As the school year kicks into full swing, students are flocking to their favorite hang-out spots on and around campus to socialize, study, and unwind. From cozy coffee shops to bustling hallway corners, these popular hangout spots have become the heart of student life, offering diverse experiences for every taste and mood. Campus hangouts play a crucial role in shaping the LASA experience, providing spaces for students to interact with their peers, collaborate on various homework assignments, and take a break from the rigors of academic life.
At the center of LASA life, both literally and figuratively, is the LASA Library. This sprawling hub of literature and comfortable seating arrangements are among the many things that make this space unique. Bela Castaño, a junior at LASA, enjoys this spot’s calming energy.
“I love the library because it’s such a cozy spot to come and relax,” Castaño said. “I love meeting my friends here because it’s such a casual environment.”
Castaño often speaks highly of LASA Librarian, Ms. Switek. Ms Switek is known to be the heart and soul of the library. From organizing inventory to sponsoring clubs, Ms. Switek ensures everything in the library is up to par.
“One of the reasons I love coming to the library is because of our wonderful librarian, Ms. Switek,” Castaño said. “Ms. Switek sponsors my club, ‘Battle of the Books’ and she is always very helpful and engaging. We adore having her here!”
For those seeking a sweet treat during lunch or a spot to drive to during off periods, Juiceland and Poke Poke are great places for seniors to head to. Senior at LASA, Adele Tversky, enjoys grabbing a bite to eat with her friends at these places every Friday.
“My friends and I always go to Juiceland during lunch on Fridays and it’s in a really cute spot near Martin Luther,” Tversky said. “Their smoothies are always my favorite.”
Poke Poke brings Hawaiian cuisine to the heart of Texas. Tversky enjoys the fresh and flavorful variety at this establishment.
“Poke Poke is also another really good spot,” Tversky said. “I always go there because their fish is really good, specifically the OG sauce with the salmon poke, white rice base, and avocado. It’s not a far drive, so it is our go-to spot.”
McHugh Schneider is a Freshman at LASA. Schneider has made the hallway between the art and Sci-Tech rooms into a place with meaning for him and his friends.
“My favorite spots in the school are the two exit doors in the 700s wing,” Schneider said. “We were just hanging around here when we thought it would be a great way to start a ritual, my friend [DJ Giarratani] and I decided to jump up and touch the top of the door at the end of the hallway so that when we are seniors we’ll be tall enough so that we wouldn’t have to jump.”
Like Schneider’s tradition, all the settings around the LASA area create important spots for students to hang out and enjoy themselves.