New tiling, new decor and a new servery await the Winthrop House dining hall next year as part of Dining Services' gradual makeover. But with 24-hour access and plenty of extra food, the dining hall is already the House's social center.

During the day, students universally adore Sonia and the rest of the dining staff who make each meal a treat. As they grab trays and silverware, diners often groove to the sounds of "Back that Thang Up" and "What a Girl Wants."

When the moon rises, however, is when the dining hall really gets hopping.

From 8 p.m.--when the dinner crew clears out--until sunrise, groups of students gather to scrutinize problem sets and essay topics. Impromptu crowds form to chat about almost everything, from Ghungroo to sex.

"Some people set up office," Kathy Huang '01 says. "They bring lamps; they make it their own room."

Still, the atmosphere remains social.

Through the giant windows, passersby can peer down into the dining hall and spy on the action below. Friends spot pals hunched over papers and stop in to say hello.

And on weekends, when the studious find other sanctuaries, students armed with decks of cards and chips use the long tables to play poker.

Beyond extra legroom and the good lighting, Winthrop dining hall offers an even better treat--free drinks.

Ram C. Gowda '02 says "midnight soda" is a daily event for his roommates.

"It's an institution in our room, especially if we make a pizza run," he says. "It just wouldn't be right any other way."

Straggling back from Tommy's or Noch's, the pizza lovers munch and mingle with the study group crowd.

Students also devour the remains of dessert, which the staff kindly leaves for the 2 a.m. munchies.

There are usually flies around [the cakes], but people eat them anyway," Huang says.

--Victoria C. Hallett