The move off campus from the dorms is a symbol of personal independence and moves you one step closer to adulthood. But while you may have already figured out complicated things, like paying your electric bill before buying those boots or video game you’ve been longing for, figuring out what to eat may be more difficult than you thought it would be, especially when you no longer have a meal plan.

Running back to your dorm or the closest dining hall to grab lunch is no longer an option, and eating fast food at the Food Court in the New University Union every day is unfavorable to your health and your wallet.

Alexa Schmidt, Binghamton University’s registered dietitian, said that eating on campus without a meal plan shouldn’t be impossible.

“It’s all about planning ahead,” Schmidt said.

Packing a lunch can seem difficult when you’re rushing to catch the 8:30 a.m. JC Westside, but it’s not hopeless. Schmidt suggests trail mix, peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread or even a can of soup to heat up in the New Union.

However, she cautions against eating refrigerated items, such as yogurt, after two hours of being out of the cold.

“An insulated lunch bag gives you more options,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also stressed the importance of balance when planning a meal. A snack should consist of two food groups (like yogurt and granola or a wheat bagel and peanut butter) while a meal should consist of at least three.

If you do need to buy lunch on campus, or that PB&J doesn’t tie you over for the whole day, there are places on campus for those without a meal plan to grab a quick bite and not feel guilty.

The Food Co-op

Over the past three years, the Food Co-op has had three different homes. Currently located in the basement of the Old University Union in a renovated space complete with a new kitchen, the Co-op is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serves a hot lunch made by student volunteers from noon to 3 p.m.

Members of the Co-op encourage an organic and vegetarian lifestyle, so all dishes are meat-free and are also certified kosher. Prices range between $4.25 for a medium plate and $6.25 for a large, but members who pay a $5 fee in the beginning of the semester get 25 cents off each meal. The Food Co-op accepts cash, BUC$ and personal checks.

Samantha Tuchfeld, president of the Food Co-op and a senior English major, encourages membership not only to meet new people, but to also take advantage of discounts on food.

“It adds up if you eat here all the time,” Tuchfeld explained.

For students in a rush, the Food Co-op also sells Luna Bars and Clif Bars, as well as individually packaged frozen foods like Amy’s Kitchen burritos. Fair-trade coffee is also available and offered at a discount if you bring your own mug.

The grocery section also features locally grown fresh produce, eight different types of granola and various dried fruits for those interested in making their own trail mix to carry between classes.

The Co-op has tables where students and faculty can sit and enjoy their meals in a friendly, accepting environment.

John Arthur CafÃ.è

Formerly known as “The Commons,” the John Arthur Caf√É.√® is located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building and allows a comfortable cafe setting on campus.

The whole area was renovated over the summer after former professor John Arthur left money to the completely student-run business.

The caf√É.√® sells a large assortment of bagels from local coffee shop Nez√É.√ºntos as well as muffins and cookies provided by Sodexo. But one of its largest perks is that it’s the only place on campus that sells Snapple.

All of the items are sold at low prices because the cafe doesn’t aim to turn a profit — a bagel with butter and a Snapple ends up costing you $2.10

The crowd is mostly an older one — upperclassmen, graduate students and faculty — but according to assistant manager Theodora Vinereanu, a junior English major, all are for the most part regulars.

“We get some interesting characters,” Vinereanu said.

The cafe is homey and, according to its patrons, it has a family atmosphere. Jordan Landsman, a junior English major, eats at the cafÃ.è every day, and sometimes twice a day.

“When it’s cold and dreary out the staff lights up my day,” Landsman said.

The cafÃ.è is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and accepts BUC$ and cash.