Comfort Zones

Recently, the cafeteria got a major upgrade, new couches. And ever since they were added, the whole vibe of the cafeteria has  changed. Not many students are just rushing in to grab food and leave anymore. They’re staying longer, hanging out, and just enjoying the space. But what exactly is it about these couches that has everyone talking?

For Fanta Cisse ’27, the couches “Have opened up a welcoming space, allowing more comfort and space for students to hangout.” It’s not just about eating lunch anymore, it’s about having a place where you can relax with your friends.

Kotoka Nakamura ’26, agrees. “I think it gives a cafe-like vibe to the cafeteria,” she said. “It’s pretty nice because everyone gets to connect with their friends.” The couches are making the cafeteria feel like more than just a place to eat—it’s become a social hub.

Students Staying Longer

One big change students have noticed is that they’re spending more time in the cafeteria. Fanta says the couches are a big reason why. “Ever since the couches were added, students have been staying in the cafeteria for a long period of time. They sit there during their free time, gym, or financial literacy periods.”

Lucas Rosario’25, also thinks the couches are making people stay longer. “I think more people have started to come and sit in the cafeteria rather than the Little Theater because it’s more comfortable,” he said. “I stay if I have a free afternoon and just sit on the couches.”

The couches have become a go-to spot for students who have some extra time during the day. Instead of sitting at the hard lunch tables or finding somewhere else to go, they’re heading straight to the couches.

No Traffic Problems

At first, some people worried that the couches might cause problems with people moving in and out of the cafeteria. But it turns out, that hasn’t been an issue. Fanta mentioned that students are always checking for open spots on the couches, but it hasn’t caused any major traffic jams.

Lucas pointed out that the couches are placed in a way that doesn’t block any entrances. “They’re so out of the way of all the entrances that it allows people to walk past them or to them very easily,” he said.

Even Kotoka doesn’t think the couches have caused any issues. “It doesn’t really mess up anyone,” she said. “People already have their spots in the cafeteria, and the couches just add more options.”

A Total Win for the Cafeteria

Overall, the new couches in the cafeteria have been a huge hit. Students love the comfort and the chance to hang out with their friends in a relaxed setting. Whether it’s between classes, during lunch, or just a free period, the couches have turned the cafeteria into a place where students want to spend their time.

So, if you haven’t checked out the new couches yet, what are you waiting for? They’re not just for sitting—they’re changing the way students experience lunchtime.