Sick of the hungry hoards that pack Ernie Davis dining hall? Want to unwind after a long night of squeezing your way through a swarm of students in search for a decent party? Or maybe you’re in desperate need of a quick power nap. Fear not: We’ve done the grunt work for you. Here are some of the ‘hidden gems’ on campus.

 

Sweet hang out — Whitman

You’ve got some free time in between classes and you’re looking for a place to relax and get some work done. Instead of trekking back to your dorm, take a quick walk to the corner of University Avenue and Marshall Street and enter the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Colin Powers, a senior marketing and international relations major, said Whitman is SU’s hidden treasure, offering a comfortable environment that makes it the perfect place to study and pass the time.

‘It’s definitely the most versatile of all buildings on campus,’ Powers said. ‘There are team rooms for more serious group work, the atrium for more casual stuff and always so many empty classrooms to work in.’

 

Sweet nap spot — Moon Library

Craving some sleep? Stroll over to the secluded campus of SU’s neighbor: the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Inside Moon Library, the individual study areas behind the shelves of periodicals are ideal sleeping spots, said Sam Kogon, a junior environmental policy and law major. But he said the most popular location is the basement lounges.

‘In fact, so many people sleep there that the janitorial staff leaves mints on the sofas,’ he said.

 

Sweet retreat — Saturday night yoga

There comes a point when a student’s liver needs a break from the parties on campus. Grab a group of friends and head to Archbold Gymnasium for Saturday night yoga at 10 p.m. No experience is required and it helps relieve stress, said Alexandra Curtis, a sophomore broadcast journalism and political science major.  

‘It was nice to step away from the stress of school and step into the relaxation that yoga provides,’ Curtis said.

She said she plans to invest in a yoga mat and go more often this school year.

‘Freshmen need to know that it’s a fantastic way to get out and spend time with friends, relax and try something new.’

 

Sweet campus cafe — The Warehouse

A 10-minute ride on the Connective Corridor shuttle takes you right to this contemporary and innovative workspace for design students. On the base level sits The Warehouse Café. It features a bright and modern environment, perfect for a nice meal, said Bryant Osei, a senior networking and security major.

‘The quality of the meals is really good, specifically the Angus burger. Sometimes I would even order two angus burgers in one sitting,’ said Osei, who likes that he can use a meal plan to purchase a cooked-to-order meal and other snacks.

‘I eventually learned to take advantage of it by using multiple meal swipes to stock up on food for my room,’ he said.

 

Sweet dining hall — Brockway Dining Center 

Main dining halls like Ernie Davis Dining Center and Shaw Dining Center can feel stuffy and crowded. Abdou Diakite, a sophomore English major, said Brockway Dining Center offers a more welcoming environment and consistent quality food. Brockway is tucked below its towering neighbors Brewster Hall and Boland Hall, completing the trio better known as ‘B/B/B.’

‘You feel like you can hang out there because there’s never a big line or crowd and the staff tries to make everyone as happy as possible,’ Diakite said.

 

Sweet music venue — Funk ‘n Waffles

The name of this gem explains what it is known for: its live music, open mics and piping hot waffles. Tucked away in Marshall Street, Funk ‘n Waffles has a relaxed atmosphere, said Samuel Taylor, a senior broadcast journalism major. Taylor, who plays guitar, bass and keyboard, has performed there for various shows and open mics. He said that besides the benefits of free Wi-Fi and good food, the joint is a great place for aspiring musicians.

‘For freshman musicians looking to hook up with other players and get a real band going, I would suggest going to open mic nights on Wednesdays to scope out talent or to just relax and hear some good music,’ he said.

Live band shows perform on average of three days a week, usually Thursdays through Saturdays, and cost $5 to $7, said Adam Gold, co-owner of Funk ‘n Waffles.

Funk ‘n Waffles has something for all students, Taylor said.

‘It gives them something fun to do with a group of friends if they want to dance and hear live music.’

 

Sweet weekend getaway — Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion

Whether you can execute a flawless triple-axel-triple-toe-loop combination or glide clumsily while hanging onto the sidewall, tap into your inner child on one of two rinks at the Pavilion while music blasts through the building. The rink is open Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to midnight.?

Kaity Wong, a junior marketing major, said the ice skating rink is a good recreational option for students.

‘I think it is a place freshmen should go,’ she said. ‘It’s not that far from campus, and it’s something fun to do if you have nothing to do on the weekends.’

Published on August 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm