I have approached my sophomore year at Bentley with an air of confidence or, as the cool kids would say, a newfound sense of “swag.” No longer a baby Falcon, I now avoid the common freshman pitfalls, like waiting at The Trees shuttle stop on a Friday at 6:00 p.m., actually expecting to get a seat- rookie mistake. I have even figured out the perfect ways to maneuver campus so that I exert the least amount of energy necessary – many times this means avoiding stairs at all costs (the Smith elevator and I are close friends).
That being said, I find that I am still discovering new quirks about Bentley every day.
Here are some of my newest finds:
The Women’s Center (LaCava 120)
Located on the first floor of LaCava, this center not only has an incredible staff, it also houses one of the most comfortable couches on campus. Students of any gender are free to stop by during their office hours to hang out or even watch some TV between classes. Fun Fact: This center also offers a wide collection of interesting books, if you’re in the market for a new read.
So, next time you’re in LaCava during activity period and can’t find an open table, I encourage you to head over and check out the Women’s Center instead of awkwardly hovering over other students with your salad in hand.
The Sandbox (Smith 234)
Newly renovated this semester, the Sandbox is Bentley’s learning center for Computer Information Systems and Information Technology. Students are free to drop into this center at any time for tutoring in CIS or IT courses, no appointment necessary.
However, even if you don’t need their tutoring services, I encourage you to check it out. It features all kinds of cutting edge technology that even a technologically impaired person, like me, can appreciate. It has a brand new Google TV and a Smart Board available for use by all students at any time. They are even in the process of acquiring an Xbox Kinect for use in the study of augmented reality. At the very least, the center features a new paint job and cozy chairs, which is definitely worth a visit next time you’re in Smith.
The Lockers (Library Basement)
We’ve all been there,-you’ve been studying for hours in the library and your stomach starts to growl. It’s dinnertime and a bagel from Einstein’s just won’t do it. You let out a sigh, when you realize that you have to pack up all of your stuff and lug it down to Seasons, just to carry it back up Mount Bentley an hour later.
This is where the lockers come in. The Bentley Library actually offers free lockers in its basement that students can use for up to 24 hours at a time. These can be incredibly useful in those times when you just don’t want to haul a twenty pound backpack all over campus. But beware, don’t forget to return your key before the library closes because they charge a one dollar fee for every hour it’s overdue.
The Dandes Room (AAC G340)
Following tradition, I saved the best for last. This room is by far one of Bentley’s best kept secrets. In fact, seeing it featured in this article is probably stirring up angst within some readers. Although it’s officially part of the graduate school, the Dandes Room can be used by anyone.
Filled with comfy couches and spacious windows, it offers a relaxing environment where you can get homework done without the cooped-up and stuffy feeling of the library. Located on the third floor of Adamian, it’s always quiet and often completely empty. This room provides a prime location to distress and recover between classes.
What’s your favorite “Hidden Gem of Bentley”? Leave a comment below telling us!