Congratulations on your acceptance to Binghamton University! We look forward to welcoming you on campus during the International Student Orientation on August 22-23, 2013.
Below, you can learn about:
All graduate students live off campus in the Binghamton city area. Binghamton University does not provide on-campus housing for graduate students. Please view the following the off-campus housing information to assist you with finding housing.
Local Ground Transportation
Binghamton University provides a bus service that is managed and operated by students. The bus schedules and routes are listed on OCC Transport official website. Also, Broome County city buses operate around the Binghamton area. The bus schedules and routes can be accessed on the Broome County transit official website. Both of the OCCT blue bus and city bus are free for Binghamton University Students with a student ID card.
A number of taxi companies provide 24-hour service in the Binghamton area. Please contact the taxi companies below to arrange transportation. It is customary to tip the taxi driver 10-15 % of the fare.
Local Airport Transportation
Binghamton is served by the Binghamton Regional Airport (code BGM). If you plan to fly to Binghamton, non-stop service is available from several major U.S. cities, including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
Taxi service is available from the Binghamton Regional Airport to the University and will cost approximately $25.00 per person. Just follow the signs outside to “Ground Transportation” (near baggage claim) when you arrive in Binghamton Airport, or use the free phones near the exit door.
New York City and Newark Ground Transportation
The most convenient way to get to Binghamton from the New York City/Newark airport is by bus. You should follow the signs to “Ground Transportation” once you retrieve your luggage and pass through customs and immigration. From Kennedy or Newark Airports, you will want to ask for the Super Shuttle Van Service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. The van fare will cost $23 from either airport, is less expensive than a taxi, and departs every 15 - 30 minutes. Bus service is also available, and costs less, but will be a longer ride.
Once you arrive at the Port Authority, make your way to either the Greyhound Bus Lines or Coach USA Bus Lines ticket areas; both bus lines serve Binghamton. The cost of a one-way ticket to Binghamton on Coach USA is $41. On Greyhound, the cost of a one-way ticket is $40. Travel time to Binghamton is 3.5 hours from the Port Authority. Both bus lines share a terminal in downtown Binghamton.
Once you arrive at the bus terminal in Binghamton (BC Junction), you can take a taxi to the University or your housing location. The cost of the taxi will be approximately $8 per person depending on the distance. Alternatively, you can take the No. 15 BC Transit Bus, and get off at the last stop called B.U. Union. Check the schedule.
If you don't have an apartment or temporary housing, you can choose to stay in a hotel for a short while. View a list of hotels in the Binghamton area. Please note that some hotels also provide airport shuttle service. If you decide to stay in those hotels, you can travel directly from the BGM airport to the hotel.
We understand that your adjustment to a new culture will be challenging, which is why we strive to provide our international students with as much support as possible. As an international graduate student of Binghamton University, you will have access to the following resources:
Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
ISSS assists with the visa process and helps you understand U.S. regulations pertaining to International Students. In addition, ISSS offers programming and services to help you adjust to Binghamton University, including the International Student Orientation, the Friendship Family Program and the International Spouse Program.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
This program is designed for newly admitted students who need more experience and instruction in English in order to do their best academic work. The program offers ESL courses as well as an English Conversation Pairs Program.
International Student Organizations
These organizations help international students adjust to their new culture while sharing their home culture with others through social gatherings. They also help students find housing, locate services, and understand U.S. academic regulations. For a complete list of International Student Organizations, click here.
Computer Access
The computers within all Binghamton University libraries have software that let students input characters or scripts from various languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Hebrew, into word processing documents, e-mail, Internet search engines, and database searches. This software will also help you to communicate and keep in touch with family and friends. The Main Library offers a session for graduate students to learn how to use the software.
Click here to learn about the many exciting, interesting activities, events, and entertainment in Binghamton!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact The Graduate School.
E-mail: gradadmission@binghamton.edu
Phone: 607-777-2151
Summer hours (until August 27th): Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Couper Administrative Building (AD), Room 134
You can also ask us questions using the following social media. Our Chinese Graduate Assistants will answer you.
