PCC’s game room offers a place for students to de-stress

Playstation, Gamecube, Game Cards, and a soccer table are some of the most played games by students at the PCC student union.

With the stress of finals this whole week, the student union at PCC has created a space where students can take a break while studying to play some video games.

Some students are combating their unease by visiting the student union where they are able to play a variety of video games or utilize the lounge to hang out with friends or take time to themselves. 

Jose Reyes is an engineering major and student of LBCC and uses his free time to play videos games at the game room in the student union. Reyes said he is in the process of transferring to Cal State Long Beach. 

“I love being here. I have met so many friends in the game room. Every time I’m going to take a test, I come here first, I play for a few minutes and then I go to take my test,” Reyes said. 

Rodrigo Gonzalez also shared his thoughts about his experience in the game room.

“I can consider myself addicted to video games. I come here everyday. I don’t care what others say, I love to play video games. I have my own console at home but I also play here. I don’t think I’m wasting my time because I’m passing all my classes,” Gonzalez explained. 

Gonzalez said that he is concerned about the students that fail their courses because of the amount of time they spend in the Game Room playing Super Smash Bros or Yu-Gi-oh cards. 

“I have seen friends in the room for almost 5 hours. I don’t ask them how they are in their classes because I don’t want them to get mad. I think it’s beneficial to play cards or games for a little bit but when you play for hours you might neglect your responsibilities,” Gonzalez said. 

The student union allows students to use the available facilities that the PCC offers. They are also allowed to bring their own games to play as well.

LBCC student Michael Cruz expressed his point of view about the game room. 

“I know that a lot of people think we are weird because we spend hours playing games but it is part of life. We are not bad people, we just love games,” Cruz said. 

“My dad recently gave me the new Mortal Kombat video game. I’m so happy. I’m pretty sure many people are against this room but it is a way to escape from stress and finals. I prefer being here than smoking marijuana outside.”

Student support staff have acknowledged that some students do spend a lot of time in the student union. 

Students like Brian Alamina believe the game room is convenient for students and their schedules. 

“I think it is awesome because you’re able to play with your friends. Also, you met new people. All my friends in school are from this place, they like me how I am. To be honest I’m so grateful because PCC has this amazing student union,” Alamina said. 

With the game room, students now have the convenience to wait there during their breaks before they return to class which also helps students interact easier with staff. 

The PCC Student Union and game room are available for any and all students who are looking for a place to unwind during finals.