If you are willing and able to get up before campus wakes up and the sun is shining, then check out these places for a nice and relaxing morning.
**The Columns**
Although slightly cliché, the columns are a great place to relax and watch the sun rise through the trees. Something about Francis Quad and the history behind it makes it a peaceful place to ponder your thoughts as the sky turns colors. The columns also provide some great people-watching as the morning progresses. Tip: For an even more amazing experience, try to go on a slightly cloudy day, makes for a much prettier sky.
Rating: 3 suns out of 5
**Top of Virginia Avenue garage**
The trek up the five flights of stairs might seem daunting, but it is well worth it when you reach the empty top level. Without a soul in sight, you can peacefully watch the sun take its position over the residence halls on the east of campus (College Avenue, Hatch and Schurz). In addition to being a short walk from anywhere on campus, it is also a short walk to Plaza 900 afterward for some breakfast.
Rating: 4 suns out of 5
**Peace Park**
This may be a bit of an obvious place, but still a great little spot to throw a blanket down and watch the sun come up. Just behind the J school, Peace Park is a great place for you and your sunrise-loving friends to get together for coffee (it’s not that far from Starbucks) and talk about anything and everything as the sun comes up from behind the trees.
Rating: TBD