Dickinson Community dorms may soon be demolished, but they have already been immortalized on singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson’s hit album “Girls and Boys.”

The “tiny beds” she refers to in “The Hat” were those of Rafuse Hall, where she lived her sophomore year. And the inescapable Binghamton cold also made it into her reminiscing lyrics — which are about her Birkenstock-wearing college boyfriend who worked at the Food Co-op.

Michaelson, who graduated from Harpur College in 2001 as a musical theater major, shot to the top of the charts after her song, “The Way I Am,” was played on “Grey’s Anatomy” and in an Old Navy sweater commercial. Her album, which was re-released this September, has been at the top of Billboard’s Heatseekers and Alternative New Artist charts.

But despite her recent success, Michaelson hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for Binghamton University.

“I love Binghamton. I had such a good time there,” Michaelson said laughing. “When I came back to visit it was so sad. I felt so old.”

Her memories of college were still fresh during an interview last week, revealing that even seven years ago, the campus’ stereotypes were still intact.

“When I came back, I still wanted to be in college, the Peace Quad, the dining halls,” Michaelson said sentimentally as her voice trailed off.

When a friend asked for advice on housing, Michaelson explained the College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Newing and Hinman College breakdown.

“If you’re a party girl … you want to live in Newing. If you’re a bookworm and you like quiet, you want Dickinson. If you don’t want to be around anybody and you like your solitude, go to Hinman. And if you’re like some normal kid who listens to Dave Matthews and plays hackey sack and likes to chill out, you’re going to live in CIW.”

But despite the recognizable campus categories, Michaelson’s experience of the Downtown Binghamton scene was less than typical.

“I had a boyfriend my first two years of my existence at Binghamton so I really spent most of my time either at theater parties or hanging out with him,” she said. “I wasn’t 21 and I was too afraid to get a fake ID, so the first time I actually went to Sports Bar was on my 21st birthday.”

Michaelson was a big fan of the Belmar Pub, a bar on Main Street on the West side.

“I would get Long Island Iced Teas, have one or two, they were $5 each, and be wrecked,” she said. “I don’t drink at all anymore … but that’s the strange thing about college, I was able to hold my liquor. I’m letting you know, it gets harder … Right now, I’m drinking chamomile tea.”

Her involvement with musical theater and groups on campus like the Binghamtonics occupied more of Michaelson’s time than State Street. Yet “The Hat” is Michaelson’s only current tribute to her old life here.

“I’m influenced more by people and events rather than places,” Michaelson said. And while her professors may not have influenced her song-writing, they definitely played a role in shaping the woman whose voice has made Old Navy sweaters catchy again.

“My professors influenced my life and the way I look at things,” Michaelson said.

While Michaelson has since shied away from musical theater, saying that she prefers now to work on “imperfect” singing rather than the more structured theater performance style, Michaelson’s former instructors still give her glowing reviews.

Professor Tom Kremer, one of many teachers that Michaelson cited as motivating influences, said her success was “inevitable.”

“I will also never forget the rich and beautiful music that was created, so often with Ingrid leading the way — her contributions were often genius. That Ingrid is enjoying her success in music is not surprising.”

Michaelson has since come a long way from her days as a Bearcat. Aspiring musicians here may wonder how Michaelson got to where she is now.

“I wasn’t really seeking anything out. I want to say something wise or interesting but all I can really say is that to just live your life in a way that you can create something in some way to satisfy yourself,” Michaelson said. “And if that’s music, always play music, always write music in some way, and hopefully you can make a living off of it, which is rare but very amazing. And if you can’t, find a way to incorporate music into your life.”

Most important, Michaelson enjoyed her time here so much that she is eager to come back.

“I really want to come there and do a show,” she said with enthusiasm. “Do you think people would come?”