Binghamton University
Reviews

Meh.

It's not terrible. Downtown Binghamton can be a lot of fun at night. Frat parties are fun and open, but attract a lot of underclassmen. The bars on State street are always crowded on the weekends but almost entirely with students, but still beware of creepy townies. If you go out a lot you will always find someone you know, but the usual spots will get old quickly.

The Reason Why I Came to Bing

Obviously whites will always dominate but there's a lot of diversity. There's a group for everyone. Tons of international students, mostly Asian but also Turks and Europeans. Hispanic population is kind of small but overall it's still well represented.Tons of Jewish students and the school is accomodating to their needs. Gay population also well represented but there doesn't seem to be many.

DT change of venue

The nightlife downtown used to suck, but this semester for god knows why the hot spot is this place called the Paradigm or Flashbacks. They are always doing something different from guest DJ's to reality show cast members. They actually take the time to think about ways college students can have fun, they hand out glow sticks, confetti cannons. Rumor has it some student co-owns this now and he has been spotted on campus. But the house parties are the same but the downtown life has taken a turn for the better.

Fair Share

For every gorgeous girl/guy, there will always be an ugly girl/guy to balance it out.

Diverse

binghamton is diverse but most people hang out with the same type of people (for examples african american with african americans, tri-state area jews with tri-state area jews, etc.) all sexual orientations are accepted. lot of asians

Binghamton/Vestal: It's Okay

It's a pretty safe area, especially in Vestal. There's a decent amount of shopping, and there are events around the area. However, the area around the campus (not directly, but nearby)isn't really the safest, especially because Binghamton is a dying city. Honestly, it's not like going to school in a city at all, but there are still things to do. There's a mall, a small zoo, and some good restaurants.

It's Good

Binghamton is divided. The college is for those who want to do good yet want to party themselves into oblivion every weekend. A lot of people don't take Friday classes so it makes them ignorant to those who do and party on a Thursday. The RA's are terrible for the most part and quiet hours may not as well even exist. It's a good college for academics, but expect to live in the library to get some actual work done

A for Academics

Binghamton University's academics is considered the best of the SUNY system by many critics. It is diverse because there are 5 schools at Binghamton: Harpur, School of Management, Watson School of Engineering, Decker Nursing School, and the College of Community and Public Affairs. The Professors are very accessible for help between office hours and use of Blackboard. The faculty is composed of reputable professionals.

Communities

I love Binghamton's campus housing! The housing is split into five communities: Mountainview, College-In-the-Woods, Hinman, Newing, and Dickinson. Each community hosts its own share of events to get students involved and encourages socializing. I have lived in both suite and corridor style rooms and have had no problem socializing because other rooms tend to leave their doors (or suite doors) open. Every community has its own charm and is enjoyable to live in!

School of Management Has Its Perks

If you want to major in business, Binghamton is the place to go. It was ranked 12th among business schools at public universities in Business Week's 2010 rankings of undergraduate programs. The Big Four accounting firms hire more students from Binghamton than any other school in New York state. There are many opportunities such as the Career Fair to meet recruiters and look for jobs and internships. Faculty are passionate about what they teach, and work hard to train you for the real world. The workload for business courses in the first two years are very light compared to engineering and science majors. Accounting majors are the most predominant, however, there are good amount of finance, management, and marketing majors too. Whether you know what you want to do or not, the School of Management offers the most opportunities at a comfortable difficulty.

Jobs and Internships

I would have to say, as being a part of the School of Management at Binghamton University, that I feel confident in the hands of this program.

Within my first few weeks of school, I have already had my resume critiqued and attended events where I was able to shake hands with Alumni from Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and other top name companies. Constant emails are sent out to raise awareness of these multiple opportunities and even as a Freshman, I was able to attend these professional events.

I feel like they are already preparing us for the real world and extensive job opportunities and that is so exciting and satisfying. I am so glad I chose Binghamton!

Well Varied

There are many majors to choose from and if there isn't one for you, there is an independent major program. This in an involved process, but a few people do it every year.

Depends on Where You Live

Binghamton has several communities. Mountainview and Newing are the newest and has the best facilities but they are not very convenient. CIW is not too great. Dickinson is old but the rooms are big. It's also being renovated. Hinman is okay because the rooms are small since they are suite styled. But it's close to the academic buildings.

Not Stereotypical Greek Life

Greek life isn't a huge part of Binghamton but it does have a strong presence.As someone who is in a sorority, I can honestly say that it isn't all about the parties,though they are fun, but also about the people you meet and the philanthropies and community service. I know many people that are so happy in Greek Life and many people who are very happy without it, and both those types of people can get along with each other well.

Local Atmosphere/Downtown

The surrounding area is very run down and local "townies" are really scary/smelly/look like they are on drugs or hobos. Students go downtown for frat parties or to the bars, which are really shady because lots of locals (older men) frequent them. There are a few cafes and restaurants, but students dont go to them very often. Right outside the campus is a strip mall with Walmart, Barnes and Noble, TJ Maxx, McDonalds, other chain stores available. Students go here for errands/groceries. There is nowhere to go shopping really and is not a "walkable" area.

Find Your Niche

There are dorms for everyone's tastes at Binghamton. Mountainview has nice facilities, and is suite style, but is uphill and very secluded. You're either always up there or down by the rest of the campus. CIW is okay, but the rooms are narrow and it tends to be less social because of some suites. Dickinson is corridor style, and is very social. My favorite by far. Newing is going to be very elaborate, the facilities are new, but socializing will probably be at a minimum. Hinman is all suites, so you only really get to know them.

Super Happy

The school is great. It can be cloudy and gloomy sometimes, but it is so active here on campus, there is too much to do. I feel bad I haven't done more!

Never Felt Safer

Campus is set up in a way so that even at night, you are always visible. In addition to that, wherever you go outside a blue emergency light is visible. We have a University police department on campus who responds immediately and just a very friendly campus where if anyone saw someone in distress they would help out. just keep your door locked to drunks who forgot which room is theirs.

Overall love this school

Firstly, the binghamton weather is NOT THAT BAD (If you already live in the northeast.) Yes, its a bit colder than washington DC, where I live, but its not so much colder that I really notice it much. When it gets windy you feel it more, but it's not that windy especially when compared to my sister's college, Penn State. Its cloudy, but it gets sunny enough for me to not really notice the constant clouds. It snows, but because its so cold, we get only light and fluffy snow instead of wet, icy, slushy snow.

PROFESSORS AND CLASSES

The majority of my professors and TA's so far were great and always encouraged people to get help if needed during their office. AND even my 200+ people lecture classes encourage class discussion and participation. If you put in the effort, like any class anywhere, you will learn a lot and if you picked the right classes, will be very interested in whatever you're learning. Binghamton seems to encourage you to take classes that aren't necessarily essential, like Ancient Egypt, and to explore different subjects instead of just picking one that suits a good career. (Although binghamton's business school has an excellent reputation and is very good)

SCHOOL SPIRIT

A good amount of people attend the basketball games and show good school spirit. Honestly, Binghamton doesn't have the most school spirit, but there is definitely some. I've heard a lot of people also go to the soccer games in the fall, but I personally didn't.

DORMS

ALL of the dorms have a positive aspect about them and some communities are getting renovated this year. (The end result will be all of the dorms renovated.) The new dorms look like hotels they are amazing! You should try to get into Newing or Hinman, because they aren't that far from the lecture hall and look AMAZING. Mountainview is also gorgeous and has the best dining hall by far, but is the farthest away from everything else on campus. Really the farthest thing on campus is at most 15 minutes from eachother so its really not a big deal if you are in mountainview. And everyone i know in mountainview loves it and doesn't mind the walk.

PEOPLE

I personally love the student body at Binghamton. I've made great friends and everyone I've run into is really friendly. Basically everyone on my floor are friends or at least friendly, even though we are all very different from eachother. It's obviously up to you to make friends. If you don't talk to anyone in class, in your dorm and aren't in any clubs or sports, you probably won't have that many friends. Not everyone will approach you, but if you approach them you're golden. All are nice and welcoming. I've read on some sites that Binghamton is cliquey, but in literally any environment if you treat it like it's cliquey and only approach certain people, your social life will be cliquey. Mine isn't at all. From what i've experienced, I have seen very, very litte "mean girl" materialistic types, but I'm sure there are a few. There are A TON of clubs to get involved in and most are really interesting. I'm personally in a few and love it.

NIGHT LIFE

I love binghamton's night life. Sometimes during the week there are dorm room parties, (maybe set up a beer pong game, etc.) This is my typical weekend: Friday and Saturday, pre-game at someones dorm room, head to frats have fun there, head to bars. The bars are really easy to get in to basically 95% of the time. I usually just pass back with my firend's fake and it works. The frats are fun. They set up lights and have a DJ and people dance or go to another floor and play pong or just hangout. I know people that go out almost every weekend and go out either both Friday and Saturday or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. HOWEVER, there are also a good amount that don't really go out at all. My roomate has never gone out and goes to Binghamton nigh life (programs they set up for those who don't go out) and says its fun. If you go out, there are plenty that do as well, if you stay in, thats fine too and you'll probably find company. Binghamton has a movie theatre, bowling alley, night owls (stores where you can get burgers, quesadillas, smoothies, milkshakes, snack foods and are open til 2 and later on weekends)

Greek Invasion

If the grade is for whether Greek life is abundant, then it fits. But in my opinion, Greek life provides parties and events because there is seeming nothing else to do here at Binghamton. I'm not a partier myself, but I feel Greek life has just become something people are invested in just to have something to do. Don't get me wrong, it does provide great opportunities to meet new people, but they usually aren't the type of people I like.

No Worries

The campus is very safe, no matter where you are. If you ever need help, there are telephones every few hundred meters around campus that you can use. The campus security officers patrol often and crack down on the speed limit as well as alcohol. The school also does a good job of clearing the snow so that students can walk without injuring themselves.

"Financial Aid" Shoud Be More of Financial Aid

My situation in terms of financial aid, is okay, but i am not very satisfied, i am actually very grateful. I say this because most of my aid are coming from Loans, ranging from subsidized loans to unsubsidized loans. I would rather not have to take out loans especially with so much free money out there. That would only be my complaint, but i have to make more of an effort to balance my school work, and make time to put in the work for applying to as many scholarships that i can. It could be worst as I've seen others who struggle.

Great Educational Value at a Low Price

I am blessed to be at such a fine university, coming from my background and may i add being the first in my family to go to college and soon to graduate with a degree. Binghamton has students that u would find at our ivy league level schools, and it brings about a competitive nature in the students that make us feel that were can match up with any other graduate in the united states and the world, even tho many people have not heard of Binghamton university. The fact that after graduation u can go to high places u may have never though of going before.

Bustling Student Activity

There are lots of things to do around Binghamton. Not only is there a city at your disposable but there's also beautiful mountains and a nature preserve everywhere. There are restaurants and all sorts of attractions.

Pretty Freaking Good

buses run to downtown and to the frats til at least 11 maybe 12 and there free. to get back u have to pay 3 bucks for a taxi so expect to spend that everynight unless u got a dd.. like thats gonna happen. but otherwise buses run down vestal parkway (the street binghamton university is off of) to various places.. walmart.. grocery store.. all the important shopping complexes. and its free. pretty sweet deal. taxi drivers are all very friendly and have good music. generally.