JAVA JOES, quaint coffee shop, offers food, drinks and study space. Photo: Sarah Andrews
Looking for a place to just sit back and relax? Maybe a place where you can just be who you are by yourself ? If you are looking for that type of environment, you are reading the right article.
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the normal study places? The library is often filled with people in those study areas, the residence hall lobbies are usually filled with an abundance of people just hanging out, and the rooms often do not cut it if you are looking for that silence. There are, however, a multitude of places on campus where studying can occur in your own solitude. For example, the Quiet Room of the Library, Upper Olmsted, and many classrooms around campus remain open for most of the day. There are also places such as the Honor’s Lounge in Medbury, the BCMB Room in upper Klein Hall or the lounges in upper Cartwright if you fall into any of those groups.
COWLES LIBRARY, check out the Quiet or Reading Room for reflection space. Photo: Matt Nelson
Looking for a place on campus where you can just be you and express who you are? Maybe the Fine Arts Center is the place for you. Not only are there two floors of practice rooms where you can just practice some vocals or even play a little piano. If you are more of an active body and maybe dancing is more your thing, head downstairs to the basement. The movement studio is a great place to get exercise and just really express who you are through the art of movement. Just bring a CD of your favorite songs and you are set to go.
When tired of campus and just looking to get away, the East Village of Des Moines is full of places to just kick back and relax. It is a fun place to sit and people watch or shop. With the warming weather, this location is ideal for the college student.
Maybe you like the hustle and bustle but not the feeling of being surrounded by a bunch of stressed students trying to power through their homework. If so, try Java Joes. This coffee shop, located at 214 4th St., is the not only famous for its coffee, but the environment is relaxed. You can sit in the back away from people and just work on some homework with some background noise or you can bring a group of friends for some delicious java and a board game or two.
Des Moines is full of locations for expression or just the common chill spot. From coffee to riverside walks, if you explore, you will find that one place that can truly be your little retreat.
