Winter has once again crept upon students in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to our temperate climate, the cold alone is sometimes bearable, but how does one avoid combining the cold and wet?
The clouds are chopping their sky onions, and the torrential rains begin. There are many solutions to keeping dry in the winter, such as proper gear, staying inside, and other such monotony. But these methods are not accessible to everyone.
For the student who craves the thrill of winter chill without the pain of rain, there is hope. Here are some ideas on covered campus areas to kick back with a thermos of tea and enjoy the wonder of winter in a dry, enjoyable way.
Student Experience Center Plaza
The SEC Plaza is great in the way it is both spacious and well-furnished. The plethora of seating table arrangements makes it suitable for individual use or group gatherings.
This covered location can be found between the Student Experience Center and the Memorial Union; it is both a convenient and casual place to sit back and enjoy not being soaked.
weather. (Miles Wilson)
Memorial Union east and west wings
The wings of the MU offer incredible opportunities for rain-free splendor. These spaces usually contain a handful of tables with four chairs, making it great for eating, reading, sipping tea, or whatever one might desire.
The proximity to food is another bonus of this location. To find this area, just go to the side of the MU facing the quad and look in front of the cafeteria for the east side seating, and the North Porch Cafe for the west side seating.
Johnson Hall
Johnson Hall has a handful of benches outside of it that make great people-watching areas. These benches are in a wonderful part of the campus, great for sitting back and taking a few breaths in the middle of a busy school day.
This wonderful spot is found outside of Johnson Hall, on the side facing the Kelley Engineering Center.
them around 100 years old this year. (Miles Wilson)
Sequoias of the Memorial Union Quad
These sequoias may be less typical than some of the other spots and are not as easily accessible, but they create a beautiful canopy that keeps the ground underneath them soft and dry. Among the bonuses are the natural benches in the trunk, the cushion of the foliage, and the wonderful smell.
These Sequoias can be found on the side of Milam Hall facing the MU Quad. There are many diverse options for comfortable seating among six different trees.
Moreland Arboretum
Moreland Arboretum hosts a variety of interesting tree species to mingle with. The presence of cedar and sequoia makes the place a dry option for some forest experience right in the middle of campus!
This area is found between Moreland Hall and Dixon Recreation Center. It is a wonderful area to sit back and relax under the cover of some trees.
Begin to search!
Beyond the larger areas previously mentioned, there are many other small single covered seating areas hidden around campus. Keeping one’s eyes and mind open can lead to finding a wonderful spot to cherish, rain or shine.
