Michelle Hesse – Special to the Southern News
Are you a commuter with long breaks between classes? Luckily, going to the library is not your only option! Being a commuter is tough, especially when you end classes at 3:00 p.m. and have to stay for a meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wasting gas by going home for those four hours is just not an option.
The library is great, but I’m also sick of the anxiousness I get when I’m unzipping a bag or flipping through papers in the dead silence. Not to mention, a growling stomach. Fortunately, I recently found out about a new commuter lounge.
As if commuters don’t travel enough, it is located in the Adanti Student Center room 215, which is quite a trek to find. Besides that small flaw, you will be greeted by a banner across the clear wall that says, “Welcome Commuter Students!” When I walked in, I instantly felt comfortable. There is an aura of pure coziness in the room, with the cushioned chairs, flower arrangements, and a nice view of the campus. And most importantly, snacks. Little glass bowls were filled with candy, granola bars, and mini hostess coffee cakes. There’s also a television on the wall, couches, along with tables if you want to get work done.
There were only a few other people when I went in, but I did not feel the need to be absolutely silent. Two girls were talking, one boy was doing homework on his laptop, and the other was just hanging out. I know sometimes as a commuter it is natural to feel left out, but spread out on the tables are flyers for upcoming events so there is no excuse not to stay involved. Along with those, there are pamphlets on advice for parking.
This new commuter lounge is very beneficial to the commuter students. It is another place to go when you have breaks between classes. Not only that, but you can meet other commuter students in the process. All you have to ask is, “Where do you commute from?” and a friendly conversation is bound to follow. Meeting new people and staying involved should be a goal for each commuter student. Southern Connecticut State University tries to welcome all different kinds of people, and encourages strong relationships. Staying on campus to socialize is a fundamental way to do that.
“I didn’t even know there was a commuter lounge. I always want to hang out with friends here, but we never really know where to go to just relax besides outside, and it’s a hassle to have a resident swipe us in all the time,” said freshman commuter Danielle Kolliopoulos.
The commuter lounge could be that common middle ground, where you can even bring a resident friend, hang out, and then get something to eat in the student center. The lounge can be utilized so that friends can get together to hang out, watch a game, or study.
When winter hits, we all know how cold Connecticut can get. Hanging out on the walls outside of buildings or benches in the quads just will not be a choice. I usually come to Southern early for class and hang out in the quad until class starts. When the weather gets colder, I will definitely go to the lounge to wait for classes and grab a snack.
Next time you are in the student center, go up to the second floor and find the new lounge! It is relaxing and comfortable for those nights you just aren’t ready to go home, or are too tired to drive and need a quick break.
Photo Credit: ronalfy.com
