For many Bishop’s students, the library terrace is the place to sit. Whether it is for studying, talking with friends, or just taking a moment to breathe, it’s the go-to spot on campus. But unfortunately, the terrace isn’t always open or available, especially as of late. Students are forced to branch out and find alternative places to settle into. Over the years, I’ve explored almost every place on campus and have found some good places to sit and study when the library terrace isn’t an option. Here’s a breakdown of the places that have served as nice substitutes for the library terrace.
Upper Cummins tables:
This is a place I discovered in my late freshman year and from then on, it has been a staple spot. From simple study sessions with my friends, lonesome after-school hours when all of my friends had left, to deep conversations or gossip sessions this has always been the spot to go when nowhere else is available. The only downside is that there are only two real wooden chairs and the others are the chairs from the classroom which tend to sit a little lower than the others.
This spot gives a great view to the field, but beware: although you may seem slick spying on your senior crush, keep in mind that everyone can see you. You are, in fact, not slick. Another pro is the direct sunlight; although there is an awning, the sun always finds a way to shine down giving you a nice tan. It always seems to be ten times hotter here than at any other place on campus!
Prayer Garden tables:
When hearing the title “Prayer Garden,” you may think this is the holiest place on campus. Oh boy, are you wrong. Don’t be surprised if you wander in i’ll here and discover middle schoolers…um…I’m not gonna explain further. But otherwise, the Prayer Garden makes for a peaceful study spot that many people don’t use enough. There is a nice shady table that you can sit at that has room for you and all of your friends. Along with this just the idea that it’s a prayer garden makes you feel so at ease and in the right mindset to either just sit and enjoy the space or get some work done.
Behind Wheeler Bailey:
Most people probably don’t know about this spot — I sure didn’t until cumulatives last year. I actually don’t know if the tables back here are actually meant for sitting or are just old tables that needed somewhere to go, but regardless, this spot makes for a nice, mostly quiet, place to sit and hangout. However, since it is directly next to the garage you are able to see and hear everyone who drives or walks by. This also applies to most conversations as long as it’s close enough for the echo to travel. So while you study, you can also stay up to date with the latest gossip! Also, there may be some awkward moments when you and your friend are having a conversation, and all of a sudden a teacher or another student may walk by to go into the upper library classroom. You may feel like you need to quiet your conversation for fear that they may think it’s strange you’re sitting back there. Well, haters gonna hate, what can I say!
Table Below Cummins:
This table is one of those spots that everyone may know about but no one really talks about. With only three chairs squeezed into a walkway, it’s definitely not the most spacious or private place on campus, but when there is nowhere else to sit, this table becomes a hot commodity. It’s a convenient place to sit, but you have to be careful –– sound travels fast here, and if you’re even a little too loud, the entire Cummins building will hear your conversation. Another risk of sitting here is the chance of having some awkward encounters with people who walk by, especially when you’re sitting by yourself. There’s a big chance that someone you kind of know but not well enough to say hi walks by. There is this unsettling silence that occurs until they make it to the other side of the building. Is this awkward? Yes. But is it just life? Also yes.
Chapel:
The chapel is by far one of the quietest places on campus, making it ideal for focus –– almost too ideal. If you hear random noises or maybe something all of a sudden falls, don’t panic; it’s probably just the ghosts of the Bishop’s School coming to say “hi.” Keep in mind that you are also surrounded by the names of every person who has ever attended our lovely school, which could feel a little intimidating, or could remind you of the strength of the Bishop’s community. Because of how quiet and holy this space is, this could be somewhere you go by yourself rather than with your friends since talking may feel awkward. That being said, there is plenty of seating, and the chapel can really put you in the right mindset to study, reflect, or just reset.
Quad:
Ohhhh, the quad. A stunning, peaceful, perfectly manicured patch of grass that looks like it belongs on a college campus brochure. In theory, it should be the best place to sit on campus –– but in reality, especially before 12 p.m., it’s more of a “look but don’t touch” or a “look and use as a short cut to the other side of campus” situation. The grass tends to be wet, and unless it’s past 12 p.m., you are forbidden to step foot here. If you are brave enough to sit here, say at lunch time, you might as well go all in: bring a blanket, spread out, and turn it into a full on picnic. Will people stare at you like you’re crazy? Most likely. But at least you will be enjoying one of the prettiest spots on campus, and honestly, you’re just making use of the space. So if anyone judges, that’s on them.
Conclusion:
After reflecting on all of these amazing places on campus to sit I have come to realize that nothing is better than the library terrace. The comfort the library terrace has brought to me throughout my time at Bishop’s can never be replaced. The moments I have spent there after school when everyone had left, feeling the chill of the air around me as the sun began to dip, is something I will never forget. For me it’s a reminder that Bishop’s will always be a place that I can return to. For that reason we all need to be reminded of the importance of taking care of our campus –– not just the library terrace but every little nick and cranny. We need to clean up after ourselves so we don’t lose privileges to places like the library terrace; a place that has brought memories and joy to all of us whether we know it or not.
