Must Dos

We promise the Buzz will contain lots of fun stuff, but there are some THINGS YOU JUST HAVE TO DO. Here are some important next steps, requirements and information.

• Activate your Computer Account and BMail (Binghamton University email account) 

  Your Binghamton University Computer Account is used to access all online resources on campus: housing request form, Brightspace, MyBinghamton, public computers on campus, Internet connection, etc. You access your computer account by logging in with your user ID and password.

• Set up 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  After activating your computer account and Bmail, you will need to set up Two Factor Authentication for all of your devices (laptop, phone, tablet, etc). 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires that an individual has the following two things before they are able to authenticate into a system.. Set up your 2FA for all devices >

• Required health forms

  All incoming students MUST submit required health requirements in order to register for fall courses.

• Student ID

  Your Binghamton student ID is needed for residence hall and room access, meal plan as well as many other student services. Visit this webpage for instructions on how to upload a photo for your student ID. 

• Housing

  Online housing registration opened in mid-April (you need to activate your email account before you can sign up). 

  • First-year students must live on campus. Exceptions are granted for first-year students who are residents of Broome, Tioga or southern Chenango County, are 21 years of age or married. 
  • Details about the housing process and applications are available on the Residential Life website
  • Transfers: For information on available off-campus housing options, visit the Off Campus College Office (OCC). The Binghamton area offers a wide range of housing options and free bus service to campus.

  Microwave/refrigerator rentals are available for pre-order. To order, call 1-800-525-7307 or visit www.mymicrofridge.com.

   

• Orientation registration and checklist  

  Orientation information opens in mid-May! See your Orientation checklist on my.binghamton.edu for more information.

• Submit final transcripts (transfers and first-year students who have taken college courses)

  ALL students (first-year students and transfers) are required to mail an official, final high-school transcript, including graduation date, and seal, stamp or signature, or a GED.

  • Request that an official transcript from every college or educational institution you've attended be mailed to the Admissions Office: Binghamton University, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, PO Box 6001, Binghamton, NY 13902-6001.
  • If you were taking coursework at the time you applied to Binghamton, be sure your transcript from that institution is sent electronically or mailed to the Admissions office once the course(s) is completed.
  • Find course-to-course equivalency information and transfer guides here >   

   

• Health insurance requirement: Accept or waive

  Domestic Students

  All students are automatically enrolled in the Student Accident and Sickness Plan (University health insurance) unless you waive it.

  International students

  International students on F-1 and J-1 visas will enroll in the State University of New York plan administered through the University's International Student and Scholar Services office.

• Accept your financial aid

  Check your financial aid status: View your financial aid offer and accept/decline loans to ensure your fall 2023 financial aid is complete, and your aid will credit your fall 2023 bill.

  More general financial aid information at Financial Aid Services

• Pay your bill

  The fall 2024 E-Bill notification will be sent to your BMail in early August with a due date in September. For more details regarding payment and due dates, visit Student Accounts.

• Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit 
  • AP credit -- To receive proper credit for any AP courses taken, contact the College Board 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. Learn 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. 

   

• Excelsior Scholarship (New York state residents only)

  Sign up to receive a notification when the application for the Excelsior Scholarship  -- which allows eligible students to attend New York state schools tuition-free -- becomes available!

  Details and application are managed by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). For more information, including the Excelsior Scholarship Fact Sheet and FAQs for completing the application, visit the HESC website.

• Sign up for direct deposit for refunds (student access only, not authorized payers)

  Refund checks are printed ONLY once a week. Signing up for direct deposit allows you to have refunds automatically deposited into your bank account.

  Step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for direct deposit.

• Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS)

  Binghamton University meal plans provide the ultimate in convenience and flexibility. With your meal plan, you have the freedom to dine anywhere on campus, anytime you want.

  All students living on campus are required by the University to purchase a Resident Dining meal plan. Students living in residence halls are automatically enrolled in Meal Plan C,  although there are other meal plans available.

  Watch this video to learn more about the Binghamton University dining experience.

• Parking

  First-year resident students are not permitted to register or park a vehicle on campus.

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

• 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 (B-Alert/RAVE) 

  Binghamton uses an alert system (B-Alert) that sends text messages to cell phones.

  Additional information about B-alert can be found online. 

• 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. If you've had accommodations in the past, make sure you note that when you register for Orientation.

• COVID-19 vaccination info

  Binghamton University, following guidance from the State University of New York (SUNY), does not require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend Binghamton or live in on-campus housing.