When students get accepted to Colgate University, they are bombarded with emails, brochures and much more informational material talking about Colgate’s Third-Century Plan. While this all sounds great, an incoming student is still left with basic questions such as, “Where will I study?” and “Where are my classes?” Most importantly, if a first-year student is assigned to live down the hill, they are left with a question: “Will I have to walk up the hill for everything, even just to study?”
However, Colgate’s newest building, Bernstein Hall — a token of the Third Century Plan — is only a two minute walk from the often inconveniently-located dorm, 113 Broad Street. Though obviously nowhere near the size of Case-Geyer and without amenities such as Chobani at Hieber Café, Bernstein Hall still does the job and does it well.
Many of those living up the hill are oblivious to the wonders of the new building, which is dedicated to computer science and conveniently located next to Donovan’s Pub. However, for people living down the hill or in the 113 Broad Street complex — such as first-years Sophie Macallister, Max Kocaj and Daniel Kaper-Barcelata — Bernstein Hall is an easy commute and has become their own version of the library.
“It’s really quiet in Bernstein,” Kocaj said. “It’s not as much of a trek to get to as the library for someone living in 113.”
Though Case-Geyer is not too far from 113 as is, the peaceful atmosphere and location of Bernstein Hall make it an ideal spot for the often considered “unlucky” underclassmen placed in dorms down the hill, far from the academic quad and all other classroom buildings.
Not only is it such an easy walk for down-the-hill underclassmen, something especially valued during this frigid time of year, but it has a great deal of features that make it conducive to studying. Bernstein Hall is home to multiple study rooms, classrooms, computer and 3D printing labs, a group study area outside of third-floor faculty offices and a specific classroom that hosts both students and guest lecturers.
“I really enjoy the classroom spaces with access to whiteboards,” Macallister said. “I find that the library can be a bit stressful when trying to find a place to work with a group; it can be difficult to find a study spot. Bernstein is a more peaceful option with many of the same features.”
If you’re like Macallister or Kaper-Barcelata, whiteboards can make or break a study spot. Having them in the main study room, the project rooms and on the third floor is a huge benefit, especially during midterm and finals seasons.
“It’s a great space to study in during finals week,” Kaper-Barcelata said. “You can stay there pretty late and it stays relatively quiet.”
Whether you are a fan of group or independent study, only venture to the library or academic buildings during finals week or are an everyday regular, Bernstein Hall is an underrated place to be. Close proximity to Bernstein is one of few benefits to living in 113, but is also debatably worth the trip down the hill for all others. Newest does not always mean best, but Bernstein Hall proves itself to be an exceptional study spot.
