Campus Scene

The South Lounge: Where Students Come to Play and Unwind

A group of diverse people enjoying video games together in a lively arcade setting

Tucked inside The Gutswurrak (pronounced guts-wuh-dock) Student Activities Center, the South Lounge offers students a place to relax, create, and connect.

Smack dab in the heart of campus, it’s where downtime gets an upgrade. Part lounge, part playground, it’s home to the Arcade and the Lumberjack Lounge, where student art is often on display.

A large mural of trees adorns the office space, creating a vibrant and natural atmosphere, and two people sitting at a table

There’s no shortage of ways to unwind here—pool tables, ping pong, air hockey, and video games. Weekday mornings come with free coffee or the occasional pastry, and regular events keep the energy going: Bob Ross paint nights, trivia battles, Mario Kart competitions, Dance Dance Revolution matches, karaoke showdowns, and more.

Two people engaged in playing video games together in a recreation room setting

The South Lounge is one feature of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center, a building which hosts other student-focused lounges, activities, games, and amenities—including a Commuter Lounge, and soon, a Relaxation Room. The Center was officially renamed in 2022 after students requested to name it in honor of the home and culture of the Wiyot people. Drawn from a Wiyot word that refers to a place where “many people gather,” the name reflects its broader purpose as a hub for creativity and community, while honoring the University’s location on traditional Wiyot land. The new name was proposed by members of the Wiyot Tribe, led by then Tribal Chair Ted Hernandez.

A lively room featuring several pool tables and people playing pool, inviting for social gatherings and games

Beyond the building itself, the Center brings vibrant programming to the University Quad, hosting major events like Earth Day, the Cinco de Mayo Street Fair, Green & Gold Days, and more.