A Fresh Look for Stu-Fac

With new couches, refurbishings, and a ping-pong table, the renovated Stu-Fac has quickly become the hub of freshman life.

image by: Celine Ding '27

The much needed Stu-Fac renovation is finally complete, and the results are striking. Once a dim, worn-out space with couches covered in stains, Stu-Fac now looks modern and lively. Fresh, gray couches line the room curving in and out. The design encourages freshmen to engage with each other and meet new friends. The lighter color reflects the sunlight, brightening the space and making it look more spacious. Also, a brand new ping pong table with paddles and ping-pong balls has replaced the battered old one, as it had long been subject to misuse. 

Many of the freshmen have commented on how much time they have been spending in the new space. With the grill right next door, the space becomes a busy social hub, as students are able to buy mozzarella sticks or another snack of their choosing, then chill on the comfortable couches to enjoy their snack before athletics. The new students love going there during a free block, after classes, or before athletics to work on homework, relax, and play games with their classmates. Several freshmen noted that they were pleasantly surprised coming to orientation and seeing the updated and welcoming space. 

Returning students, meanwhile, can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. A senior commented on how it looks like “a hotel lobby,” reflecting that the space feels a lot cleaner than before. Returners have also made remarks on how the space looks more welcoming. Many recall the old, dirty couches in need of replacement, and now wish they could have enjoyed the same comfortable hangout spot as freshmen. Still, most upperclassmen are happy to see underclassmen benefit from this vibrant space to meet new people and share memories in.

Looking ahead, the freshmen will undoubtedly continue to spend their free time in Stu-Fac, and will likely be reluctant to give it up to next year's incoming class. The school’s investment in improving this area will hopefully inspire the freshman to keep it in good condition. That said, if the space is not respected and is treated poorly, as it has unfortunately been in the past, the school will be less likely to invest in new furniture, pool tables, or ping-pong tables in the future. It is important that both new and returning students take responsibility. If you see trash around the area, make sure to clean it up and keep the new space fresh and welcoming. 

As a school, we are lucky to have this space. Everyone needs to treat Stu-Fac with the same care they would give their bedroom or dorm room, so we can ensure that future Middlesex students will enjoy it just as much as we do now. 

Stella Mourtzinos ‘26