By: Dulce Maciel
Did you know that MTSU has over 16,000 commuters this semester? With this many commuters, and classes spread out throughout the day, it’s hard to figure out where to spend your time while you wait for your next class. Here are the top 10 locations that are perfect for commuters to relax in between classes (in no particular order).
1. The Todd Art Gallery
An art gallery is the perfect place to unwind and take a breather before your next class starts. Located across from Peck Hall, the gallery is a perfect place to admire the beautiful art made by MTSU students.
(Left photography: Todd Art Gallery Sculptures)
The Todd Art Gallery does not have a lot of seating, but it makes up for it with cool artsy sculptures and paintings that line the The Todd Art Gallery does not have a lot of seating, but it makes up for it with cool artsy sculptures and paintings that line the hallways.
( Right Photograph: Todd Art Gallery Portraits)
2. Business and Aerospace Student Lounge
Standing across the library, the Business and Aerospace building is placed nearly at the center of campus. On the first floor of the south lobby is the student lounge. There is a P.O.D. within the area, some hightop coffee tables, and plenty of natural light to illuminate the space.
3. Peck Hall Courtyard
Peck Hall is known for the labyrinth-like, colored coded hallways and its steep mountain-esque steps, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a break there. Stationed at the center of the building, the open air courtyard has plenty of benches and tables to pass the time. Grab a quick snack from the P.O.D., sit back, and watch as freshmen try to figure out which door they should go through.
4. Student Union
When everyone thinks of the Student Union they think of the restaurants on the first floor, but the hidden gems are located on the second and third floor.
There are plenty of comfortable seating areas where you can reset before enduring the rest of the day. If you want something secluded, there are small balconies that lead outside with 1-2 coffee tables where you can read, have lunch, or simply breathe in some fresh air.
(Photograph: Third floor of Student Union)
5. The Ned McWherter Learning Resource Center (LRC)
The LRC is not a choice most people think of for a go-to study area. It is spacious, has a decent amount of seating on both floors, and usually pretty quiet throughout most of the day. If you are a fan of fashion, the LRC houses the textiles, merchandising, and designing department and has display cases with student made couture.
6. The Rec Center
Want to stay active in between classes? The Rec Center has plenty of equipment to keep you in shape (including weight and cardio rooms). Don’t want to work out alone? Group fitness classes like Yoga, Indoor Cycling, and Barre are available for free! All you have to do is register on the MTSU Rec center website.
7. The New Science Building
Love people watching? The New Science Building is the perfect place to be a silent observer.
Stationed beside the James E. Walker Library, the new science building atrium is lined with glass walls along the front and back entrance. It is the perfect place to get a great view of campus and of people walking to class. It also has an abundance of individual seating and tables.
(Photograph: The New Science Building Atrium)
8. Game Room
Nestled beside the Steak and Shake on the first floor of the Student Union, the game room is a great place to pass the time. Equipped with multiple pool, air hockey, and ping pong tables, this is a great space to unwind with some friends. If video games are more your style, there are two gaming stations available. To learn more about the rules and equipment you can click here.
9. Second floor of the Library
It’s been a stressful day, all you want is to relax in total silence and rest your eyes for a quick second. The second floor of the library is perfect. You can reserve a study room through the Library website and enjoy some silence before you head off. If you want to get some work done, every room is equipped with a desktop computer and a large dry erase board. Plus there is the added bonus of Starbucks being just down stairs for a quick midday pick– me up.
10. Walnut Grove
Walnut Grove is the riskiest for a commuter because it is outdoors, but if you are there when the weather is just right it becomes the perfect hang out spot. There are a couple of picnic tables and benches scattered throughout where you can eat a quick snack. It is the perfect oasis on campus to simply destress and admire the walnut trees that adorn the landscape. If you need some luck for your next class, you can always rub the blue horseshoe that is placed on the outer center of the area.