Sports: What Exactly Do You Need?

“All current undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty and staff members at Binghamton University are eligible to participate in Intramural Programs,” is what Binghamton University is saying to you.  If you’re almost set to attend college, and interested in any sport, Binghamton University has it: 5 vs. 5/ 3 vs. 3 basketball, baseball, softball, soccer(indoor/outdoor), football, tennis(outdoor/table), racquetball, handball, swimming, volleyball, rafting, canoeing, hiking, bowling, billiards, coed dodgeball, floor hockey, coed kickball, and so much more.  The Intramural program is one of the most highly sought after programs at Binghamton University.

Okay, first thing’s first.  I’m a senior here at BU majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing.  Sounds lucrative, yeah I know.  I don’t apologize.

Currently I’m taking a whole bunch of credits (20), I’m a proud member of Asian Outlook Magazine, which is great if you have something important you want to say or write or express, anything.  I’m also a marketing intern, and this is where I get to talk to fantastic people and write about fantastic things, I kid you not!

There’s a depth to writing that attracts me on so many levels; I’ve said this before to so many people: writing’s not easy, whether it’s an article, an essay, a short story, anything.

Listen, Binghamton’s got the classes you need and want.  It’s got a million things to offer, like clubs, hang outs, parties, free movies, great people, cool, down to earth teachers, you name it.  The cost is unbelievable compared to other universities.

The best things about BU for me are the people.  So many culturally diverse people everywhere you go; (it might overwhelm you at first, depending on where you’re from), but let it sink in, get a feel for it.  It’s a good thing.  You can join any club you can think of, any organization; in all honesty, BU probably has it.  If your Latin, Asian, African American, European, from the Caribbean, anywhere in the world, there’s a club for you; and if you’re interested in learning about a different culture other than your own, no one’s stopping you except you.  Another thing about BU is that its also got this amazing study abroad program where you can choose from over 50 countries.  Yeah.  Don’t believe me?  Come check it out.....

It’s not all bad!

Starting college was an exciting and scary time. I was worried I wouldn’t fit in, that the classes would be too difficult, or that I wouldn’t make any friends. But most of all, I was worried about my roommate assignment. We had talked a few times before school started, but you never know how it will work until you actually live together. When we finally met, all my fears were put to rest. My new roommate helped me overcome my homesickness by getting me out of the room. We spent the first few nights in Binghamton meeting new people and making friends. With her help, I quickly made the adjustment. Before I knew it, two weeks had passed! Classes weren’t as difficult as I thought they would be and I had already made many friends. Three years later, I am still incredibly close to my freshman year roommate. Without her, adjusting to college life would have been much more difficult.

I know my story is pretty amazing, especially after hearing some random roommate horror stories. Before you get yourself freaked out, know this: Binghamton University goes to great lengths to assign you the best possible match. And if you don’t get along, there are people both in and out of the dorm ready and willing to help. The Residential Life staff is trained to deal with roomie differences. If you just can’t work it out, don’t worry. The school will help you find a new roommate. Above all, the ResLife staff just wants to ensure you enjoy your time at Binghamton University. The person you live with and the people you meet are an important factor, so help can always be found if it’s just not what you expected.

I always find it interesting to hear “real-life” stories about Binghamton grads, so here’s one about my roommate from freshman year…

“Steve” we will call him, was always interested in taking things apart and putting them back together (including my alarm clock one time!), he was of course in the Watson School of Mechanical Engineering. During his undergraduate years Steve was part of a team that built a machine which produced a very small and specific type of micro-chip. Steve and his team went to a national competition and did very well, and impressed a lot of people. One company in particular who was impressed was the Intel Corp.. (in case you have never heard of computers, they are kind of a big deal! ). Long story short, Steve currently lives in Arizona and works for Intel making a nice salary. See what going to Binghamton can do for you !!

Working on campus can be a wonderful experience.

The first week of classes my freshman year, I was surprised to find my roommate, Rachel, was searching for a part time job. Through Binghamton University’s eRecruiting website, she found a job with the Ombudsman office. After three and a half years, she is still working there! Rachel loves her job. She loves being in constant contact with the student body and she loves the extra money the job provides. The people in the Ombudsman office are great about working around her class schedule and they understand her school work comes first. Rachel has had a great time working on campus and recommends it to anyone looking for a way to make some extra cash while also gaining valuable experience. 

Hey guys, Ali here. I’m a senior at Binghamton University and loving it! I can’t believe this is my last semester. If you had asked me as a freshman, I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but the last three years have just flown by. I’ve had a fantastic time meeting new people and learning new things.

When I entered Binghamton University as a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn’t think I would ever be able to choose a major. After my first semester, I realized the classes I had the most interest in were all English classes. I was also interested in journalism, therefore I became an English major with a concentration in General Literature and Rhetoric. This way I was able to feed my undying love of reading while also learning many different things. Through my classes here I’ve read some real classics, pieces of literature I wouldn’t have bothered to read if it weren’t assigned. The English Program has furthered my love of books in a way I didn’t think possible. It’s been a great time, one I wouldn’t trade for anything. Though I don’t know what I’ll be doing after graduation, I’m confident the education I have received here in Binghamton, both in and out of class, will help me succeed, no matter where I end up.

I’m so excited to be blogging this semester and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. If you have any questions or comments, please share them! We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Ok, so maybe you can’t clap your feet...but everyone can afford Binghamton University!  I myself have been a financial aid success story, and many Binghamton University students are.  The key is going out and being proactive about the financial aid opportunities available by visiting the financial aid website(s) of the colleges of your choosing.  And before you do anything it is important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA for short) because this is how Binghamton University files you for various types of aid.
One really easy, no hassle way to get aid (of course if you qualify) is the New York State Tuition Assistance Program.  After you file your FAFSA, you can fill out the TAP application.  Then they process it and will offer you a grant (again if you qualify).  Grants are basically just free money (and EVERY college kid likes the sound of free money!).  Loans are what you take out and have apply for and also eventually pay back.
I have taken out loans for 3 years and there are not words to describe how helpful they are.  We all worry about money (especially students) but it is nice to know that at least you have your school expenses covered...but don’t substitute taking out loans for finding a job!  Loans are a great way to pay off school but I also have a job on campus.  Binghamton University has a lot of job opportunities as well as work study programs and off-campus jobs that can not only give you work experience, but spending money for all the fun things you can do.
The loans are less intimidating then they seem...and man, do I know how intimidating they appear!  But if you do some reading on what kinds of loans there are and even give our Financial Aid office a call, a counselor will be able to answer any questions you might have.  The nice part about Binghamton University being within the State University of New York system is that need-based aid is easy to come by if you are willing to go out and find it!