Sometimes it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I attended UD for an entire year – without actually attending UD. As such, much of my sophomore year was spent in a first-year sort of awe at all of the different parts of campus, and even in the present it seems like I make a new discovery every day. For example, I just had a class in the art conservation lab in Old College, where I quite literally sat right next to museum objects out of their cases – and I’m not even an Art Conservation major!
Even though there’s likely still plenty of UD treasures for me to unearth, I thought I’d give a summary of some of the coolest places I’ve come across thus far.
But what is it that makes these places cool? I can’t say I’m quite sure. I hang out in some, bask in awe at others, and have frankly visited a few a handful of times. But this list just scratches the surface – there’s still plenty for this Blue Hen to uncover – and I encourage you to seek out and compile a cool-place repertoire for yourself.
Daugherty Hall
One of my favorite places to study on campus, I’m letting you in on my little secret because it’s such a beautiful, comfortable, AND convenient place to get your work done. The tables are outfitted with both fancy lamps (they happen to be the kind that turn on when you pull the lil’ cord) and outlets to charge your devices, and there are plenty of comfy chairs and couches throughout. The stained glass is also stunning, and I always love the vibes there on rainy weekend nights.
The Bouncy Turf of North Campus
Right in front of Pencader Dining Hall is a delightful, mildly springy turf that I adore crossing whenever I go on a fresh smoothie and açai bowl run. Sometimes people are playing actual sports on it, so lest I get bonked on the head by a stray soccer ball, I must settle for the concrete walkways. But in order to get there you’ll need to cross…
The North Campus Bridge
Beware of the lantern flies, but look at that creek down below! I definitely recommend crossing sooner rather than later so you can savor the surrounding autumn ~foliage~ while it lasts.
Gore Hall
I’m always pleased whenever I see that I have a class or RSO meeting here, as the bright yellow walls and beautiful atrium never cease to amaze me. The bridge connecting it to Smith Hall is an added perk (and very convenient during times of traffic and heavy rain).
Old College
Old College is just a beautiful building in and of itself (although beware of the slippery stairs!). There’s also an exhibit space in here (and lots of other places on campus). If you don’t feel like the star of some coming-of-age movie strolling through its tree-lined walkway on your way to class, then this blog post will have been for nothing.
The Hen Zone
From board games to Nintendo Switch, the Hen Zone in Perkins has plenty to do, which I find perfect for a little stress relief or a fun, post-homework-completion night with friends. There’s also plenty of places to sit and get work done if the sound of ping pong matches and intense air hockey games is your kind of ambiance.
The Basement of Perkins
The basement of Perkins is a relatively quiet space with a variety of seating, and it’s also fun to peek into the RSO offices down there. It’s likewise a great space if you’re in need of some secretive corner to munch on a doughnut.
[Nocturnal] Trabant
Trabant itself is a pretty cool building (it hosts International Coffee Hour every Friday from 4-6), but especially so after dark, when its vaulted ceiling is illuminated by the glow of yellow and blue neon lights. I even saw an impromptu a capella performance there one night as I picked up a meal exchange, but I was shy so I sort of jogged through.
The Cherry Blossoms
There’s a fair chance you’ve seen them on UD brochures and postcards alike, and with spring will come the blossoming of these delightfully pink trees. There’s really nothing like walking (and suddenly stopping to take photos) of the blossoms in the walkway between Memorial Hall and Lammot du Pont Laboratory. Patience. Your chance for spectacular selfies will soon come.
The Student Multimedia Design Center in Morris Library
No one will shush you down here. The basement of Morris is both an excellent study space, especially if you don’t mind a little background noise, and a superb campus resource for all things digital. There’s recording booths and a lot of other technology I won’t spend my word count pretending I understand.
South Green
If you’re looking to take advantage of the pleasant weather while it lasts, the South Green is a tranquil, lovely place for a walk. After all, it’s so… GREEN!
The Train!
Seeing this choo choo that serves as the unofficial division point between Main and North Campus will be cool the first time, like witnessing something out of Hogwarts. Relish it because from then on it’ll probably just be a source of aggravation. Listen closely, and you can hear students’ collective running-late yell of frustration over the siren.
YoUDee’s Eyes
Ok, this isn’t necessarily a place, but have you ever noticed that there are mini State- of-Delawares in them? If you don’t believe me, stare really hard at them next time you see YoUDee at a university event (those are generally pretty cool places to be, anyway). If this observation just changed your life, you’re welcome.
