Between nearby cafes with overpriced coffee and merely the concept of seating to silent lounges throughout the Paulson Center and Bobst Library where studying takes priority, third spaces on campus where you can find a place outside of the anxiety of school or the fatigue of work can feel scarce. The painfully cold weather that defines the first half of spring semester doesn’t make this search any easier. Nestled throughout the university, however, are small spots to linger when you need a moment to yourself or an overdue debrief session with friends. From a tea lounge to an outdoor courtyard, these sites are some of the best on-campus pit stops. 

GCASL’s Global Spiritual Life lounge

My relationship with the Global Spiritual Life lounge has always been situated within the context of community. Recounting my first visit, my memory comes less as photographic snapshots but as embodied feelings — of the warmth that I had felt brewing my first cup of oolong tea at the tea bar, of the intimacy that grew as one of my close friends and I had our first real conversation on the purple floor cushions. The lounge on the fourth floor of the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life is a third space meant for lingering, fitted with a station where students can brew from a diverse selection of loose-leaf teas and sip among a homey arrangement of couches, tables and velvet floor cushions that overlooks Thompson Street. A retreat from the busier parts of campus, this is a place to slow down and have a moment just to yourself.

— Julia Kim, Culture Editor

Kimmel’s seventh floor

When you round the corners from the seventh floor elevators at the Kimmel Center for University Life, you’re greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast an unmatched view of Washington Square Park. Comfy revolving chairs in front of the windows provide a great spot for watching the sun set after an overwhelming day of class — with a sweet treat from Peet’s Coffee — or quietly catching up on assignments together. When I’m looking for something more private, I love to squish into the nearby booths with my friends and a couple of bagels — a cozy nook tucked away above campus. 

— Ivanka Sun, Culture Editor

Peet’s Coffee

I’ve spent more hours at Peet’s Coffee than at any other spot on campus. The cafe’s kind staff and delicious coffee, coupled with its central location in Kimmel makes it a great place for between-class catch-ups and run-ins with unexpected friends. An easy choice whenever I have class in Kimmel, Silver Center or GCASL, Peet’s always offers a fun, though noisy, spot to get some work done and chat. Although it closes at 5 p.m. most days, and isn’t open on weekends, you’re never more than a building away from some of NYU’s other best hangs. When I’m kicked out of Peet’s after closing time, it’s an easy journey up to the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs on the eighth floor lounge. 

— Sam Donagi, Deputy Culture Editor

Schwartz Plaza

For avid people watchers, Schwartz Plaza definitely caters to this hobby. A small stretch of campus located between Bobst and the Kaufman Management Center, the alley is constantly buzzing with the energy of student life. With the campus Starbucks across the street and local food trucks lining up near the curb, I’ve always looked forward to grabbing a hot drink and a cup of Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzel nuggets before settling onto the steps of Kaufman to meet with a friend. What keeps me lingering, however, are the spontaneous interactions with fellow students, professors and even security guards stationed nearby that may lead to a stronger connection down the line.

— Shreeya Goyal, Beauty & Style Editor

Kimball Hall

The first floor of Kimball Hall found me before I even knew it existed. While the seats are weirdly shaped and definitely could use a cushion or two, the big windows overlooking campus more than make up for the slightly uncomfortable seating. Whether I’m trying to get some work done or just chatting with friends, I’ve felt that the ability to see other students makes those moments more fun — and Kimball’s massive windows always deliver. Located in one of the most crowded parts of campus, this building on Greene Street allows you to remain within the bounds of NYU while also giving you a sense of privacy. Not only can it fulfill all your people-watching desires, but there are almost always free leftovers available after events.

— Noor Maahin, Identity & Equity Editor

Frank J. Guarini Courtyard

Even though access to the law school is limited to its affiliates, this outdoor extension is open to all. With brick archways framing the space, gravel pathways lining the walk and lush flora enveloping tables and chairs, the law school’s courtyard provides city-bound students with a more tranquil escape. It’s rare to find outdoor spaces in lower Manhattan that aren’t already crowded with people or vendors, but when the weather gets nicer, there’s nothing I love more than enjoying the open air and relaxing in this more intimate atmosphere away from the bustle. Let’s face it — Washington Square Park might not be what a green space-seeker is really looking for. Unlike its lively neighbor, in this courtyard, serenity prevails. 

— Colette Yehl, Food Editor

Contact Sam Donagi, Shreeya Goyal, Julia Kim Noor Maahin, Ivanka Sun, and Colette Yehl at [email protected].