Campus Spotlight: Escapes in Plain Sight
The end of the semester is upon us, which means most staff are beyond busy. The next time you are looking for a new spot on campus to unwind and take a well-deserved break, consider the following common spaces.
Graduate Student Lounge, Ansin, 12th Floor
Need some views of the Common, complete with a cup of caffeine? Head to the Graduate Student Lounge, located in Ansin on the 12th floor. Equipped with a Keurig, this space caters to all “pick-me-ups”—a coffee break and some blue sky on a sunny day.
Common Room, Tufte PPC, 11th Floor
In the foyer next to the Comedic Arts office on the 11th floor of Tufte, you’ll find a quaint space for a quiet escape. You can relax on vibrant orange couches, and if you look closely out the window, you may see Boston Common.
Iwasaki Library, Walker, 3rd and 6th Floors
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–11:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm
The Iwasaki Library on the 3rd floor of Walker is replete with nooks and crannies. Check out Vonnegut Corner if you want to blend into the bookshelves. And on the 6th floor, you will find a recently renovated room filled with beautiful guilt-edged bookcases, movable furniture, and updated technology.
Lion’s Den, Dining Center
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–8:00 pm
If you’re looking to take a break among some ambient noise and lively energy, the Lion’s Den is perfect for an afternoon in a creative, colorful space. You can use EC Cash to purchase a coffee from the café, or even a meal from the grill. Sometimes, a sports game or a Tiny Desk concert is projected on a screen at the back of the room. What you might not know about the Lion’s Den is that it houses a replica couch from the television show Friends, donated by alum Kevin Bright, one of the show’s producers.
Sensory Dining Room, Dining Center
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7:00–9:00 am, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, 5:00–7:00 pm
The Sensory Dining Room in the Dining Center offers the perfect escape from campus noise. This special location is designed to accommodate the needs of Emersonians who enjoy a sensory-reduced environment free of noise and distractions. It’s the perfect way to recharge during a long day when you need a moment to yourself.
Patio, Piano Row, 1st Floor
Hours: 8:00 am–10:00 pm, tap to unlock the door
Our next stop is accessed through the lobby of Piano Row. The patio is an inconspicuous outdoor alley space filled with student-made artwork and golden string lights in the evening. On the way to the patio, stop and admire the plant wall that brightens up the lobby. The patio space has benches and tables, and provides some natural light and fresh air for those wanting a break from their indoor office space.
Study Lounge, Piano Row, 2nd Floor
Located on the second floor of Piano Row is a secluded study lounge, hidden down a hallway. It’s easy to miss, but once you find it, you’ll never want to leave. You can even enjoy a view of the patio from the spacious windows.
Sage Liebowitz ’25