Studying at Home

When it comes to my course of study, I feel most comfortable in a learning environment that I have full control of. This semester I am studying at the Loyola University of Maryland Baltimore campus. But I am a commuting student so that I am comfortable. Being close to my hometown, living in my own apartment, and working at the same job is what brings me comfort. All in all, I would say my designated place of study is between two places rather than just one; my hometown and the LUM Baltimore campus.

Being the oldest of the Loyola University establishments,  the campus gives off a very medieval times meets vintage church realm. After construction began in 1852, LUM has quite the historical campus. I like to think of the Loyola University of Maryland campus like it is a kingdom. The architecture in the buildings is simply elegant and beautiful. A lot of the buildings have caste-like features. Being a student is like being royalty.

As an English major, a majority of my classes are in Maryland Hall. The most magical aspect about Maryland Hall is the mini bridge that you can take from the campus into the building. It hovers over a pathway of stones and benches. The small, yet tall bridge leads to a gorgeous tan and cream colored stone work of arches. At the very center of the arches are four glass doors that students filter in and out of all day.

The inside of Maryland Hall never has a consistent smell. Some days I have a sweeter sensation going through my nose. Hints of citrus and cherry perfumes mixed with the fresh smell of dry shampoo from second day hair. Other days I smell a more fragrant BO mixed with floral scents like rose and lavender. It's very unpredictable. 

The rest of the campus has very similar structural appearances that Maryland Hall has. For instance, on the lower level of Maryland Hall there are two giant double wooden doors. Very similar to the doors in the movie Haunted Mansion without the knockers on them. Other buildings such as Cohn Hall and Jenkins Hall also have giant wooden doors as well. Uniquely, the doors even have beautiful red, green, yellow, and blue stain glass windows in them. A small token of beauty that makes the buildings so unique. 

Other buildings surrounding the campus have gorgeous glass structures included into them. Boulder and Sellinger Business Building have floor to ceiling glass windows. Specifically, Sellinger windows raise up even higher than the roof. With a gorgeous V of silver metal reflecting in the sun, Sellinger is definitely an eye catching building on campus.

But when it comes to the building that sticks out like a sore thumb, the humanities building takes the cake. This red shingled, brown painted, and cream colored building is the only building that includes color. There are triangular, round peaks like a castle. With a giant wrap around porch that circles the entire building, there are comfortable chairs displayed. Red cushions lay on top of brown, wooden whicker chairs. This is the most perfect study spot overlooking the entire campus. The door is a huge wooden door that opens inward rather than outward like all of the other buildings do.

After entering the humanities building, there is a grand staircase from and center that rounds up to the second level. To the right there are couches and dining tables and to the left there are offices. The building gives off a very home-like feeling rather than school-like. With an old, musty smell as you walk around the building, there is a huge stain glass window. As big as one you would find in a church. The window holds the emblem that the Loyola University of Maryland evergreen campus encompasses. Such a huge and beautiful, well thought out detail. 

The best part of the campus is the openness of the field. LUM is a giant circle of buildings with a very green and open center. The greenest grass brightens up a dull study mood. From what is the most stressful lifestyle, you feel instant calm just by looking at the evergreen trees and the giant stone statue of the praying woman directly at the center. As a religious school, it is amazing to have the reminders of the Jesuit power standing behind us students.

My all time favorite part of campus are the light posts that hold Loyola University of Maryland flags and the crest. It is very special to walk amongst a campus that constantly reminds you of your successes. The two dark brown, copper like greyhounds instills such school spirit amongst students. The calm, yet beautiful campus is the perfect place to study.