Some people manage to go through their entire freshmen year (or even their entire time at AU) without taking advantage of a few of the really cool gems hidden on campus. Here are a few to start you off
McKinley Lookout: On the third floor of Bender Library, in the southwest corner, there is a great view overlooking the dome of the McKinley Building. The view makes the building appear enormous and majestic, because the perspective is difficult from the ground level. It’s very inspiring.
Kreeger Practice Rooms: Props to you if you've got the navigational skills to find these. After descending the many flights of stairs to the basement, you'll stumble upon a hall of practice rooms. Though not soundproof, the rooms are great for times when you need to get away and jam on the piano, or whatever instrument you play. Or if you just want to belt that Britney Spears song in relative solitude. No answer yet on whether or not these will still be available after the Katzen Center is completed.
Davenport Lounge: Okay, so it's not really hidden, but it's certainly a gem on campus. Go there (the SIS building, that is), grab a cup of coffee and enjoy yourself. You’ll be able to just feel the social justice as you do it. Davenport is also home to an irregularly scheduled open-mic night that features both AU and non-AU groups. They also now take EagleBucks, so you might as well support your fellow students instead of the guy who makes money off of the Nest. Maybe you can even convince them to stay open late at night.
George Arnold: George Arnold is the head archivist in the library and an AU institution. He knows AU history very well and can show you all sorts of interesting pictures and tidbits from AU’s illustrious/notorious history. He’s a swell guy and always willing to help you out.
Meal Block Express: This isn’t quite a geographic gem, but it’s still handy. Hate eating at TDR twice a day but don't want to blow all of your Eaglebucks? Need food in a hurry? Get a box lunch. You get a sandwich or salad, a drink, and two sides all for a meal swipe. Good food for a great deal, plus it’s very fast compared to the stuck-in-the-mud speed of the Tavern. And you can take your meal with you.
The New Media Center: Nestled away on the second floor of Hurst Hall is the New Media Center. The New Media Center has 7 state of the art Macintosh OS X G4 computers loaded with software for graphics, web design and video editing. They have two high quality scanners (one for text and one for images), a digital editing station that can handle DVD, Mini DV and VHS, and the best color laser printer on campus. You can also check-out Mini DV video cameras (and tripods) and digital cameras with your AU ID. Sweet.
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