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Spring is here! It’s time to cast away the winter coats, boots and layers upon layers. As spring decides whether it would like to stay in the Midwest, students may be seeking spots to soak up sun and fresh air while they soak up knowledge as well. In this blog, I will be highlighting some excellent outdoor areas to study in and some of each of the area’s best features. Whether a student needs a spot to hang out and get some fresh air, they like the sounds of the birds as they study, or they just want new views, this article will help locate the best spots on campus to enjoy the nature around it.
Building 1
The first set of patios I would like to talk about is all the ones from Building 1. Most BHC students will have at least one class in Building 1. When you’re finished with that class, you might want to catch some fresh air. Luckily, there are 5 different outdoor spots attached to Building 1.
The first is the main entrance of Building 1. This is less of a patio than some of the others on this list, but it has seating and is accompanied by lovely landscaping. Since this is located at the entrance on the east side of Building 1, the optimal time to catch the sun is in the morning. This area also features plenty of benches for students to use, but, unlike some other areas we’ll visit, this one does not have tables. So, if you’re looking for a good outdoor spot to do your homework, I’d move on to one of our other options.
The next patio connected to Building 1 is the indoor patio. This patio may be located by going through Building 1 and going to the classroom area on the third floor. There are entrances to the patio on the north and south sides from inside Building 1. This outdoor area features an open roof, several tables and chairs to choose from. This spot is interesting because it’s located in the middle of Building 1 it will only receive sunlight in the middle of the day. So, if a student wants to study without the sun in their eyes, is looking for a shady spot, this is the prime location.
The last three of Building 1 are located on the west and south sides of Building 1. One is located just to the side of the stairs by the entrance near the theater.
Another is located on the same side of the building, but near the administrative entrance.
The last Building 1 patio is located near the visitor’s entrance at the top of the stairs. These last ones all have a table each and would be perfect to garner much-needed isolation for studying.
Building 2
The first of the patios of Building 2 is the one located on the north side of the building at the bottom of the stairs. Here, there are several tables and benches to do homework and enjoy nature. Because the patio is on a lower level, it doesn’t get as much sunlight in the morning. This patio is one of the newest on campus, being attached to the recently renovated Building 2.
Another patio is located at the back of Building 2. This patio is discreet and features two tables for studying. It’s located on the west side of the building, so the sun will grace the area more so in the afternoon than in the morning. This patio is located at the back of Building 2 near the study rooms.
Building 3
All the way on the other side of campus, there are two patios at Building 3. The first is located right outside the Fitness Center. This patio is lacking tables, so this is nice for student-athletes and gym-goers wanting to cool off and get some fresh air. You can find this patio between Building 3 and the Health Sciences Building.
The other is very discreet. This patio is located beneath the tunnel between Building 3 to Building 4. It has just one table. If you are looking to have a spot to yourself and have plenty of shade, it can be most easily accessed by going to the bottom of the staircase near the entrance of the tunnel. I could see the shade in this area being very nice on a hot day.
Building 4
Building 4’s patios provide plenty of sun, views and seating for students to enjoy. There are four separate patios, all offering different views of the Black Hawk College campus for students to utilize while they’re on their academic journey.
The first patio attached to building four is on the northwest side of the building. From this patio, you get a glimpse of Building 3 and some of the surrounding woods. This patio notably has planters as well. The planters are part of the process to gain Audubon certification, which is a certification that notes that the development of the school is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Since Moline, Illinois, gained its status as a Bee City, the planters are cultivating prairie flowers and other pollinating plants.
The second patio is right across the hall, located on the southwest side of the building. On this patio, you get a nice view of Building 3 and the Health Sciences Center. You can also get a good glimpse of the woods. These first two patios would see more sun later in the day.
On the other side of Building 4, attached to the northeast side of the building, is another elevated patio. This one offers some of the best views of the woods around the building and the creek flowing below. From this patio, you can also get a good view of the tunnel between Building 4 to Building 1 and the driving paths that run through campus.
Finally, the last patio is right across the hall on the southeast side of Building 4. This patio features a nice view of the woods and a bit of Buildings 1 and 2, if you squint to look through the trees.
Black Hawk College’s Quad Cities campus is full of places to get a breath of fresh air. As the weather gets better, more students should be visiting and enjoying these areas. Go outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our campus!