Welcome Back Bears!

It’s been a few days since spring break ended and classes have started up again. Even though midterms have passed that doesn’t mean that the work stops, so I wanted to introduce you to some of my favorite places on campus. College can be a great experience but also stressful; having some great places to go on campus can help you out. I find myself at these places when I want to relieve some stress, get some work done, or just meet up with friends to talk.

My top five favorite places on campus

1. Glass Hall

When I got the chance to tour Missouri State for the first time, Glass instantly became my favorite building on campus. There are tons of places to sit inside the building and it has one of the best places to grab something to eat on campus: Einstein Bros. Bagels.

2. Meyer Library

Did you know there are quite a few things you can do at the library that don’t involve reading or studying? Meyer Library occasionally has an exhibit going on that you might find interesting. There are movie DVDs that you can check out when you like. Let me not forget to mention that there is also a Starbucks, so when you need a quick snack or pick-me-up you have an additional place to go.

3. John Q Hammons Fountain

The fountain has to be at the top of everyone’s list as their favorite place on campus. When the weather is just right or if you just want to take a load off, it’s one of the best places to be. You can study by the fountain, eat or just meet up with some friends in your free time. You can catch some pretty good photo opportunities when you’re there, too.

4. Plaster Student Union (PSU)

When I want to shop for a few things or catch a bite to eat and study, this a good place to be on campus as well. The PSU houses helpful MSU offices such as Study Away Programs and the Multicultural Resource Center, as well as some of my favorite fast-food places like Chick-Fil-A and Subway. There are many things to do while you visit the PSU, so I highly recommend it.

5. The Missouri State Bookstore

I really like the bookstore on campus: there are a ton of things you can buy from gift bags to electronics, not to mention how nice everyone is if you have questions or need help finding something. With so much to see inside the store, there are reasons to visit beyond getting new gear or picking up class materials.

Take Away

Campus is such a vast and fun place to be, but it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to balance your mental health and focus on your work. Even though I’m not on campus right now, I remember how finding my happy places kept me together. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I thought now would be a good time to share those happy places with you.

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a junior business major at Missouri State University.)