Next Steps for New Graduate Students
Here is how to ensure a smooth start at UB.
We are excited to have you join the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences! We've outlined in detail how to go from an accepted student to becoming an enrolled UB Bull:
Step 1: Confirm your intent to enroll and join our Discord channel!
To accept your offer of admission, log in to your Application Status Portal and complete the Intent to Enroll form.
We also encourage all admitted students to join our Discord channel! Discord is a chat-based platform where you can post questions and chat live with whoever is online. Our Discord channel allows you to chat with our ambassadors, academic coordinators and admissions staff, and connect with other students in your program.
Step 2: Complete the international admissions process (if applicable)
New international students who receive an offer of admission and confirm their intent to enroll are required to upload the following items in the Application Status Portal in order for UB International Admissions to issue you a I-20 or DS-2019:
- Passport biographical page. Scan a copy of the page from your passport that includes your name, citizenship, date of birth and picture.
- Financial form. Download the form (PDF) and follow the instructions carefully. You and the person(s) who will be paying your tuition should sign this form. A link to the form will be in your Application Status Portal under the "Immigration" tab.
- Bank statement: To apply for your student visa, you will need to provide bank statements demonstrating your family's ability to pay your first year’s tuition, fees, health insurance and cost of living allowance.
If you are already in the United States on a visa, we will need copies of your current immigration documents. These may include:
- Current I-20
- Current visa
- Receipt/approval notice from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Any legal documents pertaining to your immigration status
Not applying for a student visa? We will still need a copy of your passport biographical page and your current visa.
While the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences reviews applications and provides offers of admission, acceptance for international students must also be confirmed by UB's Office of International Admissions.
International admission cannot be officially confirmed, and immigration documents cannot be issued until the above documents are recieved.
Finalizing international admission
In addition to the above requirements, students are encouraged to upload the official documents needed to finalize admission with the Office of International Admissions if they haven't already included them in their application. Typically, these documents include official academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency. Detailed information can be found on The Graduate School website.
Uploading your official documents is not required at this time but is recommended. If further documents are needed, the Office of International Admissions will email you to finalize them at a later date.
Step 3: Activate your UBIT account
Your UBIT account provides access to many vital online services, including MyUB, HUB Student Center, UB Learns, Bullseye powered by Handshake, and more. Once you have your UBITName, person number and one-time use password (OTP), you can activate your UBITName account. Here's how it works:
1. Shortly after your admission is finalized, you can find your UBITName and person number in the Application Status Portal under "Important UB Student Information." About seven to ten business days after your UBITName and person number are created, you will receive an email with your OTP and instructions on how to activate your account. If you have previously been a UB student, you will not receive an OTP; contact UBIT Help Desk at (716) 645-3542.
2. Once you have your UBITName, person number and OTP, you can activate your account and create your new password. If you have trouble accessing your UBIT account and/or email, please contact the UBIT Help Desk at (716) 645-3542 and identify yourself as a new student.
3. After you activate your UBITName, you can enroll in two-step verification from Duo. The first time you log into UB services like HUB, MyUB or UB Learns, you will be asked to enroll a device in two-step verification to confirm it is really you and to protect your account.
International students will receive their UBITName and person number after they have completed the immigration process with international admissions. See Step 2
Step 4: Pay your tuition deposit
A nonrefundable $150 tuition deposit is required to secure your seat in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Once you have your person number, you can pay your tuition deposit in your Application Status Portal.
The $150 deposit will be applied to your student account and go towards your first semester tuition and fees. It is not an extra fee.
Step 5: Finalize your admission
If you haven't provided your official transcripts or proof of your bachelor's degree by this point, now is the time. Keep an eye on your email for instructions on submitting these documents. The process is different for incoming domestic and international students.
Incoming international students must also provide official proof of English language proficiency. Test scores should be sent electronically to UB directly from the testing agency. Results must be dated within two years of your admission date and remain valid upon your entry date. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and how to send your scores to UB.
| Test Type: | To Order: |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Log in to your ETS account and follow the ETS instructions on how to order scores. UB's Institution Code is 2925. |
| IELTS | Contact your test center or select them via the booking portal. Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" when prompted to select an institution. |
| PTE | Log in to your myPTE account and follow the instructions on how to share your score report. Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" when prompted to select an institution. |
| Duolingo | Log in to your Duolingo account and follow the instructions on how to share your results. Select "University at Buffalo, The State University of New York - Graduate Admissions" when prompted to select an institution. |
If the program you have been admitted to requires GRE scores, those should also be sent directly from ETS to UB at this time. UB's Institution Code is 2925.
Step 6: Meet immunization requirements
All incoming students must provide an official record in English of their measles, mumps and rubella immunity and meet the meningitis information requirement. Course registration is blocked until these requirements are fulfilled. See the Student Health Services website for more information.
Step 7: Complete the International Student Check-in (if applicable)
All F-1 and J-1 students starting a new program at UB, transferring to UB from another U.S. university or entering the U.S. with an initial I-20/DS-2019 are required to complete the International Student Check-in. There are several steps involved so we recommend you begin as soon as possible.
Step 8: Attend International Pre-Arrival Events (if applicable)
Each semester, UB's Office of International Student Services (ISS) hosts a series of live pre-arrival events to help new graduate international students learn and prepare for their start at UB. These virtual events include topics such as:
- On and off-campus housing
- Visa and travel information
- UB cards and meal plans
- How to register for classes and pay your bills
- Health insurance and wellness services
- Academic expectations
- On-campus employment and career services
- Campus rules and safety
- Food, shopping, transportation and getting settled at UB
ISS pre-arrival events are optional but highly recommended to ensure a smooth start! They are also often recorded if you would like to watch them later.
Step 9: Log into the HUB Student Center and remove holds
A hold is an action the university uses to prevent students from registering for classes, receiving grades, and releasing student records, including diplomas, enrollment certification or transcripts. Holds may be placed by various offices on campus. Most new students will have the following initial holds or actions they need to take:
- Accept rules and regulations
- Verify profile information
- Complete the financial agreement
To review your holds, visit your HUB Student Center via MyUB (UBITName and password required). Detailed information about each hold, including steps for resolving it, is available in HUB. You cannot register for classes until your holds are resolved.
Step 10: Verify New York State residency (if applicable)
In order to be eligible for in-state resident tuition, admitted graduate students must be currently living in New York State for one year or more and submit the required documentation in their Application Status Portal. You will be deemed an out-of state resident for tuition purposes until supporting documentation is approved to verify New York State residency. Deadlines and instructions for how to provide these documents will be emailed to you. More information on how to verify NYS residency and acceptable documentation for verification can be found on The Graduate School website.
Step 11: Complete virtual health and safety training
All new students (including online students) are required to complete virtual UB health and safety trainings. Instructions will arrive in your UB email for required trainings.
Specifically, new graduate students must pass the Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students requirement. Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students is available on the Student Guide. An academic hold will be placed on your account if you do not complete this course as assigned.
Step 12: Attend orientations
Required Onboarding Events
As your starting semester approaches, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will host three different orientations. These important and mandatory onboarding events include:
- Welcome Webinar Series
- SEAS In-Person Orientation
- Department Orientation
The welcome series typically covers topics such as academic integrity, appreciating cultural diversity, careers and on-campus job opportunities. It also includes a Q&A with current students and staff to address any outstanding questions you may have before arriving on campus. The in-person and department orientations will ensure you're prepared to start your program and register for classes.
These events are mandatory, and invitations to these events will be emailed to you. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, preventing you from attending. In such cases, we encourage you to reach out to us at gradeng@buffalo.edu so we can provide the necessary support and information.
Other Onboarding Resources
Optional virtual onboarding presentations are also available to help you learn more about our campus offices and departments:
Step 13: Register for classes
Once all of your holds are resolved, you've attended your orientations, and course registration opens, you will be able to register for 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. If you have any questions about courses or class registration, contact the Graduate Academic Coordinator in your department.
Unless instructed otherwise, you will enroll in classes via the HUB Student Center in MyUB. Information about HUB, including how-to videos, is available on the HUB website. Be on the lookout for registration information that will come from the Office of the Registrar.
Step 14: Get connected to UB
Take advantage of your UB technology access
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.
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 for getting into residence halls, buying food on campus, working out at the gym and attending campus events.
Having your UB Card before you begin classes is not required, but highly recommended.
UB Card Office Locations:
North Campus
1Capen
(716) 645-6344
South Campus
Harriman Hall, Suite 104
(716) 829-3682
Step 15: 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 sent to your UB email. Check your UB email account regularly to view your UB business-related correspondence.
1Capen, located on the ground floor of Capen Hall on the North Campus is the customer service office for the Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Accounts offices.