One of the biggest concerns for students on campus this year is where they will go once the library is shut down. The new library building is expected to be under construction throughout the 2012-2013 academic year. Many are worried that they won’t have a space to study, read, or just have a quiet moment to themselves.     

There are so many things to love about the St. Edward’s University campus: the great friends; the quirky squirrels; the sprawling view of downtown Austin.

This campus is so open, yet small. You can see East Hall from Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, and you can see the Maloney Room through the dorm windows in Jacques Dujarié Hall.

But the things I love the most usually go unseen by others. I love all of this campus’s many nooks.

When I say nooks, I am talking about the tiny, comfortable spaces that dot the campus. They are the ultimate place for studying, pondering which major to declare or for just escaping the hustle and bustle of a college campus.

There is the bright nook in Sorin Hall. It is on the first floor under the stairwell, and comes complete with a table and chairs, and it is the perfect place for bird, squirrel or people watching.

Then there is the dark, cool nook under the outside stairs of Holy Cross Hall. It is the perfect place to catch up with yourself before class and to escape the afternoon sun.

One of my favorite spots is a little bigger than a nook, but you will still be guaranteed some quiet time. In Andre Hall, there is a little lounge on the first floor complete with reading material in case you forgot to bring any of your own. It might smell like mothballs from time to time, but at least it has squishy leather sofas.

    Of course, there is the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto down by the soccer field. It is cool and damp, and the benches surrounding it offer the best of both worlds: a great view of the Austin cityscape in a secluded space where you are not likely to be seen.

    Although it is way too big to be considered a nook, the ground floor of Moody Hall is also a great place to spend some time studying before your next class. Just plop yourself down on one of the comfy couches, grab some notes and be thankful you’re not on a hard chair in the library.

    There are so many more nooks to be explored throughout campus. Even if you are not a nook type of person, keep your eyes peeled. Maybe a day will come when you need to avoid an ex, and you have to make a quick dive into a passed-over place. If you haven’t done so already, go explore the unseen. Where’s your favorite nook?