In an effort to sustain Ithaca’s economy and culture and enrich their college experiences, Ithaca College students should venture off campus and buy from local stores.

This year, the recession has finally hit the town’s economy. Students are encouraged to support locally owned businesses like the Ithaca Bakery and Buffalo Street Books to not only boost the local economy, but to also give back to the community that has supported the college for years.

Feeding money into the Ithaca community will keep small businesses alive and will further solidify the relationship between the college and the town. Local businesses often contribute to the college’s positive relationship with the town, welcoming students to make Ithaca their home for four years or more.

Experiencing the local culture through foods, clothes, music and political and social ideals is one of the things that makes an Ithaca College education valuable. Students should look for lessons beyond the classroom and in the corners of local bookstores or over conversations with locals who stop for coffee at the Ithaca Bakery.

When families and friends visit, students could also introduce them to the town’s culture  through local stores and restaurants that are not found outside Ithaca.

Students might be more comfortable purchasing from chain stores because of product familiarity or cheaper prices. Losing out on the town’s culture  for this reason is, however, too high a price to pay.

A college experience that goes beyond weekend parties and the dorm-room life to real life conversations and cultural adventures will enrich a student’s time at the college and their lives after they leave South Hill.