Every day, students share one common concern: making it to class on time. However, along that route, they encounter an obstacle that can make or break their experience—water fountains. Scattered across campus on students’ various walking routes, each water fountain offers its own perks and drawbacks. Some provide a quick pick-me-up, while others make students regret their choices. In this travel guide, four destinations are ranked in two categories, accessibility and taste, to determine the best—and the worst.
G-Wing Bathroom: 6/10
Located in the downstairs G-wing, this water fountain is definitely a popular choice during passing periods due to its accessibility. Many students can quickly fill their bottles before heading to their class near Pride Hall or the G-wing, earning this fountain a three out of five for convenience. However, the water is lukewarm with a slight metallic taste, putting it only at a two in taste. The major downside to this stop is the end-of-lunch chaos that breaks out when students crowd the bathrooms for a last-minute stop. To ensure they make it to their next class, students should arrive early to beat the line.
G-Wing Upstairs: 8/10
This water fountain is upstairs in the G-wing, directly above the fountain downstairs, and it’s definitely the better version. Not many students know about it, so it remains relatively clean and less crowded. Think of it like a remote destination with no tourists. The water is colder and tastes clearer, giving it a five in experience. Although it is upstairs, its accessible nature earns it a three. Its location may not be the best, but it is certainly rewarding after a long day.
Outside K-Wing: 2/10
M-A’s most overhyped water fountain is located in the most crowded part of campus. The extreme chaos of being pushed left and right while trying to get a sip of water is up there with the worst experiences one can have. While anxiously waiting for your water to fill, another student is standing an inch away, pressuring you to leave. There’s never any peace at this station. The water quality isn’t the best, and the whole experience feels chaotic and crowded, resulting in two points at most.
S-Wing: 4/10
The S-wing water fountain is M-A’s biggest dice roll. Sometimes the extreme water pressure gets your shoes wet, and other times you barely get hydrated. Tucked below the S-wing stairs, this fountain is way too out of the way, earning it only a two in accessibility. The water taste also varies greatly based on time of day. It tastes pretty neutral, with no metallic taste. It’s a four, at best.
Ultimately, the upstairs G-wing bathroom reaches the podium for best fountain. Not only does it provide a five star experience, but it also offers an icy refresh on a hot day. After carefully reviewing each location, it’s clear that some destinations are overhyped and don’t live up to their name. As students continue rushing to class every day, these small stops in their passing periods will keep providing those last-minute sips of hydration along the way.
