College is not just a place for academics or preparing for a future career, it is also a place for students to meet new people, explore new places and gain new experiences. College students thrive on fresh opportunities and enjoying leisure time apart from going to class and studying. It is natural for them to want to have some fun off-campus.
How and where can they do this amidst a pandemic?
There are plenty of hangout spots perfect for students to enjoy friendly company while dining, enjoying a coffee or just spending time outdoors as a break from dorm life. Many of these places are around the SNU campus and the OKC area and are also approved and recommended by some of our fellow SNU students, all while being COVID safe.
Senior Bryce Shay mentioned that his favorite hangout spots are Serve Coffee located right across the street from the school, on-campus having a picnic, and Coffee Slingers located in the downtown OKC area. When asked how these places are practicing COVID awareness, Bryce added that all of these places were COVID safe and just require masks unless you are seated at a table or outside and stress the need for appropriate social distancing.
For other students who are wanting to venture out, Bryce advised that “just be mindful of your health and those around you… no matter where you go or what you do just be mindful!”
Coffee shops seem to be a popular hangout location amongst the SNU student body as sophomore Claire Simpson also provided some of her favorite coffee spots that she likes to enjoy friendly company, study, while staying COVID safe: Cuppies and Joe, Stella Nova and Higher Grounds.
For places she has seen being COVID aware without having to shut down completely, Claire mentioned “the mall is a good example… most restaurants require you to wear masks inside or will even stop you at the door and you have to order at the door.” Of those restaurants, she added her favorite is Cafe de Taipei in Edmond and they are also being COVID aware.
Most students can all agree that this school year has been the toughest one yet. Not for academics, but tough considering the risks with being around each other and the inability to have fun in close proximity at the places they love and enjoy. Luckily, a lot of the places that students look forward to going to are still up and running with a few guidelines to ensure they and the people that surround them are all safe and healthy.
Here is a full list of the student approved hangout spots with locations and details!
Serve Coffee & Community
6736 NW 39th Expy Bethany, OK 73008
- Mask upon entering
- Dining seating
Coffee Slingers Roasters
1015 N Broadway Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73012
- Contactless Payments
- Limited Capacity
- Sanitation between customers
- Staff wear masks
- Sanitizer provided
- Socially Distancing enforced
- Temperature Checks
Higher Grounds Coffee Shoppe and Bakery
5814 NW 63rd St Oklahoma City, OK 73132
- Sanitation between tables
- Dining seating
- Limited capacity
- Masks upon entering
Stella Nova
4716 N Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73118
- Masked staff
- Masks upon entering
- Limited capacity
Cuppies and Joe
727 NW 23rd St Oklahoma City, OK 73103
- Dining seating
- Limited capacity
- Masked staff
- Masks upon entering
Cafe de TaiPei
603 S Broadway Edmond, OK 73034
- Masks upon entering
- Masked staff
- Limited capacity
Penn Square Mall
1901 NW Expy Oklahoma City, OK 73118
- Masks enforced
- Some stores still closed