If or when your semester gets too hectic and you need to take a break, there are some cool spots on campus that you can escape to.

I only realized this recently: On Sierra Walk, on the side of Live Oak Hall (formerly Science Building 1), there are a group of tall, thick trees. If you look closely, you will see an opening between two trees, and if you venture inside you will notice an empty patch of ground surrounded by greenery. Although many pass by, few people ever explore this lovely nook. The grass is a little dusty, but if you bring a blanket, you can chill and watch the world go by. If you go on Thursday or Friday when few people are around, it is spectacular. Hopefully, none of the little critters that live there full time will bother you.

If mother nature is not your thing, then go to the roof of Sierra Hall. I know everybody may think the y know this spot but, once again, few people ever bother to explore this area, it will probably remain the same even with me revealing its wonders to you.

There is an elevator on the east side of Sierra Hall by room 158, and if you go to the fourth floor, lo and behold, there is the roof. Push through the double doors and your there. You can also ascend to the roof if you take an elevator to the fourth floor on Sierra Tower, make a right and go all the way to the end. Through the doors and your away from the madding crowd, free to enjoy the wide open sky.

Don’t try this if you are afraid of heights, but if you want to get a really good look at things, go over the railing.

If you want to go to an even higher place, a good spot to go to is the roof of the new B5 parking structure. At night, the whole valley stretches out before you and, with a little imagination, you can dream of twhat this place looked like before it was overwhelmed with people, cars and suburbia.

For those who want to get back down to earth, a great place is “the pond.” It is between the Botanic Garden and the Orange Grove, which by the way is a cool place to check out. Go inside. There are all types of plants and trees surrounding the pond. If you are sick of going outside, there are some indoor areas that are definitely worth visiting. I could not believe my ears when I heard this, and you probably won’t believe your eyes when you read this, but there is a relaxation room in University Counseling Services. UCS is located in Bayramian Hall, room 520. Counseling services has this room in order to teach people how to relax. You can just kick back and read a book, close your eyes, et cetera. Take advantage of it.

Although this place does not have relaxation rooms, if you go to the Satellite Student Union, which is located on the north part of campus, there are study rooms you can go to upstairs. They include nice study tables and comfy couches.

Go to these places and you won’t regret it.

Samuel Richard can be contacted at editor@csun.edu