Colgate University’s Residential Commons system serves as the core of residential life within the dormitories, connecting first-year and sophomore students through shared programming designed to build community within the residence halls. Each dorm belongs to one of four commons that organize events fostering connections among residents. Among the most popular is a Brown Commons’ event called Commons Cookies Study Group, where students gather to complete homework, unwind and enjoy freshly-baked cookies.
The cookie study group is a weekly drop-in study space held every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. in the first-floor lounge of Burke Hall that provides students — both within and outside of the commons — with a low-distraction study space where they can do their homework, organize their weekly activities or just relax with fellow students. Perhaps the element that most attracts students to the weekly study group is the warm cookies that are available to all students at each session. The study session ultimately gives students a space for whatever they may need at the moment, whether it is serving as an academic hub or a place to de-stress with cookies and meet some new friends.
Junior Abigail Fenton, a former member of Brown Commons, expressed how the cookie study sessions allowed her to spend time with friends while also being able to be productive by completing homework.
“Burke study breaks were one of my favorite events hosted by Brown Commons and [were the ones] I found myself attending every time, even if just for a minute to grab a cookie and chat with everyone,” Fenton said. “They gave me the opportunity to engage meaningfully with my community in Brown Commons while also getting some work done.”
Sophomore Caroline Kaufman, also a member of Brown Commons, emphasized similar sentiments to Fenton about how the weekly sessions gave her a space to focus on academics.
“Last year, I attended a few Burke cookie study sessions and enjoyed the warm, freshly-baked cookies,” Kaufman said. “This was a fun way to get work done in my dorm building and enjoy a sweet treat too.”
The weekly aspect of the cookie study group is helpful for students since they are able to dedicate time in their busy schedules to relax and enjoy some cookies with other students. This consistency is also helpful for first-year students to meet new people and establish connections that can be fostered with each session.
Junior Madeline Jayne expressed how the study group provided her with a place to spend time with friends while she was living up the hill, despite not being a member of Brown Commons.
“Even though I wasn’t in Brown Commons, the cookie study group provided me with a good place to take a break from my homework,” Jayne said. “It allowed me to connect with other sophomores who were living in the commons, and it was also crucial when I was a freshman because I could meet new people who weren’t living in my commons.”
While the Brown Commons cookie study group is an opportunity for students to have some free delicious cookies, it also encourages students to take time for themselves by giving them a break from their rigorous academic courses. Students can find more information about the weekly sessions on the flyers around campus or on the Brown Commons Instagram page. The study session is available to all students and members of the Colgate community.
