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.
Email account
If you haven't already done so, activate your Binghamton University e-mail account today at http://bubrain.binghamton.edu. That's where we send all official university information, including orientation and housing details. Access your email>>
On-campus housing
- Sign ups began April 20. Register today!
- Residential Community assignment given June 26 (just prior to first Orientation)
- Hall and roommate assignment given first week of August, 2009
- Microwave/refrigerator rentals
Emergency Alert Contact Information (NY-Alert/RAVE)
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 Students
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 transcripts
- 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.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit
- 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.
- 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 July Orientation in order to be able to register for fall semester coureses.
Orientation
Register online today. It's very important to attend one of our two-day Orientations, because it's a great way to start feeling at home on campus:
- Register for courses
- Meet with academic advisors and your friendly Orientation Advisors!
- Find out more about residential life and off-campus living (for transfers and local students)
- Learn more about meal plans
- Receive your student ID card which serves as your room key, your meal card and library card
- Attend lots of social events where you'll bond with other new students. Special programs for families, too!
Enrollment confirmation
You must confirm your enrollment every 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.
First-time, full-time students only: Complete AlcoholWise online course
- At the beginning of the semester, you will be required to complete AlcoholWise, an online two-part course about drugs and alcohol. Check your Binghamton University email account beginning Friday, September 4 for log in information. You must complete Part 1 by Wednesday, September 9 (length: approx. 1 hour), and Part 2 by Monday, October 12, 2009 (length: approx. 15 minutes).
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)
Code of conduct
The first time you access BU Brain, you will be prompted to accept the Code of Conduct, a condition of enrollment.
Financial aid
Accept/decline aid to assure your account is properly credited. The bill is sent in early August 2009 to students who have registered for courses at Orientation.
- How to view, print, accept/decline financial aid -- Complete, step-by-step instructions
- Review our student financing checklist.
- More information at Financial Aid Services
School of Management Students: Laptop Requirement
- All freshmen 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.
- We recommend transfer students purchase laptops with the same capabilities, but it is not required.
- 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 - food, fun and friends
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.
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.
Pay your electronic bill
Fall semester bill notifications are sent to your Binghamton e-mail address after you register for courses at Orientation.
- How you can to view, print and pay your bill -- Complete, step-by-step instructions.
- 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 at Student Accounts
- Missed the B-mail issue "Money Matters"? Get details >>
- Don't see the proper financial aid credit on your bill? Get details >>
