Typically, teenagers spend between 7–9 hours sitting each day (NHS UK), much of which happens during the school day. Whether it’s in lessons, at lunch, or while revising, sitting is almost unavoidable. Therefore, I think it is important to know where the best places to sit are around Wimbledon High. While it is always better to move more and sit less, if you do have to sit, this is my personal ranking of the most and least comfortable options the school has to offer:
8. At the bottom of my ranking is the steps in the auditorium. While it is not traditional seating, the steps are a flexible option during assemblies or talks. However, they are not the most comfortable option. That said, they are still preferable to standing for long periods in my opinion.
7. The high stools in the science labs are next. Although they are not designed for long-term comfort, the stools are surprisingly practical. Their height encourages better posture so they can be relatively comfortable. Also, the height makes it easier to get in and out of the seat during practicals/experiments.
6. The seating in the Rutherford Theatre automatically earns bonus points for being cushioned. The seats are reasonably comfortable with my preference being the front row of the upper section as it offers a good view and has the most leg room – optimal for those with longer legs. Overall, the theatre seating offers a comfortable seating experience.
5. Next are the chairs in the Hastings Dining Hall which offers a variety of seating options, so really #5 contains three different seats…First are the benches downstairs which are fun to sit on with a small group of people. Next are the main chairs used both downstairs and upstairs which are pleasantly comfortable. Crucially in Hastings the interplay between the tables and chairs really shapes the seating experience. My two personal favourites are the big round tables and the booths. The big round tables are fun for a big group, allowing everyone to chat easily amongst each other. The booths upstairs are great for a cosy vibe – bonus points for the cushioning too.
4. In fourth place are the spinning and rolling chairs in Graphics. They allow you to move while seated which is relatively unique – being able to roll between desks is surprisingly useful and makes the lessons even more fun.
3. Making it onto the first spot on the podium are the colourful spinning and rolling chairs in Computer Science (Room N). Similar to the chairs in Graphics, they are both functional and entertaining. They do fit comfortably underneath the desks in Room N, which is one reason I am ranking them higher than the Graphics chairs. They remaincomfortable even through a double Computer Science lesson and add a bit of colour (literally) to the school day.
2. In second place are the big armchairs in the 6th Form spaces. They are spacious, comfortable and well-suited for longer periods of sitting. I can attest to many hours spent completing coursework and homework in the armchairs. They are often the first seat to be taken up in the Common Room and are a popular option for good reason.
1. In first place, controversially, are the benches in the Pit. When the weather allows, the benches in the Pit are easily one of the best seating options in school. They are so versatile; a spot to sit and soak up the sun while getting a bit of fresh air, a place to sit and chat with friends, to eat lunch, or even to study in a group. Unfortunately, their main drawback is their dependence on the season, but during the warmer months they are hard to beat.
My main takeaway would be that, where possible, you should aim to stand up and move around and avoid spending long periods of time in one place. However, as sitting is often unavoidable during the school day, being mindful of where you choose to sit can make a difference. Maybe try out another spot and see if you like it better. Hopefullythis guide encourages you to think about where you spend your time and whether there might be a more comfortable option. After all, if we are going to spend hours sitting each day, we might as well do it in the best seat possible.
