Tips for College Students Moving to Buffalo
In late August, Buffalo is infused with new energy as thousands of college students move to or return to the area to pursue their education at one of the 21 colleges and universities in Western New York. The Buffalo Niagara region is an excellent area to pursue higher education with a growing tech sector, top healthcare, research, and medical education institutions at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, innovative startup programs and ecosystems, and low cost of living, Western New York (WNY) is a great place to learn, grow, and explore.
Like any newcomer, it can be intimidating to join a new community and institution as you are finding your way around, establishing routines, and meeting new people. Even with all of these adjustments, college is an excellent time to embrace change and be open to opportunities, and we have a few tips to get the most out of your transition to college and your new city.
Get To Know Your Surroundings
When transitioning to a new place, you cannot feel comfortable in your new home (or home away from home) without first feeling safe and secure.
First, familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of your residence building. Also, learn your way around campus. We all know that schools come in different shapes and sizes, so if you are on a particularly large campus, download a campus map. Also, know how to contact campus safety and add their number to your contacts, and be aware of their services such as security escorts. If your school has a campus shuttle, learn the schedule and routes you can utilize to get around campus or for off-campus trips. Many schools have an app for their campus shuttle service to make it easier to navigate any on-campus transportation options. Finally, take advantage of any orientation or new student programming that allows you to explore the areas around campus and gain familiarity with the community surrounding your institution.
You Will Forget Stuff, Have a Plan
Inevitably when you are moving into your new dorm room or apartment, you will forget something. The move-in process can be stressful for everyone invovled, so when emotions are high, having a plan on where to grab all those forgotten items (or things you didn’t realize you needed until you got there) is a good idea. Local Targets or Wal-Marts are a great option for completing your space but don’t forget about your campus bookstore or nearby drug stores, grocery stores, and dollar stores for the items you need.
Familiarize Yourself With Transportation Options
Navigating Buffalo and Western New York can be made easier by utilizing different options for transportation. For a comprehensive look at transportation options, Go Buffalo Niagara, is a fantastic resource. For our college student and intern population, the following are some of the more popular modes of transportation:
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates the public transportation system with their Metro Bus and Rail. The Metro Bus includes many routes throughout the City of Buffalo and surrounding communities including Niagara Falls and Niagara County. The Metro Rail is a single light rail line that runs along Main St from the University of Buffalo South Campus to the Key Bank Center at Canalside, in Downtown Buffalo. While most of the track is underground and accessible by several stations (including the University, Delavan/Canisius College, and the Allen/Medical Campus stops), the track becomes above ground in the Theater (District) stop on the surface of Main Street, where it remains above ground until the final stop at the Key Bank Center. The above-ground section of the Metro Rail is a free fare zone and free to ride as long as the rail is above ground. There are many apps to help you plan your trip using the NFTA.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also active and easy to use in Buffalo and the suburbs.
If riding a bike is more of your thing, Buffalo has great resources for those who want to navigate and explore the city by bike. GObike Buffalo promotes active mobility options through advocacy, commute and infrastructure planning, and other services. If you’re interested in exploring more of your new city by bike, check out GObike Buffalo’s Ride Maps. Didn’t bring a bike with you, but still want to occasionally ride? Check out Reddy Bikeshare, download the app, sign up for a pass, and reserve one of the hundreds of bikes located at spots around the city.
You’re A Bills Fan Now. Embrace It.
Buffalo loves our sports teams, and this year the Buffalo Bills especially give us a lot to love. After three consecutive playoff appearances and a heartbreaking loss in last season’s AFC title game, the Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen look better than ever to tackle the 2022-2023 season and are a Super Bowl favorite.
New to football, or want a primer on the Buffalo Bills and sports culture in WNY? Step Out Buffalo has an excellent Beginner’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving a Buffalo Bills season.
To make your transition to becoming a Buffalo Bills fan, here are a few other things to know.
“Go Bills” can be used as a greeting, farewell, and email signature.
The Bills fans call themselves the #Billsmafia and have a reputation for passionately supporting their team. Buffalo fans are notorious for their intense tailgating and enthusiasm at the games. The Bills Mafia is also extremely generous and known for their big hearts; leading fundraising campaigns to support various philanthropic initiatives.
The performance of the Buffalo Bills in a particular game WILL affect the mood of the city for the following week. A tough loss on a Sunday afternoon makes for a tough Monday morning for those around WNY.
Whether you’re watching from home, with friends, at a bar or restaurant, or lucky enough to catch a game in person, you’ve got a new hometown team to root for, and you won’t find any better fans to do it alongside.
Find Your Off-Campus Study Spots
There are times when you just want to get out of your dorm room, library, or campus for a new spot to study or get inspiration. There are plenty of places in Buffalo and WNY that fit the bill.
Coffee shops are always popular spots to study or meet up with classmates for group projects. Some of the popular locations for local students include Spot Coffee, Five Points Bakery, and Public Espresso + Coffee.
Looking to add a little nature to your study session? Grab a blanket and find a spot next to Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park or one of the beautiful parkways for some scenic study views.
Take Advantage of Budget-Friendly Events in the Community
College students are very budget conscious, and luckily there are plenty of ways to enjoy Buffalo and WNY for free! First, make sure to keep updated on all the opportunities for entertainment on campus, especially at the beginning of the semester. Next look for ideas in your surrounding community that are accessible to a college student’s wallet. Here are a few ideas for free/cheap entertainment and events in the community to get you started.
Visit the Buffalo Waterfront including Canalside and the Outer Harbor.
Canalside is a perfect place to visit for beautiful sunset views as you walk along the boardwalk. Canalside and the Outer Harbor host many free events throughout the year including fitness classes, festivals, and special events.
Larkin Square is an urban park and event venue that hosts free community events including the popular Food Truck Tuesdays, live music, and other happenings throughout the year.
Festivals
Buffalo loves a good festival. While the summer is packed with festivals every weekend, there are still plenty of opportunities to take in the many arts, ethnic heritage, and food festivals in the area during the school year. Upcoming festivals for the Fall of 2022 include:
Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts - August 27th-28th
Music is Art Festival - September 10th
Allentown First Fridays
Allentown First Fridays Gallery Walk is a great opportunity to check out local art galleries, and join local artists, musicians, restaurants, and businesses in the popular Allentown neighborhood.
Explore Buffalo’s History
Buffalo has a rich history and there are many opportunities to explore some of the architectural and historical gems in the city. Explore Buffalo’s Doors Open Buffalo gives free public access to significant buildings and cultural attractions throughout the city. For 2022 Doors Open features a Museums and Culturals Day on September 17th, where you can enjoy discounts and many of WNY’s Museums, and on September 24th, Doors Open features buildings in the historic Broadway-Fillmore district.
Want an amazing view of the city? Check out the Observation Deck at City Hall, where you can take an elevator to the 25th floor to get a whole new perspective of the city. While you’re in City Hall, be sure to check out the beautiful murals in the lobby and appreciate the art deco architecture.
If you’re looking for a quieter place to take in Buffalo history, visit Forest Lawn Cemetery, whose famous residents include the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, music legend Rick James, and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
If you want to keep up-to-date on events in and around Buffalo Step Out Buffalo is a great resource to check out upcoming events and activities.
Be Open To New Experiences
One of the most important tips we can give to ANY new college student is to be open to new experiences and make the most of your educational journey. Many see college as a fresh start and an opportunity to build a future for themselves that is aligned with their goals and values. It can be nerve-wracking to move to a new place and not know anyone but remember, there are so many other students that are in the same boat. Start a conversation with someone new, ask questions, be open to learning, and have a support system around you. There is power in community and do not underestimate the values of the community you can build for yourself during the college years.
Final Thoughts
We hope these tips help you have your best start to the first few weeks of the semester and in your new city. Regardless of your educational goals, we are so glad that you will be calling Buffalo and Western New York home during this important time in your life.
