Admit it — we're all guilty of buying a cookie because it looks nice, or smelling food on the grill and immediately thinking "I want it." Trust us, we feel you. 

The dining halls at Binghamton University are filled with everyone's everyday favorites— grilled cheese, stir fry, sandwiches, pizza, homemade pasta, and many, many desserts. But how does you know for sure what's worth swiping your BU ID for, especially on a college student budget? We're here to tell you the must-haves at Binghamton's dining halls, and 5 reasons why skipping the Marketplace for the day is a good idea.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

C4 - Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center

sprinkles, cake, chocolate, candy, cream
Mark Caldropoli

As a college student, you're bound to get an ice cream craving at least 4 times a week—alright, more like 4 times a day. When you do, you're gonna want to visit Chef Jason at the Chenango Champlain Grill. He's the plug when it comes to satisfying your ice cream needs. Pictured is Ben & Jerry's Phish Food topped off with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.

Make-Your-Own Stir Fry

C4 - Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center

chicken, broccoli, rice
Emily Lakic

If you haven't had the stir-fry from C4 yet, chances are you're definitely missing out. Everything is fresh and the variety of sauces complement the meat and your choice of vegetables perfectly. The chefs are absolute perfectionists and take special care when it comes to cooking your stir-fry. It tastes exactly like a home-cooked meal from the kitchen.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

C4 - Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center

cream
Emily Lakic

These pancakes are a must-get on those weekend mornings after going out! Turning on the grill at 11 AM, C4 is the only dining hall that whips up pancakes that satisfy all your chocolatey cravings. If chocolate chips don't fulfill your desires, you have the option of getting chocolate chip-banana, blueberry or even just plain. Finally, top off your pancakes with some sticky maple syrup, smooth whipped cream, or fresh berries. See other ways to spruce up your pancakes here.

Omlette

C4 - Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center

cheese, omelet, ham, egg
Mark Caldropoli

It might be possible to give up C4's infamous omelettes, but we're no quitters. Pictured is a bacon-onion-pepper stuffed omelette sprinkled with a pinch of salt and pepper to satisfy your early-morning cravings. Find this healthy yet delicious option at the Chenango Champlain Grill.

Red Mango Ice Cream

Marketplace

chocolate, sweet, milk, cream, cereal
Emily Lakic

Red Mango might not be in any of the dining halls, but it's certainly a plus when it comes to the food offered at BU. Find this sweet spot in the Marketplace for an after-study sesh treat. Pictured is chocolate frozen yogurt topped with chocolate sprinkles and cookie dough bites.