Best Decompressions Spots on Campus

With finals week approaching, NC State students must find time to unwind and de-stress. Studying for your exams is essential, but so is taking a moment each day to focus on mental and physical health. 

Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, taking a break to visit a favorite spot on campus and decompress can recharge your body and mind and make it easier to focus on preparing for exams. 

Whether getting in a workout, enjoying a nice view or simply relaxing, several decompression spots around campus are perfect for de-stressing during this exam season. 

MindBody Studio 

Getting in a workout is one of the best ways to decompress. Physical exercise allows your mind to relax and take a break, making it easier for you to focus. 

Located in Studio 3150 in Carmichael Gym, the MindBody Studio offers group fitness classes such as yoga and flow. These classes allow your mind to relax and refocus and are a perfect way to de-stress during exam week. 

Carmichael Turf 

With indoor and outdoor options, the turf at Carmichael Gym is a perfect place to get active and decompress. Enjoy some simple grounding and stretching exercises and enjoy a beautiful campus view. 

If you’re lucky and catch a sunny, clear day, you might also see a distant glimpse of the downtown Raleigh skyline!

Lake Raleigh 

Located just below Hunt Library on Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh is an ideal place to unwind and relax. There are several options for enjoying the Lake – it’s connected to the Raleigh Greenway, so it’s a great place to go for a walk and enjoy some beautiful scenery. 

Lake Raleigh also offers both fishing and boating – cast out a line and reel in some fish, or simply take a canoe or kayak out (rentals are available from Wellness and Recreation) to enjoy some peace, quiet and time on the water.

The Corner

The Corner is a social hub and a new addition to Centennial Campus. The Corner features four repurposed shipping containers modified into hangout/study spaces and is located on the corner of Main Campus Drive and Research Drive. 

It is a great place to get outdoors for some fresh air, meet up with friends or get a change of scenery for your exam prep by taking it outside. 

Court of North Carolina Adirondacks 

Want some fresh air and a chance to take in one of the most breathtaking views on campus? The Adirondack chairs on the Court of North Carolina are just what you need. 

Kick back in these large, comfortable chairs as you take in the scenery of the court while enjoying a favorite snack or drink from The Atrium, Port City Java, located on the first floor of nearby Park Shops or a favorite spot on Hillsborough Street. 

Tri Towers Swings

Want to relax and take in the views on another part of main campus? The porch swings located outside the Tri Towers are another great option. 

Grab your favorite snack or beverage from nearby Talley Student Union, sit back, rock back and forth in the swings and enjoy the view of Wolf Plaza and Stafford Commons outside of Talley. 

Artists’ Backyard

A former project of the landscape architecture cass, the Artists’ Backyard is located off the beaten path between Owen and Turlington Hall, simply follow the blue pavers and stone between Turlington and Owen to get to it. 

This is another excellent place to sit outside and enjoy the views. 

Turlington/Alexander Courtyard

Noticing a theme here? Getting outdoors and fresh air is one of the best ways to decompress, and the courtyard between Turlington and Alexander Residence Halls is another perfect spot. 

This is another locale to enjoy a picturesque, quintessential college campus view. Toss around a football or frisbee with friends in the courtyard, or kick back on nearby benches and swings and enjoy the view while you relax and refocus.