The best places on Bradley's campus to hangout during the warm months, explained
Ring in the Spring weather with some of the coolest places to hangout on Bradley University's campus.
With the warm months upon us, it is important students are aware of the places on campus where they can go spend time outdoors to get some much needed sunshine, while helping their mental health.
We have interviewed three Bradley students, Kate Murphy, Jillian Woodward and Torrie Dalton. They shared with us their personal experiences with spending time on campus and their favorite places to do so. We also talked to Deborah Montgomery-Coon, Director of Counseling here on campus, about the benefits of allocating time to be spent outdoors.
Here are some of the most popular hangout spots on campus.
Alumni Quad
This area is just behind the Alumni Center. There are numerous trees lining the side walks where students are frequently seen hammocking. Especially in the warmer months, this Quad is filled with people hanging out, since it is out of the way of normal school traffic, it is a little more private and cozy for hangouts with friends. This area also has a perfect view of the flag circle.
Courtyards
Everyone who lives on campus has space around their building outside to spend with friends, study, or hangout. The Main Street Commons is an apartment complex near campus, where anyone who is a sophomore and older can live. They have a courtyard on the second floor with tables, chairs, barbecue grills, and games. The residents love this hangout spot.
“I live at Main Street Commons and the courtyard is definitely the place where my friends and I hangout the most. I love that there are always games, like bags, set up to play. We will usually bring out our towels and tan when it gets close to summer,” said resident Kate Murphy
Starbucks
Starbucks is located at the intersection of Main and University Street, making it accessible by walking for all students. There are tables and chairs outside of the restaurant where people can enjoy some coffee, snack, and fresh air. If you drive by this location in the warmer months, it is sure to populated.
Olin Quad
Olin Quad is located in the center of campus and is easily accessible for any students. This area always has red chairs scattered all across the green space during warmer months, encouraging students to enjoy fresh air amongst their peers.
“My favorite place to hangout is on Olin Quad. My friends and I usually bring our blankets and we will go listen to music, read, or just talk. It has always been our go to spot” said sophomore Jillian Woodward.
Meinin Field
Meinin Field is located right by the St. James apartment complex and is almost six acres in total. There are always physical activities happening whether is be club sports, intramural leagues, Greek life competitions, etc. Lots of students play sports at this field with friends. Between the basketball courts, softball diamond, and grass field, there is something for everyone.
Greek Houses
Over half of the students at Bradley are apart of Greek Life, meaning they are members of either a sorority or fraternity. Most members must live in the house for at least one year. All of the Greek houses have spaces outside, like a porch or a patio, where the members can spend time outside.
“If I am studying outside when it is nice out, I have to be at a table with chairs. I will usually go on our front or back porch at the house,” said Torri Dalton.
Benefits
Spending time outdoors is crucial to a healthy lifestyle and promotes good mental health. As college students, stress comes with the territory. Hanging out in the sunshine is highly encouraged. There are a various amount of benefits associated with this.
“There are many benefits of spending time outdoors and its positive impact on mental health; including a good source of Vitamin D from sunlight, experiencing natural beauty (assuming in a park or natural area) of the world, at times better quality of air than indoors, and participating in some type of physical activity all can be boosts to our mental well being” said Deborah Montgomery-Coon.