Hammocking is taking over the nation…or at least the University of Kentucky’s campus. On any given day—weather permitting—one can walk the sidewalks encircling the William T. Young Library and see as many as fifteen people that have set up their hammocks. The trend of just “hanging” out is a relatively new one in Kentucky. The trend, however, has provoked both positive and negative reactions from veteran hammockers.
“I like it and dislike it because, like, some people will be in my spot, and I get salty,” said Carlos Beasley, a freshman at UK and long-time hammocker.
Like any new fad, the seasoned participants who have years of experience under their belts can feel like their territory is being threatened. As hammocks become more normalized, they may lose their appeal and go out of style. Right now, however, Lexington is riddled with them.
The trend seems to be taking off because it’s a good stress relief—something everyone could use during midterms—and it doesn’t require much skill, so it’s an easy thing to do if you find a good spot.
“It’s fun and relaxing, and it’s not that hard to do… you just lay there,” Beasley said.
Many students study in their hammocks or bring a book or their laptops to do some work. So, although it’s relaxing, students are still grinding, even five feet off the ground.
Although millennials are plagued with the stereotype of never leaving their phones or going outside, UK’s students seem to be breaking from that mold. On a nice day from the Woodland Glens, one can hear plenty of laughing and talking coming from trees just across the street.
“I think that people are embracing the outdoors and trying to be more outdoorsy,” said Macy White, a freshman at UK.
The most common brand of hammock on campus is the ENO. They usually run at about $70, which on a college budget is not easy to swing, but more and more people seem to be dedicating their rainy-day funds to a not-so-rainy-day activity.
There are many places to hammock on campus. Essentially, if there are two sturdy trees, there’s a spot to hammock.
“My favorite spot to hammock on campus is in the quad area near White Hall. There are plenty of trees and shade, and it is close to my classes, so when I have a break I just set up right outside,” Asbell said.
Beasley likes to hang in front of the William T. Young Library right across from the Woodland Glens in two prime trees.
Those trees are often filled up with hammocks hung one on top of the other on nice days, so he might just have some trouble securing that particular spot.
