November - Thinking About Next Fall Already!

It's hard to believe, but it's already time to start discussing plans for your student's 2010-2011 housing.  The $200 housing deposits for on-campus housing is due no later than February 22nd.  This means you and your student need to start thinking about if another year on-campus is for them.  Some things to think about as you make this decision:

• Studies have consistently shown that students who live in on-campus housing during their time at college have more satisfaction with their college experience, more interaction with peers, a higher level of involvement in co-curricular activities and greater interaction with faculty and staff.  It should further be noted that students who interact with faculty and staff more outside the classroom have higher rates of persistence in college and ultimately, in attaining a degree.

• On-campus housing at Binghamton provides a variety of housing options including: traditional corridor-style with community bathrooms, corridor-style with semi-private bathrooms, suite-style with 4-6 students in double rooms sharing a common living room and bathroom, and more independent living in our apartment community.

• Binghamton's residence halls offer support for academic and personal growth:

1. Every residential college/community has a Faculty Master; a tenured faculty member who can offer academic guidance, support and direction, regardless of major or class year.
2. Each residence hall is overseen by a full-time professional Resident Director who lives in an apartment in the hall.  Many of these staff members have graduate degrees in college student development.
3. Each floor or apartment building has a Resident Assistant; a peer who is specially trained to serve as a peer mentor.  They work to develop a sense of community by enforcing policy, assisting in crisis management, and planning fun and educational activities for their residents.
4. Several communities offer community-based courses, tutoring in the residential communities, easy access to the Discovery Centers for guidance from a peer academic advisor.
5. Additionally, each residential college/community works closely with a counselor from the University Counceling Center who serves as a liasion for any resident student issue or concern.

• Living on campus allows more direct access to University emergency personnel, such as the University Police Department and Harpur's Ferry Ambulance service.

• On-campus students don't have to navigate public transportation or hunt for parking just to attend classes.

• Residence hall staff provide opportunities in the living areas to socialize with peers, attend educational programs on a variety of topics and interact with faculty and staff in a laid back and casual atmosphere.

• Students living on campus don't have to worry about getting to the grocery store or honing their cooking skills; they have access to quick, nutritious and varied menu options in our on-campus dining centers located throughout campus.

• If your student is still interested in moving off-campus, don't forget to consider:

1. The safety of the area (crime statistics, local police presence, lighting, parking, locks, etc.)
2. Upkeep of the rental unit (emergency maintenance, cleaning, trash, regular maintenance, pest control, etc.)
3. Stipulations of the lease agreement (including late payments, method of payment, etc.)
4. Utility costs and how they will be divided if sharing space with other students (water, heat, cable, trash pick-up, etc.)
5. Transportation access and cost (public bus, OCCT blue buses, personal car, gas, parking, etc.)
6. Healthy eating (cooking facilities, shopping and cost of foods, etc.)
7. Visit the Off Campus College Office for more information when considering off-campus living.