Sounds of construction have been resonating throughout Moody Hall. This construction is responsible for the metamorphosis of Moody Hall’s atrium.

The result is the new international lounge located in front of the Office of International Education.

Before the construction began, the atrium had some study space but was not structured for productive studying, according to some students. The lounge has since undergone a wave of change.

“I really like the new lounge. It’s not a chill lounge and is better for academic purposes,” junior Claire Corn said.

The atrium construction began in August and ended early September. The lounge was created in order to bring students together in a structured environment, according to the St. Edward’s University website. The lounge has already begun to meet this goal by providing a brighter and more organized area to study and spend time between classes.

The couches have been replaced with new desks and computers. The desks can be arranged and used for study groups. While working at the computers, students can gaze at the bamboo and ceiling fixture that is illuminated. The lounge has an international look and feel complete with bamboo and a warm color palette.

Now that library study areas are decreased, the lounge’s central location and new atmosphere have given students another place to study and hang out.

“It is really modern and nice. The building is easy to get to and that is why many people come here,” said Olga Murillo, a first time visitor to the lounge.

The sounds of construction have been replaced with the sounds of students. Leah Stoddard, a faculty member at the Office of International Education, sees the world of the lounge through her office window and has seen it full of student life since the changes.

“I think students like the new lounge. It is a great place to study in groups because you can use the funky desks and interesting couches,” Stoddard said.

The lounge has proven to be useful for more than just studying. On Sept. 10, the Study Abroad Fair was held in Moody Hall. The new lounge gave the university the opportunity to have the fair in a convenient location, enabling many students to attend.