You need a third space: A place away from work, school or home (dorm included) where you can socialize, relax freely and possibly interact with members of your community. We have some obvious choices on campus—the Campus Center, the Recreation Center, the Andreasen Center for Wellness, and the James White Library—but sometimes you need to get away from the all-too-familiar hustle and bustle of campus. Allow me to introduce—or reintroduce—you to some places near AU that are stellar candidates to become your next hangout spot.
Berrien Springs has a couple of outdoor parks to enjoy, like the Love Creek Nature Center, with miles of beautiful trails, nature-based activities throughout the year, and opportunities for cross-country skiing or mountain biking. Grove Park is another outdoor option with a view of the river that is peaceful and nice for going on walks alone or with others. A little farther away in Niles, Riverfront Park also offers river views, with opportunities to kayak, fish, walk, skate and attend free concerts at the amphitheater. Niles has other parks that also include athletic spaces or other facilities, a list of which you can find here.
If you need something to eat or drink, students frequently mention 2nd & Main Coffeehouse, a quaint space in Niles to meet up with friends or study while you try some of their delicious menu items. They are also very involved with their community, hosting events, fundraisers, seasonal festivals and even live music! Just down the street, Apothica Teas is also a popular place among students to visit and study. They have a wide selection of teas and pastries to choose from, and comfortable seating with high-class Victorian-themed decor. Sometimes they will also host community events, for which you can find information on their website.
A fantastic area to visit with many different options is the Eddy Street Commons in South Bend, Indiana. Neighboring Notre Dame’s campus, this little section of town has lots to see and do that would appeal to most college students including restaurants and shops. One of the places you must try while you’re over there is Murphy’s Ice Cream Shoppe. They are known for their delicious variety of flavors, including seasonal ones, and they have non-dairy options and accommodations for other allergies. Not only do they have ice cream, but they also have warm drinks like coffee and hot chocolate. The best part, and what makes this place an ideal third space, is that they have board games! With the beautiful, comfortable leather couches and the rustic vibe, this could be a great spot to visit with friends, for hanging out, studying or searching for a sweet treat!
Other than the classic Baguette De France, Berrien has a prime indoor space to offer. The Berrien Springs Community Library is a close-to-home place that welcomes AU students with open arms, offering library membership despite not officially living in the district, free Wi-Fi, and monthly programming like their book club. A little farther away, in St. Joseph, the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library offers more community programming like book clubs, movie showings or Scrabble nights.
If you are on the hunt for a new bookstore or study escape, Wind & Stars Bookshop in Three Oaks, Michigan, is a 30-minute drive from campus, but totally worth it! A brand-new addition to the area, its reviews on Google Maps (Apple doesn’t show the location yet) are all five stars. Not only is it a bookstore, but it also has a separate terrific coffee shop business connected to the rest of the store. They often plan different events like author book signings and community book clubs to join, really honing in on that community engagement aspect of a third space. You can check out their website or their Instagram page here.
Over in St. Joseph, Michigan, art lovers certainly will appreciate the Krasl Art Center. Featuring public galleries, art studios and darkrooms, classes and public events, they have much to offer the community and broke college students! You can find more information about their events and workshops on their website if you are interested in becoming involved in an artsy community off-campus. Another cultural destination drama- or theater-loving individuals should check out is Twin City Players, a volunteer community theater that offers regularly programmed performances. Not only is this a great place to watch a play, but you could also get involved! Their website has postings for upcoming shows and even audition opportunities.
Finding a third space is an underrated part of self-care for your social and mental well-being. The point of a third space is that you are not obligated to be there, making it a more casual, inviting place to be. In an increasingly individualized and digitally connected world, connection with the analog—those unreplicable by any app—is even more essential for our social and mental well-being. Whether you enjoy nature, food, activities or culture, you will likely find the right space for you. So check out the area around AU! There’s a whole other world to explore here in southwest Michigan!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.