Hidden gems at the University of Cincinnati students love

Want to study outside with a view? Located on top of Zimmer Hall and nestled in between Rieveschl and Baldwin Hall, the Zimmer Roof Garden includes benches, a walkway, lush, green lawns, gorgeous flowers and a sculpture — all on a roof! 

Here you can see an elevated view of campus while studying, having a picnic with friends, taking a lunch break or enjoying the great outdoors.

The garden is especially pretty in the evenings, when the sun is setting. The Zimmer Roof Garden is like my own little backyard away from home. 

Going to the library to cram or do a group project is… not exactly my idea of a good time. But throw a Starbucks in the building, and suddenly I’m a motivated scholar again.

Sometimes I’ll pick up for myself a little sweet treat or caffeine boost to fuel my late-night study sessions from the coffee shop I know and love. The best part? Starbucks at Langsam Library even takes Bearcat Dollars on your Bearcat Card!

Nippert Stadium may not be too “hidden,” but did you know students are allowed to be on the field if there isn’t a game or a practice?

Nippert is a perfect place to play catch with your friends, enjoy the sunshine while working on homework, or take a selfie when family visits.

Sometimes I get so tired of being indoors all day and not getting a breath of fresh air. Lunch in the stadium is my go-to reset.

Sitting in the sun gives me the Vitamin D boost I need, and sometimes I even get a front-row view of football practice or the marching band rehearsing.

If you love the outdoors as much as I do, the Hangout is the place for you. Located by the Campus Rec Center and facing French Hall, the Hangout is a perfect place to can hang your hammock and relax.

This can be your spot to take a nap in between classes, relieve some stress, literally hang with your friends, or even get some homework done in the sunshine. I always have so many readings to do for homework, and hanging in a hammock to read always gives me the relaxation I need to get things done.

If you don’t have a hammock, UC rents them! Students can rent a hammock at the Free Rentals locker, located in the walkway between the CRC east entry and Market on Main.

When I found out that UC had a lazy river, I was absolutely stunned. What other university has a lazy river at their rec center?

Complete with floaties, a waterfall and a jacuzzi hot tub, the lazy river is the definition of relaxation and fun. Though I’ve personally never seen it, I’ve heard that students in the past have laminated their notes for their exams and then floated down the river to study.

After a long day of work and class, the lazy river is exactly what I need to cool off and unwind. Plus, it’s open even when it gets cooler out.

Students also are given free access to the campus rec center when they are enrolled in 12+ credits per semester. That means any time is lazy river time!

The 86 coffee shop at CCM is one of my all-time favorite places to be. With wooden tables, outside seating complete with string lights, cozy café music, and the best lattes and teas — any time at the 86 is a good time. 

I love supporting the 86 too, as the shop is local to Cincinnati. Their other location is 2900 Jefferson Avenue.

My cohort and I are always at the 86 — prepping for class, swapping edits on assignments, and (let’s be honest) venting about life.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to study, a cozy place to grab coffee, or just somewhere new to explore between classes, UC is full of little surprises waiting to be found.

These are just a few of my favorites — but there are so many more tucked around campus. Have you discovered any hidden gems of your own? Experience UC for yourself.