Norris University Center

Norris is a decent student center. They have an amazing Starbucks café and lounge area good for people watching and studying if you’re into that loud vibe. The food in the food court is the best you’re going to get on campus. Not amazing but solid food that taste decent. They have subway, a salad bar, stir fry/​pasta station, burgers, pizza, and sushi. The game room in the basement is usually quiet and Artica is also a cool place to paint pottery. Overall, solid place to chill/​study.

Norris University Center is potentially the best thing Northwestern (and, let’s be real, Evanston) has to offer. It may not look like much from the outside, but the inside is more glamorous than the palace of Versailles, more welcoming than a grandmother’s embrace and more vibrant than your local indie coffee shop. There’s a food court, a Starbucks, a Dunkin, celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ first and only campus resturant Frontera Fresco – wow, what a place! There are great views of the lake and plenty of sturdy chairs and (less sturdy) tables. I spend more time here than with my family and have no regrets whatsoever. Suffice it to say, Norris is truly an oasis amidst a campus of desolation and hopelessness.

Norris is pretty great – Starbucks, food court, Dunkin… what else does a student need?

Landmark Review:
Best student center in the country IMHO! I recently went back to my alma mater and had some extra time to burn before attending an art show. The comfy couch and public computer labs remain on the second floor. Now they have free US world and Chicago tribune newspaper to read while you wait. Situated along this area is a large starbucks which is ready to fill your caffeine needs. If you are hungry just head on downstairs for the food court with pizza, sushi, crepes, and smoothies. You can’t go wrong! Also in the basement is a arcade center and other activities to keep you busy. Be sure to stop by the bookstore to pick up some wild cat gear before leaving!
Pro: great amenities, staff is friendly
Cons: none
Hidden gem:
1. Free newspapers
2. WIFI available if you have a NU account
3. Free computer use upstairs

Norris is the student center for Northwestern University.
It’s a great place to just hang out with friends, study, pick up a cup of coffee at their Starbucks, get some juice smoothies at Jamba, and get your textbooks inside their bookstore.
Norris is also adjacent to the «Lakefill» — an area with curving walkways, endless trees and park benches. Great place to just step off of campus and enjoy Lake Michigan right next door!