New lounge benefits student life at NU

Students at Nipissing University will have a new spot on campus to study, play games, relax and chill out. The Student Recreation Lounge, located in room A131, is currently under construction and will open in mid-September.The Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) brought the idea for a new lounge to university administration. To accommodate the request, the university renovated three existing offices, removing some walls and adding new lighting, a new ceiling and new flooring, to create a 700 square-foot lounge area. NUSU is furnishing the room, which will feature comfortable seating, a wide-screen television and a pool table.

“Students need comfortable spaces on campus, both inside and outside, where they can relax, talk about classes and generally decompress from academic pursuits. A great deal of learning and self-discovery happens at university outside of the classroom, and I’m certain that this lounge space will foster some amazing conversations as well as fun times,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing’s president and vice-chancellor. “We were happy to provide this space for our students to enjoy.”

"With students spending so much time on campus, it often becomes a second home. There are a few hours between scheduled classes, and although the library and athletic centre are fantastic and students spend a lot of time in both places, the lounge will allow students to focus on their mental health. Our new student lounge will be a comfortable space to practice self care, have fun, relax, and hang out with your peers," said Sydney Lamorea, NUSU president. "The lounge will be a significant asset to student life at Nipissing."

The renovation cost $44,000 and is expected to be completed on September 5. Furniture and games are expected to me moved in by September 15.