Located just down the street from Robarts, and a few floors above Campus Police, the magical Resource Lounge can be found on the 3rd floor of the 21 Sussex Clubhouse.
I wrote a bit about the my love for the lounge before, after visiting the 21 Sussex Halloween Open House. But this time, the lounge’s Work Study student, Jing, was kind enough to offer more information on the lounge and highlight some of the best spots and materials available.
Resources available to ALL students and staff*
Bulletin Board
Used for: highlighting a different focus each month, providing information and promoting events. Student groups, leaders, and staff can post their upcoming events on the board (must relate to focus of the month).
Contents: Theme of the month, such February’s theme is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Related events, and information.
Great for: Learning about different focuses for each month and what’s going on around campus
Grab and Go Kits + Icebreaker Carousel
Available to sign out
Used for: workshops, social events, introductions – getting to know your team mates/peers
Contents: use the binder’s index (on page 2) to find out more about different activities based on categories and themes such as team building, or reflection. There are also handy filters like for groups under 8 people, or no equipment necessary. Icebreakers are sorted alphabetically. When you’ve chosen the one you like, find the corresponding containers and packages for all the necessities for your icebreaker fun!
Icebreakers such as
- Juggling
- Lego
- Playdoh
- Jenga
- Colouring kits
Great for: saving money on supplies and saving time and energy thinking about activities and trips to the store
Die Cut Machine
Available to use within the lounge
Used for: cutting out different shapes and letters for posters, signs, and decorations.
Contents: shape templates and paper is provided in the lounge
Great for: making creative posters and decorations for upcoming events or occasions
Paper cutter
Available to use within the lounge
Used for: cutting smooth straight lines
Contents: paper is provided
Great for: cutting more than one sheet of paper
Laminator
Available to use within the lounge
Used for: laminating sheets, posters, cards, etc.
Contents: can laminate up to 15 sheets, must buy own sheets after 15
Great for: keeping documents crisp and clean
Express Computer
Available to use within the lounge, 15 min limit
Used for: checking email, printing, browsing
Board Games
Available to sign out
Used for: social events, board game nights
Contents: 20 different types of games, a duffle bag with wheels to help transport games
Great for: saving money on board games, and peer bonding
Library
Books available to sign out
Contents: Books on student affairs, leadership, mentorship, children’s lit, biographies, etc.
Great for: taking a break from assigned readings, and learning something new
Charging Station
Contents: cables for iPhones and Android phones
Don’t forget to take your phone when it’s done charging!
Space and Furniture
Contents: a couch, 2 armchairs, table with 4 chairs, lap desks, balcony is open in the summer
Great for: hanging out, relaxing, studying, eating lunch, hosting meetings (can close sliding doors to separate rooms)
The Resource Lounge is open to use Mon to Fri from 10am-3pm, and is staffed on Tuesdays 10-1 and Wednesdays 1-4. During other times, please see Jesse in Room 322 for assistance with resources and equipment.
Come check out the lounge to discover all the magical space and resources!
*post originally stated resources available to only student leaders and staff, but resources are indeed available to ALL students and staff. I apologize for the error.
This concept of resource lounge is something that is needed in a lot of public places to promote this feeling of acceptance. I just hope other people also pick up this idea.