The new semester has begun, and students are busy studying for exams, going to classes or hanging out with friends.

But where do Ajou University students spend their spare time during their busy schedules? 

Whether it's short periods during break or large gaps between classes, or coming to school early in the morning during exam periods, choosing the right place is important.    

For those who haven't explored the campus in every detail, The Ajou Globe met students across various majors to ask where they often go to study or rest.  

1) Kim Kyung-eun (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

Q. Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

A. It's the terrace in front of the Student Union building. 

What do you do there?

Since I commute to school, I need to be on campus until my next class begins. I do assignments between classes there. I also have my meals delivered there when the weather is cool, and it is perfect to eat lunch outdoors!  

What is the main reason you like the place?

I get motivated by watching students work hard. I think it is part of the real campus life that I have dreamed about since high school.

2) Kim Su-min (Department of Management Intelligence)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

The benches in front of Seongho Hall. 

What do you do there?

I take a walk there to take a break from studying at the Central Library. It is fun to buy snacks at the convenience store in the Seongho Hall and eat them while sitting on the bench!  

What is the main reason you like the place?  

I can enjoy nature with napping cats and free-flying magpies, which helps reduce my fatigue.

3) Lee Ha-won (Department of Psychology)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

It's the area with sofas on the third floor of the Central Library, in front of the bookshelf for books with the shelf numbers from 800 to 899, [which are literature books.]

What do you do there?

I read books between classes. 

What is the main reason you like the place?  

There are many works of German romanticism that I like. While I read on the comfy sofa, I can see the leaves flying in the wind when I look out the window that's right next to it. It's quiet and cozy, and it is a good place to read and think.  

4) Jeong Hyun-woo (Department of Digital Media)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

It's the Community Lounge on the second floor of the Central Library.  

What do you do there?

I study there during the exam period. Also, when I have large gaps between classes, I try to sit and rest for a while as I listen to the calm music that's playing in the lounge. When I'm tired, I can even take a nap on the sofa.

What is the main reason you like the place?  

Unlike other places [in the library], it has a cafe-like atmosphere. There's also various seat options. At first, I only went for the sofa seats. But I have also tried the swing seats, seats near the window and [seats inside individual] study booths. They all felt different!

5) Lee Beom-ki (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

The Woncheon Haedong Hall.  

What do you do there?

I study there.  

What is the main reason you like the place?  

The third floor has several rooms that can only be reserved by groups of three or more, but sometimes one is left open without someone booking it. Then, you can get the luck of studying there by yourself, even with the air conditioner on. Of course, you should only do this when the rooms aren't fully booked. 

But the second floor is a place that does not need to be reserved. It is so quiet and good for studying. Only students in the electrical and mechanical departments know the place well [because many of their classes are held near the Woncheon Haedong Hall]

6) Ahn Ji-min (Department of Korean Language and Literature)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

The reading room of the Dasan Business Administration Hall, [also referred to as Daramsil by many students.]

What do you do there?

I live in the dormitory, but I usually use Daramsil because my dormitory is too far away. Usually, I drink coffee, check [Ajou University's university e-class] Blackboard on my laptop, do my assignments or just check my KakaoTalk.  

What is the main reason you like the place?  

It's close to my classrooms. It's also quiet, and I can reserve my seat. I think the greatest advantage is that I can relax comfortably there.

7) Kang Seo-yeong (Department of English Language and Literature)

Please tell me one of your favorite places on campus!

The lounge of Ilsin Hall.  

What do you do there?

I get some rest between classes, and I also have team discussions there. During Covid-19, most classes were held online, and I usually went there to listen to lectures.

What is the main reason you like the place?  

It's quiet and clean, and I'm less likely to encounter someone I know. Also, it has a convenience store nearby. In addition, it's close to the Dasan Business Administration Hall, so it is easy to go to my classrooms. 

This article has been contributed by Noh Hyun-jin of The Ajou Globe, an English-language publication from Ajou University.