Televisions playing the Big Ten Network and CNN hummed in the background the afternoon of March 31 as students wandered through the newly renovated Nebraska Union.

Students were welcomed back from spring break with new furniture placed throughout the union, which created a more social space.

“As soon as we got here we had to explore all of it,” said sophomore speech pathology major Maggie Steinhauser. “It’s very modern and very inviting.”

The project, approved June 7 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, is limited to the first floor of the Nebraska Union building. The renovation includes new carpet, vinyl flooring, paint, furniture, improvements to the south entrance and a redesign of the information desk and Caffina Café coffee shop completed at the start of the semester.

Couches, flat screen TVs and big tables amenable to working on group projects are part of the new furniture additions to the space. Students were already jumping at the chance to be among the first to take advantage of them.

“I like that it feels like you can study here but also be social,” fifth year psychology major Erin Rogers said. “The old furniture made you feel like if you came here to socialize you were interrupting others studying.”

Outdoor furniture was also a part of the renovation. Sophomore psychology student, Kailee Schmitt, said she is excited to see that space offer more seating.

“I always thought the space looked a little bare,” she said. “It will be great to sit out there when it’s nice out.”