It is almost time for classes to start at Binghamton University and a lot of local businesses say being so close to the Bearcats is a very good thing. As our Elyse Mickalonis explains, a lot of area favorites are excited that students are back in Broome County, because many choose to spend their money locally.

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VESTAL, N.Y. -- With classes starting next week, Binghamton University students celebrated being back on Saturday at University Fest.

“It’s good to see old friends, this is my last year. I’m planning of having a good time,
getting my studies in and I’m glad to be back,” said Samantha Player, BU Senior.

But, while they’ve been getting ready for school, local businesses have been getting ready for them.

“Students being back really brings in a lot more business. They stop in before classes, after classes, in between, so it really does a lot for us,” said Natalie Richetti, B.L.GG's Deli.

Richetti says a big portion of their business comes from students.

“I would say the students are 20 percent of our business along with our local customers,
so they do impact us quite a bit,” said Richetti.

Students we spoke with say as long as they have a way to get off campus they prefer to spend their money locally.

“I like all the local businesses they have around, the restaurants are really great, downtown as well as around here, really just anywhere I pass by I like to try. Since this is my fifth year I’ve been a lot of places,” said Jamie Parmele, BU graduate student.

Cara Samuels, BU Senior, added, “Nothing here is crazy expensive that students are having a hard time going out to eat. It depends on the student, how often someone can get off campus.”

And to cater to student budgets, a lot of hotspots in Vestal and Binghamton offer student discounts to draw in more business.

“We did have the Bearcat special, its something we do to bring the students in to let them know that they're welcome here, let them know we love having them here,” said Richetti.