The best quiet spots on campus – Part 3

Today I explored the centre of campus. Where is the centre of campus you ask? For me, I used the above campus map as reference, and it's the area surrounding King's College Circle, otherwise labeled as "Front Campus" (which you can't see because a sticky is over top it. Just trust me). A post about the wonderful places on campus can not go without mentioning Hart House. Hart House is absolutely spectacular. I took the west entrance, an entrance I've never used before, and I walked past the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery. Well, of COURSE I had to go in! I can't believe I've missed this for so long! This gallery had a beautiful piece that took up an entire wall. The projector would turn on and the lights would dim at set intervals and it would give a whole new perspective on the piece. 1. Hart House Library (HH) The Hart House Library (I can't find links, sorry) is surprisingly small, but it has three wonderfully large windows with working space, so get your spot early! The library also has a little hidden fireplace at the side. 2. Knox College (KX) A trend I've found is that older looking buildings usually have really picturesque quads. Knox College is no exception. I talked to their reception, and yes, you can feel free to study or eat in the space, but they'd really prefer if you didn't bring a huge group with you. Groups = not quiet, and this space is quiet, see? Now I've never been to Knox College before, so I paid their library a visit. A good thing I did, because it's closing tonight for renovations until August 16th. I would have missed this beauty, where I feel like I've stepped inside a cathedral to read. 3. Gerstein Library (SM) Like Lucy, I love Gerstein too. Gerstein has a quiet place for everybody, because their Reading Room is absolutely glorious. I mean, just look at the sun! You get two pictures because I couldn't choose. However, if you're not a big fan of sun, go to 3 Below, where the ceilings are low and book cases (not pictured) tall. It's cold and quiet, and if you've ever wanted to study in a crypt, this is it. I actually would enjoy this space, because I study better in cooler temperatures. 4. The space between Medical Science Building and Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research (MS & DC) Wow, the DC has a long name. Anyways, this place was recommended for their bamboo trees, and look, bamboos! I never imagined there would be bamboo on campus. If a panda is ever looking for food, I'll know where to bring it. The space is relatively quiet - as quiet as outdoors can get. It's an eating space, so even if people are less inclined to talk, the smell of food may actually prove distracting. 5. The space between Con Hall and Sanford Fleming (CH & SF) So this seating space was recommended as a quiet spot. At first, I was skeptical, so I sat down for a few minutes. It was quieter than I expected. Yes, there are sounds of cars and distant traffic, and people playing on the fields and walking by, but it was surprisingly not overwhelming. If you're the type of person that can't study in absolutely silence, then this might be perfect for you. You can easily tune out the background noise and it becomes quite quiet. That's all the quiet spots I have for you guys. I hope you enjoyed this series! I certainly had a lot of fun going to different places. I thought I would get weird looks, but most of the time, people didn't even notice my presence! I win at espionage, obvs. Nonetheless, this three-day journey has given me three things: blisters, half a tan, a newfound sense of adventure, and most importantly, the knowlege that the campus holds many, many more secrets waiting to be explored. Wait are you waiting for? Go out and get to know your campus! Edit: I know you totally want a map of all the places I've visited, right? View Explore U of T's Quiet Spaces! in a Google Map! Edit 2: You can find all three day's worth of adventures under the "quiet spots" tag!