Snoozing around Campus: An Expert’s Guide to Napping Spots

Sleeping is important. You need it to live. However, between morning classes, afternoon sports practices, nightly study sessions, club meetings, and everything in between, sometimes the only thing standing between me and insanity is a 30-minute nap. Finding the right spot at Carleton to undergo this sacred endeavor makes all the difference between a full recharge and a groggy wake-up from my friend dropping his backpack on my face. But don’t worry! As Carleton’s greatest sleep connoisseur, I’m here to reveal to you the quietest and most comfortable spots I’ve snoozed around campus.

The Hill of Three Oaks (Throaks)

Located behind the Recreation Center, Throaks is a massive open field, usually where Carleton’s Ultimate Frisbee, Rugby, and Soccer teams practice. You can reserve the space specifically for your naptime, just make sure to mention that Nick endorses it. In the evenings and mornings—when these practices are not occurring—this area is the perfect spot to rest your eyes. Lay your tired soul either beneath the massive oak tree, or walk a bit further to the fields of the Arboretum to meditate under the sun.

Pros:

• Become one with nature.
• Big tree to climb on.
• Good Vitamin D

Cons:

• Might get rained on or grass can be soggy.
• Can develop a nasty tan.
• Triggers my allergies.

Laird Hall Lounge

Laird Hall, home of Carleton’s English Department, has some great armchairs to get your naps in. These chairs are not only plush, but they give you that nostalgic grandpa’s-study-room smell and vibe. Plus, the couches, if available, are perfect to hog. If you’re feeling studious, feel free to peruse some of our faculty’s newest publications. DO NOT sleep here during class hours: you will get woken up by your friends.

Pros:

• Smells like books, coziest vibes.
• Nostalgic armchairs.
• Free candy.

Cons:

• Your friends might take pictures of you.
• Your friends might drop a backpack on your face.

Goodhue Basement Couches

Do you like the basement/dungeon atmosphere of Burton Hall? Then this spot is for you! Goodhue Hall’s basement has some great couches to sprawl on. You may find some students studying here, but your naps are priority, so feel free to kick them out. As an added bonus, this spot is just a few stairs from the vending machines.

Pros:

• Comfiest napping spot, couches are basically like a bed.
• Next to desks. Good for finals week when you need a quick study break.

Cons:

• Far walk from campus.
• Can get cold in the Winter term.

Lyman Lakes

As the prettiest napping spot on the list, the islands of Lyman Lakes provide a tranquil and scenic view to write subliminal poetry about when you awake from your slumber. Listen to the waves and ducks wading as you drift off to a land of sweet dreams. The biggest con of this spot, however, is the copious amounts of mosquitos in the summer months. Make sure to douse yourself in bug spray!

Pros:

• Water sounds are very calming.
• Isolated from society.
• Good for writing subliminal poetry about.

Cons:

• Possibility that a rogue fish jumps out of the lake and hits you.
• Scary at night.
• Tons of mosquitos.

Second Floor Gould Library

The most popular spot on the list, any time of the day you can encounter students napping on the comically long couches of Gould’s second floor. Find your spot, set your backpack aside, and sleep. Just make sure to not bother the students actually doing homework down there!

Pros:

• Most central and accessible spot on campus.
• Couches are like marshmallows.
• Many people can nap here, you can probably enter their dreams in some sort of metaphysical connection.
• Perfect sleep-break spot during finals week.

Cons:

• Many people can nap here, you are not unique.
• No blankets are provided, must bring your own.
• You can lose your OneCard in the cracks of the couches.

Conclusion

Obviously, these spots are not the only locations to get a good rest. I encourage you to find your own snoozing spots (’cause most of these will be where I’m sleeping). Look for places that are not only comfortable, but also give you the most aura when sleeping. If you see me napping at one of these locations, please don’t wake me up.

Nick (he/him) is a sophomore from Seattle, Washington, and serves as the blog’s editor. He plans to double major in English and Economics with a minor in Creative Writing and Chinese. A member of Carleton’s Varsity Soccer team, he also enjoys staying active at the Recreation Center and running through the fields of the Arboretum. When not working out, he can often be found reading by Lyman Lakes if the mosquitoes choose to leave him alone that day.

On campus, Nick works as a Writing Consultant in the Academic Support Center, where he enjoys helping classmates with their papers. He serves as a Program Director at Project Friendship, where he also interns and hopes to expand the program’s reach. Additionally, he’s part of the Manuscript Editorial Board and volunteers (naps) at the Record Library.