It's almost that time of year again, boys are donning their brightest shorts, and the smell of jungle juice is in the air. It's almost time for the first day of class. Even though American students have a welcome week of shenanigans ahead of us, what matters more is where we end up after the parties end. I'm talking about classes. Will you be suffering in the hell-on-earth that is the EQB basement, or feeling posh in a refurbished classroom in McKinley? I've ranked all the eclectic buildings at American so you can know how your schedule stacks up.
1. School Of International Service Building
I may have partial bias as an IR major but SIS wins the award for best building on campus. Not only does this building boast a LEED Gold eco-friendly rating, but it is also home to every hipster's favorite study spot, the Davenport. I personally recommend an iced chai with soy milk, while curling up with a book on the leather couch (a.k.a. the most comfortable piece of furniture on campus). It's home to great study spots like the balconies and the infamous steps. SIS also has beautiful natural lighting, outdoor seating, and close proximity to Wagshal's and Chef Geoff's. Super mugs after IR research anyone?
2. McKinley Building
McKinley slides into second for the sky deck and hella comfortable blue chairs. However it's not quite first for its close location to rowdy south side, and the terrible wind tunnel its glass walls make in the winter.
3. Battelle-Tompkins Memorial Building
Being one of the smaller buildings on campus, Batelle is often overlooked. However the School of Arts and Science building is home to a great atrium with lots of natural light, and pretty comfortable chairs in the classrooms. Just cross your fingers, and hope to the Shakespeare panda in the lobby that you aren't in the "terrace."
4. Ward Circle Building
Ward Circle falls above the midway point simply because there's nothing exactly bad about it. Although it is far away from south side, its double doors provide a route from the quad to Nebraska Avenue on bitter winter days. Bonus: Every Wednesday the School of Public Affairs gives out free coffee and hot chocolate!
5. Mary Graydon Center
Home to all things that make American great (tenders, bagels and pledges sitting at tables), the Mary Graydon Center checks right in the middle of the ranks. The classrooms in the upper levels are nothing special, but you'll always have a chance to snag a bagel or tenders for class. However, the fact that you'll inevitably run in to someone you know in Marketplace (who will definitely make you late to class) knocks a few points off of MGC's score.
6. Katzen Arts Center
Don't get me wrong Katzen is a beautiful building, however it's secluded location makes it inconvenient to get to if you're coming from campus. Although it offers great study spaces and Argo Tea, Katzen loses points because 8:55 is way too early to hear the Mass. Avenue walk sign.
7. Kogod School of Business
There's actually nothing wrong with Kogod, a few SIS students went in there by mistake once and told me it's nice inside. However the glares you get by obviously superior business majors are not worth staking out a classroom with swivel chairs.
8. Hurst Hall
You can't judge a book by it's cover. Take Hurst for example: it's beautiful exterior wouldn't lead you to believe that it smells like dead feet on the inside.
9. Lower Level Anderson
Many don't even know these classrooms under Anderson exist before having to take a class there. They can only be accessed through a door by the parking garage which is only really inconvenient. Since AU seems to love utilizing their "terraces" these classrooms and hallways have no windows, making your hour and fifteen minutes in class hellish. Although the halls are kind of creepy, there are no funky smells (which is surprising beause this is literally the basement of Anderson).
10. Watkins/Kreeger/Beeghly
To even obtain a picture of any three of these buildings I had to go on AU's virtual tour, because that might have been the last time someone was back there. These buildings are those kids that show up to a party and just stand in a corner. No one knows why they're here but they aren't really bothering anyone. Beware, classes in these buildings will warrant a walk through the LA quad.
11. Asbury Building
I've endured two block classes is Asbury, and one of them included Arabic. I'm still waiting for my badge of courage from AU Central. Asbury is not only home to the cheery folks at AU Central, but many different languages classes. It's small, cramped rooms that reek of mildew will make you wish you were an engineering major at a state school.
12. East Quad Building
Last, and definitely least is the East Quad Building. Its classrooms are about as exciting as its name, and usually are really cramped. Not to mention EQB's crowning jewel, the basement. Not only can you actually feel the mold seeping through the walls, but when you look out the window, you're greeted with another moldy cement wall. Maybe if you look up you can catch one little glimpse of sunlight. No, no you can't, because there's fencing at the top. Simply put, the EQB basement is where dreams go to die.
