Frequently Asked Questions about Student Housing at Binghamton
Below you'll find answers to the most common questions students have about residential life at Binghamton University.
Are first-year students required to live on campus at Binghamton?
All first-year students, regardless of credit hours earned, are required to live in University housing for their first academic year. Local students (those with an established permanent residence within a 45-mile radius of Binghamton University) are exempt from this requirement. Students 21 and older and students who are married are also exempt from this requirement. If you believe you are exempt from this policy, contact reslife@binghamton.edu.
Are transfer students required to live on campus?
No, transfer students are not required to live on campus. However, those admitted for the fall semester are guaranteed on-campus housing if they choose to apply. This guarantee also applies to new Fall 2027 transfer students.
Are returning students guaranteed housing?
No, returning Binghamton University students are not guaranteed on-campus housing.
How do I know which community to choose?
Familiarize yourself with our communities, housing options, and room rates on our Residential Communities webpage. Have several buildings/communities in mind before going into the portal to select your room.
What are the housing types?
At Binghamton, students will choose between two housing types:
- Type 1: Gender Identity housing - students will only be able to pair with roommates, form groups, and choose rooms with others who share the same gender identity.
- Type 2: All Gender housing - students live with and share spaces with others who may or may not share the same gender identity, with the intention of creating a welcoming environment for all.
Can I pick roommates with different housing types?
No, when searching for roommates in the portal, you will only be able to find and pair with others who have selected the same housing type.
Can I pick a room with a different housing type?
No, during room selection, you will only see rooms that match your housing type.
Can I change my housing type?
Yes, prior to the start of room selection, you may return to the housing application to change your housing type.
How do I sign up for housing with a roommate/group?
To sign up with a roommate or group, you must select each other in the portal to form and verify your group. Once formed, the group leader will verify the group by clicking on the "verify group" button on the roommate selection page. This must be done by midnight the night before your room selection time slot. Keep in mind that you are not considered to be in a group with someone until that group is formed in the portal.
Who should be the housing group leader?
Whoever has the earliest time slot for room selection should be made the group leader. The group leader will house everyone in the group.
Can you change the group leader?
Yes, you can change the group leader. To do so, the current leader must return to the group formation page in the portal and make the change there.
Does pairing as a roommate or group guarantee certain rooms?
No, pairing as roommates or forming a group does not guarantee room availability with the total vacancies needed. Be prepared for the possibility that you will have to sign into a room as an individual even if you are part of a group.
Can I sign up for housing as an individual?
Yes, you can sign up for housing as an individual and not as part of a group. Many students choose to do so and end up having great experiences, so don't put pressure on yourself to find a roommate or be part of a group for room selection.
If I'm signing up by myself, can I see who else is in the room before I pick?
Yes, if you are signing up by yourself and select a room where one bed is already occupied, you can view the profile of the person who is already assigned to that room by clicking on the magnifying glass that appears next to the room on the room selection screen.
Can I change my room after I've already picked?
No, there are no room changes during this process, so be sure you are in the right building/room before you finalize your selection. Once you have placed yourself in a bed, you are finished.
Are all housing rates the same?
No, housing rates differ depending on where you live, room types, and area. You can view all prices on our Housing Rates webpage.
Is one residential community better than the others?
All of our residential communities have something special to offer. Keep an open mind about where you live and know you can have an amazing experience wherever and with whomever you live!
How will I be updated throughout the housing process?
We will communicate with you through your Binghamton University email throughout the entire process. We ask that you check this email daily.
Can I be released from the 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 on our Housing Agreement Petition webpage.
Do I have to get a Meal Plan?
Yes, all on-campus students are required to purchase a resident meal plan, with the exception of Apartments Community residents. Find more information about Meal Plans on our Dining Services website.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, all of our communities and most areas of campus are covered by our wireless Wi-Fi network.
Can I receive mail at Binghamton?
Yes, Campus Mail Services handles incoming and outgoing mail for students living on campus. You will be assigned a BU box # when you check in. To find out your box #, log in to the housing portal with your username and password and click on "Your Current Assignment".
Do the residence communities have laundry services?
Yes, each resident hall has a laundry facility located in the basement or on the first floor. The Hillside and Susquehanna buildings also have laundry rooms in each building. Laundry is free to all residents.
Are there custodial services in the residence communities?
Yes, each residence hall has a custodial staff that cleans public spaces Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Limited staff is also on hand during the weekend to make sure public areas remain clean. Public areas include lounges, kitchens, hallways, floor bathrooms, stairways, and lobbies. Bathrooms on each floor are cleaned daily, and suite bathrooms once a week. Staff are not responsible for cleaning bedrooms.
Can I rent a refrigerator and/or microwave?
Yes, the University contracts a third party for leasing refrigerators and refrigerator/microwave units of various sizes to students. Refrigerators are leased on a semester or yearly basis but not during the summer sessions. For more information, visit the MicroFridge website. Residents can bring their own refrigerator if it's 5.5 cubic feet or less.
Is there air conditioning in the residence halls?
Yes, Cleveland Hall in Hinman College, Mohawk Hall in College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson (except for Old Digman and Old Rafuse), Mountainview, and Newing buildings have air conditioning.
What should I bring with me to college?
For a full list of what to bring with me when moving into a Binghamton University residence, see our College Move-In Checklist webpage.
Is there anything that's not allowed in the residence halls?
Yes, there are prohibited items. You can see the full list of what's not allowed on our College Move-In Checklist webpage.
What if I have other questions or concerns?
For questions and concerns regarding the housing process at Binghamton, you can call 607-777-2321 or email reslife@binghamton.edu. Asking your questions early will allow us to best assist you.