Getting through the winter months can be a struggle. From cold weather to cloudy skies and a new semester in full force, it can be a tough month. Still, our campus offers a variety of unique locations that can make these bitter days feel warmer and gentler.
The top floor of Parking Structure 1
Take the parking structure’s elevator up to the top floor, and you will encounter not one, but two curved concrete structures that jut out from the side. They are part of  the looping tunnels, which drivers use to exit the structure, but for no apparent reason, they continue to spiral up past the highest exit.
Hop over the tiny concrete wall of the structure (but don’t let PTS catch you), and treat yourself to a private view of campus. I can’t think of any other location on campus where you can sit outside in seclusion and watch over the bottom of the Hill. The only real sound to disrupt you here would be the occasional car pulling in or leaving the parking lot.
For the most part, the place is quiet and provides a quick and easy way to leave the hustle and bustle of campus without even going away.
FAC Corners
The fine arts center is certainly one of the most unique buildings on campus. Each turn leads to a new hallway of wonders. Make one too many turns, and you could even find yourself lost in this labyrinth.
Each corner of FAC is a wonderful entrance to this mysterious, at times creepy, building. Dimly lit and surrounded by colorful chairs, the unique lighting may be the perfect spot to study for your next test.
Perhaps you’re better served using this area to hide in plain sight and scare passers-by (the Talisman may or may not condone this behavior) or take a nap after a test.
Greenhouses
There are two greenhouses just behind the Environmental Science and Technology building. In the dead of winter, these structures provide a glimpse into a world outside reality (if you can find an open or unlocked door).
Plants of all shapes, sizes and colors thrive in a 70-degree atmosphere. After spending a few minutes in there, I almost forgot the temperature outside was freezing. The plants made me believe I was in an exotic jungle. The only thing missing were wild birds chirping and animals prancing about. I’m sure a YouTube video with jungle noises would fix this problem.
Ransdell Hall Courtyard
Hidden behind the impending Ransdell Hall is a courtyard with a grand entrance. Framed with a circling frame of pillars, the courtyard could convince anyone they’ve left WKU for a more lavish life.
The courtyard has a presidential aura, which is fitting since the hall is named after WKU’s ninth president.
Minimal effort is required to experience the feeling of importance this courtyard will bestow upon you. This area is right behind Normal Street, a well-traversed area of campus. On the next warm day, bring lunch, read a book or catch up on homework with a sense of luxury. Â
Bottom of the Hill
Since my first day on the Hill, I have loved the area at the bitty-bottom of WKU. At the very bottom of the Hill behind Pearce-Ford Tower sits a field accompanied by huge trees and a meandering sidewalk. I walk through this portion of campus to get to my car, and I am always disappointed to see hardly anyone outside here.
The shadows of the trees and Pearce Ford Tower shelter leisuring students from the sun on a hot day. For a city slicker, the consistent sound of cars passing on University Drive is perfect for an afternoon nap. When the weather turns warm, a picnic date would be well-spent here.
There is also a six-hole disc golf course in this region that welcomes experienced players as well as beginners, so watch your head during your picnic.
The days of winter are short, but spending some time uncovering WKU’s hidden gems can make a cold day disappear even quicker. When spring rolls around, new hangout spots await along with a greater appreciation for the beauty of WKU.