The Student Lounge

Ever since the first day of the fall semester, I have been dragging my perfectly chilled, home-made lunch all over campus in vain. Armed with my little-kid lunch box, my quest had been less than fruitful. That is, until I was directed to the Student Lounge.

The UHMC Student Lounge has all the amenities needed to make a long day in school just a little bit more comfortable. Everything…except a microwave.

But let's not hold that against it.

Over the years, the Student Lounge has transformed from a forgotten, spare room to a large, open venue. Copious amounts of natural light floods the inviting room, warming up the stark interior. But what lounge lacks in interior design, it makes up for in comfort. You'll never be without a seat in the Student Lounge and if you're lucky enough to stumble upon an unoccupied overstuffed, blue chair, then you've got it made while in between classes, meeting up with friends, or trying to chase away those procrastination demons. Two niches provide private meeting spaces for large groups or a quiet place for students to study or talk away from the ambient noise of chatter and game-induced taunts.

And as an added bonus, it's been said that there's a force field that keeps faculty out.

Just kidding.

But, the Student Lounge does have that clubhouse, secret lair, "cool-kids-only" feel that keeps students coming back. "I live here," replied a self-professed "squatter" when asked how often he hung out in the Student Lounge. Familiar faces are common and for the students who frequent the lounge, it has become a natural part of their day, a place where they can catch up with others, relax, and have fun.

What the Student Lounge does best is offer a comfortable atmosphere to bring people together – and it pulls that off by being the preferred location for school-wide events. Student Government, clubs, and individuals utilize the Student Lounge to keep students informed, aware, and entertained. Guest speakers, college and job fairs, networking mixers, talent show, and game nights are just a few of the planned events that the Student Lounge will house this semester. And, if there are any events that you'd like to plan or bring to campus, all it takes is a heads-up to the staff at the Student Life Office – conveniently located just outside the lounge – to make sure the date isn't double-booked.

So, take some time out of your day to trek over to the Pilina building and check out the Student Lounge – you might just find your campus "home away from home." And if you're interested in learning about what's going on campus and at the Student Lounge, you can find information on the UHMC home page banner or jotted down on the large, hanging calendar in the Student Life Office…directly across from the microwave.