By: Tim Thornton
Contributor
Farnham Hall may seem like a typical dorm, no different than the others at the university. However, underneath the typical dorms and laundry rooms is the Farnham Programming Space, a quiet space for students to either get some work done or just relax.
Open until midnight during the week, and having hours during the weekend as well, it is a space that finds frequent use by students.
“Even though I’m a staff member here, outside of work I teach dance so I like to utilize the space to work on music, choreography and more,” Reaunna Bartell, a residence life coordinator, said.
One of Farnham’s more common uses for students is a place to get work done without worrying as much about noise.
Due to it being one of few places on campus open on weekends, it gives students who live on campus somewhere to go and study without being cooped up in their dorms all day.
Along with that, Residence Life also offers a tutoring service on weekends, giving students another opportunity for some extra aid when options like the Buley Library are typically closed.
Nursing major Keara DeMatteo, a freshman, said the space’s atmosphere is what keeps her coming back.
“I usually find that it is easier for me to focus and complete my work when I am here, compared to the library or my dorm,” DeMatteo said.
Along with its typical uses as a study and quiet space, Farnham is often made use of as a popular space for on-campus events.
During the yearly “Hall Olympics” held in the Residence Life Quad, FPS is used as the location for Family Feud, making use of the boards inside as displays for questions and scores.
The space can also be rented out by various clubs and organizations for their own events.
These can range from watch parties to makeshift cafes, to international food nights, all things possible by clubs within the space.
One of the most popular features of the programming center is the available snacks.
In front of the check-in desk is a small basket of snacks that are refilled daily, where anyone just passing through can grab one of their choosing after signing in.
There is also a fridge located behind the desk with stocked drinks for the same purpose.
This gives people simply passing through after a long day to just stop in and grab that little something to give them the energy to finish a tough assignment or boost their mood after classes.
For mathematics and secondary education major Tobias Platt, a freshman, the appeal is simple: the space is just steps from his own residence on campus.
“It’s really close to the residence halls so it’s pretty accessible,” Platt said.
