Wayne State University’s top 10 places for crying, ranked
No one said college would be this hard. Inspired by an antiquated Curbed Detroit story and the ever looming existential dread that comes with finals during the Fall Semester knowing that you have to run the entire thing again in the Winter.
It’s truly hard out there. With the rising costs of college at our university by 2% to 4% every year, and housing prices on campus and midtown increasing by 3% yearly, the stresses of being a college student in the heart of Detroit continue to mount. There’s nothing like the reality of a broken student loan system that traps us into debt the moment the stresses of finals end, or the crushing pressure of six ten-page papers, multiple lab reports, or a performance being due.
Sometimes, you just need to let loose and deal with the stress. Deal with it by taking a good cry around campus.
10. The Stacks on the Second Floor of Purdy Kresge
Besides for the rumors of weird things happening in the stacks, they are a quiet place due to Wayne State libraries actually having books being a best kept secret. Take the stairs up to the second floor of PK and pick an academic section that resonates the most with you. Sit on the ground, burry your face in your knees, and let loose. Warning: if you’re a loud crier, this is not the place for you unless you enjoy hearing your cries echo around you.
9. Under the Chalk Wall on a Rainy/Snowy Day
Take cover from the elements and enjoy the isolation that is only experienced when half of the chalk wall is closed due to both DeRoy’s, and your, pending demolition. Bring some chalk to draw your frustrations, or take a much needed hidden smoke break in peace of our non-smoking campus.
8. The Bean Bags in the Basement of the Student Center
The bean bags, designed as a campus napping destination, do incredible double duty. They’re large enough that you can wrap your body in them and thick enough that you can cry into them without anyone hearing you. Don’t be afraid to cry yourself to sleep here. Bonus: no one uses the basement of the Student Center before Late Night Grill opens, so no one will catch you.
7. The Wayne State Shuttle
Due to low ridership on the shuttle and shuttle drivers rarely asking questions, taking the campus circulating shuttle ensures peace and quiet for a nice cry. It’s a bonus that the shuttle takes you all around campus — get off where your next class is, or just numbly stare out the window at the brutalist dread of campus.
6. Hidden Rooms on the Fourth Floor of State Hall
These rooms aren’t just for Honors Students — the incredible luxury of these renovated rooms, plus the smallness of the rooms, make them the perfect place to cry. The best part? No one will interrupt you, except for struggling Honor’s students who may decide to cry along side you. Warning: the stairs to the fourth floor are not for the faint of heart.
5. The Bathroom Lounge in the Engineering Building
Let’s be honest, you’ve never met an Engineering student who is not on the verge of crying during finals week. Join them in the renovated building, and cry in silence. This is one of the few places on campus where you can loud cry without an issue.
4. The South Staircases in Manoogian Hall
The Janitors at Wayne State kindly keep a single chair in the fifth floor stairwell. The stairs are infrequently used, giving you the perfect cover. It’s a nice perk that sitting on the south side of the building gives you a panoramic view of Downtown Detroit. The glistening Renaissance Center will either spark joy or hate in your heart, combatting your stress.
3. The Single-Person Study Cubbies near the Woodward Entrance of the Mike Ilitch School of Business
When the $59 million building was opened downtown last year, Wayne State must have known that students needed a solitary place to cry. Thus, the light wood of the single-person cubbies gives you a 70’s interior design vibe, with the personal space that any student longs for during a crowded finals season. This is also a great place to take a nap.
2. Empty Rooms at the Medical School
Are you a medical student, or a pre-med student? Surprise — you’re at one of the best Medical Schools in the State of Michigan, so Wayne State did not create an easy place for you to cry. Don’t feel like you have to suck it up after your first time seeing a dead body or failing your exam. Find an empty room, turn the lights off so people don’t ask questions, and cry as loud as you can: no one will hear you.
- The Yamasaki Reflecting Pool outside McGregor
If you haven’t had a night where you sit on the cold concrete of the reflecting pool and cry, you’re not really a Wayne State student. Enjoy the peace of the reflecting pool, and the sculptures and architecture of world-renown artists. It goes without saying that if you post a snapchat story while at the pool at night everyone will know you’re crying or in the midst of an existential crisis. Maybe someone will finally reach out to you to help. Maybe.
Struggling on campus and need help? Contact Student Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at (313) 577–3398, or visit them on the 5th floor of the Student Center from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Learn more at caps.wayne.edu
