Seeking favourite spots in the campus

On my first arrival at ZJU, I kept my eyes wide open staring out of the school bus window. Along the way flashed past the wide lawn, the Qizhen Lake, the lively dorm area and many others. A broad view of the campus popped into my sight and I couldn’t wait to discover more of its beauty. As time flies, I’ve been in ZJU’s Zijigang Campus for almost a year and I’ve also found my own favourite spots.

As for study…

Which do you prefer, libraries, spare classrooms or study space in the corridors? I personally like sticking to the study hall of foreign languages (外文特藏研修室) on the second floor of the Basic Library. It is furnished in a classic style- just imagine selecting a seat beside the floor-to-ceiling windows and sitting at the wooden table lit up by the delicate lanterns. After an extended study period, it is time to get both me and my laptop “charged”. Attached to each seat is a plug (which is VERY important when I'm struggling for essays). And from the seat I can exactly get a perfect view of the Crescent Building, which always makes me refreshed.

As for leisure…

Once on a rainy day, I got lost through the devious paths in the woods near the Eastern Teaching Buildings. Somehow I approached the Qizhen lake and encountered black swans! It was relaxing to hear them sing at times, with rain drops falling on the leaves.

Here is another fun fact. If you pass by the wetland on Dichen South Road at night, you will hear the loud noise produced by the herd of birds there. I always wonder why on earth they are having such a heated discussion behind the grass, even after 11p.m.!

Exploring more…

This life blog is actually inspired by a modern dance course I take this semester. For one section, we learned about the concept of environmental choreography. It means merging dance movements into the process of exploring the environment. When it came to possible spots for the dance, I was impressed by a classmate’s unusual suggestions because she listed several places ever unfamiliar to me. “I love roaming the campus. A particular reason is that I am moving this fall.” She further explained.

Art derives from life and life is just like the dance. Whether you are a graduate leaving the beloved campus soon, or a freshman not having reached every corner yet, it is a good idea to wander around more and explore your own secret garden here. It is a place which fits your own rhythm, a place where you belong.