During lunch, students have several options of where to eat, including the Quad, in the Student Center, near the baseball field or in the Patriot Patio. However, only the Student Center offers air conditioning (AC), which is crucial on hot, extremely humid or rainy days. Because of this, the Student Center tends to fill up quickly, making it difficult for students to find a seat. To address this issue, faculty should consider adding more air conditioned dining areas or utilizing the gym in the 2500 building as an additional lunchroom.
The Student Center is located near the 8000 and 7000 buildings, which is convenient to those who have nearby classes; however, those who have class on the opposite side of campus may be hesitant to walk ten minutes only to risk not finding an available seat. But since there are no other places that students can cool down during lunch, many are forced to resort to eating outside in the hot weather.
Florida is known for its sunny and hot days, especially around 12:45 p.m. A shaded area is insufficient to resist the humid weather and keep students comfortable during the period. Students chose to sit in the Student Center entirely because they cannot handle the weather, and even risk the dangers of heat stroke.
“Right now I’m eating in the Student Center, but during the winter months we can sit outside. It’s just too hot at the moment,” junior Sasha Kay-Lindo said.
On rainy days, the Student Center becomes a refuge where students can stay dry. But those who come from distant buildings, such as the 2000 or 2500, have to face a long and potentially drenching trip. And as those who have class near the building quickly get a table for themselves, spots become limited and by the time the long walk from the 2000 is completed, there are no chairs left.
Some days, students even have to resort to sitting in the hallway that leads to the Student Center, as there aren’t any more seats inside on rainy days. Those who eat in the Patriot Patio can easily get wet as there is not much protection besides the umbrellas on the tables. The baseball field offers more coverage, but there are only about ten tables, so not many students can find refuge there.
“Some teachers are nice enough to let us in their classrooms during lunch when it’s pouring rain, but still, that shouldn’t be our only option when we are near the Patriot Patio and it starts raining,” junior Aniya Melian said
Expanding air conditioned areas or using existing spaces like the gym could significantly improve the lunch experience for students, as the Student Center would become less crowded and more people could eat in the AC, ensuring comfort and convenience regardless of the weather.
Students eating outside in 93º Fahrenheit weather, near the baseball and softball field, where some tables were mostly empty; however, in the Student Center tables are full and the lines to purchase food make it even more crowded. (Photo/Nina Vieira)
