Life at Buffalo State
Welcome to Buffalo!
SUNY Buffalo State is recognized as SUNY's urban-engaged anchor institution. Bordering the north end of what has become the richly diverse west side of Buffalo, the campus is very accessible and located in the vibrant museum district, adjacent to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Olmstead-designed Delaware Park. Within walking distance, you will find trendy cafés, restaurants, shops, and a beautiful waterfront development.
United Health Care Insurance
SUNY Buffalo State United Healthcare Insurance is mandatory for all international students enrolled at SUNY Buffalo State, regardless of visa status.
All international students are automatically enrolled in the SUNY Buffalo State United Healthcare Insurance Program. Due to SUNY regulations we can not waive this requirement, regardless of whether you have comparable health insurance from your home country.
General Information
Health care costs in the U.S. are very expensive and could easily overwhelm a scholar on a limited budget. Therefore, the U.S. Department of State and the State University of New York (SUNY) require all Exchange Visitors and their dependents in the U.S. to have sickness and accident insurance, and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance in effect for the duration of their Exchange Visitor status.
The health insurance plan for international students and scholars offered by SUNY meets the minimum coverage requirements. You will be required to enroll in and purchase this policy.
Our office will assist you with this process upon arrival. Please note that rates change in August of every year, therefore amounts quoted can change as well, depending on your arrival date. Click the link below and register on the United Health Care website.
When your enrollment is complete, you will receive an email from UnitedHealthcare containing important information about how to access your health insurance. If you are already enrolled and have questions, please log in to the UnitedHealthcare website where you will find the answers to many of your questions.
Once logged in, you will be able to:
- Print your insurance ID card
- View the UnitedHealthcare Member Guide
- Review your health insurance plan benefits
- Locate providers, hospitals, and pharmacies that you can use with your plan
If you are an enrolled student and do not receive an email from United Healthcare, please contact us.
Access Your United Healthcare Insurance Account
You can access your account online through the United Healthcare website or by downloading the mobile app.
Health Insurance Coverage 2025-2026 Highlight Sheet Dental Insurance Coverage 2025-2026 Highlight Sheet Create an Account United Healthcare Mobile App United Healthcare Medical & Mental Health Resource Form Prescription Reimbursement Request Form
Banking in the United States
Opening a Bank Account
Once you arrive in the US, you may choose to open a bank account.
U.S. financial institutions are required to verify the identity of every person who opens a bank account. Each bank may determine its own Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, however the U.S. Department of Treasury regulations require all banks must, at minimum, require proof of the following:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your street address (no P.O. Boxes permitted)
-
An identification number, such as one of the following:
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Passport number and country of issuance
- Alien identification card number
- Number and country of issuance of any other government-issued document proving nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard
Paying Taxes in the US
Individuals working in the US are required to pay taxes to the US Federal Government and the appropriate state government on all of or a portion of their income. Employers must withhold required taxes from employee’s wages and send that money to the federal and state entities. In order to determine how much money an employer must withhold, employees must complete certain tax forms upon hire. Your employer provides required tax forms.
Filing a Tax Return in the US
Many international students in the US will need to file a tax return with the IRS each year. The Office of International Student & Scholar Services staff members are not tax advisors and cannot answer tax questions or assist you in completing tax forms. You are responsible for determining how tax law applies to you.
Tax Resources for International Students
Form 8843 is an informational statement required by the US government for certain nonresident aliens, including the spouses or dependents of nonresident aliens. Most international students must complete Form 8843, even if you made no income in the US the previous year.
Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Internal Revenue Services - Foreign Students, Scholars, Teachers, Researchers, …
At Buffalo State, you’ll learn, study, live on our accessible and walkable city campus with a small-town feel.
Shuttle Services:
The Grant Cleveland Shuttle is a free shuttle that operates 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on days that classes are in session. The shuttle runs from Lot G-20 to Lot R-14 to Cleveland Circle and back again. Schedule subject to change. Track the shuttle.
The overnight escort shuttle operates from 4:30 p.m.–4:30 a.m. seven days a week while school is in session. The route circulates campus in a clockwise fashion, stopping for passengers at blue-light phones. Track the shuttle.
The Wegmans/Tops shuttle operates 5:00–8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, when classes are in session. The shuttle operates on a grocery route picking up students from stops near the Towers, the Student Apartment Complex and Cleveland Hall and going to Tops and Wegmans and back again. Track the Wegmans/Tops shuttle.
From time to time, one of the regular shuttle buses will need to be pulled out of service for maintenance. In this case, a backup shuttle will be used.
NFTA - Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (Public Bus)
The NFTA is available for students to take by either purchasing a bus card at the Barnes &Nobles or downloading their mobile app and charging their card there. There are bus stops at the intersection of Rockwell Rd and Elmwood Avenue as well as along Grant Street. The bus and metro line go to all areas of the city and some suburbs as well.
Steps to apply for driver's license without Social Security Number:
1. Go to the Social Security Office with your passport, I-94, and Current properly endorsed 1-20 Form.
2. Inform the Social Security Office that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number because you are not working.
3. Ask the Social Security Office to issue you a letter indicating that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
4. Present the letter from the Social Security Office to the Department of Motor Vehicles (this is a separate office).
5. The Department of Motor Vehicles should issue you a number that should allow you to follow the process to apply for a Driver's License.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Rath Building
170 Pearl Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-7450
International Student Organization (ISO)
The International Student Organization has been promoting international awareness at Buffalo State for over 54 years now. It is comprised of over 60 members. ISO builds a relaxed, global minded atmosphere and makes possible the blending of international cultures through the events and activities they conduct every year. It creates an environment that offers a unique opportunity for exchange and cultural interaction among all students attending Buffalo State.
ISO is affiliated with the United Students Government and its events are funded through mandatory student activity fees.
ISO sponsors approximately five events every year including Cultural events such as Cultural Night, Camping Trip, Movie Nights, Game Nights and the Annual Cultural Fiesta. All are invited to attend.