Daniel Martinez escapes the stresses of school and home in Porter Hall’s first-floor student lounge.

“That spot is a very calm … rest space for me,” said the sophomore Human Development & Family Science major. “There are days when I’m busy with homework or just stressed about something, and instead of being at home the student lounge is a perfect place for me to … have some free time to myself.”

Situated near the western entrance of Porter Hall in Hammond, the space is often overlooked by students. That may be due to the lounge only having a handful of tables and chairs, enough to comfortably seat 10 to 15 individuals.

Though smaller and older than the CLO Mane Zone or the SULB cafeteria, the lounge offers access to computers and windows that look onto the Founder’s Garden. 

“I enjoy the view … and can see nature all around,” Martinez said. “[And] the easy access to computers in case I don’t have my laptop is helpful.”

Most of all, he likes the peace.

“The silent ambience in that area is very helpful [and] comfortable in that spot,” he said.

The lounge is open most of the day, offering students a break spot when their schedules allow.

“I tend to go there after I’m done with class, or even before a class starts just to have time to myself,” said Martinez. “I’m there to either work on assignments or just binge-watch movies/series, but if I see any of my friends, [we] usually catch up … and talk.”