The Oval

The Ohio State University centers around a massive lawn called The Oval. This grassy space is criss-crossed by sidewalks, surrounded by buildings of knowledge, interrupted by cloves of trees and the occasional groups of students, weather permitting. The mood is airy, open, inviting, relaxing; an oasis of serenity in the desert of everyday bustle.

Hundreds of students cross this expanse everyday. Some stop to marvel at the newly remodeled library, others chat with friends, and others still just pass through, not noticing much at all. Centered between the southern residential dorms and the northern classrooms, the Oval provides an excellent meeting spot. It encourages students to lounge on its grass and study for classes, get a bit of a tan, or maybe just share gossip. This space does its job by bringing people together hundreds of times a day. It also does another job: allows students to advertise their group or club. There are always different ways to get involved chalked onto the sidewalk, so by being positioned at a central location on campus, the Oval also encourages students to participate at OSU.

The Oval serves as a central area for students, university activities, and multiple events on campus, and it does its job well.