Can I bum a cigarette?
A wacky ride through the Smoke Spot
Smoking kills, yes. It also smells, stings the eyes and yellows the teeth.
But once you look past that, you may find yourself in one of Hunter College’s most diverse, if not well-advertised, subcultures.
The Smoke Spot is a well known venue for young students, professors, and staff to get away from it all for about 10 minutes. One often sees a cigarette connoisseur posing near a no-smoking sign, courtesy of CUNY’s Tobacco-Free Policy.
The combined efforts of college security, inclement weather and no seating have ultimately failed to stifle the vibrant and delightfully resilient community of smokers at Hunter College, so if you can’t beat ’em, meet ’em.
Kevin, 22, Psychology
What is one thing that would make the Smoke Spot a more enjoyable experience?
Kevin said: “Seats.
More seats.
I really need to sit down.
My legs, they ache.
We need more seats.”
Thea, 20, Psychology
What is one thing that bothers you about the Smoke Spot?
Thea said: “People always come up to me and they’re like ‘Hey, do you have a cigarette?’ or ‘Hey, where is Hunter West?’ or like, ‘Hey!’ And I’m like, ‘Really? I’m trying to read here oh my god.”
Lil Mo, 20, Psychology
What do you feel would make the Smoke Spot a better experience?
Lil Mo said: “Seats. Oh everyone’s been saying that? Scratch that then. There should be cheaper cigarettes. And we should be able to smoke in that art gallery.”
Katerina Velikaya, 20, Psychology
What do you like about the smoke spot?
Katerina said: “The people are really friendly. It is actually a nice place to come and hang out and make friends. And people should come even if they don’t smoke, everyone is welcome!”
Amy, 21, Art History
What would you do if the smoke spot disappeared tomorrow?
Amy said: “Haha I would probably stop smoking. No, I was just kidding. I, uh, I don’t know I would smoke in front of the East building then.”
Stephanos, 22, History
What is one thing that would make the Smoke Spot better?
Stephano said: “I love the smoke spot.”
Victoria, 21, Political Science
What do you feel would make the Smoke Spot a better experience?
Victoria: “Are you talking to me?”
The Tab: “Yeah I–”
Background Man: “Or me?”
The Tab: “No Victoria I was asking you.”
Victoria: “Oh”
Background man: “Oh”
Victoria: “Seats. We need seats.”
T he Shark, 20, Film
What do you feel would make the Smoke Spot a better experience?
The Shark: “Weren’t you just at the smoke spot?
The Tab: “…”
The Shark: ” And now you’re here, in a nondescript grassy field? This sudden change in scenery can only serve to confuse your audience and challenge your credibility.How does anyone know I’m not a stock photo? They should let us use the Art Gallery to smoke in.”
Christopher, 22, Political Science
What do you feel would make the Smoke Spot a better experience?
Christopher: “We need seats. Also, these stinkin’ college security cats keep hassling me about ‘Hunter Property.’ Listen bozos, I am Hunter Property.”
Maya, 20, Art History
“What is one thin–”
Maya: “No, sorry I don’t have anymore cigarettes.”
The Tab: “Oh no, I’m sorry, I am simply asking people what is one thing they don’t like about the smoke spot?”
Maya: “Oh. Too many people are asking for cigarettes. Like, honestly, you should buy your own pack of cigarettes!
Jimmy, 2, Container Certification Program
Jimmy: “Hey, could I bum a smoke?”