It is true that college is a bubble. However, it is meant to protect us, not limit our reach, and living on campus limits one’s reach quite significantly. You never really have to leave. You have your room and food, class is never more than 10 minutes away and you even have a maid. Soon you start questioning why you would ever have to leave the nice little island built, essentially, just for you.

Well, for those of you who follow this flow, you’re missing out. Binghamton is a pretty incredible place if you look into it. It has nooks and crannies that are itching to be explored. And no, it isn’t always the safest place, but the hype makes it sound worse than it is.

I’ve hardly seen all there is to see, but I’m trying to put myself out there, inch by inch. Right on Main Street, for instance, you find Crepe Heaven, which is both yummy and inexpensive. Something is always going on in CyberCafe West, whether it be live music or trivia. There are bands at The Belmar Pub too, though you need to be 21 to get in there, except for the poetry readings. Those are free, and they are incredible. They often host artists from all over the place; for instance, I saw a girl that is eighth in the nation and was conducting a book tour. Her poetry and speaking abilities were so powerful that some in the room were moved to tears. Everyone who is signed up is a treat to listen to. If it strikes your fancy, they keep it open mike, so bring your poetry and go crazy.

Obviously, this is just scratching the surface, but it gives you an idea. If any of these opportunities interest you, you may meet lots of people who you’ll get along with. I know I have. My point is, there is a Binghamton beyond State Street. In fact, State Street gives a bad name to the rest of the city. When you go to State, you don’t see RiverRead Books or Java Joe’s Roasting Company; you see drunk, underage students and overage townies trying to get down with the drunk underage students. It’s sad that students come to Binghamton University, live here for four long years and remain clueless about the small city culture passing right beneath their noses.

And I have to mention the wealth of volunteer opportunities. They’re actually a lot of fun. You could work in one of the many community gardens (VINES), plant trees with the Shade Tree Commission, work at the soup kitchen or participate in other events with CHOW, help out Food Not Bombs or volunteer at the senior center; there are just so many options! What I love most, though, is that this is a small city. You will meet some of the same people in many places and will be able to build up a relationship with them. Who knows, those contacts may come in handy in your future, as I’m sure they will in mine.

So my suggestion is, get out there. Don’t be cynical about your presence here as a student. Join the community, it will welcome you.

The first step is going into the city in daylight (there’s a doozy). Walk up and down Court/Main Street and visit the shops on Washington Street. And don’t just walk around and buy stuff; talk to the people. They’ll point you in the right direction, or they’ll just provide some pleasant conversation. I’m from New York City. I never really had a small-town experience, so this is the closest I can get. And I’m loving it.

Just being able to go into River Muse Caf√É.√©, ask the owner, “How are you?” and really meaning it, is worth the trip.

Go out and let your bubble of comfort expand to the comfort of the Binghamton community.