Stuff Mason Students Like #11: Our couple hot spot, Mason Pond
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Sophomore couple Peter Ware Dunn and Cady Fox gaze into the rippling, brown waters of Mason Pond in this photo illustration. The Pond is a popular on-campus location for couples. (Daniel McEnrue)
"SMSL"?
What's that?
"Stuff Mason Students Like” is pretty self-explanatory. Inspired by the popular blog Stuff White People Like, it draws attention to—go figure—the stuff that George Mason University students like.
In doing so, the column aims to foster a common culture among Mason’s student population, publish what people are thinking and say, and most importantly, to poke some fun at the Mason student body.
>> Read more SMSL
What's that?
"Stuff Mason Students Like” is pretty self-explanatory. Inspired by the popular blog Stuff White People Like, it draws attention to—go figure—the stuff that George Mason University students like.
In doing so, the column aims to foster a common culture among Mason’s student population, publish what people are thinking and say, and most importantly, to poke some fun at the Mason student body.
>> Read more SMSL
When I think of a cute place for college couples to find alone time on campus, I think of a secluded bench amidst a grassy quad. I think of the quietest part on campus surrounded by trees and flowers rather than buildings and sidewalks.
What I definitely do not think of is Mason Pond. Yet oddly enough, that is where many Mason couples decide to spend their alone time.
What makes the Pond such a popular spot for couples? Maybe it’s the brown water and the ongoing bridge construction that help set the ambiance. Or perhaps all the cars whizzing by on Patriot Circle give couples something to talk about during awkward silences (“Hey did you see that? Someone doesn’t know what yield means.”)
In all likelihood, Mason Pond is perhaps the closest semblance to scenery we have on campus. It seems like the presence of any kind of water meets the minimum requirement for “scenery.” Mason does not have the typical lush, green quad you see in movies that are surrounded by brick buildings with columns.
The Pond is the next best bet. So you work with what you got.
If you want to have some serious discussion with your significant other, the Pond is the spot to do it. The few benches that dot the perimeter of the Pond are spaced out a good distance away from each other. Plus, a few small trees fill in the gaps between the benches. It gives you added privacy for when you guys have that "Where is This Relationship Going?" talk.
And even if all the benches are taken, you can sit on the grass beneath the shade on the other side of the lake where the hill slopes down. So you both can still look and feel really contemplative as you gaze intently at the water, pondering your relationship.
The Pond looks even more beautiful at night—well, as beautiful as it can look. After all, at least you can’t see the brown water in the dark.
All you can see are the silhouettes of the trees cast by the spotlights emitting from the cottage. With nothing to really look at, couples can find peace at the Pond by simply listening to the soft sound of gushing water from the fountain. Add a couple twinkling stars and a light breeze passing through the trees and the Pond suddenly becomes kind of romantic.
Kind of. Remember-- we are still talking about Mason Pond here.
We all know Mason Pond isn’t exactly postcard material; however, under the right circumstances and time of day, the Pond is actually a decent spot to chill. But with the descent of cold weather, Mason couples will have to find another semi-romantic place on campus.
Fenwick Library, anyone?
Related:
>> Stuff (Commuting) Mason Students Like #10: Finding a parking spot
>> Read more 'Stuff Mason Students Like'
>> Stuff (Commuting) Mason Students Like #10: Finding a parking spot
>> Read more 'Stuff Mason Students Like'
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