Annenberg Makes Its Social Space Debut

Last week, Dean of the College Evelynn M. Hammonds announced that Annenberg Dining Hall will remain open until midnight on weeknights, one of several steps she has taken lately to address students’ perennial complaints about lack of social spaces on campus. The extended hours allow freshmen to hang out in Annenberg from the time dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. until midnight, more than an hour after Brain Break food is cleared away.

In its first week, a few students took advantage of the new study space. "I come here if I don't want to be in Lamont," Sarah E. Coughlon '15 said as she and Audrey D. Zhang '15 worked on their computers in the nearly empty dining hall around 8:30 p.m.

"It's chill, relaxing," Zhang said. "I come when friends are here."

After Brain Break food came out at 9:15 p.m., the traffic picked up a bit. Students gathered in groups to talk and eat, though many said that a desire for a snack, not the new social hours, drew them to Annenberg. "I was hungry," said Alexander V. Moore '15.

When Brain Break drew to a close, some lingered at tables as late as 11:30 p.m. even without muffins and fruit. Studying as midnight approached, Crystal K. Stowell '15 said that she enjoyed the openness of the space and bigger tables. "I want it to be open twenty-four/seven," she said.