If you are a city person at heart and miss the bustle of city living, you know that finding the perfect spot to lock in and simultaneously people-watch is the best way to curb the Ithaca blues. Luckily, campus is huge and there are so many people out and about. Here are some of the best places to pop a squat and people-watch.
- Café Jennie Counter Seats Overlooking the Cornell Store
You never realize how many people pass through the Cornell Store until you’ve sat at Café Jennie for an extended period of time. It’s a great place to pass time since you have access to coffee, pastries and snacks nearby. The natural light from the skylight is a plus, and the people-watching is enhanced by the mix of Cornell students taking shortcuts to class, parents stocking up on merch and enthralled tourists.
- Collegetown Bagels Patio (During Warmer Months)
The Collegetown Bagels outdoor seating when it's not bitterly cold outside is literally perfect. While it's no hidden gem, if you can find a seat on a sunny day after class, you’ve won in life. Not only are you close to bagel heaven, you also get to watch the throngs of students walk through the only main thoroughfare of Collegetown. CTB also gets really great direct sunlight and still has umbrellas if it's too hot. I spent too much time photosynthesizing in the sun in the fall, so my advice is to take advantage of this spot if the weather is good!
- The Bus
It may not be your first thought when thinking about the best places to people-watch, but public transportation is always entertaining in its own right. The TCAT isn't very glamorous, but you always seem to run into someone on the bus. Bonus points if it's raining outside and everyone is fighting to get on the same bus.
- Uris Library Fireplace
Most people who congregate at the Uris Library main entrance fireplace are, frankly, on the phone, since Uris has so few spaces where noise is permissible. However, if you don’t mind people arguing with loved ones or FaceTiming friends, the benches next to the fireplace are super cozy and secluded. Uris is the place to be on campus anyway, as you’ll be sure to see a familiar face in this prime spot near the main entrance.
- Johnson Museum Overlook
Sometimes I feel like not many people take advantage of the Johnson Museum. It is a gorgeous building architecturally (at least from the inside), and the artwork is always so beautiful. But if you are more into the people-watching part, go to the fifth floor for incredible panoramic views of Cornell and the greater Ithaca area, and watch the tiny people crisscross the Arts Quad.
- Physical Science Building Chairs Overlooking Feeney Way
While there aren't that many tables and chairs available, and it always seems to be packed even during odd hours, PSB is always a great place to kill time. Goldie’s is right inside, PSB is somewhat centrally located, and the best people watching can be done at the tables and chairs next to the huge glass windows overlooking Feeney Way. Almost everyone passes through Feeney Way to get basically anywhere on campus, so Feeney Way is always busy, and you get a great vantage point from PSB!
- Fine Arts Library Window Seats
If you really need to lock in but still want a distraction every once in a while, the Fine Arts Library tables overlook the convergence of the Arts Quad and Feeney Way, which is an area that is always full of life. This is one of the few spots on this list that is actually very quiet, making it perfect for study sessions and simultaneous people-watching.
- Zeus Atrium
I confidently believe that you can’t go into Temple of Zeus and not run into at least three people you know. It is constantly packed inside the café’s seating area, and it is truly a mission to find an empty table. But, if you are patient enough, you can find one — you just might have to swoop in the second you see someone packing up their things. The Zeus atrium has pretty good natural light (which I love), but it's very loud and animated, so keep that in mind if you are trying to study. However, if you just need to people-watch and have a good time with friends, Zeus is a great place to go. Just don’t forget that this café doesn’t take BRBs.
- Any Dining Hall
This is pretty self-explanatory. Extra points if you go during peak dinner hours between 6 and 7 p.m. or Okenshields during lunchtime.
- Mann Library Lobby Tables
Especially during finals week, Mann is always packed, and people are always moving in and out of the building at all hours of the day. The best spots for people-watching would be those large tables in the first-floor lobby of Mann. Literally everyone has to pass through that area to get to the elevator or stairs, and it's always a fun study break to run into friends.
- The Slope (During Warmer Months)
Again, pretty self-explanatory. Sunset watch parties are quintessential to the Cornell experience, and it's quite wholesome to see everyone congregate on the slope. You run into so many friends all the time, and you’ll probably even make friends while you’re there too!
- Goldwin Smith Outdoor Tables (Again, During Warmer Months)
At the tables outside of Goldwin Smith, you get a prime view of the Arts Quad at all times. The Arts Quad is another one of Cornell’s main thoroughfares, and you’ll be sure to see tons of people walking to class, picnicking or throwing frisbees around like any classic college student. This is really only applicable when it's warm out, but I thought it still deserved to make the list.
- Roberts Hall Tables Overlooking Bailey Hall Courtyard
Kind of a specific hidden area; this spot is always pretty quiet and secluded. You get an elevated view of the Bailey Hall Courtyard, and it's honestly very entertaining to watch the Human Bonding students spill out of Bailey Hall after lecture. To get here, enter through the main doors adjacent to Bailey Hall and go up a set of stairs. The table overlooking the courtyard should be on the second-floor landing.
- Libe Café Overlooking the Arts Quad
Libe is constantly packed, booked, and busy, but if that's your vibe and you manage to find a seat on the side tables overlooking the Arts Quad, it's a great place to spend a few hours. You get to people-watch the Arts Quad and Olin/Libe Café all at once!
- Uris Library Overlook Benches
The Uris Library scenic overlook offers one of the best views of the slope and greater Ithaca. The few benches that are there are perfect for catching up with friends or reading a book. Not only do you get to observe the bustle of the nearby Arts Quad, but you also get a beautiful view of Ithaca’s rolling hills and gorgeous skyline!
Cornell is full of hidden nooks and crannies that simultaneously offer amazing places to people-watch the almost 30,000 students milling around campus. While this list is far from exhaustive, hopefully there are at least one or two new spots you can check out. So immerse yourself in the simple joy of people-watching because sometimes, the best entertainment is just observing life unfold around you!
Vivien Dobrescu is a first-year in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning. She can be reached at vmd33@cornell.edu.
