A change of scenery can often create excitement and provide a new sense of motivation. Whether it be a place to study or hang out with friends, the ever-changing environment of a third place is fulfilling and adds nuance to a student’s day. However, DeKalb does not have enough third spaces for students. 

​​The idea of a “third place” was introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place.” Oldenburg described these locations as spaces that promote social interactions outside of home or work, offering a setting for community involvement. 

In third places, you’ll find familiar faces among regular visitors, as well as opportunities to see and befriend strangers. These environments encourage casual interactions and do not require a visitor to fulfill a role, like at a job, but can offer the space to be productive. 

Ask yourself, where do you go on a Saturday morning in DeKalb when you’re dying to get out of your house, possibly needing a place to study or socialize? 

Third spaces like Cast Iron, Holmes Student Center, the Founders Memorial Library and the Huskie Den’s pool tables come to mind. These places are absolutely enjoyed by students yet compared to other university environments, NIU lacks a variety of accessible third spaces. 

It’s fair to call DeKalb a small and scattered town; DeKalb can prove to be time consuming or really difficult to get around without a car, meaning many third space options not directly in the campus bubble are not a practical option for many students. 

For example, Panera Bread offers a comfortable study environment, but it can take up to 30 minutes to get there by Huskie Bus. Similarly, Four Season Sports is a bowling alley known by many DeKalb residents, yet is just out of reach for many students. 

Spending money to spend time at a place is also an unfortunate situation that many students experience in DeKalb. Many third spaces do expect some sort of cash in return. 

For example, it is expected to buy a coffee at Cast Iron to be able to engage in the cafe environment. 

Danielle Broege, a junior English and secondary education major, believes activities like bowling should be covered by tuition. 

“I mean, I pay a lot in tuition,” Broege said. “I can’t get bowling for free? I don’t know of any other spots that you can, like, go hang out. I don’t know anywhere.” 

Besides the HSC and the library, it’s hard to think of places where NIU students can casually spend time at no cost. 

Many NIU students enjoy spending time at the residence halls, and of course the lobbies and dining halls that come with them, but this is not such an accessible option for those living off-campus or commuting. 

NyJah Scurlock, a sophomore photography major, snaps a picture of a reality many of her commuter friends know well. 

“I just kind of go to school and go back home because it’s just like, parkings not really a good option,” Scurlock said. “They (commuter students) really either have to pay extra for parking or worry about being ticketed.” 

Having to pay for extra parking may be a reason why commuters get the short end of the stick when it comes to even seeking out third spaces around campus. Luckily a student lounge at the Peters Campus Life Building can at least provide a place to stay between classes. 

“You know it’s either I go to my dorm room or I go to the Student Center or I study outside,” Scurlock said. “It’s just kind of there’s no in-between. And even when it comes to just hanging out with friends, everybody would just rather be in the dorms than to be outside. So I definitely think there needs to be a lot more safe, inclusive spaces for students.” 

Residence halls should not be a primary spot to hang on campus. This takes away from so many connections being made with people who do not have access to dorms, not only impacting the student body but the culture of the university as well. 

Many incoming students are drawn to the spaces available near a university as well as the culture that these places provide. Providing a few more spaces can benefit the future generations at NIU. 

For many living to the West of Annie Glidden Road, it’s hard to find closer spaces. 

“I live in Patterson (residence hall), and I wish there was like one (a third space) right next to me, which I guess I could go to the [Patterson dining hall complex]. It’s like a little common area but people are loud because there’s a game room,” Broege said. I wish there was like, kind of like another library over there: type (of) vibe where it was more of a quiet space.” 

Potentially the third spaces on campus are loud and rambunctious because of the influx of people there. More spaces may decrease the chaos. 

NIU could start small and open a 24-hour library or building that is available for studying at all hours and work from there to give students the third spaces they need. 

However, as students we should put an emphasis on supporting businesses to our best ability if we want them to stay in our spaces. 

DeKalb is a county notorious for losing small businesses that often work as third spaces, such as Common Grounds Coffee, Tea & Smoothies, a community gathering space that offered everything cafes do, as well as harbored creativity with art stations and poetry readings. 

The fix should not all be in our hands, but branching out and trying new things is a step that we can choose to make.