What Parents Want to Know

How does my student accept their admissions offer, and what are the next steps to enroll?

The first step to enroll is to pay the $150 enrollment/tuition deposit. Your student can do so by visiting the Make Your Deposit page on the Office of Admissions website. Then, they can follow the next Steps to Enroll.

When will my student hear from their advisor and get their class schedule? How do they register for classes?

Completing the Orientation Data Form is the first step in your student’s fall course registration. Students provide their academic background and interests to their academic advisor through this form and register for a required orientation program. Students must also submit their immunization records before they can register for classes.
Once students have completed the Orientation Data Form and submitted their immunization requirements, their academic advisor will contact them to begin planning their course schedule. Course registration timeline, process and student experience differs by major and/or special program. Information will be shared with your student to help them understand the course registration process for their major or program.
Generally, new first-year students are registered for fall classes sometime between May 1 and July 1. Some majors/programs are given a partial schedule, and new students are instructed to register themselves for the remaining classes (e.g., UB Seminar course and, sometimes, a UB Pathways course). New transfer students register for fall classes with their academic advisor’s assistance sometime between April 1 and Sept. 1.

How can I gain access to my student’s records and information?

All UB communication and information, including bills and grades, are sent directly to your student. We encourage you to communicate with your student so you can get information directly from them and help your student continue to take responsibility for these important matters. This policy is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Who is required to have health insurance?

Health insurance is mandatory for international students/scholars, students participating in study abroad programming and intercollegiate (domestic and international) athletes. Please visit the Student Guide for additional information on health insurance requirements.

How does my student apply for financial aid?

To apply for federal financial aid, your student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online when the application opens. To determine if your student is eligible for any New York State aid, there is a link to the New York State aid application on the FAFSA’s submission confirmation page.

Please note that students need to fill out a FAFSA every year. All students, regardless of income, are encouraged to complete the FAFSA.

How does my student accept their financial aid offer?

Students will be able to view their financial aid package through the HUB Student Center under the Financial Aid tile. Students can view the instructions for how to view, accept or decline aid on the Financial Aid website.

What are my billing options?

Students may pay the fall semester's eBill statement amount in full by the statement due date or enroll in a payment plan. Payment plans are available for both the fall and spring terms. If you're interested in a payment plan, you or your student must enroll at the beginning of each term. Please note: Students are not automatically enrolled for the following semester. The payment plan is not a loan program, and the service is provided interest-free. For additional information, please visit the Student Accounts website.

How does my student pay their bill?

Online payment (credit card or eCheck) is the University at Buffalo's preferred method of payment. When paying online, payments are posted to the student's account in real time. Students can designate a parent or family member as an authorized payer, which grants access to make payments on the student's eBill. Read more about authorized payers.

What happens if my student receives a refund of financial aid?

Student Accounts will automatically refund credit balances on the student's account as a result of financial aid overpayment or adjustments on their bill. We highly recommend students enroll in direct deposit to receive their refund faster. Parents who will receive a refund from a Parent PLUS Loan may enroll in direct deposit. Your student needs to designate you as an authorized payer to have access to this service. Read more about refunds.

Can my family visit campus in person?

In-person campus visits and tours are available. Register for a tour now.

What housing options are available? Can my student request a roommate, and how do they select one? When will they get their room assignment? When is move-in day?

Students are eligible for a variety of options based on their high school graduation date. For the 2024-25 academic year, first-year students who graduate high school in 2024 can choose from several complexes including Ellicott, Governors and South Campus Halls, with each offering a variety of room configurations. In addition, Campus Living offers a number of Living Learning Communities, an opportunity to reside with like-minded students and attend programs and events specifically designed around shared interests.
The 2024-25 housing application opened on January 25, 2024. The application deadline is May 24, 2024. Students can submit a housing application after they have paid their tuition deposit. Students who are not pre-assigned can create roommate groups during the grouping process in June. Self-selection, the process where the students select their on-campus housing, takes place the week of June 26.
The fall 2024 move-in day for new students is August 22. Students will select their move-in appointment in early August. Please visit the Campus Living website for updates.

What technology will my student need?

Visit the UB Information Technology website for information on UBIT services, your student’s UB email, software downloads, equipment and more. Have your student watch the Student Technology Guide video to learn how to get started with their tech!

What is Welcome Weekend and when is it?

Welcome Weekend is the official kick-off to the fall semester for new students. During Welcome Weekend, new students prepare for academics at UB, explore UB resources and connect with other students.

How does my student accept their credit from AP/IB/college courses in high school?

Students should designate UB (using SUNY Center Buffalo/School Code 2925) at the time they take an exam or when requesting score reports for UB. Students can request evaluation of accepted alternative credit types for possible UB credit awards by having official documentation and score reports sent directly to the Office of Admissions, University at Buffalo, 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660. To view scores accepted by the university, please refer to our alternative test credit charts.

How can I support my student during this time?

It’s an exciting time for your student, one that comes with a lot of emotions for both you and them.

As your student completes their enrollment process, they will begin to receive emails from various UB offices, including from the orientation staff, advisors, Student Accounts and the housing office. They will communicate directly to students primarily via their UB email, so remind your student to check it!

Students should check their email at least twice a week and respond promptly to any action items. Setting aside time with your student to do this weekly is a great practice.

Your questions, answered.