One of my favorite things as a LSU student is learning about the history of my soon-to-be alma mater.

I’ve spent many afternoons perusing archived editions of the Reveille, fascinated by how much life has changed through generations of Tigers. However, the information doesn’t stop there; I hear many stories from family and friends who share their experiences of campus life during their time as undergraduates.

I learned from one such tale of yesteryear that LSU once had a movie theater just steps off campus. I wish that were still a reality. Apparently, students aren’t the only ones to come and go.

After doing a little Nancy Drew work, I discovered that this said movie theater is still standing. The Varsity, which serves as a live music venue located right next door to The Chimes restaurant, was once where locals and students alike enjoyed the latest film releases.

While a live music venue is cool, the Varsity Theatre isn’t the only one that exists. There’s literally the Revelry right next door, available for our favorite local college bands to do their thing.

Imagine Canes, live music venues and a movie theater all on the same strip, that would be a major win for LSU students.

Movie theaters are quintessential shared spaces to wander off to for a bit of planned or spontaneous entertainment. A much-needed third space.

While coffee shops and dining options serve their purpose, a movie theatre would be the perfect hub for a solo date in between classes or for a weekend movie date with friends.

And yes, I know there’s a Cinemark on Perkins Rowe, which I do happen to enjoy and frequent occasionally, but having a movie theatre so close to campus would make moviegoing more accessible, especially to first-year students settling into their new home away from home.

Not to mention, there’s something about a historic movie theater that has qualities a modern one lacks. Historic theaters spark up feelings of nostalgia with their ornate details and charm.

So who can we collectively petition to either bring back The Varsity as a full-on theater or at least a place to occasionally screen our favorites and new releases?

The Revelry hosts Tuesday karaoke nights, what if the Varsity took a page out of their book and hosted Monday-Thursday movie nights? We still want bands to play, obviously, but why not make room for a few monthly screenings? I know a list of regulars that would keep the box office busy.

The LSU Geaux Film program gives students the chance for hands-on experience in film making and having a movie theater right off campus would be the perfect place to screen these projects. Imagine a film festival right on campus showcasing films from student filmmakers.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to take a great venue and offer a new third space right on LSU’s campus. A film festival would not only bring increased visibility but also increased revenue to LSU School of Theatre. Whether students are front and center or making major contributions behind the scenes, the exposure a Film Festival could provide is indelible to LSU Arts.

The more entertainment options, the better. Students won’t just stay cooped up in their dorms and apartments day and night.

LSU’s campus and its surrounding areas are prone to evolving with the addition of food trucks and walk-up coffee shops, so let’s continue this exciting trend of expansion.

While many students regard LSU’s campus as its own city within Baton Rouge, why not actually treat the campus area like one? Ditch the traffic and allow students to have all they need in walking distance right on LSU grounds for safety and convenience.

Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans.