I spy with my little eye… Bulldogs hanging out in the David L. Eisler Center, Biggby and several other favorite spots. Where else can you find Ferris students hanging out in their spare time?
It turns out that most students’ favorite spot is the DEC, formerly the University Center, which many students refer to as the DEC or UC.
While lots of students can almost always be found in the DEC, many have alternative hangout spots that they enjoy.
Mechanical engineering technology second-year Stephen Welch revealed some of his favorite hangout spots.
“I don’t mind the bowling alley,” Welch said. “Outdoors too, either down by Hemlock [Park] or the outdoor space behind Gypsy Nickel.”
Welch participates in a variety of activities in his favorite outdoor spots.
“I like hiking or rucking, which is carrying weight and walking as far as I can before it hurts,” Welch said.
Coffee shops are also a favorite of many Ferris students and are almost constantly packed full.
They offer students an ambient environment perfect for getting work done and meeting up with friends.
Dental hygiene junior Julia Antolak likes hanging out on campus and relaxing off campus.
“I really like the UC or Biggby,” Antolak said. “I have a lot of meetings at the UC, and I like the convenience of it being within walking distance.”
The DEC and Biggby are areas where students have their own space for many different activities.
Many students, much like Antolak, prefer the accessibility and convenience of the DEC.
The DEC contains many resources for students, such as the IT Center and Ferris Outfitters, as well as spaces to gather such as Rankin Stage and the Den.
Pre-pharmacy junior Rachel Hossler shared her favorite spots to hang out.
“I like the UC and FLITE because they’re convenient on campus, and they can be quiet and talkative depending on where you go,” Hossler said.
Hossler also shared what she enjoys doing in her favorite hangout spots.
“I either study or hang out with friends,” Hossler said.
Several spots on campus offer versatile environments for students to explore and find an area to suit their needs.
These spots give students a chance to get out, meet new people and explore what Ferris has to offer.
Architecture sophomore Ben Scott prefers a more serene environment to hang out. For Scott, the calm environment where he lives is the perfect hangout spot.
“I’m going to go with my dorm,” Scott said. “That’s where I am most of the time. I’m in a hall that’s pretty quiet and there’s not many distractions.”
For Scott, his room already makes the perfect place for studying as he enjoys the peace, silence and view.
Other students prefer to hang out in environments buzzing with social interaction and high energy.
English freshman Reaganne Streeter enjoys a livelier spot to hang out.
“I like hanging out at The Rock,” Streeter said. “It’s a good hangout spot just to get food with friends and such.”
Some students, such as Streeter, have different hangout spots depending on what they want to do. “When I study, I usually go to the library if I need to focus,” Streeter said. “Different things require different hangout spots.”
Some students prefer the energetic and versatile environment of the DEC, while others hang out most often in quiet spots such as their dorm or out in nature.
Students may be surprised to find Ferris has more to offer than they realize.
Another fairly unknown spot in Big Rapids is Backroom Coffee, located in the back of Toppings.
Students have a wide variety of hangout spots worth noting, and if you pay close attention, maybe you can find where the students are hiding.