When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Emory Student Center
Why Emory Student Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Emory Student Center is a vibrant hub designed to foster community, collaboration, and student engagement on Emory University's campus. Opened in 2019, this modern and spacious facility offers a welcoming environment where students can meet, study, relax, and participate in a wide array of activities. Its innovative layout includes numerous gathering spaces, meeting rooms, and a large multipurpose ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,400 guests, making it adaptable for both intimate meetings and large university events. The center’s design emphasizes openness and connectivity, integrating multiple pavilions connected by a skywalk to invite students from all directions around campus. Highlights include The Dobbs Common Table, a high-tech gaming and recreation lounge, a convenience store, a coffee shop, and cozy study areas featuring a color-changing gas fireplace, all aimed to enrich the student experience and build campus spirit. Beyond serving students, the center is designed as an inclusive space for faculty, staff, and guests, truly embodying a campus family nexus. Its thoughtful acoustic design enhances comfort by minimizing noise, while flexible spaces promote both academic collaboration and socializing.
Here's what people think of Emory Student Center
As of recent, Emory Student Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 101 reviews.
User reviews of the Emory Student Center are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in a stellar 4.8-star average rating from over 100 reviews. Many reviewers praise the center’s bright, modern atmosphere and the abundance of versatile spaces that accommodate studying, social events, and relaxation. Users appreciate the well-designed dining options, including The Dobbs Common Table, and the convenience amenities such as the Eagle Emporium. The gaming lounge and collaborative study areas are also frequently highlighted as standout features that enhance student life. Positive reviews often mention the sense of community the center fosters, describing it as a welcoming place that stimulates connection among students and the broader university community. On the other hand, some negative comments revolve around occasional crowding during peak times and the acoustics in some areas despite the building’s overall noise control efforts. A few reviewers noted that some services or spaces could be more staffed or accessible during busy periods. Overall, the consensus is that the Emory Student Center successfully serves as the campus’s "living room," offering a dynamic and inclusive environment central to student engagement and daily life at Emory University.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Osh'arr Nicole The Cake Lady
I delivered over 100 Cookies here and the Staff was super friendly and directed me to the right area. They were all super nice! The building was nice and clean and smelled fresh!!!
James Lloyd
Very professional staff members and a great learning environment!
Elaine Chou
Nice place to study
C H
Nice, clean place to study and relax, with a lot of fun events. I wish there were more fresh fruit (that is ripe, and not still greenish) in the Eagle Emporium with the meal swipes. It would also be a nice touch for the meal swipes to include a drink as well (or at least water). The water fountains don't work in this building.
Kiera Anderson
Great team well organized, and very communicative
How to reach Emory Student Center
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Why Emory Student Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Emory Student Center with your friends? Emory Student Center serves as a vibrant hub designed explicitly for connection, community building, and fun, making it an ideal gathering spot for friends. Its welcoming atmosphere fosters inclusivity where visitors can socialize, engage in activities, or simply unwind together in comfortable lounges. The center is much more than a passive space—it offers dynamic opportunities that encourage personal growth and memorable experiences. A notable 4.8-star rating from over 100 reviews confirms its popularity and the satisfaction of those who have made it their go-to meeting place. Whether your group seeks active recreation, entertainment, or a relaxed environment, the Emory Student Center delivers a breadth of options under one roof. Hosting a meetup here combines convenience with variety, ensuring that everyone in a group can find something enjoyable to do, all within a supportive, lively campus setting. This makes it a unique and compelling location to rally friends for any occasion.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Emory Student Center with your group? The center provides a wide spectrum of engaging indoor and outdoor activities that cater to diverse interests, making it perfect for group meetups. For those interested in sports and physical fitness, the facility includes a gymnasium capable of hosting basketball, volleyball, or badminton games, complemented by a full array of conditioning equipment such as treadmills, stair masters, and free weights. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can enjoy access to multiple swimming pools including an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts (both hard and clay surfaces), basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a multipurpose field that can accommodate various games. In addition to physical activities, the center offers professional instruction across an impressive range of classes: dance styles including jazz, ballet, and salsa; martial arts disciplines like Tae Kwon Do and Aikido; group fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, and tai chi; and even niche pursuits like indoor cycling and boxing. These options ensure that regardless of your group's preferences, there is an activity to suit every fitness level and interest, all coordinated by experienced Emory staff.
Why is Emory Student Center ideal for socializing and entertainment? Beyond sports and fitness, the center excels as a social hub by providing excellent entertainment and lounge spaces tailored for group interaction. Multiple student lounges offer comfortable seating and include amenities such as flatscreen TVs with cable and HDMI capabilities, ideal for watching shows or screen mirroring personal devices. These lounges are popular spots for casual gaming through free access to board games, billiards, foosball, and video game controllers available via the RecRe rental program. The availability of equipment like PA systems for outdoor events further enhances options for group entertainment, allowing meetups to incorporate music or announcements seamlessly. Moreover, the center's dining options, including the Clairmont Cafe, provide convenient spaces for groups to eat, relax, and recharge during or after activities. This broad offering of entertainment, relaxation, and food services under a single roof makes it easy to plan an engaging and comfortable gathering that keeps everyone connected.
What meeting and event spaces does Emory Student Center offer for larger group meetups? The center features an array of versatile meeting rooms designed to accommodate diverse group sizes and purposes, making it excellent for formal or informal gatherings. Facilities range from smaller conference rooms suitable for intimate discussions and planning sessions to large ballrooms like the Cox Ballroom that can host up to 500 guests — ideal for banquets, presentations, or celebrations. These spaces come equipped with AV capabilities for multimedia presentations, as well as private and outdoor areas, enabling groups to customize their meetup according to needs. Additionally, the center is wheelchair accessible and allows alcohol and catering services onsite, which adds convenience and flexibility for hosting group events of varying scales and styles. Proximity to the airport and available onsite support options further enhance its suitability for special occasions, professional meetups, or community events.
How does the Emory Student Center support inclusive and diverse group experiences? Emory Student Center emphasizes creating an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and encourages meaningful connections. Its programming and spaces are structured to be accessible and inclusive, with features like family locker rooms and facilities accommodating all abilities. The broad range of classes — from martial arts to dance and mind-body fitness — attracts diverse participants, fostering a culture of mutual respect and cultural exchange. The center’s staff actively facilitate engagement through unique events and programs available on platforms like The Hub @ Emory, which help groups discover activities tailored to their interests. This intentional focus on diversity ensures that groups find not only entertainment and recreation but also a supportive community setting that enriches social meetups with deeper connections and shared experiences.
What additional benefits make Emory Student Center a top choice for gathering with friends? Besides its extensive facilities and inclusive atmosphere, the Emory Student Center stands out for its professional and well-run operations that enhance every visit. The center offers a staffed Welcome Desk for assistance with questions or reservations, simplifying the planning process for group events. Many facilities are accessible 7 days a week, with some outdoor areas illuminated until late for evening activities. The location’s high rating underlines consistent positive user experiences, reflecting quality maintenance, friendly staff, and safe environments. Furthermore, the center’s integration with Emory University’s vibrant campus enriches the social vibe, providing stimulating surroundings where groups can feel energized and at home. Together, these features make Emory Student Center not just a practical venue but a desirable destination for meaningful, enjoyable group meetups.