate School policy library.

Step 5: Complete the online education requirement

All new graduate students are required to pass "Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students," an online education requirement, in addition to coursework for your field of study. Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students is available on the Student GuideAn academic hold will be placed on your account if you do not complete this course as assigned.

Step 6: Select your classes

Make a list of the courses you plan to take, along with the course registration numbers. The registration numbers are listed on UB's Office of the Registrar website or in the HUB Student Center in MyUB. Discuss your options with your department or assigned advisor. Please note if you need to take undergraduate courses while in your graduate program, you need to fill out a petition for course credit outside your primary academic career and get appropriate approval to register for the course(s). You will be charged graduate level tuition and fees for undergraduate coursework, as you are a graduate student. 

Step 7: Prepare to enroll

  • You will enroll in classes via the HUB Student Center, which is available in MyUB. Information about HUB, including how-to videos, is available on the HUB website.
  • Check your in-state tuition eligibility; to be eligible, you must show that you have established residency and that you have a domicile in New York State that is your permanent and principal home.
  • Some programs require a tuition deposit; your place in class is not guaranteed until you submit payment in U.S. funds for that deposit.
  • Watch for orientation information; departments will typically notify you about departmental and campus-wide new student orientations.
  • Be on the lookout for registration information that will come from the Office of the Registrar.

Registration and schedules are real-time; grades and service indicators information is updated once every 24 hours. Online services are available 7 a.m.-11 p.m. EST daily.

Step 8: Get connected to UB Information Technology

Once you have activated your UBITName, you gain access to free software, discounts on new computers/devices, UBmail, networks and other technology resources, both on- and off- campus. Take advantage of all of the resources and get help with technology problems.

Step 9: Get your UB Card

Once you have registered for classes you can get your UB Card. Your UB Card is your official University at Buffalo ID and is used across campus: Getting into your residence hall, buying food on campus, working out at the gym and attending campus events are all made easy with this multi-purpose card.

Having your UB Card before you begin classes is not required, but highly recommended.

The UB Card Office has two locations:

North Campus
1Capen
716-645-6344

South Campus
Harriman Hall, Suite 104
716-829-3682

Step 10: Billing and financial aid

The HUB Student Center is your self-service online tool for billing, financial aid and course registration transactions.

Tuition e-bill notifications will be emailed to your @buffalo.edu account. Check your @buffalo.edu email account regularly to view your UB business-related correspondence.

Admitted graduate and professional students will be deemed out-of-state residents for tuition purposes until supporting documentation is provided to verify New York State (NYS) residency. Students claiming permanent domicile in New York State for 12 months or more at the time of application will be asked to upload three supporting documents to verify residency, prior to initial enrollment. Deadlines and instructions will be emailed by the admitting academic program.

1Capen, located on the ground floor of Capen Hall (North Campus) is the customer service office for the Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Accounts offices.   

Step 11: View UB Virtual On-Boarding/Orientation Presentations

Welcome to the graduate and professional student community at University at Buffalo! To assist with on-boarding, we have compiled helpful resources and videos to help you learn more about our campus offices and departments.

  • Go to video playlist

Student Accounts: Paying for College at UB

Student Wellness: A Collaborative Care Approach

This video covers the scope of care and programming that Student Wellness provides. Student Health Services, Counseling Services and Health Promotion work together to help you find the support you need to be healthy and successful at UB.

Student Health Insurance

Watch this video to learn how to waive or enroll into UB's health insurance plans.