2008 Woodie Awards
Crossroads lacks coffee
By Katherine Smalley
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Editorial
Commentary
Katherine Smalley
Features editor
College students are known for their crazy sleep patterns, and every week I see people stumbling around campus trying to make it through the day by loading up on soft drinks, Red Bulls and, my personal favorite, coffee.
Java City is great for students looking for some caffeine before those early morning classes or during their afternoon breaks, but late night crammers are out of luck when it comes to finding a cup of coffee on campus.
Granted, it is not practical to leave the UC open until midnight or later because it's such a large building, and security could become an issue.
The current library building is probably not a practical option now either, because plans are being made for a new library facility in the near future.
The one place on campus that would be perfect for a late-night coffee shop is Campus Crossroads.
It already stays open until midnight Monday through Thursday, and it is conveniently located next to the library, where students often stay late to research and study for tests.
Adding a coffee shop in Campus Crossroads would not overcrowd the building because there is plenty of unused space.
The back room is full of tables that are rarely occupied, since there are usually more than enough tables in the front room to accommodate students even during the busiest hours.
With a little redecorating, the extra space in Campus Crossroads could become a student lounge and study area.
Coffee, some couches and maybe even a hotspot for wireless internet would turn the vacant space into an inviting and convenient atmosphere for students.
The changes to Campus Crossroads would also better facilitate small campus events, such as student poetry readings and study sessions before midterm and final exams.
Adding a coffee shop would not interfere with Subway or Grilleworks since neither is currently using the extra room.
The coffee area wouldn't even need to be open all day since the Java City locations in the UC and Fletcher are convenient for students going from class to class.
The Crossroads coffee shop could open later in the afternoon or evening and target students who live on campus or who stay late to study in the library.
We can't build new facilities every time we think of another service to add on our campus, but using existing space to its full potential should be a priority.
Katherine Smalley
Features editor
College students are known for their crazy sleep patterns, and every week I see people stumbling around campus trying to make it through the day by loading up on soft drinks, Red Bulls and, my personal favorite, coffee.
Java City is great for students looking for some caffeine before those early morning classes or during their afternoon breaks, but late night crammers are out of luck when it comes to finding a cup of coffee on campus.
Granted, it is not practical to leave the UC open until midnight or later because it's such a large building, and security could become an issue.
The current library building is probably not a practical option now either, because plans are being made for a new library facility in the near future.
The one place on campus that would be perfect for a late-night coffee shop is Campus Crossroads.
It already stays open until midnight Monday through Thursday, and it is conveniently located next to the library, where students often stay late to research and study for tests.
Adding a coffee shop in Campus Crossroads would not overcrowd the building because there is plenty of unused space.
The back room is full of tables that are rarely occupied, since there are usually more than enough tables in the front room to accommodate students even during the busiest hours.
With a little redecorating, the extra space in Campus Crossroads could become a student lounge and study area.
Coffee, some couches and maybe even a hotspot for wireless internet would turn the vacant space into an inviting and convenient atmosphere for students.
The changes to Campus Crossroads would also better facilitate small campus events, such as student poetry readings and study sessions before midterm and final exams.
Adding a coffee shop would not interfere with Subway or Grilleworks since neither is currently using the extra room.
The coffee area wouldn't even need to be open all day since the Java City locations in the UC and Fletcher are convenient for students going from class to class.
The Crossroads coffee shop could open later in the afternoon or evening and target students who live on campus or who stay late to study in the library.
We can't build new facilities every time we think of another service to add on our campus, but using existing space to its full potential should be a priority.
