- Published on
Your Comprehensive Guide to SUNY Buffalo: Fall 2024 Edition
- Authors
- Name
- Jayakrishna Gandhamalla
- @jk235711
Welcome, incoming students! As a current UB student, I'm here to share valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your new life at SUNY Buffalo. This guide, based on real experiences and conversations with fellow students, will give you a head start on your journey to becoming a successful UB student.
Table of Contents
- Academics: Choosing Classes & Professors
- Campus Jobs: CDS, TA, and Research Positions
- Housing & Living: Budgeting and Avoiding Scams
- Before & After Arrival: Essential Checklists
- Internships & Career: Application Strategy and Resources
- Student Life: Campus Amenities and Safety Tips
Academics: Choosing Classes & Professors
- Limit yourself to a maximum of 2 demanding courses per semester
- Adjust your schedule within the first 1-2 weeks if needed
- Consider your natural energy levels when choosing class times
- Take note of professors who take attendance or give pop quizzes
- CSE 565 - Computer Security: Prof. Hongxin Hu (fair grader, knowledgeable) or Prof. Xiangyu Guo (solid alternative)
- CSE 531 - Algorithms: Prof. Kelin Luo (focus on homework, it's crucial!)
- CSE 574 - Intro to ML: Prof. Alina Verehchaka (highly recommended, lots of extra credit opportunities)
- CSE 587 - Data Intensive Computing: Prof. Shamsad Parvin (generally easy, but attendance matters)
Campus Jobs: CDS, TA, and Research Positions
CDS jobs are an excellent way to:
- Earn extra income
- Gain valuable work experience
- Develop time management skills
The hiring process is first-come, first-served, so apply early at UB Dining Jobs.
The typical process involves:
- Applying via portal
- Discussing your availability
- Receiving an offer
- Starting work
TA and research positions are excellent opportunities for those interested in:
- Pursuing academia
- Enhancing their resume
- Developing a deeper understanding of their field of study
However, these positions are highly competitive. To increase your chances:
- Email professors directly
- Showcase your passion for the subject
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication
Housing & Living: Budgeting and Avoiding Scams
Here's a rough idea of what your monthly expenses might look like:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $350-500 |
| Utilities | $30-60 |
| Groceries | $100-200 |
| Total | $480-760 |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle and housing situation.
Tips for budgeting:
- Track your expenses using a budgeting app or spreadsheet
- Cook meals at home instead of eating out
- Look for student discounts and deals
Unfortunately, scams are a real concern, especially for international students. To protect yourself:
- Always verify the persons identity
- Request video tours of property before signing a lease or sending money
- Trust your instincts – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Never send money or sensitive information without proper verification
- If you recieve any suspicious mail stating you have an internship offer block and report it.
- Make sure you are logging out if you are using library devices.
- Trust emails only from official buffalo accounts
If you suspect a scam, report it to the university and local authorities immediately.
Before & After Arrival: Essential Checklists
- Set up a US Google account
- Complete your Zolve Card application
- Coordinate with your roommates/landlord on where to take they key
- Pack essential documents (passport, visa, I-20, transcripts, memos.)
- Check airline baggage restrictions and pack accordingly
- Activate your Zolve Card
- Download Lyft or Uber for transportation
- Update your I-94 on the UB website
- Attend international student orientation sessions
- Get your UB ID card and explore campus
- Set up a US bank account and mobile plan
- Familiarize yourself with the local area and transportation options
Internships & Career: Application Strategy and Resources
The key to securing a great internship is starting your search early. This is especially important for top companies, as their application deadlines can be as early as August or September for the following summer.
Use these tools to streamline your application process:
- Simplify.jobs: Auto-fill job applications
- SGPT.app: Extract key information from job descriptions
- GitHub Internship Listings: Updated regularly with new opportunities
Note: Fall 2024 students are eligible for Summer 2025 internships after 9 months of study (CPT required).
Additional tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job description
- Utilize UB's career services and resources
- Network with alumni and professionals in your field
- Participate in career fairs and workshops
- Consistently improve your skills and projects
Student Life: Campus Amenities and Safety Tips
As a UB student, you'll have access to various amenities:
- Gym access on both North and South Campus (small fee applies)
- Libraries and study spaces
- On-campus dining options
- Student clubs and organizations
- Career services and workshops
- Health and wellness resources
Don't forget to take advantage of student discounts with your .edu email!
Pro Tip: Checkout Unidays website they list awesome deals availabe for students
Pro Tip: Check out the GitHub Education Pack for free developer tools and resources!
Your safety is always a top priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- North Campus is generally safer than South Campus
- Use the buddy system when walking around at night
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
- Save important emergency contacts in your phone
- Familiarize yourself with campus safety resources and protocols
- Always lock your doors and secure your belongings
- Be cautious when meeting new people or going to unfamiliar places
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you ever feel unsafe, don't hesitate to reach out to campus police or use the emergency phones located throughout campus.
There you have it, incoming students – your ultimate survival guide to life at SUNY Buffalo. Remember, this is just the beginning of your incredible journey. As you navigate your new home, don't hesitate to reach out to your fellow students, professors, and staff for support. We're all here to help you succeed!
Wishing you all the best in your UB adventure!
Also checkout the blog I wrote on setting up automation to add a task on todoist when a new assignment is added