Admit it. You wish you went to school at Hogwarts. Flying around on brooms through secret passageways and chambers would have been real cool. Yet for the time being, DU has some astonishingly secret spots of its own. This campus may seem small at times, but there are a lot of breathtaking nooks and crannies waiting to be explored. Visiting any of these five will bring a greater appreciation for the DU campus, something we could all use while hastily struggling through the final weeks of the academic year. Photos and map by Connor Davis.

Compass at Mary Reed

On the west side of Mary Reed is a beautiful patio facing the Rockies, and on the edge of this patio is a wonderfully unique compass that provides vast geographical information about DU and its surrounding area. What makes this compass so unique is that it includes specific Coloradan locations, such as fourteeners and surrounding towns, with arrows pointing accurately towards them. For example, Boulder is to the north of DU, so the compass features an arrow pointing to the right that says “BOULDER – 34 miles”. Blossoming bushes and the flowing water will make this navigational adventure a very peaceful one.

Driscoll roof

Everyone walks over Driscoll Bridge, yet almost no one hangs out on the north side’s incredible rooftop patio. Head through the silver doors of Student Life, and the entrance will be straight ahead. This area, full of tables, chairs and umbrellas, is big enough to fit 100 people, and offers great views down Evans into the Rockies. When there’s extra time between classes or just an urge to study outdoors, this is the place to be.

Top of Sturm

Sturm’s many brick walls and utterly confusing layout often make it hard to find a good view, but on the top floor right next to room 483 is a giant window that looks north over DU’s athletic fields and the gold-crowned Carl M. Williams Tower. It’s a rare sight amongst the Sturm’s stressful design, serving as a refreshing pit stop on a day full of classes. There are also multiple comfy chairs and tables for catching up on those last minute assignments.

Top of Mary Reed

To find what is quite possibly the best accessible view on campus, peer out of the staircase at the top of Mary Reed. Follow the flights all the way up and take a glance out the building’s north side for stunning views of Carnegie Green, Anderson Academic Commons and the Denver skyline. This is simply a magnificent angle to look at our campus and appreciate its beauty.

Law School parking garage

For views of Driscoll Green, fraternity row, Sturm Hall and the Rockies, head up the Law School Parking Garage elevator to the very top. Parallel with the law school clocktower with visibility all the way from the Anderson Academic Commons to Centennial Halls, this is one of the best views on campus. It’s also a great place to simply catch some fresh air amongst the spring quarter stress. Smack dab in the middle of campus, there’s no reason not to check this out.