Fresh air and hammocks help Columbia College students find balance
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – College is the time where students learn the skills and information necessary to succeed in their future careers. It is also the time for them to learn about well-being, and Columbia college is making sure they do just that.
As a member of the honors program and swim team, Noah Jackson often takes advantage of the latest addition to the Columbia College campus – the Hammock Village – designed for wellness and community.
“It allows me to like, take a mental reset, to really think about how I’m doing in classes and the swimming pool,” said Jackson. “And just overall to relax and connect with nature.”
“This is one of our efforts just to get people outside, communicating with each other, socializing, and also helping them to understand that there are different ways to relax and really renew and feel good about themselves.” said Columbia College Vice President of Student Affairs Sandra Rouse, Ph.D.
The goal is to help students build resilience for dealing with life’s challenges.
“What we have to do in terms of student wellness, is to think beyond mental health and counseling services, and how they can manage the rest of their lives by being strong and having balance in their lives,” Rouse added.
Elementary Education Major Katie Roberts has discovered students do not have to look too far to find that balance.
“When I realized I’ve been in my room for two hours doing homework, I will be like, ‘okay, let’s go outside,'” explained Roberts. “I see the hammocks; they are in front of my dorm room. I can go study there. It’s nice to be in fresh air and not be cooped up in a room for five hours doing just homework.”
There are two Hammock Villages on campus, and both officially opened for use this semester.
With plans to create more outdoor environments like this, Columbia College hopes to continually enhance opportunities for students to focus on well-being so they recognize the value and strength of rest.
Mast General Store, Inc. partnered with the school to create the Hammock Villages, and Columbia College told ABC Columbia the company will partner with them for future efforts.
In addition to helping students with well-being, the college is also committed to helping the community focus on well-being. Columbia College will host the Wellness in Action Festival, April 25, 2026. The event, which is open to the public, includes a 5K race, live music, healthy cooking classes and other activities. Learn more about the event.
