#USUhacks Napping
Doctors recommend the typical adult get seven to nine hours of sleep. But between school, work and a social life, what Utah State University student has time for that? That is why the typical college student is at high-risk for not getting enough sleep. Fortunately, there are tons of hidden nooks and crannies all over campus that are prime for catching some Zs between classes.
TSC third floor lounge: it is a trap
The couches in the TSC are like soft, fluffy clouds that are beckoning you to sit down and sleep, but beware. It is a trap — I repeat — it is a trap. It may look tempting on the surface, but between the consistent ping-pong battles and the delicious smelling food from the Polynesian Student Union social, it is nearly impossible to actually sleep there. Once you do fall asleep, the real humiliation begins because it is such a highly trafficked area. One time I woke up to people taking a pictures of me sleeping there and then they uploaded the pictures to @NappingAggies Twitter feed. I was so mortified that I just kept pretending to sleep, so if you have any shred of dignity, don’t sleep in the lounge.
TSC third floor near the counseling office: fantastic
If you are in the TSC and you need to catch up on some sleep, the best place to do it is right next to the counseling office on the third floor. It is great because the couch there is so ridiculously comfy that you literally sink into and it is much more private than the lounge. Plus if you’re lucky, you can catch a therapy dog walking by and get to pet it.
Ag science fourth floor: decent
The ag science fourth floor is one of those hidden splendors of the napping world for several reasons: It is quiet, it is beneath an incredibly beautiful skylight and there are not a lot of people who come and go. The only downside, is there is not really a good couch to sleep comfortably, but if you are one of those people who can sleep sitting up, it is definitely worth a shot.
The USU housing ugly green couches: horrid
The heinously ugly green couches throughout on-campus student housing are the absolute worst place to take a nap. Let me tell you, those couches are just as uncomfortable as they are ugly, and they are disgustingly hideous. Napping there typically results in neck cramps and restless sleep. (I swear the designers of the couch made them so hard and so awkward on purpose to detract freshmen from making out on them all night long.)
The nook on the second and third floors of the library: great
There are cozy little nooks on the second and third floor in the southwest stacks area of the library that are great places to sleep because they are comfy and secret, so you can nap in peace. All you have to do is put two armchairs together, and bam — you have a bed.
The bridge on the fourth floor of the library: wonderful
Sleeping on the fourth floor of the library on the bridge is top notch because of the huge window that allows sunlight to flood in. Nothing is better than sleeping in a sunny patch and waking up to view of the pristine mountains. Also, if you are a sun-aholic like me, it is a great place to get some vitamin D during the cold and looming winter.
The cozy couches in the music department: extraordinary
There is something magical about sleeping in the foyer on the second floor of the music department building. Not only do you get a nice place to nap, but it is also great because you get to sleep to the sound of professional musicians play music. Who doesn’t want to sleep to Debussy’s Clair de lune played by a Utah State University musician? Plus some of those couches are bigger than my bed at home and they are pretty dang comfy. The only downside is the couches are highly coveted, so sometimes it is hard to find a spot. Regardless, I always wake up well-rested and ready to finish my day and surmounting pile of homework after sleeping there.
— Morgan Pratt is print journalism student from the sprawling suburbia they call South Jordan. She has three passions in life (other than her husband): people, radio/podcasts and journalism. Morgan aspires to combine her passions to seek truth and influence the world by becoming a radio journalist. Follow her on twitter @MorganPRobinson or email her at morgan.pratt.robinson@gmail.com.