Responding to the Hill News Article: Students Frustrated by Large Lunchtime Crowds at Northstar Cafe

Dear Editor, 

Every year, there is no denying the lines at St. Lawrence’s dining halls can get frustrating at times, especially when you are coming from a hard class and all you want is to get your food and be on your way. First years can sometimes take up a large majority of the space throughout the North Star Café. They are unfamiliar with the social expectations and crowd around, making it nearly impossible for them to maneuver swiftly through tight spaces. Everyone has experienced this obstruction, and many people are becoming increasingly upset with it. 

Being a sophomore, it is reassuring to know I am no longer the “new kid” on campus. I am now familiar with the unspoken rules of the dining hall. This being said I am still acquainted with the social anxiety that comes with being this kid. I am not going to pretend I have never found myself irritated with the wait times. For the most part, however, I try to be understanding and respectful. Often times, there is nothing that can be done to speed things along, so I try to put aside a poor attitude and find a positive solution. 

Since the day people arrived on campus, it has been obvious that the Pub workers have made an effort to keep as many people as content as possible. They have relocated the specialty drink station to prevent build up around specific areas. They have also provided more paper and pencils to write down orders and brought in a larger ordering table. These efforts have been made to increase the satisfaction of the students and should be appreciated on a greater scale. 

Instead of allowing yourself to become unsatisfied with the long wait time, there may be a better solution. While waiting for your food, you are given a chance to catch up with friends or focus on a segment of homework. There are plenty of ways to fill this time with positive activities. If you do not have time to wait in the long lines, due to classes and time crunches, you could ask a friend to place an order for you before the rush. However, no matter what order you place at the pub, it is going to take time to prepare. I think it is important to not have a specific expectation to have your meal ready in under fifteen minutes. So, sit back, enjoy some friends and smell that sweet coffee brewing.