Colette Potter ‘26
Opinions Editor
While the Hoval is once again lively, it reminds me that the campus should actively use more of the spaces on campus. While many of the spaces on campus are wonderful, others could be used more effectively. The changed campus feeling from the warm weather is not just due to more sunlight, but also the addition of the third spaces in the form of the Hoval.
The Seelos Theater, the O’Kane Pit, and many of the dorm common areas are underused. Lower Kimball, which I remember from my first fall on campus, could be a vibrant additional dining space. One admissions question over the years has been what to do with the old bakery nearby Rehm Library, yet the space is not used. There are rumors of an unused theater on the fourth floor of Fenwick. All of these spaces could be redone and better used. While current spaces are great, they are often overcrowded. As the campus has grown in size, so should the available options, which reinforces the need to better utilize the spaces already available.
My very first Spire article argued that this campus lacked third spaces. I now revise that claim. The issue is not the absence of space, but rather the underuse of it. Many of the solutions are relatively low-barrier: extending hours, hosting more events, or simply opening doors that are currently closed. If the university is truly committed to cura personalis, then investing in social spaces should be a priority. Given Worcester’s climate, indoor gathering spaces are essential for much of the academic year, making their availability even more important. Brief, chance conversations with classmates are one of my favorite parts of attending a small liberal arts college. Those moments depend on people gathering in shared spaces. Expanding the number of places to talk, grab a bite, or study would create more opportunities for these everyday interactions to happen.
Dorm common areas, in particular, deserve greater attention. In many residence halls, the furniture feels outdated and worn. Yet the recent renovation of the Loyola basement demonstrates how impactful even modest updates can be. That space is consistently used, and it is not difficult to imagine similar improvements enhancing the living experience across campus.
The Hoval works because it is central, accessible, and social by design. Other spaces could achieve the same success by embracing these principles. The university does not necessarily need to build more—it needs to better use what it already has. Countless areas across campus hold untapped potential to become places where students gather, rather than simply pass through. Reimagining these spaces with student life in mind would go a long way toward creating a more vibrant and connected campus community.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross Instagram
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