Within the 1,410-acre Fresno State campus, including the university farm, there is wonderful agricultural beauty and urban buildings in every corner. As summer ends, and the next school year starts, the hustle and bustle of campus will return. When you need to take a break or find some peace in the midst of your workday, take some time in one of these peaceful spaces on campus (of course a couple are in construction zones at the moment, but bookmark them for later).

1. Peace Garden
Located just outside the Fresno State Library, the Peace Garden is traversed by faculty, staff, students and campus visitors en route to class or events across campus. The space is popular for laying on its rolling green hills or resting under the tall trees when the sun is shining brightly upon campus. With statues of peace and social activists like Mahatma Gandhi, César Chávez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Peace Garden stands as an inspiration and tribute to lives devoted to peace and activism. Next time you walk across the Peace Garden take some time to slow down and look at the different individuals who have made an impact in this world.

2. Conley Art Building
A space filled with colorful murals and modern installations, the Conley Art Building is a quiet place to think. Sit by the tall trees in the middle of the courtyard, or visit the Phebe Conley Art Gallery, which provides a rotating exhibition space for Art and Design Department students. This space will give you the opportunity to connect with the surrounding community of the arts.

3. Leon S. Peters Building
Being one of the tallest buildings on campus, the fourth floor of the Leon S. Peters Building is where many can see an all-around view of Fresno on a clear day. Climbing the stairs at night for a scenic overlook of the city lights or for the morning sunrise will definitely make your worries go away.

4. Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room
The Fresno State Library is popular for its unique Lady in Red, Starbucks and remarkable collections. On the third floor is the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room, which could be one of the quietest rooms on campus. Filled with comfortable couches and tables, the room provides a serene atmosphere where you can put on your headphones, read a book for pleasure or take a short nap if no events are happening in the space.

5. Allergy-Free Demonstration Garden
Next time you find yourself near the Smittcamp Alumni House and in need of some quiet clarity, visit the Allergy-Free Demonstration Garden. The wonderfully hidden garden, right behind the Alumni House, is designed to help those who suffer from hay fever and allergic asthma. It has lots of benches and concrete structures perfect for a lunch break or a quiet area to free your thoughts.

6. Greenhouses
Behind the Science II building, lies the clear greenhouses. The largest greenhouse contains the most diverse flora. There you can find banana trees, begonias, orchids, coffee bushes, ginger and ferns. It is the perfect brisk walk for clearing your mind or wanting to embrace the natural beauty of the unique plants.

7. Pond behind Science II
Right beside the greenhouses is a secret scenic pond where the thought of being in Fresno will disappear from your mind. The tucked away spot leads you to a small walkway that includes a dock right above the water. There you can find many beautiful plants and visiting cats enjoying the picturesque space.

8. Leon S. Peters Event Plaza
The newest building on campus is the Resnick Student Union filled with many spaces for meetings, studying and eating. One of these spaces is the outdoor tiered seating area designed for you to sit or lie back. The unique cement layout and green grass is embedded with lights that glow in the night.

9. Joyal Administration Building (outdoor seating)
A hidden gem among the fast pace of campus-goers walking to class or home, the tucked away seating area in the middle of the Joyal Building is the perfect place to take a break. The area is quiet with rays of sunlight gleaming through the open spaces above.

10. Reflection Pathway
Located just south of the popular fountain and in front of the Resnick Student Union, this area was designed to mimic a dry river bed, giving members of the campus community a peaceful walkway to refresh the mind and get away from the hustle and bustle of campus life

11. University Student Union Courtyard Plaza
Beside the bustling science labs of McLane Hall and north of the University Student Union lies dozens of seating areas for taking in fresh air or eating lunch. The space is popular for sightings of roaming cats and its uniquely built brick seating booths designed for privacy and peace.

12. Bulldog Trails
Taking a purposeful walk around campus is the perfect way to clear your mind. Whether you are taking a morning run or needing a quick walk during the afternoon, the Bulldog Trails is a great way to see many different areas of campus.

Check out this video for more peaceful places on campus.