Most students at IC don’t know about campus’ hidden gem that’s located on the 14th floor of the East Tower. I’m talking about The TC Lounge, open weekdays and Sundays, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am. This spot is the perfect place to eat delicious treats, study for exams, listen to music, and relax with friends.
The TC Lounge has a warm ambience that welcoming to all students. It is mostly filled with freshmen that live in East Tower but still has an appeal to upperclassmen. The lounge itself is fairly large and students are able to walk around and chat during their time at the TC Lounge. The views from the 14th floor are breath taking, which highlights the town of Ithaca and creates a beautiful atmosphere for all students and TC Lounge employees.
The treats that are served at the TC Lounge are beyond delicious. Students can use their Bonus Bucks or ID Express to purchase soft drinks, savory Paninis, fresh-baked waffles and outstanding desserts. Some student favorites include the Frozen Hot Chocolate, the Lava Cake, and the Black Cow. But one dessert, all TC Loungers swear by is the Tiger Brownie, which is a brownie with strips of cookie dough all on top of a coconut shortbread cookie, served warm and finished with chocolate sauce and whipped cream; it is truly mouthwatering!
On a personal note, one of my favorite things about the TC Lounge is the entertainment IC students provide. In Septemeber 2011, a group of students decided to create a popular club known as Open Mic Night. This club began after Chris Carpenter met the manager, Henry Chan, in the elevator of the East tower. Henry asked Chris to play some night, which he agreed to do. He played a half hour set and then offered up his guitar for anyone else who wanted to play which lasted for up to another hour of music. After a couple weeks, Open Mic Night was born. Today, Chris Carpenter ’15, Jenn Burgess ’15, Andrew Weir ’15, Brian Schmidt ’15, and Josh Rollin ’15 run Open Mic Night, which occurs every Wednesday night from 9:00 pm-11:00 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to play music in a “low-key” environment and listen to your fellow peers show off their talents. The club is now official and they hope to create more solid performances, and eventually have a concert for all the consistent performers. Student musicians can sign up with Andrew at 8:45 pm in the TC Lounge with their instruments. HerCampus Ithaca will be promoting Open Mic Night events throughout the year, such as their annual Holiday Show, so please check our “Events” page for updates and details.
If you have never been to the 14th floor of East Tower, you are clearly missing out on a perfect weekday experience. It is easy to get bored of the library or the pub, so why not try something different, like the TC Lounge? I promise that when you step off the elevator you will not be disappointed!