Everything you need for life outside the classroom
Step 1: Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form
Start by filling out the Advisement and Orientation Form* to provide key information to UB.
*This form was previously called the Orientation Data Form (ODF).
On this page:
Before You Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form
New students should review and/or take action on the following:
- Activate your UBITName to log in to your UB accounts, including email. UB will communicate with you via your buffalo.edu email, which requires you to . You have access to activate your UBITName a couple days after you deposit. Then, log in to your UBmail by visiting from a web browser and using your UBITName and password. Note: We recommend using your UB email when creating your Advisement and Orientation Form and encourage you to begin checking this email regularly for all UB communication.
- Enroll in Duo, UB's two-step verification to protect your UBITName. . Complete this at the same time you activate your UBITName. Keep you and your devices safe.
- Submit your on-campus housing application. If you plan to live on campus this fall, we strongly recommend you complete a Housing Application and $300 deposit as soon as possible and prior to May 12. Priority for selecting your on-campus housing location/room is based on the date you submit your Housing Application, so it is best to submit right away.
- Learn more about how to choose your major. On the Advisement and Orientation Form, you will see your current major listed and have the option to change to another available major. Inform your choice by reviewing UB's Undergraduate Academic Programs. It is also okay to not be sure; select "exploratory" if you'd like to start at UB with an undeclared major.
- Explore your interests. On the Advisement and Orientation Form, you'll select an interest area to help us connect you with other new students who share this interest. Learn more about your options on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page ("How do I know which group (interest area) to select?").
Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form
On the Advisement and Orientation Form, you will:
- Provide details about your academic background and interests to your academic advisor. They will help you begin academic planning and develop a preliminary class schedule.
- Register for Step 4: Participate in Summer Orientation
- Provide a family member's contact information; we'll send them emails with helpful resources to support your start at UB.
- If available, register a family member for on-campus Parent and Family Orientation concurrent with your Summer Orientation; learn more about the program on the Parent and Family Orientation page.
Please complete the Advisement and Orientation Form within 1 week of submitting your tuition deposit.
For most students, the Advisement and Orientation Form takes 30 minutes to complete. If you have questions when submitting the form please consult our FAQ page, email us, or call during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for additional assistance.
* The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal access to information that is presented online. As part of this commitment, university web content must be accessible to everyone, including individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments, with or without the use of assistive technology. If you encounter an accessibility issue when completing the Advisement and Orientation Form, please contact the orientation office.
STAY ON TRACK
Starting April 1, finish Step 1: Complete the Advisement and Orientation Form within 1 week of submitting your tuition deposit.
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Need Help?
Helping new students transition to life at UB:
Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
Student Life
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125