New student's lounge to relieve study pressure

University life can be stressful, and the looming presence of assignments, exams, and working to pay it all off can push students to the limit. Even when hanging out at the cafeteria between classes, or relaxing at home, students will have their books, or cue cards, or computers, working diligently to keep their grades up.

But the Nipissing University Student's Union (NUSU) has just finalized its new renovation on campus—a place for students to let these stresses melt away, if not for just a couple minutes before their next class. A new student lounge was unveiled within Nipissing University, clad in couches, pool table, TV, and more, it creates a space for students to get their heads out of the grind.

“This came from student executives going to the University administration and saying they needed a student’s lounge on campus,” Sarah McGowan Director of Communications for NUSU said. “The administration and facilities department was amazing at looking at our request and moving forward with this so they were able to renovate a couple of offices and put it into student lounge space.”

For students, it’s just as simple as easing the pressure and spending time with friends or even meeting new ones in an environment that fosters friendship. Already possessing a place for students, called the Owl's Nest, but it differs from the student lounge in that the Nest is more of a place to study in quiet, while the lounge is a place of relaxation.  

“This is also a place for students to come and have face to face with NUSU,” McGowan said. “I think it’s important because students come up to campus and have breaks between classes and it’s kind of good to get out of that mode for a little bit so they can relax and then go back and have that little bit of time away.”

For Nipissing student, Emily McCarthy, it makes a big difference for everyday studies when things can get a little stressful.

“I think it’s nice because even just being in here with my friends now, it’s warmer and cozier and I don’t feel obligated to be quiet and do work,” McCarthy said. “It’s really nice to have someplace for us to lounge and not be working all the time. Even in the cafeteria, if you’re just sitting there between class, people have their notes out, are quizzing each other, have their cue cards, or doing group work, I think this is good to have a space for us to play pool, watch TV, play video games, or just hang out and not be on all the time.”