As far as study spots go, the South Lounge in the Indiana Memorial Union is ideal. With a room full of couches, a Starbucks caffeine fix just steps away, and a usually quiet atmosphere, homework is a cozy chore.
It’s quiet until someone starts playing the piano, which is one of 12 pianos in the Union (although not all are in public spaces). While some South Loungers appreciate the spontaneous live concerts, others think ivory-bangers should find another spot to play.
Gary Chrzastowski, assistant director of facilities for the IMU, says the South Lounge over time has become a place for quiet study, and Starbucks is for people who want to chat.
With the unwritten quiet rule, he says he occasionally hears comments about the music.
“We get complaints every now and then,” he says. However, there’s not a lot he can do. “There’s not a policy against playing a piano.”
Chrzastowski says the best way to take care of students playing is for other students to self-police the area, and to speak up if someone’s playing is distracting.
Senior Gabi Karas says she studies in the South Lounge about twice a week. She says she thinks the piano is nice to have, except during finals week. Pianists should think before hitting the keys.
“It’s not like they’re wrong in doing it,” Karas says. “It’s just an unspoken courtesy. They should judge the appropriate time.”
