By Mason Cosper

UAB Student Affairs recently relocated and upgraded its game room to a new location in the Hill Student Center. The new game room is in Suite 220, next to the information desk. The new space – which is twice the size of the previous game room – comes equipped with multiple screens, comfortable gaming chairs, tables for eating and several up-to-date gaming consoles such as a PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Wii and Xbox One.

On-campus game rooms are more than just a place to play “Super Smash Bros.” they offer students a safe place to disconnect from the stresses of life and reconnect with friends and childhood games. The Hill Student Center’s game room helps in a variety of ways: From enabling students to meet people with similar passions to assisting them mentally and academically.

Dr. Henry C. Foley, president of the New York Institute of Technology, noted in an article by the Caller Times that, “Video games also improve ‘computational thinking,’ a problem-solving approach that is becoming increasingly crucial in the professional world.” Through the game room, Student Affairs looks to support positive experiences for students that give them rest and sharpen various mental skills.

Students with financial restrictions can also benefit from the game room. Students who don’t have time or money to invest in a gaming console can find a much-needed respite on campus. UAB offers students from any financial background a chance to play their favorite games with friends and classmates.

Senior undergraduate Elizabeth Amos said game rooms offered her “a way to enjoy a hobby and avoid long commutes.” Elizabeth, who lives roughly 40 minutes from campus, also stated that game rooms were helpful because “It helps me relax and feel closer to home when it’s not realistic for me to drive back and forth all day.” Game rooms offer students with long commutes a chance to feel at home, even on campus. Spaces like the game room allow students to relax while trying to beat the traffic or waiting for an evening class.

While some see gaming as a waste of time, Student Affairs sees an opportunity to support the human, financial, and mental needs of all current UAB students. Come by the new game room and find out how you can benefit from a few gaming sessions.

The game room is open Monday – Thursday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday (12 to 9 p.m.). Any Blazer with a valid One Card is welcome.