Unspoken public etiquette rules

With the start of a new semester comes a hoard of people who are learning how to navigate and live on the Hill, and that’s great! However, let’s establish some unspoken public etiquette rules that everyone — mainly me ­— on the Hill has to follow in order for all of us to have a great semester — a.k.a. so I don’t go insane.
1. Phone calls in public spaces — take it outside.
Phone calls: we love them! It’s important to make time to call friends and family from back home to keep them updated on what’s going on with your life. However, don’t take your calls in designated study areas like the library or the Holland Loft. I mean this in the most loving way possible: no one needs to hear your phone call when they’re trying to study. Instead, go for a walk around campus, relax in your dorm, or go to a dorm lounge. Also, if you’re on a call, be mindful of how loud your volume is. In other words, let’s not put ourselves on blast by putting the call on speaker.
2. Spatial awareness is needed in Stav.
Ah, Stav — everyone hates to go, but it’s necessary to in order to survive. Here’s the thing: I get it, it’s crowded and overwhelming in there, but please, let’s be mindful of where we’re going. If you’re mindlessly walking around trying to figure out what to eat, let’s also keep an eye out for where you’re walking to avoid running into people or making it harder for others to get around. Also, if you’re going to stand in the middle of Stav while you’re waiting for a friend, respectfully, get out of the way and be mindful of the people around you.
3. Clean up after yourself, please!
Public spaces are communal, so let’s clean up after ourselves. Don’t leave dirty dishes on tables on the Quad or near the Cage. It’s really not that difficult to take the extra step to put things where they need to go. Also, if you spill in Stav at a table or on a chair, clean it up. Everyone needs a place to sit in there, and it’s not the next person’s job to clean up your mess.
4. Talking on the sidewalk? Move.
I love yapping as much as the next person — trust. It’s fun to see people you know and friends when you’re walking in between classes or around campus. However, everyone is trying to get somewhere whether that be to a rehearsal, a meeting, class, or whatever; and it’s really not helpful when you decide to just stand in the middle of the sidewalk to have a conversation with someone. Move to the side so that you can catch up with your friend while also letting other people get to where they need to be.