All Otters new and returning should be familiar with the Otter Student Union (OSU), the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library and the Dining Commons. So, here at the Lutrinae we thought the best way to kick off this semester would be a list of the more hidden and tucked away locations on campus. Hopefully some may lead you to discovering your next community, third space or even an opportunity to make some new friends!
The Rookery & Esports Lounge
(Photo courtesy of CSUMB website)
By now most of us have passed through the OSU, be it for a quick Starbucks fix, or to grab a snack from the Sea Store, but did you know that the second floor of the OSU is home to two spots designed for us to hang-out in? The Esports Lounge and the Rookery. The Esports Lounge features 10 PC’s with a good collection of gaming options. It also serves as the homebase of the Esports Club, as well as, the host to many gaming competitions throughout the year. So, whether you wanna challenge someone to a friendly match of ping pong, pool, try out some PC games or maybe even bust a few moves on the Pump it Up dance machine, these spaces may just be the best place to relax, blow off steam and make some new friends.
The Tides Lounge
If video games and ping pong are not your thing, and you are an Otter over 21 and want to wind down with a cold drink in hand while diving into your studies or snacks; Perhaps the Tides Lounge, located in the Otter Express, is the spot for you. There you will not only meet fellow classmates trying to take a breather from their work load but also Joe, the bartender, who has been serving up smiles and popcorn alongside the drinks for years. Don’t stress, if you aren’t quite 21 yet, or would rather enjoy the vibes sans the alcohol, the lounge offers a menu of fun mocktails too. Also be sure to keep your eyes open for events at the lounge too, like bingo and trivia!
The Makerspace
(Photo courtesy of @Csumb_library Instagram)
Pivoting from entertainment and rest, we have the Library, where not only can you grab a cup of coffee and some tasty pastries, but it is also home to a favorite spot for our most crafty and creative students, the Makerspace. Though their hours have yet to be posted for this fall semester keep a close eye out on MyRaft and their Instagram page. This craft-filled corner can be found on the third floor of the Library, and has what feels like an endless supply of all the craft essentials. From glue, ribbons, buttons, wire, paper, paints, pencils to even 3D printers, scanners, laser cutters and vinyl cutters the creativity options are endless. The staff is also incredibly knowledgeable and would be more than thrilled to help you with any project you may be working on. Not only is this space the place to go to get your crafting on, but it’s also the host to many club events that involve an array of interests, from black out poetry, karaoke, open mic nights, slam poetry, collaging and so much more.
The College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences second floor
Last but not least on our list is the second floor of The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences building. While all the buildings around campus have seats and vending machines, this floor is just a little extra special. Offering not only an endless variety of seating options for studying, it also features a whiteboard where students leave art every week. The walls of are full of student’s photography from CSUMB’s various study abroad programs, a few poetry magnets and if you’re lucky, some of the humanities professors may leave out some free books and supplies for the artists, writers and readers choosing this floor to shape their community on campus.