By Megan Malone
The University of Tampa is a private, medium-sized, liberal arts university in downtown Tampa, Florida. With 11,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries, UT provides a diverse and dynamic environment for students to begin their studies, establish their career paths, and make lifelong relationships. The university, founded in 1931, is situated on a beautiful 110-acre campus and continually expands; however, there are still many unusual amenities students could benefit from if incorporated.
“I think there are many ways UT can continue expanding,” said Emily Pesquera, a student at The University of Tampa. “Aside from building more on campus, even the minor additions like increasing school spirit for students with pep rallies and advertising when sporting events occur would be beneficial.”
College and university administrators must wake up and realize that academic opportunities aren’t the only thing alluring students to a particular school. Student life can be a big part of the decision for many prospects. Although UT offers many things, such as shiny new residence halls, a lap pool, beach volleyball courts, and study pods, many more unique additions could improve the campus’s quality of life.
Sleep deprivation can affect your health, yet many college kids clock fewer hours than needed. UT should consider creating designated areas for students, especially commuters, to take nap breaks during long hours of studying while on campus. In either the health and wellness center or the fitness center, pod rooms should be built out, allowing students to rest for at least 30 minutes during a given session.
Rock climbing is renowned for improving strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and mental agility. A 35-foot rock climbing wall should be added to the fitness center to give those intimidated by lifting weights another opportunity to exercise and move their body. Along with working most of your muscles, a rock-climbing wall may bring others together and help them become social.
Lazy Rivers provide the perfect setting for relaxation, especially for a college campus like UT. Considering the university already has a lap and volleyball pool, a lazy river would be a great addition to the outside of it. Although lazy rivers are not just for relaxation, they also provide resistance that student-athletes, especially the swimmers, can benefit from training.
“I would love to see a lazy river on campus. Not only do I think it would be relaxing and a great place to hang out, but it would also be super aesthetically pleasing to the campus,” said Caitlin Breen, a student at The University of Tampa. “Not many other campuses could say they have a lazy river.”
Rage rooms have become popular as recreational therapy or self-therapy in recent years. For some people, especially young adults like college students, they can be a great way to blow off steam and destress. Built off the health and wellness center, a few rage rooms can allow people to release their aggression in a way that doesn’t involve taking it out on innocent bystanders.
“I love the idea of a rage room. Taking on the next big part of life can be challenging, especially when it comes to a new place, a heavy workload, and meeting new people,” said Alec Talbert, a student at The University of Tampa. “It would be beneficial to present students with a chance to release some of the stress that comes with that. Not only can it lower anxiety, but manage their mental health better as a whole.”
Flower gardens help the butterflies, birds, and bees but can also benefit mental health. Many studies show that proximity to plants has profound health benefits for human beings. Flowers are often associated with lower stress levels, anxiety, and depression, which students can benefit from in various aspects.
There are still many ways a college campus can expand, especially a private university such as UT. Continuing to tailor to the wants and needs of the students will continue making this beautiful campus thrive and shine.