As the new semester begins, so does the hunt for the best spot on campus. Whether you are having trouble finding that one spot on campus that is the spot for you to study, hang out with friends, hide from someone, or just a spot to relax before your next class, this spot could change your life. Okay, maybe not change your life, but as a sophomore at the University, I am always looking for the hidden gems throughout the campus. The University of Nevada, Reno is a already a great and beautiful campus, but is there more than what meets the eye? Let's find out!
1. Mackay Mines:
Located in the Quad, The Mackay Mines building is filled with a numerous amount of places to study, read, and learn. This historical building features the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering offices, DeLaMare Library, and the W.M. Keck Museum. Need to print something, maybe a new iPhone case? Mackay has a 3-D printer. Need to catch up on that Core Humanities reading you procrastinated on? No worries, the third floor reading room is calling your name.
2. Church of Fine Arts: Graffiti stairwell.
The Church of Fine Arts is home to our artists, our musicians, our dancers and our actors. But maybe this is our new hang out spot with friends, too? Inside of the Church of Fine Arts is a graffiti stairwell that has been a hotspot for artists and art fans alike. Supposedly started by aluminum Erik Burke in 2004, the stairwell has had input from many diverse people. The only other way to describe this creation is to experience it yourself. So take your friends, maybe your selfie stick, and enjoy some art made by students for students.
3. Basque Library.
Located in the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center directly above Bytes is this treasured gem. The Basque library has grown in prominence and is the perfect place not just to learn more about the Basque region, but also a great place to hang out with friends. My personal favorite? Inside the library, there are a series of bookshelves. A few of these bookshelves have a keypad. If you type in the code, the bookshelves will move. That is some Harry Potter wizardry if you ask me.
4. Joe Crowley Student Union: Fourth Floor.
Starbucks? Check. Bagel? Check. Now where to go? The fourth floor of the Joe of course! At the very top of the Joe is not only the ballrooms, but also chairs, couches and tables to eat, study, or as I am guilty for this on many occasions, take a nap. On the cold winter days, you can sit by the fireplace and on the scorching hot days, you can go outside the doors and go on the balcony, which overlooks the campus. Either way, the Joe certainly understands our college struggles.
5. Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism.
Located directly across from Ansari Business Building is the place with the comfiest couches and chairs on Earth. As soon as you walk in, there are two red seating areas and it is love at first seat. Whether you just need a place to relax for a few minutes till your next class, or just need some TLC, the seats in the Journalism Building are for you. And may you and the seating live happily ever after, until your next class do you part.
6. Honor Court.
The Court, located just inside the main campus entrance at Ninth and Center Street, holds a breathtaking gazebo, running fountain, trails, and garden in an intimate, park-like enclave. Inside the pillars feature the names of top students, staff, faculty and donors who have left their marks at the University, which is why the Court is an incredible gem on campus. Is your name in there?
7. Frandsen Humanities.
Located near the Thompson Building, the Frandsen Humanities is home to not just the English department, but also to anyone that is looking for a nice quiet place to study. Located in the top floor of Frandsen: There is a desk and a chair near the staircase that makes you do a double take just to see it. As if Frandsen was not creepy enough with their dimly lit elevators and hallways to make you already do a double take.
8. Manzanita Lake.
Overlooking the lake itself, is this beautiful part of campus, complete with benches, tables and the cutest little swans, ducks, and sometimes the occasional turtle you ever did see. Manzanita Lake is the place to be to show off your singing chops at karaoke night, your mad skills for a volleyball game and your spirit for Duck Day. Just please note: The Ducks will follow you to your class if you have food. Lesson learned.
9. Davidson Math and Science Building.
Despite your bitter hatred and animosity towards math and/or science, this building is a great place to get your study on. With many student whiteboards to work on your tough equations, there are plenty of tables and desks to arrange a study group and even a place called Elements that serves beverages, wraps, salads and sandwiches to further help you focus on your studies.
10. The Quad.
Our final stop on this campus tour has ended us up in the place where the trees are so tall, the grass is so green and the places to study and hang out with friends is endless. Almost every few feet there is a bench to sit on and a very open grass area to play some Frisbee, walk your dog, do some yoga, or set up your hammock if you so please. Whatever activity or assignment you have, the Quad is always there.
