Penn State students call the HUB-Robeson Center by one name, "the HUB," but it can be used for many different activities.

"If you want to meet someone this is the place to go," Robin Purcell (graduate-administration of justice) said as he swiveled in his chair behind the information desk, where he has worked for two years. "You name it, they do it here."

A student can buy textbooks, watch TV, eat, rendezvous with a study partner and plan a spring break trip in the HUB.

On a typical day, the multi-screen television in the first floor lobby commands a spattered audience in lounge chairs with news broadcasts.

On the ground floor, students sometimes get free entertainment.

"They play free concerts," said Chris Corl (freshman-business administration). "There's nothing wrong with that."

Ryan Kracaw (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said he often ends up at the HUB to "just chill in between classes."

Ted Depuy (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said he enjoys the comfortable chairs in the HUB.

Depuy, Kracaw and Corl discussed their favorite HUB eateries as they awaited the start of a group meeting.

"Union St." is the name of all the eateries in the HUB, said David T. Gingher, assistant director of food services.

He said more than 35,000 people walk through the HUB every day.

Maria Brown was sitting with some friends when their attention moved to the aquarium.

Resting in a wall next to the Corner Pocket lounge, the gift to Penn State from the Class of 1999 is a 530-gallon salt-water fish tank. It guards one entrance of the HUB.

Another entrance leads to Barnes & Noble's Penn State Bookstore.

The bookstore provides students with new and used textbooks, novels, school supplies and Penn State clothing.

Sitting across from the bookstore is the Paul Robeson Galleries, where shows such as the upcoming Faith Ringgold exhibit will be shown.

The Robeson Center also provides information on diversity for students. With offices located on the ground floor, the center promotes multiculturalism in culture, art and society.

There are places in the HUB that many students haven't even seen.

These places are in the upper two floors of the HUB where student organizations keep offices. There are also offices where outside organizations work with students.

Susan James and Vickie Lucas sat in their office on the second floor of the HUB discussing student activism. They work for the AT&T Center for Service Leadership.

Lucas said the center provides an "opportunity for students to get involved in the Centre County community."

The center sponsors activities such as Fresh Start, which will take place between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sept 7. Students can take part in volunteer work within the community surrounding Penn State.

Also in the HUB, STA Travel organizes student trips throughout the world for reduced student rates.

"Students can go anywhere they want to go," said Briana Rogers, branch manager.

When the offices close down for the weekend, Penn State LateNight takes over the HUB. LateNight activities can range from a watching free movie, playing a game of monopoly, winning money in a converted phone booth, or making your own music video.

After taking a tour of the HUB, students might find out there are as many things to do there as there are students walking through it.