Arcadia’s Unique Campus
A big part of what drew me to Arcadia was the stunning campus. I loved the buildings and the nature surrounding it and I loved that it was small but not claustrophobic. As a student, however, you learn a lot more about the buildings and the campus itself. That big, grey building becomes the home of your favorite class, that chair in the library becomes your go-to study spot, and that tree becomes the one you read under in the spring. I talked to a few of my friends to learn about their favorite parts of campus.
Casey French ’25 said, “My favorite place on campus is the esports arena because the chairs are comfortable and it has the best internet on campus. I do homework, play games, take naps, and work there (sometimes). There’s some good ambiance, the light is low, and there’s always people screaming. It’s a really great atmosphere, you know?” I agree with Casey’s sentiment. The esports arena, located in the dining complex, is also where I met one of my closest friends.
Michelle Teske ’26 responds, “My favorite place to study is the second floor of Landman Library because the views are gorgeous and it’s quiet. My favorite place to exist, however, is the Little Theater because it’s chaotic.” I am one of many students who have locked themselves in the library to complete an essay or two and I have to say, the view of Haber Green helps more than you’d think when you’re on hour four of studying. The Little Theater I also have become accustomed to. Located in the Benton Spruance Art Center, the Little Theater is home to most of Arcadia’s productions and as a BFA Acting Major, I have clocked many hours there. It may be chaotic but it has quickly become a second home.
Sharing Michelle’s love for the theatre is Raymond Hairston ’27 who writes, “My favorite place is the Steele Building, one of the theater buildings on campus. Even though the trek isn’t the greatest, the trail is so pretty, and the building is perfect for singing and dancing (my favorite hobbies). It’s also next to this giant field, so when rehearsing for a show and it’s dark, you see all the stars so clearly and it’s one of my favorite things to see here.” The Steele Building is located down the road from the main campus but walkable via a little path that goes quite literally over the river and through the woods (a creek and some trees). It is the most meditative walk to go on, and I always pause on the bridge above the creek to watch the water run.”
Dakota Lewis ’26 states, “I really like sitting in the Chat, which is in the Commons, because so many people either hang out there or just stop in, so I can see my friends or just people-watch while I do my work.” The Commons is located off of Haber Green and houses many offices, the Great Room, the Kuch Center and the gym, the Commuter Lounge, and the Chat. There is always something happening in the Commons and Dakota doesn’t overstate how often you run into someone you know there. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or do work and get a meal.
Before I just admired the campus for its architecture and practicality, which is still something I love, but now, as a student, there are a million little reasons why I love the campus. I love the walk to the Steele Building and running into deer on my way. I love seeing Haber Green covered in snow and a snowman melting in the middle for days. I love sledding down the hill by the Kuch Center or sitting by the pond at the Easton Café. I love reading under the tree between Knight and Heinz Hall which blooms with pink blossoms in the spring or watching the sunset behind Grey Towers Castle. Arcadia’s campus is truly one of a kind and its beauty is a sight to behold.
