By Kaya DeAngelis
Since its founding, The Hill has been a place for students to gather and have fun. Hosting Brother Mike’s, trivia nights, and various other events arguably makes The Hill one of the most frequently used locations on campus.
However, throughout my time here, I’ve seen the use of The Hill as a student hangout spot decline. People go to eat their food, or go to an event, and then they leave.
For this reason, there’s a growing need for a large community hangout spot. While The Hill could fulfill this need, there would need to be improvements and changes.
First, it would be great to make the entire space bigger. Remember a few years ago when Brother Mike’s was 21+ because of overcrowding concerns? If we expanded The Hill, there would be more space at the bar, at the food counter, and in the seating area. So much more room for activities.
Next, I would add more couches and comfy seating options. The tables just aren’t the vibe sometimes. Some cozy couches, pillows, chairs, and other types of seating would be ideal. This would also encourage students to spend more time in the space together, leading to stronger community ties.
Finally, some more fun activities should be available. When did we stop putting dart boards in bars? Bring them back. While we’re at it, how about some new pool tables? We all know the one in Villa (the only one on campus) has been missing the nine ball for years. And all the pockets are broken. Maybe a ping pong table, because why are the only ones on campus in the Boland and Sem game rooms?
This makes my next point. You might be thinking: “but Kaya, we already have fun stuff in our dorm common rooms and game rooms -- we have TVs and (broken) pool tables and all sorts of comfy seating.”
My point is: these are in common rooms of specific dorms. You can’t get in to play ping pong or the piano without knowing someone in that dorm, and if you don’t, good luck finding someone walking by who’ll let you in. There’s a huge need for a truly common common space, where students of all housing locations can easily spend time together.
There are so many possibilities for what we could build and create, all with incredible benefits. If we expand The Hill, or even make a brand-new space on campus, it will increase the quality of student life. It would encourage students to spend time outside their dorms and engage with the whole Stonehill community. A fully accessible common space would make us stronger as a college and facilitate connections across class years, sports teams, and majors; not to mention, it would be really fun.
Comentários