Sometimes things just can’t wait, so here’s a handy-dandy list to let you know where best to stop to answer that text or catch up with a friend.
Gates Annai (she/they) // Literature Editor
Cameron Skorulski (he/him) // Web Art
#10 – Getting off the bus
Obviously, you can’t stop to answer your text on the bus; that would block so many people from getting past you! So, make sure you do it as soon as you step off, right in the middle of the doors. The people squeezing past will thank you.
#9 – In the Middle of the Birch Building Stairwells
Everyone knows Birch has the narrowest stairwells on campus which makes them a perfect place to stop dead in your tracks. Easily improve this location by bringing along a friend to stand next to. Other people can just choose another stairwell (that’s why there’s two!).
#8 – At the Entrance to the Library
You know the entrance to the Library by the café? The one with the narrow passages through the security terminals that are high in traffic for people trying to get either in or out? That’s one of the best places to clump up with a group of friends. High traffic means high possibility of running into someone you know and stopping directly in the entrance for a little chat!
#7 – Inside Doors
In modern-day life, we’re often plagued with decision fatigue—there are just too many choices and not enough brain cells to make them—so why not give yourself a day off and decide to stay in the room you’re in or leave it? If dogs can do it, why can’t we?
#6 – At the End of the Tim Hortons Line, Even Though You’re Not in Line
Sure, people are lining up behind you while the line ahead of you moves forward, and sure, the cafeteria is full of so much space and seating that you could stop dead in your tracks literally anywhere else, but standing in a line brings the comfort of structure and certainty while you answer your text. So what if you don’t actually want to order anything?
#5 – When You’re Walking Directly Ahead of Someone
This tip is great because you can do it practically anywhere on campus! Just wait until you’re walking somewhere with purpose and someone happens to be walking right behind you, and then stop in your tracks. Keeping your peers on their toes is civil service, good job you good human you.
#4 – In Front of the Elevator
CapU has several elevators available for students who may want or need to skip the stairs, whether because of a physical disability, injury or another critical consideration, which means you have several to choose from! Just plant yourself either in front of the buttons or the doors so that the person already juggling crutches can now also awkwardly try to get in behind you. It’s fun for both of you!
#3 – In Front of Your Chair After Class
Humans are creatures of habit; we tend to sit in the same spot every class and follow the same routine to get ready for several hours of learning. That’s why it’s essential to stick to your routine of standing directly behind the chair someone else would like to sit in. Hey, the class may be over, but it was still technically your spot first, anyway.
#2 – In Front of Any Vending Machine
They may be hungry, but your friend is texting you the most hilarious meme and your mom wants to know when you’ll visit for dinner next and there’s a lot of scrolling on Tiktok you have to do first, so why not claim that space for your own? Studies have come out recently claiming that students actually don’t need to eat to be successful.
#1 – When You’re Directly in My Way
And the very best place to stop dead in your tracks either to talk to friends or answer a text is, of course, when you’re standing exactly where I personally would like to go! There’s just nothing better than winding around and through groups of people who aren’t paying attention when I’m already running late for class because the Phibbs line was two city blocks long and people were standing in it looking at their phones instead of getting on the bus so we already took off late and then I got off late because someone was blocking me in my seat and…
So, if you’re ever in any of these situations, make sure you take a second to zone out on your phone. Some things just can’t wait!