The ‘Chillest Place on Campus’ Gives Students Space to Relax

Students can find more than a quiet place to unwind on the second floor of Blumenthal Hall, where a new Wellness Space is outfitted with massage chairs, the soothing sounds of a waterfall, and yoga mats.

The Student Wellness Space offers a peaceful way to recharge during a semester that began with blizzards and freezing temperatures.

“It’s a serene experience,’’ said Dr. Jean-Carlos Lopez, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Wellness. “Some students need a place to physically disconnect and decompress.’’

Billing itself as “the chillest place on campus,’’ the space is available on a walk-in basis in Room 201 from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Inside, there is soft lighting, bamboo plants, a waterfall machine, and two types of massage chairs. It also offers aromatherapy, opportunities to journal, and books on daily affirmations and meditation.

"As a transfer student, this space has been a great outlet for me to release stress, relax, and feel a sense of belonging in the campus,’’ said Waad Sidahmed, a third-year Anthropology Major.

“I go there for a great massage and to relieve the tension,’’ said Essence Elston-Wilson, a Social Work major who works as a Student Health Advocate in the Health Promotion Division of Student Affairs.

“It’s really nice and relaxing,’’ said Sriram Sunkavalli, a fourth-year Biology major who sometimes stops by the space.

The Wellness Space was created with support from a  grant from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. It’s part of an effort Student Affairs launched to establish new programs that support student health and wellbeing.

Called “Power Your Potential,” the program, run by the Division of Student Affairs, moves beyond counseling to include physical fitness, creative expression and alternative ways to cope with stress.  

A second space is planned for Woodward Hall and is scheduled to open later this year.

Elston said the wellness room sends a message to students that Rutgers-Newark has established many ways to help them succeed.”We’re able to do better when we have the support to do better,’’ she said.