BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- College students officially hit the books Monday at Binghamton University, which means many students are making use of the school's newest building downtown.
The Downtown Center is expected to bring as may as three thousand students, faculty, and visitors into the city per week.
The $29 million building houses the College of Community and Public Affairs.
Students and staff say they are excited to have a presence in the city.
"A lot of our classes talk about community, talk about working with people, but being on campus, we're isolated,” said BU grad student Stephanie Gale.
"This is the day that it all becomes real. Today we have students in the building, looking at the classrooms, enjoying all of the facilities. This is the day we really are here for,” said Patricia Ingraham, College of Community and Public Affairs Dean.
Also located in the facility is the Broome Community College offices, classrooms, conference rooms, a library, and student lounge.