Johns Hopkins students get their first look at new student center

After participating in a recent preview tour of Johns Hopkins University's new Bloomberg Student Center, senior Lulu Hassanein was left with one thought: How soon can I come back? For Hassanein, and for thousands more Hopkins students, the waiting is mostly over.

For the first time in its history, Johns Hopkins has a dedicated student center, a modern new space that responds to the needs and input of students, who for years have sought more campus spaces for socializing, performing arts, student support services, and much more. Students got their first look at the building on Monday, Aug. 25.

"You can tell that there's been so many people that have put their thoughts and input into it to make sure that it's a welcoming environment for the students," said Hassanein, a voice major at The Peabody Institute.

The Bloomberg Student Center—named for JHU alum Michael R. Bloomberg, Engr '64, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the 108th mayor of New York City, in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to supporting students across Hopkins—is designed to meet the evolving needs of the Hopkins student community, creating spaces devoted to fostering connections and engagement. It includes new dining options, a theater, dance studios, club meeting rooms, recording spaces, and an esports lounge, as well as areas for gathering with friends.

A phased opening of student center spaces and amenities is planned through the first year of operations—food service and dining will open to students and university affiliates later in the fall semester, and portions of the building will open to neighbors from the surrounding community at a date to be determined after the building and its amenities are fully operational. The building's official opening, slated for October, will coincide with the kickoff of the university's celebration of its 150th year. In the months ahead and throughout 2026, JHU's Sesquicentennial celebration will reflect on the university's storied past, honor its rich history, and look to the future. In the student center, Hopkins has introduced a vibrant new gathering place that promises to redefine the student experience going forward.

Among the many students eager to experience the new building is senior Simren Shah, co-captain of JHU Shakti, the university's competitive Indian classical dance team.

"This is a huge benefit for our team, as one of our biggest resource limitations in the past was finding large practice spaces with mirrors," Shah said. "The student center now gives us consistent access to spacious, well-equipped rooms whose dimensions can reflect the stage space at competitions."

Shah said she's also excited to use the building's indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.

"The new student center will, without a doubt, have a positive impact on student life," she said. "It will offer a welcoming environment for students to gather, socialize, and relax outside of classes. This is something I believe Hopkins has long needed to bring the community together."

Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

Students are also looking forward to experiencing the building's new state-of-the-art theater. Senior Bryan Ocampo, president of the JHU Barnstormers, said that an additional stage on the Homewood campus will help the theater group take their productions to the next level. He also expressed excitement about the BSC's new dining options, which will allow him and his team to grab quick meals during long build sessions and rehearsals.

"The Barnstormers, and the Hopkins theater community in general, has been aching for more performance and rehearsal space," Ocampo said. "I'm excited to see how our organization can flourish with the additional resources that the student center will provide."

The new theater will host its first production, the annual Theater O-Show, on Aug. 29. The O-Show, or Orientation Show, invites JHU theater groups to perform their favorite scenes and one-acts from the previous year, giving incoming students a taste of the Homewood theater scene.

According to Student Body President Stone Meng, the BSC will bolster the overall student experience, strengthening the university's sense of community.

"I'm excited for the many clubs that will utilize the new spaces, the local tastes we'll get to savor, and the pride of having a modernized building on the Homewood campus," he said. "Our campus has gained another beautiful space, and I can't wait to see all the opportunities and stories that it will create."