As we began the Fall semester, a lot of students might have come across a new addition to the campus. What was formerly a construction site adjacent to Demergasso-Bava Hall (DBH) that feels like it had been there forever, is now the newest study space on campus. The new study space consists of 36 benches with tables and nine laptop and phone charging stations. The space is perfect for students to come and do homework or hop on a Zoom class when on campus.

But, what do students think about this new outdoor study space by DBH? 

Alejandra Murillo, (junior, History) said that she uses this study space at least twice a week and benefits in different ways from the new space.

“I think I just like sitting here, but it’s also nice since it is somewhat covered so there’s a lot of shade,” she said. “Especially when it’s hot, it sucks having to sit out in the sun. It’s also a good place. It’s not too crowded or too loud so if you want to sit here and take one of your classes online, you can do that too.”

She also expressed some concerns like changing the panels or the material used to cover the top of the area.

“I would change the covers,” she said. “In the students center there’s limited seating and a lot of students and sometimes you don’t know where to sit and you kinda just want to be outside so it would be nice to have a little more coverage.”

This view was expressed by others who use the study space as well.

Stephanie Gazcon, (senior, Communications Studies) said she also likes to do homework in this space twice a week.

“It’s nice, it could be better but it is also relaxing,” she said. “The charging stations next to the tables are what I benefit the most from.”

Even when there are students who just like to come and get some school work done at this new study space, there are also other students such as Shawn Pintor-Day (senior, English) who have not utilized this study space yet.

Regardless, most students are glad that a study space that is not crowded and is also outside is easily accessible.

After examining the space Pintor-Day shares a couple of things he would change about the area.

“I guess I don’t like that it is close to another outdoor study space that is located in the middle of the DBH building in front of The Signal,” he said. “I also don’t see the tarps as very effective because it seems more for decoration rather than them fulfilling the purpose of covering from rain.” 

In the end, all of these students mentioned that in spite of some things not fitting in well, they are glad that the school is thinking outside of the box and provides resources like these to their students.