Best Place To Spend Your Lunch: The Controversy

By: Shenandoah Fischer and Ana Levite

This story was written to answer the controversial question: What really is the best place to spend lunch? Some people think it might be the gym to play basketball, the courtyard to sit on a bench and enjoy the fresh air, the cafeteria to eat, or the quiet room to play a game or do homework. Everyone has different answers. We interviewed 50 447 students to figure out what our student body truly thinks. 

Before we dive into the results of our survey, let's think about some of the pros and cons of each spot. When you first think about the gym, what comes to mind? Sports. It makes sense that if you weren't someone who loved sports then you might not like spending your time in the gym. Everyone chooses a different lunch spot based on things they enjoy and things they would rather avoid. On the other hand, if you loved to play video games, you might go to the quiet room, but if you are a person who enjoys loud, physical things, the quiet room might not be something you’d enjoy. The cafeteria might not be your favorite if you don't like socializing or less active, possibly quieter activities, like reading, eating, homework, or talking. Another option is the courtyard, where you can enjoy a variety of activities including soccer and four square, football, and different games with your friends. However, if you don't want to do these activities, you will have to sit against the wall, which increases the risk of you getting hit by a ball and other sports equipment. Now, let's get into the real stats.

The favorite place to go was a tie, the quiet room and cafeteria with 18 votes. Noah Carroll in 602 likes the quiet room the best because, “I like to play video games with my friends and alone. I can also finish homework that is past the due date.” 

Second place is taken by the courtyard and the gym, 11 points each. Francis Wilson, 606 likes the gym because, “it’s full of energy. We get to play volleyball.” 

The most unliked lunch spot of them all was the gym with 29 votes out of 57 votes. 

Ryan Chen from class 603 says he likes the gym the least.  “I don’t like the gym because sometimes, even though it may be fun for other students, I get hit in the head too many times. Also, I feel like people play a little rough, so it’s easy to get hurt.” 

The second least favorite lunch spot is the cafeteria with eleven out of fifty nine votes. Then came the courtyard which received nine votes, and not a lot of votes went towards the quiet room, reaching eight.  

In conclusion, the student body appears to favor the quiet room, but is there a factor that makes people prefer one place over another? 

Reid Rosen, 602 said, “I think the courtyard and the gym are too active and if you are trying to relax, you'll get hit by a ball, and especially if you’re going to the gym, and I think the cafeteria is loud and there's really nothing to do.”it is different for everyone, and the statistics will definitely change over time. Where do you go for lunch?