In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. - Albert Camus, “Return to Tipasa”
With spring break and warmer days just around the corner, it’s important to stop and take pause. We asked students to share their favorite cozy campus spaces. From local cafes to academic lounge areas, see where students find respite from the cold days and long nights of winter.
1. Blue Line Cafe
Centrally located in F&M’s historic Distler House, Blue Line is the top campus spot for coffee and conversation. Students enjoy beverages from Square One Roasters, a local coffee supplier committed to responsibly farmed, sustainably sourced coffee.-
Students gather in the warm glow of Blue Line cafe during an evening in early March.
Image Credit: Deb Grove
2. College House fireplaces
Did you know every F&M College House has a great room and fireplace? While not quite as enchanted as Hogwarts, these College House hearths are nothing short of magical. “I wind down almost all of my days just chilling with other students and house advisers by the fireplace and talking to people that come and go,” says junior Darij Kulchyckyj, Weis house adviser.
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Students enjoy a fireside chat at Brooks College House.
Image Credit: Deb Grove
3. Joseph International Center (JIC)
The colorful cushions, global decor and light-filled lobby of the JIC invite visitors to sit and linger. Home to weekly coffee hours, this space offers a “home away from home” for international students. All are welcome.-
International Coffee Hour at Joseph International Center (JIC).
Image Credit: Deb Grove
4. Phillips Museum of Art
Cozy isn’t always about couches. Enjoy a change of scenery at The Phillips with jazz nights, artist talks, meditation sessions and other immersive experiences available to students and visitors. View full calendar of events.
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Check the Phillips Museum of Art events schedule for jazz nights, gallery meditation sessions, and other special events offered throughout the semester.
Image Credit: Deb Grove
5. The Writers House
Curl up with your favorite novel at the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House. The space’s surplus of books and signature sage-green cushions invite students to stop, read and reflect. Look closely, and you’ll spot the names of famous authors adorning the ceiling trim.
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Students gather for the annual Writer's House Thanksgiving meal. Jonny Teklit '20 (left) is a winner of the 2019 Academy of American Poets College Poetry Prize.
Image Credit: Raluca Rilla '23
6. Chem Lounge
Every scientist needs a break from beakers and microscopes. The chemistry lounge in Hackman Physical Sciences Laboratories offers respite from the rigors of lab work. After all, you can’t spell “cozy” without cobalt (Co), Z boson (Z), and yttrium (Y)… right?
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The chemistry lounge in Hackman Physical Sciences Laboratories offers respite from the rigors of lab work.
Image Credit: Deb Grove
7. Mean Cup
Just a quarter-mile from campus, Mean Cup is a perennial favorite among students, professors and Lancaster locals. The cafe’s modern, industrial vibe provides the perfect spot for both studying and socializing. Enjoy distinctive house-blend coffee flavors that vary daily.
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Just a quarter-mile from campus, Mean Cup is a perennial favorite among students, professors and Lancaster locals.
Image Credit: Deb Grove
8. Prince Street Cafe
This brick-walled, rustic coffee shop is a favorite downtown spot for students. Order house-blend coffee, soup and sandwiches and take in decor from local artists. Located a mile from campus, Prince Street Cafe is a stone’s throw from two historic landmarks, the Fulton Theatre and Central Market.
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Located a mile from campus, Prince Street Cafe is a favorite downtown spot for students.
Image Credit: Deb Grove