Petition to be released from the University Housing Agreement
Once a student selects a room/accepts a housing assignment, they are bound to the University Housing Agreement for the entire academic year and will remain financially responsible for the cost of on campus housing even if they choose to move off campus.
Students who are not enrolled for the term, are experiencing a significant and unanticipated change in financial circumstances, or are experiencing a newly diagnosed or exacerbated medical condition with a need that cannot be met through a housing accommodation can petition for release from the housing agreement by following the appropriate procedure as outlined below.
Spring 2026
Residents who are withdrawing from the University for the remainder of the spring semester should contact their area office to make arrangements to cancel spring housing for the remainder of the semester and move-out of their residence hall.
2026 - 2027
Students who selected a room for the 2026-27 academic year and will not be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester because they are withdrawing from the University or participating in a University sponsored Study Abroad program should submit the Petition for Release from the University Housing Agreement form for the area they are signed up to live in for the 2026-27 academic year. In accordance with the University Housing Agreement, students who are released for these reasons will be billed a $200 cancellation charge.
Petition for release forms for each area can be accessed below. Questions should be directed to the Community Area Office.
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - CIW
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - Dickinson
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - Hinman
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - Mountainview
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - Newing
2026-2027 Petition for Release From University Housing Agreement - Apartments
Financial Hardship
Students who experience a significant and unanticipated change in their financial situation that occurred after selecting their room, may petition for release from University Housing.
Petitions for release from Housing based on financial hardship are reviewed by a team which includes representation from Residential Life, Auxiliary Services and Financial Aid.
The process to petition for release is as follows:
- Complete and submit the Petition for Release from the University Housing Agreement–Financial Hardship form.
- If you already filed a FAFSA and are determined eligible for federal financial aid, it is recommended that you meet with a representative from the Financial Aid office to discuss your hardship and explore all financing options available to you.
- Submit a full explanation of what has changed in your financial situation including any supporting documents to Residential Life (TU 213) or email reslife@binghamton.edu.
- Once these steps have been completed, the request will be reviewed. Please note that a review may take up to 20 business days from the date the documentation is received.
- Denials may be appealed by emailing reslife@binghamton.edu directed towards the Director of Residential Life and Housing. This should be done within 5 business days of the date the student is notified of the decision.
Medical
Students facing a newly diagnosed or exacerbated health condition that occurred after selecting their room, and cannot be addressed through a housing accommodation, may petition to be released from the University Housing Agreement.
Petitions for release from the University Housing Agreement are reviewed by a team that may include representation from Residential Life, University Counseling Center, Decker Health Services and Services for Students with Disabilities as appropriate.
To submit your petition for release from the housing agreement you will need to do the following:
- Have your provider complete the Provider Petition for Release From Housing Request form and return it to you.
- Write an explanation of the basis of your request. The explanation should describe the new diagnosis or exasperation of your current condition that occurred after you signed up for housing. Be sure to Include a clear timeline (i.e. date you selected housing, date you received the new diagnosis, etc.). You will also need to explain where you will be living if you are granted a release and how that arrangement will meet your needs in a way that cannot be met on campus.
- Go to the "Uploads" section of the patient portal and upload the completed provider form along with your explanation.
- Click "select file" on the reason Petition for Release from Housing Agreement.
- Choose the file on your computer that contains your completed documents (completed provider form and written explanation of the basis for your request as outlined above).
- Click the blue upload box at the lower right corner of the upload section.
Remember, once documentation is submitted it can take up to 20 business days for your petition to be reviewed. Responses will be sent to your Binghamton University email address.
Denials may be appealed by emailing reslife@binghamton.edu directed towards the Director of Residential Life and Housing. This should be done within 5 business days of the date the student is notified of the decision.