MUST DOs

What's Next?

Our timeline outlines things to do and important dates and deadlines. Print for easy organization. Also, here's a checklist for things to do the first week of classes.

Binghamton University Computer Account

Your Binghamton University Computer Account (PODS account) is used to access all online resources on campus: BU BRAIN, housing request form, Blackboard, public computers on campus, Internet connection, etc. You access your computer account by logging in with your User ID and password.

Know Your B-Number

The B-Number is the primary identification number for students. Your B-Number was sent to you upon receipt of your admissions application to Binghamton. Forgot your B-Number? Log into BU BRAIN, select the "Home" tab and click on "What's My B-Number?". 

Email Account

If you haven't already done so, activate your Binghamton University e-mail (Bmail) account today. Complete details were contained in a letter your received upon us receiving your enrollment deposit.

Your Bmail is where we send all official university information, including orientation and housing details, required health forms, semester bill, financial aid and more! 

 IMPORTANT note to students in mainland China: If you have problems accessing BMail using the link above, go to  https://sites.google.com/a/binghamton.edu/google-apps-help-center.

 On-campus housing

• You will need to first activate your email account before you can sign up for housing
• Online housing registration began April 20.
• Residential Community assignments will emailed later in the summer.
• Microwave/refrigerator rentals are available for pre-order. If you order by the summer deadline, it will delivered to your room before you move into your residential hall room in late August.

Transfer students

 Transfer students planning to live off campus should visit the Off Campus College office (OCC) for assistance with finding an apartment, and even a roommate. The office is dedicated to helping you make a smooth transition to living in the Binghamton area, including lease review, good neighbor and safety tips, tenant's rights and more:

• The office maintains a list of apartments at http://saffairs.binghamton.edu/occ/housinglist. The Binghamton area offers a wide range of affordable housing, free bus service to campus and close access to a wide range of campus and community services.
• The office maintains a list of current students seeking roommates at http://saffairs.binghamton.edu/occ/sublet/
• Access apartment listings in our local newspaper, The Press & Sun Bulletin, at http://www.pressconnects.com/, or the "Binghamton" Craigslist.

International Student Services

 Visit the Office of International Students and Scholars Services for information about:

• Travel and Visa Information
• Express Mail Service
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Housing
• International Student Organizations
• Friendship Family Program
• News for New Students
• Billing  

Final High School and/or College Transcripts Required

• Official high school transcript (with signature or seal and date of graduation) from your school counseling office and have it sent directly to the Admissions Office
• College credit transcripts: Request any official transcripts from any colleges where you completed or attempted to take courses. Have them sent directly to the Admissions Office.
• All students: It's very important Binghamton receives your final transcripts, because if we don't it will prevent you from registering for future semester courses and future financial aid disbursements.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit --send scores

• AP credit -- To receive proper credit for any AP courses taken, contact the College Board (888-225-5427) to confirm your scores will be sent electronically to the Admissions Office. Test scores of 3, 4, or 5 may receive credit based on the policy established by the State University of New York. Click here for more about Binghamton's AP credit guidelines
• IB credit -- Credit is awarded only for Higher Level IB exams, with scores of 4 or 5 receiving 4 credits, and scores of 6 or 7 receiving 8 credits. IB scores are submitted to Binghamton University through the International Baccalaureate website. Find out more about IB credit guidelines.

Required Health Forms

 All forms must be completed and submitted prior to Orientation in order to be able to register for spring semester courses. You must access them online and print them. We will not mail any forms to you.

• Medical History Form
• Under 18 Consent Form
• Tuberculosis Screening Form

 You can access all required forms and detailed information about completing the three forms online here.

 Complete and submit your forms as soon as possible via:

• fax: 607-777-2881
• mail: Binghamton University, University Health Services, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000; or
• email (PDF attachments only): health.forms@binghamton.edu. Again, all required forms must be received by University Health Services BEFORE Orientation or you will not be allowed to register for your spring courses. Questions? Visit Health Services online or call 607-777-2221.

Health Insurance Requirement: Accept or Waive

 All undergraduate students (domestic and international) are required to have health insurance.

All domestic undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Student Accident and Sickness Plan (University health insurance) unless you waive this plan by returning a signed Health Insurance Waiver to Student Accounts by mail or in person by the sixth week of classes.

 Click here to find out more about waiving the health insurance and why you need health insurance. Questions? Visit Health Services online, or call 607-777-2221.

Orientation -- Plan to Attend

 It's very important to attend Orientation this summer,  because it's a great way to start feeling at home on campus. Look for an invitation in late May/early June containing complete details:

• Receive priority fall semester course registration
• Obtain Student ID Card
• Learn how your college credits transfer (transfer students)
• Obtain academic and pre-professional advising with academic advisors, staff and current students
• Meet in small-groups with Orientation Advisors to help you with course registration
• Attend social events to meet other new and current students
• Learn about student services on campus, including health services and campus safety
• Get familiar with the campus 

Review/Verify Your Contact Information

• Log into BU Brain Self Service, "Information" tab
• Verify your contact information (address and emergency contacts)
• Make sure we have your Social Security Number on file (required for tax and financial aid information)

Emergency Alert Contact Information (NY-Alert/RAVE) 

• NY Alert allows you to get emergency alerts from the University via text message. You are required to either sign up or opt-out of this free program.
• To register, go to  https://www.getrave.com/login/binghamton, and sign in with your Binghamton email address.
• Additional information may be found at http://www2.binghamton.edu/banner/rave.html.

Financial Aid

Accept/decline aid by July 1, 2010, to assure your account is properly credited. 

• How to view, print, accept/decline financial aid -- Complete, step-by-step instructions
• Review our student financing checklist.
• More information at Financial Aid Services

Students with Disabilities

 Students who require disability-related services or accommodations MUST contact Services for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible so we can make any necessary arrangements.

School of Management Students: Laptop Requirement

• All SOM students (freshmen and transfers) must have a laptop computer with Microsoft Office. We also recommend that the laptop include Intel core two duo chip (or the equivalent) with a minimum of 2GB memory.
• If you choose to use an Apple brand computer, there may be additional software expenses for the installation of Microsoft Office.
• Discount prices on software are available at http://www.journeyed.com/select.

Binghamton University Dining

When you register for housing, you will be assigned the "standard" meal plan. Sushi, Kosher, gluten-free, vegan, smoothies, tacos, midnight pizza - we have it all! We start serving breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and don't finish cooking until you're done eating. You can even order late night delivery service until 1 a.m! More information on BU Dining and meal plans.

Parking

Freshmen living in university residence halls are not permitted to register or park a vehicle on campus.

Transfers and local students: Learn more about on-campus parking regulations, including how to purchase a parking permit, here.

Confirmation of Enrollment

You must confirm your enrollment every fall, spring and summer semester

• The first week of classes you will be required to confirm your enrollment via http://bubrain.binghamton.edu. You will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office reminding you to confirm your enrollment.
• Upon successful log in to BU Brain, you will be prompted to complete the requirement.
• Confirmation of enrollment is a combination of federal, state and University requirements.
• If confirmation of enrollment is not completed, a student’s semester schedule of courses is automatically cancelled the FIFTH day of classes, freeing up class seats for students looking to add a course. Cancellation will occur whether or not a student’s semester bill is paid.
• Financial aid recipients must confirm enrollment to receive a refund (if applicable) and/or to have funds not only credited but applied to pay student account balance.
• You only need to confirm once a semester, even if you add or drop courses.

Pay Your Bill

Fall semester bill notifications are sent to your Binghamton e-mail address after you register for courses at Orientation.

• Only you will have access to your bill unless you make someone an "authorized payer." So, if you'd like your parent(s) or guardian(s) to be able to pay your bill, make sure you designate them as an "authorized payer." Click here for step-by-step instructions.
• More information on payment information at Student Accounts
• Don't see the proper financial aid credit on your bill? Get details >>

Sign up for Direct Deposit for Refunds (students only, no parent(s) and/or guardian(s)

Refund checks are printed ONLY once a week. Signing up for direct deposit allows you to have refunds automatically deposited into your bank account and get your money faster! Here's how to sign up:

STEP 1: Log into BU Brain.

STEP 2: Click on “Student” tab.

STEP 3: Click on “Student Accounts” tab.

STEP 4: Click on “Student Accounts EFT Authorization (Direct Deposit)”.

STEP 5: Enter your Bank Routing Number and Account Number.

Obtain Enrollment Verification/Proof of Enrollment (if needed)

• An insurance company, scholarship program, loan company or other third party may require a student and/or family to show proof of enrollment (also called enrollment verification).
• Binghamton's official enrollment verifcation is offered through the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) one week prior to the start of each semester.
• To access NSC, log in via http://bubrain.binghamton.edu
• Complete details and how-to steps can be found here.