Students share their favorite napping spots on campus

As finals season nears, Trojans begin to juggle mental health and academic success. Many self-care advocates point to meditation, journaling and cold showers as means to manage well-being, but there is one activity that will almost always improve health: sleep. When looking for a break from studying, students have found unassuming napping spots around campus.

Alumni Park

Located in the center of campus and established in 1935, Alumni Memorial Campus or Alumni Park is the picturesque green space that all aspiring college brochure makers wish they had. It features the historical Youth Triumphant Fountain and plenty of grass and shade for students to take a rest.

“[It’s a] great place, nice shade, kind of busy sometimes. Honestly the fountain noise is pretty relaxing,” said Nicole Barron, a junior journalism major.

Alumni Park is located between Doheny Library and Bovard Administration Building.

Sample Hall

Sample Hall is home to the Admission Center and features a large circular lobby on the first floor. It’s an attractive spot for students to study in peace and quiet.

“I normally accidentally take naps inside of Sample Hall… on the first level couches,” said Ayonnah Tinsley, a sophomore majoring in arts, technology and the business of innovation.

Sample Hall is located within the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

La CASA

The Latinx Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs, or La CASA for short, is a facility on campus that provides community building, empowerment through cultural identity and leadership and social consciousness development.

“My favorite spot to nap on campus would be the napping pods in La Casa,” said Cassandra Cabrera, a junior biomedical engineering major. “It’s kind of more secluded, and they’re really comfy and they provide pillows for you.”

La CASA is located in suite 402 of the Student Union, adjacent to the Ronald Tutor Campus Center on the corner of Trousdale Parkway and Childs Way.

Leavey Library Basement

Leavey Library, established in 1994, is the largest library on USC’s campus. Its popularity and foot traffic have lended it a reputation as USC’s default study spot. Its lower stories house dozens of tables, couches and private rooms for study.

“My favorite napping spot on campus would be the Leavey Basement,” said Blanca Quezada Jimenez, a sophomore chemical engineering major.

Hammock Hill

Situated between the two main libraries on campus is a small hill with parallel rows of trees. Known as Hammock Hill, it is a quiet and idyllic spot for resting, where students can doze off to the faint murmurs of passers-by and the occasional hum of an electric scooter.

“I might have fallen asleep there once. It’s sunny, you can be with friends, it has a nice atmosphere,” said Luke Diefendorf, a sophomore law, history and culture major.

The hill is located between McCarthy Quad and the McCarthy Way Parking Structure.