Students to see new Starbucks, charging stations and lounge

The stripped-down site of the former YouDee Shop in the Trabant University Center is now a lounge equipped for seating students and recharging cell phones. University officials also added other technology resources and a new coffee shop in buildings around campus this summer.

Marilyn Prime, director of University Student Centers, said the lounge, which will be open during Trabant’s regular hours, will provide students with an extra space to meet and work with their peers. She said it has already received a positive reaction from students.

“When we talked to students and student leaders, one thing they asked for was for a place to gather,” Prime said. “And when they saw the lounge over the summer, they were thrilled with it.”

The area has a coffee shop feel, Prime said, and unlike Daugherty Hall which is quiet, students can talk and meet with friends in between classes.

 “Trabant has a lot of good facility space, but has always lacked a nice lounge,” she said. “Students find places in the building to sit and meet, but there’s not a centralized location for that.”  

Prime said the lounge will serve a variety of purposes, from a study spot to a reception area for guest speakers and a performance venue for student groups.

Senior Michelle Barineau, Student Government Association president, said she thinks the new lounge will be a hit with students once the semester gets underway.

“I definitely see the student body using this space for all it has to offer, including the stage for student performances and the charging stations inside,” Barineau said.

Kwikboost mobile device charging stations were installed in both Trabant and the Perkins Student Center. Two are in the new lounge and one is upstairs in Trabant.

Senior Andy Haumersen said he thinks the charging stations are a smart idea and a perfect addition to the student centers.

“It’s such a pain to have to go out of your way back to your room during the day to charge your phone,” Haumersen said. “I think this will be really convenient for everyone.”

A Starbucks will replace Smitty’s Café, the previous grab-and-go convenience stand in Smith Hall. It is set to open on Tuesday.

Another resource now available to students is the ability to rent laptop chargers from the Student Multimedia Design Center in the Hugh M. Morris Library. 

Barineau, who said SGA worked to pass the proposal in the spring, thinks the rentals will be helpful when students’ laptops run out of battery life and they don’t have their chargers.

Freshman Kristen Garland said she cannot wait to use the new facilities and services available this fall.

“It’s really exciting to begin my time at Delaware when so many new projects are being worked on, like the new dorms near Perkins,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how they all turn out.”

 Barineau said while graduating seniors will not be able to experience all the changes coming to the university in the near future, she thinks the entire student body is fortunate to have these resources at their disposal.

“Upperclassmen I’m sure are somewhat envious that the freshmen will get to enjoy these new developments, but when you go to a school that improves every day, you can’t really be mad about it,” Barineau said.