Remembering What I Love about Campus

As everyone is starting to settle in for the first couple of weeks back, I’m reminded about everything I love about Carleton. My classes are really cool, I’m still meeting new people and the leaves are starting to change. So while I’ve already written a blog about places I love off campus, I thought I would give some insight into some of mine (and some of my friends’) favorite places on campus.

1. Weitz Center

As a prospective Theater double major, it probably makes sense why I like the Weitz. The main center for arts on campus, the Weitz’s atmosphere is cozy. There is always some kind of event happening, and I usually run into someone I know. What a lot of people might not know is that we actually have a teaching museum right at the entrance of the Weitz. If you’re in the mood to see some really interesting and cool artwork, the Perlman Museum is open during the week. As a junior who just made my way there for the first time this week, I wish I’d been earlier.

2. The Chapel

The Chapel is a space that isn’t just reserved for religious reasons. If you ever want a quiet space to think or just to look around at cool architecture, lots of students forget that the chapel is almost always open (As long as you check the schedule and there’s no other event).

3. Hasenstab Hall on the Weekend

So this one might be too specific, but Hasenstab Hall, the political science building, is my favorite study place on campus. Not only are there study rooms, but on the weekends, all academic rooms are open to students. Maybe it’s because of all of the time I spent here freshman year, but Hasenstab hits that perfect spot between cozy and modern for me. Even though I’m not a Political Science major, Hasenstab is still one of my favorite places on campus.

4. Bench overlooking Lyman Lakes

This might also be too specific, but the benches overlooking Lyman Lakes might be the most peaceful place on campus in my opinion. On days where I want to get out outside but not all the way out into the arboretum, I go to one of the benches overlooking the lakes. There’s enough foot traffic to people-watch, but not so much that it’s distracting. There’s usually a cool breeze over the water, and everything feels so serene.

5. My Dorm

Now it’s no secret that I love my room (as you can see from my last blog). But your dorm isn’t just your specific room. This year, I live right next to some of my closest friends, and it can be so nice to paint nails together or have a conversation without having to leave the corner of my building. My dorm is truly starting to feel like home, which makes the transition into fall term even easier. 

These are the more specific places on campus that remind me why I love Carleton. But if you ask any current student, I’m sure they have their own five places that are totally different from mine. That’s the thing about Carleton: everyone makes their home here in such different ways.  

Kate (she/her) is a junior History major from the Bay Area, California. She loves Carleton’s artsy community, and is involved in both the Theater and Dance department and Vocal Studies Program. Kate’s favorite places on campus are the practice rooms, either in Myers or the Weitz, where she can sing or play the ukulele. She loves the campus during all the seasons but thinks nothing could compare to the beautiful colors of Northfield in the fall. When not in class, you can find Kate either petting the nearest cat or forcing her friends to watch bad movies in a study room.