On Aug. 25, students, faculty and affiliates attended the First Look Ceremony for the new Bloomberg Student Center on Homewood Campus. Guests toured open-concept areas, sampled dining options set to open this fall and explored private rooms for studying, gaming, dancing and more. Students collected swag and mingled with project managers and contributors as they experienced each aspect of the new building.
The Bloomberg Student Center is a four-story community space designed to promote student engagement across the Hopkins community. With meeting rooms, a marketplace and a movie theater, the building was tailored to students’ needs and heavily shaped by their input. In an email to The News-Letter, a University spokesperson shared more on the process.
“Every program element in the Bloomberg Student Center was informed by student feedback. Before design began, [the University] partnered with a consulting team to conduct a [yearlong] exercise to determine what Hopkins students wanted in a student center,” they said. “Above all, we learned that students sought a place to exercise creativity.”
Given the student-driven approach, students were quick to explore how they might best use the space. Sophomore Rebecca Lai shared her thoughts in an interview with The News-Letter.
“I think it’s going to be a great spot for social activities like studying together with friends or eating together,” she said.
Hopkins has planned a multi-phase opening for the building. According to the current University timeline, by the end of the spring 2026 semester, the Bloomberg Student Center will be fully open with all amenities available to students and faculty. A University spokesperson listed the following dining options, which will open within the next year:
- Koshary – An Egyptian-style option serving dishes such as lentil and rice bowls, halal shawarma, and falafel, inspired by Baltimore’s Koshary Corner
- Connie’s – This expanded-menu version of Connie’s Chicken and Waffles will offer chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, and other delicious breakfast options.
- Urban Kitchen – The team behind Hampden’s Urban Oyster developed this dining addition, which will serve brisket bánh mì, mushroom fritters, burgers and salads .
- Lucky Danger – Award-winning chef Tim Ma, a Hopkins alum, has crafted a menu including modern takes on Chinese American classics for this stall.
- Any Day Now – Also operated by Ma, fresh coffee and light bites will be available at this café for an on-the-go option or a pre-class pick-me-up.
The opening follows years of construction with multiple delays and setbacks. A University spokesperson explained the reasons behind the delays.
“Bedrock was chipped away in a manner that minimized noise and vibration so as not to disturb our students and the surrounding community. Construction slowed as a result. While the [University] strives to complete all construction projects as originally scheduled, speed often must be gaged against other factors, including impact to our community and the environment, and above all, safety,” they wrote.
Despite delays, students expressed excitement about using the new space. During the ceremony, hundreds of students came to preview the much-anticipated interior. In an interview with The News-Letter, sophomore Justin Pokrant shared his first impression.
“It’s very modern — lots of people, lots of food, lots going on. It seems to be popping right now. There’s a lot of energy and excitement around the student center, so it’s good to be here,” he said.
Students also expressed satisfaction with having a space to relax and socialize. In an interview with The News-Letter, freshman Jasmine Sandhu expressed her appreciation.
“Getting away from academic stress for a little bit and hanging out in the student center to meet with friends and get away from that pressure...” Sandhu said. “Establishing more places that combine studying and activity so that you have a good balance of social life and academics [is important].”
The Bloomberg Student Center represents a growing interest in student-driven architecture on campus. Fostering community beyond classrooms and living spaces may continue to shape the University’s future construction projects.
