By Kieona George
Orientation Week gives you time to meet cool students, but it doesn’t necessarily give you time to explore where to hang out with them. Grab your cast of friends or go solo and find the ideal setting for your university story to unfold.
If you like books…
The stacks in the library
Although you may not have a cute moment where you lock eyes with someone searching for a book, a spot between library shelves is a quiet, spacious place to lock eyes on the readings you have to get done.
Silver Snail
Squished in between Five Guys and David’s Tea on Yonge Street, this comic book café is great for secluded and productive study sessions before you head to class. While you’re there, reward yourself with a comic book for completing your to-do list.
If you want to feel like you’re in a movie…
Oakham Café
This on-campus restaurant fills up quick. The interior décor of leather couches, bar stools and wall art will make you think you’re at Luke’s Diner in Stars Hollow. The “student debt” breakfast is good enough to turn you and your friend into a regular Lorelai and Rory.
Kerr Hall Quad
For picnics, life reflections or a relaxed study afternoon, the quad can be the setting for you. Appreciate the one square foot of greenery we have on campus and feel like you’re in a movie.
If you like a view…
Third floor of the engineering building
Head up to the third floor of the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre to get your work done in front of a panoramic view of downtown Toronto. Go back to the first floor if you want to be social, which isn’t difficult since it’s always filled with students.
Third floor of the SLC
Across from the DMZ Sandbox is a small area where students can chill on the floor and talk, do work or listen to the rhythmic patter of students rushing through the lobby of the Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC). Enjoy your time away from the noise and constant bustle of the SLC’s first floor.
If you like working around noise…
Starbucks in Indigo Eaton Centre
The grind of coffee beans and the chatter of customers in the Indigo Books on the top floor of the Eaton Centre create a noisy background to get work done.
Beach floor of the SLC
The sixth floor of the SLC is the social floor where you can use the white noise of the breakdancers to get your work done. As the busiest floor, it’s also a great place to meet friends and do readings together.
If you don’t want to get hangry…
Upstairs floors of the Podium building
Grab some snacks from the kiosk in the Kerr Hall bridge and head to your nearest elevator. The upper floors of the Podium building—located in between the SLC and Kerr Hall—are usually quiet places to lounge or work while you eat.
The Yonge Street Warehouse
You probably know Warehouse for their $5.99 menu and hip music videos played in the background. Located right across from the SLC, this is the perfect place to let loose after class and get to know your new friends over drinks and dinner.
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