Back to School: Interesting places to explore on campus

Sometimes it’s easy to get lost while looking for a class in an unusual building. But sometimes getting lost is the best way to find an unexpected safe haven on campus.

Foucault Pendulum

Named after the French scientist Jean Foucault, the Foucault Pendulum can be found in Nielsen Hall. The pendulum, which appears to be spinning, is actually in the same inertia plane that proves the Earth is rotating.

The pendulum was added after a $6 million gift funded renovations to Nielsen Hall in 2005, according to Daily archives.

Laurence S. Youngblood Energy Library

The Sarkeys Energy Center is among the easiest buildings to get lost in on campus. But, even if one gets lost, there’s plenty to look at in the building.

Near the library entrance, there are five selenite crystals that range from 4 to 4.24 feet tall. The lit crystals are only one of the specimens on display in the library.

There also is a large ammonite and a large cephalopod slab to see there.

Nichols Family Terrace

On the fifth floor Devon Energy Hall, there is a breezy terrace scattered with wooden tables and chairs. This location overlooks the red-brick buildings of the main campus and even provides a view of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Elizabeth Tolleson Taylor Reading Room

Tucked in the north corner of Adams Hall, the Reading Room has a few supple leather couches, and the Oklahoma Memorial Union clock tower and Campus Corner are visible from the window.

One floor down, art ranging from tapestry to oil paintings to metal sculptures are hung in the hallway.

Catlett’s lower level

The Stephanie Bell Performance Courtyard has concrete steps and large shade trees. It's spacious enough to stretch out and located right at the heart of the most musical place on campus.

Adjacent to it is the Hiawatha T. Estes Courtyard. There are five benches, lots of flowers and plenty of greenery. It's right next to the Grant Fine Arts Library.

Honors College courtyard

Though it’s close to many of the dorms, many students may not realize there is a quaint courtyard at the center of the Honors College.

Complemented by short, geometric hedges and several benches and patio tables, this area is canopied by tall, slender trees.

This courtyard is in memory of Wanda Winn Shi and features a dove statue and a small fountain.

Gaylord balcony

On the third floor of Gaylord Hall, there is a bright balcony with 12 sets of wooden patio furniture for students seeking air from a slightly higher altitude.

Near the professional writing alcoves, the balcony overlooks the grassy area and flowers that the building’s arms wrap around.

Fred Jones Art Center Lightwell Gallery

On the second floor of the center, skylights brighten the room during the day and art exhibits of student-created pieces are commonly displayed.

Exhibits can be viewed from inside the gallery itself or from the open-air hallways of the two floors above it.

Molly Shi Ballroom balcony

With its parquet wood floor, arched windows and antique chandeliers, the Molly Shi Ballroom is a testimony to the upscale side of the university.

A little known fact about the ballroom, however, is the grand balcony on the west side.

When the weather is pleasant, this makes for an excellent hole-in-the-wall study location — or an even better place to simply unwind during that three-hour break between classes.

Nathan Robertson contributed to this report.

Hillary McLain

Hillary is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Campus Reporter, Diversity Beat Reporter, Campus Reporter, Copy Editor, News Editor, Assitant Online Editor and Online Editor.