The Health Promotion Hideaway Continues to Serve as a Vital Third Space on Campus

Between the classroom, exams, and the rest of life, students need a space where they can just be themselves.  This is the role of a third space, a place in the community where people can relax, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging. Campus Health’s Health Promotion Hideaway is just that.  

The Hideaway, named for its secluded location in the Bear Down Building, is a welcoming, multifunctional space that has something for everyone. The lounge features cozy lighting, bean bag chairs for relaxing or napping, games, art supplies, and informative bulletin boards on a variety of health topics. A dedicated classroom area supports focused studying, student group meetings, and events. Hideaway visitors can use the space for whatever they need – a taking quick nap, making new friends over a game of Uno, creating impromptu homework groups, painting with friends, unwinding with therapy animals, or simply taking a break. 

Students can also connect with health educators in the space to access support, wellness education, and resources available across campus. Amy Amaya and Ryley Tegler, health educators at Campus Health and University of Arizona alumni, regularly connect with students in a trauma informed manner. Students often drop by to ask about campus resources, share academic and personal challenges, and learn about health topics including safer substance use, mental health, and sexual health. Within the health educator’s offices, students can find judgement-free space where all questions are welcome. 

Students are the ones who have made the Hideaway a third space by developing a welcoming culture and sharing their needs with health educators. Campus Health regularly asks for student feedback so that the Hideaway remains guided by student voices and committed to reflecting what students want it to be. After their first visit to the Hideaway, one student shared “it was very memorable to find a space where students would come together. When I first came, I was able to chat with other students [who were regulars and new to the space]. It was very welcoming and provided a space where people felt comfortable.”  Survey data shows the space offers unique benefits that encourage students to come back: 

Campus Health affiliated student groups also use the Hideaway as a homebase for meetings and community building events. Groups like Sober & Thriving and Active Minds bring students together to remove the stigma related to sobriety and mental health, while groups like SHAC and WellCats focus on holistic health topics. Hideaway visitors can also drop in to engage in social events hosted weekly by the WellCat Ambassadors, including:  

Student engagement at the Hideaway tells us something important: spaces that foster connection, rest, and belonging matter. The Health Promotion Hideaway demonstrates how intentional environments can support student wellbeing across campus. University of Arizona employees are encouraged to stop by, experience the space, and connect with health educators about health and wellness education, workshops, and consultations.. Your visit might spark ideas for how similar spaces and partnerships could support students in your own unit.