Information for New Students

Before arrival at UB

• Registration Dates are attached to this information for checking programs and noting the dates to arrive on campus.
• Students should only arrive on dates stipulated as the university does not offer any accommodation prior to the dates.
• International students who by virtue of their flights are unable to arrive on the specified dates should contact the International Office for temporary accommodation arrangements in liaison with Accommodation Office. Daily accommodation rates shall apply to such students. This arrangement covers international students only.

On arrival at UB

• New students should seek for assistance from security personnel located at all UB entrances. There will also be Peer Orientators (PO’s) around campus, recognized by t-shirts or aprons written Registration Questions? Ask Me in the front and Peer Orientator at the back.
• No fees are to be paid for this service. Students are discouraged from seeking help from just anyone around campus except Peer Orientators and Protection officers

Academic registration

• Go directly to your Faculty and ask to see Faculty Administrators.
• Students should make all necessary inquiries about course requirements and timetables before they register to avoid inconveniences.

Refectories or Dining Halls

• Students have a choice of taking meals at any of the two refectories on campus.
• Students are expected to make their own arrangements with the refectory of their choice.
• The Student Centre also has a number of Food courts for students.
• Students are encouraged to take their meals within campus facilities for surety of hygiene.

Residence life

• The University provides bedding as well as laundry services for students residing on-campus. Such have to be returned at the end of each semester. Additional useful information for Residence Life:
• Wardens, Admin Assistants (staff members), & Resident Assistants (RAs-student support are available to assist students on arrival
• Keys: The university residences have a padlock system and therefore students should bring secure padlocks on arrival.
• Note that there are various types of padlocks available on the market, choose one that best suits your security needs.
• Security for belongings is paramount and no luggage should be left unattended or rooms unlocked. Keys should not be shared.
• Laundry procedures: pay per use slot machines are available in the Laundromat. In addition each block has a small hand wash basin.
• Living and Learning Communities: The Department of Student Welfare coordinates a students led programme called Living and Learning Communities in Halls of Residence
• You will become a member of your block community to network with others and learn together
• The program emphasis learning outside the classroom and students gain social and life skills.

Internet access in rooms and on campus

• Students can bring Laptops but should register them immediately with Protection Services Unit. Never leave any item unattended. Some rooms have internet access while others don’t. The University is working on widening internet access across campus.
• However, computers at the library and in Faculty laboratories have internet access.
• There are also numerous internet cafes around the city with free wifi’s for their guests.

Shopping for essentials

• There are various shopping complexes around the university. The nearest are River Walk and Main Mall, less than 2 kms away.

Learning Support

• The university has various departments that provide services to students including the Library, Academic Development (CAD),
• Information Technology,
• Careers and Counselling,
• Health Services and wellness,
• International Education and Partnerships,
• Disability Support Services,
• Academic Services etc. All these support the teaching, research and learning mission of the university by facilitating access to information resources.
• Students should be on the lookout for orientation sessions from these various departments.
• The student Centre has various services too to support students such as Post Office, Banks, ATMs.
• The university has campus based Bookstore Services and students have an option to purchase their course materials from these providers.
• Government sponsored students are given some book allowances to help with purchasing books.
• Students are therefore expected to buy required course materials in order to be ready for learning.

Student Engagement and Service Learning

• The University provides learning opportunities in the form of part time student employment as well as volunteerism
• Almost all departments offer part time student employment in one way or the other.
• Students are offered volunteer opportunities on campus. Contact Student Development Unit in the Department of Student Welfare.
• Careers and counselling has a job placement Unit, you may contact them to explore available opportunities.

Student Representative Bodies

• The Student Representative Council (SRC) caters for the welfare of the undergraduates
• Graduate Student Association (GSA) for the welfare of graduate students.
• Students should know their key representatives and work cordially with them to support the university mission. Contact details are attached.

Student Clubs/Associations

• The university has over 50 student clubs and associations amongst them academic organizations, arts, societies, religious organizations and many others.
• UBOSCA is an off-campus student association and all off-camp students should register to be members.
• Living and learning Communities (LLC) is a student led program based largely in residences but has some off-campus groups too.

Key Student Policies

• All students are expected to be well versed with policies guiding their studies at UB to resolve issues amicably and avoid unacceptable conduct.
• Most of the policies are found in a booklet called ‘Student Handbook’ which is found on the Student Welfare page. The policies will guide you on what to do whenever you are faced with any kind of dilemma.

Student Code of Conduct

• A Code of Conduct is available for guidance on expectations. A copy is available on the university website and copies can also be borrowed from Student Development Office, SRC and GSA offices.
• Any breach to the rules will attract disciplinary measures that may include termination of studies.
• However, the university is committed to student support and wishes to work with its students as partners in promoting learning and helping them build themselves up for future success academically and in life.

• The Student Welfare office (located in block 139; the Student Centre building), is responsible for the welfare of all students enrolled at UB under the Division of Student Affairs.
• The Department works closely with all administrative and academic departments to assist students to settle smoothly and adjust to the university environment.