There is nothing I hate more than having to talk on the phone when I know at least 3 or more people can hear everything I’m saying. Whether I’m calling my dad to complain about homework, or discussing my latest embarrassing weekend story with a friend on the other line, phone privacy is an absolute necessity to me. I usually won’t talk on the phone on campus, but if I have to, here are some of the places I go:
1. The driveway next to Bapst
Why?
Simply, nobody ever goes there. I’ll lean up against the side of the building and face CoRo, or sit on the steps near the BC maintenance trucks and chat it up in complete privacy. It does occasionally get loud if there are people driving around, and cold since it’s essentially a wind tunnel, but regardless, it is a great spot for phone calls.
2. The bench facing the St. Ignatius Statue behind Devlin
Why?
When people are in class, this is a great place to make a call or check voicemails, especially when it’s warm out. It’s not as popular of a walking path as the quad is, so the chances of people overhearing you or interrupting you are less likely. And, for the most part, it doesn’t get too noisy over there.
3. The breezeway between O’Neill and Maloney Hall
Why?
Although it is a high traffic area for most of the day, it stretches so far that finding a spot where someone isn’t smoking and huge crowds of people aren’t walking is definitely do-able. Popping a squat on the ledge or sitting on the stairs right outside the door to O’Neill, it’s a great place for a quick phone call to family members or bosses, but I wouldn’t have a heart to heart with your long distance boyfriend in this spot.
4. The stairs outside of Stokes on College Road
Why?
Despite how beautiful Stokes Hall is, and all the great things it will bring to our classroom experience, it doesn’t have cell phone service. For those people who stay in Stokes for multiple classes, or walk by it from Upper headed to class, these stairs are a great place to catch up over the phone without having the call dropped or disrupting other people.
5. Anywhere in between Merkert and Campion
Why?
With plenty of places to sit, it’s also not an area where tons of people are constantly coming and going. And, for extra private calls, you can head over to the fence that stands between campus and Beacon St.
And by all means, stay away from:
1. Talking on the phone while walking up Comm Ave
Why?
It seems to me that everyone I’ve ever met knows when I’m on the phone walking up Comm Ave and not only waves and tries to start a conversation, but also overhears everything I’m saying. Save the call for once you get on campus or at least down the hill.
2. The Rat
Why?
If you’ve ever been in the Rat, you know why. If you haven’t, don’t try and make a phone call there by any means. The service is spotty, and its noise level is never, ever quiet enough.
3. In front of Devlin Hall facing O’Neill
Why?
Especially during the week in the morning or afternoon, tour groups, faculty, and anybody going into the admissions office are always in and out of those doors. If you try and make a call in front of Devlin, I’d worry more about getting trampled by prospective students than someone awkwardly overhearing your phone conversation.
Photo Source:
http://lygsbtd.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/cell-phone-call-480.jpg