Equipped with cable television, comfortable couches, a microwave and a refrigerator, the new Commuter Student Lounge offers students a home-like environment where they can pass time between classes.
The Commuter Student Lounge also contains a small resource library, computers with Internet access, games, and free lockers. As part of Off-Campus Student Services, it is located on the third floor of the Ohio Union. Amy Golden-Greenland, assistant director of Off-Campus Student Services, said although all students are welcome to utilize the lounge, it was designed to meet the needs of the commuter students.
“Before the Commuter Student Lounge was created, commuters were looking for a place to eat and hang out that had more of a living room atmosphere. Overall, there was no central place for them to gather,” Golden-Greenland said.
The lounge is not only intended to provide students with an alternative way to spend time between classes, but to help commuters feel part of the OSU community.
Golden-Greenland said she hopes the lounge will help students who commute feel connected to the university in some way. It is important they know there is a place to go for them.
Golden-Greenland said that so far, the response to the new lounge has been great. Although this is the first quarter it has been available, many people take advantage of the lounge’s different amenities daily.
Because this is the first quarter of the Commuter Student Lounge’s existence, challenges still need to be overcome.
“Not only is getting the word out about the lounge currently a challenge we face, but it is also hard getting feedback from the students about Off-Campus Student Services in general, including the lounge,” Golden-Greenland said.
In the future, Golden-Greenland envisions the Commuter Student Lounge as being a place to generate programs, offer study groups and provide extended instruction. By mimicking the benefits students gain from living in the residence halls, she hopes to provide the same opportunities for students who commute.
“Most people I meet live on campus and it is hard to relate to them because during free times, they can just go to their dorms. Before the Commuter Student Lounge, commuters did not have anywhere to go to relax and study between classes,” said Joe Thrower II, a sophomore in computer information systems.
“One benefit of the lounge is that it is a great way to meet other commuters. Also, the staff is nice. It is like a home away from home,” Thrower said.
Matt Trease, a senior in English and history, said the Commuter Student Lounge provides him with the opportunity to meet other commuter students in a more conducive environment.
Similar to students who live on campus, the Commuter Student Lounge allows commuters to have more flexibility throughout the day.
“One tough aspect of commuting is that I am not able to go back home when I want. Before I was always spending money on food. Now because of the lounge, I can bring my lunch from home, leave it in the refrigerator and heat it up when I am ready,” Trease said.
“Commuters now have a choice to take advantage of everything within the Off-Campus Student Services office, including the Commuter Student Lounge. We want to know what students want us to provide. We exist for them,” Golden-Greenland said.
