Courtesy of Evie Lockwood Mullaney
Returning to school, going to classes, doing homework, and studying are the last things on everyone’s minds in the dog days of summer. However, given that we’ve just welcomed a new batch of camels to the herd, who undoubtedly can’t stop thinking about what this fall will look like for them, I thought it would be valuable to compile a list of the best spots on campus for hanging out and studying. Especially for the Class of 2028, this list will serve as a helpful guide to where Conn students do a lot of their work, chat with friends while pretending to do work, and generally hang out during the day!
- Tempel Green: Despite the fact that we only get about ten days worth of perfect, 65-70 degree sunny days during the school year due to going to school in southern Connecticut, Tempel is undoubtedly one of the most popular spots on campus at any given time. My personal favorite for hanging out between classes, eating lunch from Jane Addams outside, or listening to music, Tempel Green is a great place to spend time with friends. Although, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone actually do work here. Never an ideal lock-in environment, Tempel gets an 8/10 on the hangout-ometer, but falls short with a 5/10 as a study space.
- Blue Camel Cafe (Blamel): Whether you sit outdoors or inside, Blamel is one of the most social places on campus, with friends walking by to grab a coffee, running to class, or stopping by to get some work done. I’ve always been able to get a good bit of work done at Blamel, but there’s no denying that the outside tables are probably the most unproductive place on campus. The sun makes it hard to see your laptop screen and it’s a better spot for people-watching than for homework-doing. Hangout-ometer: 9/10, as a study space, 7/10.
- Blaustein Humanities Center: Blaustein is a criminally underrated place to get work done. Whether you choose an empty classroom with friends during finals week, the cozy tables in the third floor wings, or the couches/stools on the first floor, Blaustein is always a good place to study. In terms of a hangout space, it’s not the most popular spot, but I’ve always been productive there. On my hangout-ometer Blaustein gets a 3/10, but asf a study space, it deserves an 8/10!
- Shain Library: As the most obvious and commonly used study space on campus, you’d think the library would always be a productive space. However, that is definitely not the case; your Shain experience can vastly differ depending on what floor you’re on. The first two floors, along with the basement, are more like hangout spaces where you “get work done” as a convincing cover. The third floor is usually productive, especially during finals week. But, be careful! If you sneeze, drop a book, or whisper too loudly, you are definitely getting shushed or posted about on YikYak. Overall, the library gets a 6/10 as a hangout space and a 9/10 for studying.
- College Center at Crozier-Williams (Cro): One of my personal favorite places to do work, Cro is underappreciated. Not only does it have air conditioning, but the second floor is truly a great place to get work done. While Oasis Cafe, located on the first floor, is not known as a study space, it is a great spot to hang out and chat with friends for way too long after nights in the library, at practice, and more. Cro is one of the rare places where I believe in its potential as a study and hangout spot, getting an 8/10 for both.
I hope this was able to serve as a helpful introduction on where to go, and where not to go on campus, whether you’re looking to study, pretend to study, or just hang out with friends. I recommend all of these places for (practically) all of the above activities! For returning and new camels alike, we’re looking forward to seeing everyone in these spots on campus in just a few short weeks!
