Best Spots on Campus
Sometimes class schedules permit for long breaks between classes. While commuter students don’t have the luxury of retreating to a residence hall room, there are tons of great spots on campus where you can kick back, relax, and kill some time between classes. Plus, by spending your extra time out and about on EIU’s campus you’re sure to meet tons of new people!
Doudna Fine Arts Center
Red Room
Located on the lowest level of DFAC the Red Room is one of the most modern places to relax on campus. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a room with red walls and moveable red furniture. Whether you want to study, socialize, or take a nap, the Doudna Red Room is a great place to check out.
Doudna Steps
Right outside of Doudna, facing the Mary J. Booth Library you’ll find the Doudna Steps, one of EIU’s most popular student hangouts. When weather permits these steps are a great place to catch some sun and do some people watching. Student organizations will often advertise upcoming events in chalk on the steps as well. The Doudna Steps are always bustling with campus action!
Martin Luther King Jr. University Union
7th Street Underground
In the basement of the MLK Union you’ll find 7th Street Underground, which is an underground lounge complete with tables, chairs, couches, flat screen TVs, and computers. There’s even a stage that hosts acoustic performances from time to time!
Bridge Lounge
On the second floor of the Union sits the Bridge Lounge, an area on campus with tons of couches, tables, and chairs. There are a couple TVs that you can feel free to enjoy during your breaks. One of the best things about the Bridge Lounge, however, is the free massage chairs tucked away in the back left corner!
Commuter Lounge
Located on the third floor of the MLK Union, feel free to spend some time in our Commuter Student Lounge. We’ve got a microwave available for your use as well as tables and couches. This is one of the only spots on campus designated just for commuter students, so take advantage of it!
Alumni Lounge
On the second floor of the MLK Union you can kick back and relax in our Alumni Lounge, which is where you checked in for Debut.There are comfortable couches for maximum relaxation, and for those of you who are musically-inclined there’s a piano available!
Food Court
Who doesn’t like to hang out where there’s food?! The EIU Food Court has a Subway, Chik-Fil-A, Connie’s Pizza, and Panther Grille, as well as several grab-and-go snacks available for purchase. Food can be bought using cash or credit as well as through Dining Dollars available in the Housing & Dining Office.
Bowling Alley
In the basement of the MLK Union there’s a bowling alley that is open from 9 am-11 pm. Games and shoes are very affordable, and like any good bowling alley there are snacks and drinks available for purchase. There are also couches and TVs available for maximum relaxation and socialization.
24 Hour Vending Lounge
The 24 Hour Vending Lounge is located on the first floor of the MLK Union right underneath the bridge. This lounge is great for studying; it’s got tons of tables and chairs set up as well as plenty of vending machines! It’s also conveniently located right outside the Panther Convenience Store where you can buy snacks and drinks to keep you going. One of the perks of the 24 Hour Vending Lounge is the free massage chairs available for use!
Java B & B
Located right outside the University Book Store EIU hosts its very own coffee shop. With tables, chairs, and couches, this is one of the best places to kick back and get energized during downtime between classes.
Mary J. Booth Library
What better place to kick back and relax between class than the library? Whether you want to get some studying done or cozy up with a good novel, Mary J. Booth Library has something for everyone. Comfortable chairs and couches sprawl across the bottom level and some students have even been known to catch a few Z's there.
Outdoor Scenery
Campus Pond
One of the many outdoor sceneries on EIU’s campus, the pond is a great place to sit back and relax. A small trail circles the pond so you can get some exercise and take in the beauty of nature.
The "Secret" Garden
Tucked away behind the Life Sciences Building you will find what EIU has affectionately dubbed its very own "secret garden." Beautiful flowers, towering trees, and entertaining wildlife make this an awesome spot to get comfortable on a bench and enjoy nature.
