Last week I had about an hour between classes to eat and relax. In the past, I would have just headed right to my dorm, grabbed food and maybe watched some TV. Now that I live off campus, I don’t have that option.
I got some food and made my way to the Student Center first. Even if I did find a table in there, I could barely hear myself think. It’s a great place for eating with friends, but it doesn’t offer much peace when you’re alone.
This was quite the dilemma: I can’t go home, can’t go to a dorm, and it’s too cold to sit outside. So where can you spend some quiet time in between classes? After some searching, I came up with a handful of little-known spots on campus that offer peace and space to eat during your short break.
Gladfelter and Anderson: Though the lobbies of these two buildings don’t offer much as far as table space or calmness with constant student traffic, many of the upper floors in these two buildings have couches and tables that are usually empty. Pick a floor, pull up a chair and relax with your meal.
Joe First Media Center, Annenberg Hall: Completed in 2002, the Media Center links Annenberg Hall and the Tomlinson Theater. Though this isn’t the quietest place on campus, it’s comparable to the Student Center on a smaller scale. Chairs line the walls, a big screen television hangs from above, and a café serves coffee, pastries and sandwiches, among others. This is a great place to go when you don’t have much to do but pass the time. Why not skip BET or MTV blaring from the TV lounge in the Student Center and learn a little something from CNN showing in the Atrium?
Ritter Annex: Just like in Gladfelter and Anderson, there are many floors in Ritter Annex that are outfitted with tables and chairs for studying, socializing and eating. It’s close to the Student Center, and also offers a café on the ground floor, a great place for coffee and pastries, including Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Owl Cove: Though this little niche is often in the news for concerts and other entertainment acts, it’s a much different place during the day. Located in Mitten Hall, the Owl Cove offers a big screen TV, café and quiet and comfortable space for you to get work done while enjoying your break.
Michelle Nicoletto can be reached at mnic@temple.edu.
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