An important part of feeling at home in college involves scoping out the campus for some potentially cozy nooks and crannies to study, rest or enjoy the Colorado scenery. Several UCCS students described what cozy-ness looks like for them and how they have found places that make them feel at home on and off campus.
Patrick Glover (he/him/his), sophomore/junior geography and environmental studies major
What does cozy mean to you?
Usually for me, cozy can vary depending on my mood. Cozy is just sitting and playing a video game, or not doing a lot of physical activity.
Are there any spots on campus that are especially cozy to you? Why?
I think the most cozy [spot] for me is up on Rattlesnake Hill in the back of the campus. Going up there is nice, especially in the evening. It’s really nice and quiet.
Is your room a cozy space? How have you made it comfortable for yourself?
I have a private suite, so I think it’s a little easier to feel comfortable in my dorm than if, say, I was sharing the same room with another person. I’m very minimalist. I don’t usually have posters or anything. I just set up my room the way I like it and that’s usually good enough for me.
Are there any good study spots you would recommend to new students?
I would probably say the library or Student Life, just because you can find good space there. I don’t really have a spot personally because I usually study on my own in my dorm room. It’s more convenient, especially since I have online classes, so I don’t actually have to go and forth between buildings.
Elizabeth Wittasek (she/her/hers), senior inclusive elementary education major
What does cozy mean to you?
Cozy means comfort. A place you can feel safe. A place you can be warm in, like a really fuzzy blanket on a cold day, or being in the mountains. Just a place you feel safe and comfortable.
Are there any spots on campus that are especially cozy to you? Why?
One of the spots I’ve been in is a classroom. In University Hall, classroom 233 is blue and it’s a lovely place to be. Personally for me, I just love the color blue, so the first time I entered that I was thrilled because it’s not beige, and it’s not like a prison. It’s actually colored a lovely bright blue color that wakes you up. It’s got a library in the back, and it’s just a really nice place for teachers to be.
I love being outside University Hall too, where there’s this lovely green lawn with trees. We just ate lunch out there today. Especially in the springtime when all of the white flowers start coming out, it’s super pretty there.
Is your room a cozy space? How have you made it comfortable for yourself?
At my own house, I just made it mine. I’ve got my blue blanket — yes, I love the color blue — all the way to just making it feel comfortable for me with warm lighting. I need windows to have light come through. We’ve got a futon, which was my bed originally but not anymore, and a bookshelf of books, some of which I’ve had since I was really little. I’ve been building that comfort of my safe space.
Are there any good study spots you would recommend to new students?
I typically study at home, but if you need a good study spot, not necessarily for studying for tests but for doing schoolwork and just plugging in, the UC between Sanatorium Grounds and the cafeteria, has a lovely area you can sit. Then the outside pavilion there is very quiet and peaceful.
Caleb Nelson (he/him/his), third year marketing major
What does cozy mean to you?
Somewhere I can go where it feels homey, and where I can feel safe and comfortable doing my work or just hanging out with people.
Are there any spots on campus that are especially cozy to you? Why?
I know there’s one spot that I like to go to, and it’s on top of the administration building. There’s a beautiful view. The administration building is across from the road from the parking garage, next to Austin Bluffs. On top, there’s a balcony with some chairs. I think that’s one of the best places.
Is your room a cozy space? How have you made it comfortable for yourself?
I have my own desk, so I do a lot of schoolwork in my room at my house. I’ve kind of made it my own, put up some lights. … And it’s actually pretty quiet. There’s also some other rooms where I can get work done there.
Are there any good study spots you would recommend to new students?
There’s one spot above University Center, where the dining hall is and Berger Hall is. If you go up the stairs, there’s a study space that no one knows about, and it’s really cool. Off-campus, I really like Kairos Coffee. Best place to go. Third Space Coffee is also really good if you like being with community.
Bea Lugauer (they/them/theirs), junior social work major
What does cozy mean to you?
Cozy means to me somewhere I can escape to, somewhere I can feel at peace, where I don’t feel pressured to be anything. I can just exist there, and it’s beautiful.
Are there any spots on campus that are especially cozy to you? Why?
I really like the library, and I like the little pockets of nature that are around campus.
Is your room a cozy space? How have you made it comfortable for yourself?
I still live with my parents, and I have made my room as cozy as I like. I put fake plants everywhere, I have real plants everywhere, I have fairy lights, and just comfortable things that I just feel like I’m in a magical little place.
Are there any good study spots you would recommend to new students?
The library is definitely really good. Any libraries around town; those are good. Just places outside, if you don’t need Wi-Fi to do your work.
Brevin Mizell (he/him/his), freshman dance major
What does cozy mean to you?
To me cozy means somewhere there is no stress and just vibes. Somewhere I’m comfortable to just do whatever and be myself while comfy.
Are there any spots on campus that are especially cozy to you? Why?
I wouldn’t say I have found many spots on campus that are cozy, besides maybe my dorm room that I’ve made cozy.
Is your room a cozy space? How have you made it comfortable for yourself?
I would say my dorm room is a cozy space. I guess I made it that way by making it most like my room at home. I added some LED lights and some warm lights and a tapestry of my favorite quote; also, a TV and a futon.
Are there any good study spots you would recommend to new students?
I haven’t studied in many places, but the Student Life lounge was nice because it had air conditioning and it was quiet and no one else was there on a Saturday.