As summer heat transitions into the temperate eve of autumn on Berea College’s campus, one might consider taking their rigorous studies outdoors to enjoy the nature-infused vistas amongst academic buildings and the fresh fall air.
Fortunately, those who are interested in such spaces are in luck! In no particular order, here are eight outdoor study spaces to give a try before the chill of winter in Berea sets in!
1. Library Patio
As part of President Cheryl Nixon’s initiative to heed students’ voices about the future of Berea College’s campus, a study space on the Hutchins Library patio has been opened for student use! This space features cubicles separated by wooden walls that comfortably seat up to four people, and each cubicle has plenty of plug-ins for all of your charging needs.
2. The Labyrinth
Located just to the side of Hutchins Library, the Labyrinth is intended to serve as a sacred space for spiritual worship or meditation. If projects, papers, or other assignments are looming over the fall semester far too soon for your liking, consider having a seat close to the Labyrinth and perhaps taking a journey in and out to meditate on the work that needs to be done—whatever means to you!
3. Fee Glade
Nestled between Stephenson Hall and the CMIT Building, Fee Glade’s most distinctive feature is the stone semi-circle that serves as a long bench for whole groups to sit down together, surrounded by the looming trees that stand over the glade. This space can comfortably host multiple small groups or one large group, and it’s well within the shade for most of the day.
4. Draper Gardens
Located on either exterior side of Danforth Chapel in the Draper Building, the gardens behind Draper have myriad luscious plants, babbling fountains, and even some fish in the koi pond to provide some natural company during your studies. While is space is not the largest, if you finds yourself needing to be alone in the midst of some luscious flora and aquatic fauna, this space can readily provide exactly that.
5. Swings outside of Draper
If you appreciate a bit of literal motion while going through the motions of the semester, the bench swings between the Jekyll Drama Center and Draper Building might be a good choice for study! The trio of bench swings makes this a popular spot for larger groups, so if you are one who prefers to study in packs and socialize all the while, this space can provide the physical and social stimulus needed to get your work done.
6. Alumni Lawn Tables
The Alumni Lawn is a popular spot for campus events, but there are also tables, benches, and a shaded table with multiple solar powered outlets available. In this space, you can sit down to enjoy the overlook over Alumni Fields and the rolling hills beyond campus to the south before or after grabbing a bite to eat at the dining hall.
7. Blue Chairs
Scattered across campus following President Cheryl Nixon’s student-led initiative, there are blue lawn chairs in groups of two or three in various grassy, sometimes shaded areas. These blue chairs can be moved into larger groups or moved on their own, allowing campus-goers to create their own outdoor study spaces! From the Quad to Fairchild Lawn, there are many places these chairs can go to create versatile outdoor spaces for socialized or secluded study.
While there are many outdoor spaces on campus already, there are more to come in the future! There are many plans for Dr. Nixon, advised by the Student Government Association among other student voices, to spearhead the campaign toward utilizing more of Berea College’s outdoor space for its students. That exact thing was the focus of the Fall 2024 semester’s opening convocation, and as it stands, we are only just beginning.
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