The Common Room Essay
Introduction to College Common Room Life
During college hours, the College Common Room roars with activity. Inside the room, students play indoor games.
The quick contact of the ping-pong balls with the bats produces a pleasant volley of sounds.
The strikers hit the draughts on carrom board pushing them into the pockets at the corners.
Groups of students stand round and watch the proceedings of these games. They encourage the players with cheering remarks when they win.
Newspapers and Discussions in the Common Room
Newspapers are scattered on chairs, tables, and benches. Students often take a glance at it.
They quickly go through the headlines and then turn their attention to friends who wait to speak something important.
There are announcements and counter-announcements.
The notice board is surrounded by groups of students to note if there is any suspension of classes.
Reading & Gossip in the Common Room
A small and selected group sit together to read the journals and magazines and exchange views on serious publications.
Though the noise inside the room is not conducive for gossip, there will be always some who never seem to be disturbed and discouraged.
They go on sharing each other's confidences in low voice.
They criticize their teachers, the college administration, their friends, the government in power till the college bell indicates they have to move out to attend a class.
A Place for Student Decision-Making
At the time of crisis, the College Common Room is used by student leaders as a conference room for taking decisions.
If a strike is to be launched, the details are planned out here.
They also address groups of students to ventilate their feelings and unite the students for taking action on a common cause.
If there are two or three groups and they are opposed to each other, shouts and counter-shouts are heard inside the room.
Music and Entertainment Moments
Occasionally, a good singer entertains the assembly of students with a cinema song.
Every satisfactory performance in singing, or in playing upon musical instruments is applauded by huge clapping.
Separate Common Rooms for Boys and Girls
In colleges where both male and female students read, there is provision for separate common rooms for each.
The Women Students' Common Room is usually located near the Staff Common Room.
Importance of a Well-Maintained College Common Room
A well-maintained Common Room is a necessity in every college.
It should be fairly large to accommodate a good number of students to relax, play indoor games, and read newspapers and magazines in well-arranged stands.
A small team of student members should remain in charge of it. They should be assisted by a member of the teaching staff for giving them suitable guidance.
Conclusion: Role of Common Rooms in Student Life
The college common room reflects student life beyond academics.
Whether it's entertainment, engagement in serious discussions, or a quiet read, it holds a unique place in college culture.
A well-maintained common room fosters relaxation, expression, and unity among students.