When she is looking for comfort on the Hammond campus, Lillie Bednarowski heads to the Student Union and Library student lounge  

“It’s a very comforting and calming spot for me to be able to focus on important things I have to get done,” said Bednarowski, a sophomore Psychology major. “Whether that’s homework assignments or having to study for an upcoming exam, this is a spot where I can stay away from distractions.”

She said the lounge makes her life a little easier.

“Even though I have the option of going home, it’s not necessarily convenient when my classes are only about an hour apart,” said Bednarowski. “On the plus side, when I look around me and see that I am surrounded by other students who are deeply engaged in finishing assignments, I tend to build more motivation to become more productive.” 

The lounge is also convenient for socializing or working on group projects.

“At times, when I get assigned group work, it’s often difficult to find a time and place where my group and I can all come together to discuss the work,” she said. “The student lounge is usually where I … suggest we meet because there’s usually many open seats with tables.”

For Bednarowski, the student lounge is more than just a space where she can find encouragement or socialization, it gives her the feeling of belonging within the community, a home away from home. 

“Although I’m on campus still, it’s a place where I feel safe from judgment because everyone is in their own world, everyone understands that we’re all working our hardest to achieve our goals,” she said.

For students searching for a spot that offers a balance between productivity and relaxation, Bednarowski says that the lounge provides the best setting. 

“Theres no strict rules or silence as the quietness of the library would have, instead you hear fingers typing away, laughter coming from friends and yet it all feels like a breath of fresh air,” she said.