You Made it to Buffalo State! What's next?

Welcome to your exciting new chapter! At Buffalo State, you’ll find a welcoming community, personalized academic support, and resources to help you thrive from your first semester through graduation.

The Fall 2026 semester begins Monday, August 31.

Bengal mascot in front of Rockwell Hall

Explore

Discover Buffalo State's Campus

Looking for a classroom, lecture hall, or a space to relax? Ask a fellow Bengal! Buffalo State's campus is full of friendly students and approachable faculty and staff. 

Buffalo State Virtual Tour 
Take a peek at our buildings, classrooms, and residence halls.

Navigating Campus  
Buffalo State's shuttle service runs when classes are in session.

About Buffalo, NY   
New to Buffalo, or looking for something to do around town?

Meal Plans and Dining Locations  
Check out what's on the menu and where you can dine on campus.

Residence Halls
Living on campus opens doors to a broad university experience.

Get Involved

Where to Find Groups and Activities

Buffalo State University hosts programs from student organizations and the campus community throughout the year.

Campus Events Calendar

Campus Student Activities

Commuter Student Services

Week of Welcome

Bengal Connect  
Find a full list of year-round meetings and events sponsored by registered student organizations and campus departments.

Students sitting in a group
Student in business class with laptop

Lock In

Make Your First Year at Buffalo State Count

Advisement 
Buffalo State's advisors can help you with academic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, giving you the tools you need to be successful.

Tutoring 
Students get free help in math, writing, and language.

Specialized Support 
Programs like Roar to Success and the Say Yes Program offer extra mentoring and planning.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2026 Important Dates
Date Event
August 24 International Student Move In
August 26, 8:00 a.m. New Student Move In
August 28 - August 30, 9:00 a.m. Returning Students Move In
August 28, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. First-Year Convocation
August 31 Fall Semester Begins
August 31 Part of Term E7 (Early 7 Weeks) Classes Begin
September 1 Early 7 Weeks (E7) Last Day to Drop without Penalty
September 4 Independent Study, Project, Course by Contract Application Due
September 7 Labor Day-No Classes
September 8 Leave of Absence Deadline
September 8 Last Day to Drop without Penalty
September 9 Late Online Registration Begins
September 17 Late Online Registration Ends
November 24, 5:00 p.m. Halls Close for Thanksgiving Break
November 29, 9:00 a.m. Halls Open after Thanksgiving Break
December 18, noon Halls Close for Winter Break

Your First Semester at a Glance

Your Academic Experience

You can expect

  • More independent study time
  • Professors who expect you to take initiative
  • Syllabi that outline semester-long expectations

Tips for success

  • Review your syllabus regularly
  • Track deadlines
  • Start studying early

Your Campus Experience

Finding your community is an important part of your first semester. It’s normal for friendships to take time. Remember, friends and knowledge come with college!

  • Attend campus events
  • Join clubs and organizations
  • Introduce yourself to classmates
  • Spend time in shared spaces

 

Your New Chapter

Your first semester won’t always go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself, ask for help, and focus on learning and growing rather than trying to have everything figured out.

When challenges come up

  • Be patient with yourself
  • Ask questions
  • Use available resources
  • Focus on progress, not perfection

Have questions? Get in touch!

Accessibility Accommodations | Student Accessibility Services Office
Phone: (716) 878-4500
E-mail: sas@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://sas.buffalostate.edu/

Advising | Academic Advising
Phone: (716) 878-5223
Text: (716) 687-0483
E-mail: advise@buffalostate.edu 
Website: https://advising.buffalostate.edu/ 

Billing and Payments | Student Accounts Office
Phone: (716) 878-4121
E-mail: stuaccts@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://studentaccounts.buffalostate.edu/

Financial Aid and Scholarships | Financial Aid Office
Phone: (716) 878-4902
E-mail: finaid@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://financialaid.buffalostate.edu/

Health Forms and Immunizations | Weigel Health Center
Phone: (716) 8878-6711
E-mail: weigel@buffalostate.edu 
Website: https://weigel.buffalostate.edu/

Housing and Move-in | Residence Life Office
Phone: (716) 878-3000
E-mail: reslife@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://residencelife.buffalostate.edu/

Online Help | IT Help Desk
Phone: (716) 878-4357
E-mail: ithelpdesk@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://it.buffalostate.edu/support

Registration and Courses | Registrar's Office
Phone: (716) 878-4811
E-mail: Regofc@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://registrar.buffalostate.edu/