Are you a science major, a big-window aficionado or just looking for somewhere to sit because you got lunch from the O’Connor Campus Center (the Coop) at noon on a Tuesday? Look no further: Colgate University’s Robert H. N. Ho Science Center has a spot for you. More commonly known as Ho, the building offers empty classrooms, a hilltop view, naturally lit tables and comfortable chairs, all without the risk of slipping on your way down the hill. What more can a student ask for?
First-year students Sammie Pruzan and Caroline Desautels enjoy the view from the third-floor balcony, as it provides views of the snowy courtyard beside the ALANA Cultural Center, and the large atrium area in the middle of the building, which features Colgate’s Robert M. Linsley Geology Museum. Pruzan chose Ho for a change of pace from Case-Geyer Library — the main library on campus and a popular study spot — and for the natural lighting that Ho provides.
“I really like natural light and quiet. The library makes me tired if I go past the fifth floor, just because of how dark it is. I get a little bit sad,” Pruzan said.
The science center’s tables’ lack of partitions, plus the magnitude of its windows, make natural light much more abundant than in many other study locations on campus. The wide atrium center of the building, where most of the seating is located, is always brightly lit by natural light, and during the winter, its reflection off of the snow. Many of the classrooms also have windows, keeping their occupants more motivated and attentive.
The natural light and impressive views are important factors for many of the students who choose to study in Ho.
“I think it has a really pretty view, especially when it’s snowing. It’s really quiet here; it’s a nice place to work,” Desautels said.
First-year student Ryan Spaar also enjoys the natural light and finds that Ho is one of the best study spots with comfortable lighting on campus.
“I like [to study in] quiet, and with a good amount of natural light. This spot is nice, with a lot of windows,” Spaar said.
Ho’s low volume is another important factor for students when choosing a place to study. Very little can be heard from the third and first floors, a quality that many students appreciate. However, if you prefer a study spot with quiet chatter, you may favor the second floor, where people pass more often and tours of the Geology Museum can get somewhat loud.
Ho is conveniently located; it’s a few steps away from Gate House and the Coop, and is nestled in the corners of both the academic and residential quads. It’s also up the hill, which isn’t taken for granted during icy Colgate winters.
“I like that [Ho is] up the hill, so there’s less chance of me slipping when walking to it. I love that there are spaces where you can go into a study room and talk with your friends and do group work or study together, but then if you want to do your own work in your own space you can come out here and you’re not distracted,” Pruzan said.
First-year Naomi Warshaw also appreciates Ho’s proximity to her classes.
“I have my first class in Ho and one in Olin Hall, so I’m exploring the area. I like it here,” Warshaw said.
The availability of classrooms draws in students to participate in group work or a collaborative study session. There are also plenty of options for seating of larger groups outside of the classrooms, including on the third-floor balcony above the atrium of the science center.
So, if you’ve been looking for windows that rival next-door Olin Hall’s winter wonderland views, or just the shortest (and safest) walk from up the hill to a quiet, study-conducive environment, you may want to visit the Ho Science Center.
