We see them scattered, confined to specific areas around campus where they hover aloofly, cigarettes dangling from their lips.

Smokers seem to bear a certain social stigma, especially when laws mandate their isolation.

Today, smoking has shed much of its early 19th-century glamour — it is much less prevalent in the media than it was even 20 years ago. But the tobacco industry still manages to reap billions of dollars in profits each year.

So why do people continue to fork over such hefty chunks of their paychecks to finance their habit, even though many recognize the health risks that accompany lighting up?

“I like smoking,” said Peter*, a faculty member who wished to remain anonymous. “I can’t stop; I have no compulsion to stop.”

He has been smoking for 25 years.

Smokers often light up to alleviate stress. Senior Abby Sheppard, who is in the process of quitting, explained how she picked up the habit as she politely declined a smoke from a friend.

“At first, I started smoking as a stress reliever,” Sheppard said. “I worked in the restaurant industry … and smoked with coworkers on breaks.”

Sophomore Daniel Garnes began smoking about a year-and-a-half ago to combat stress as well.

“I found I enjoy it. It has a certain aesthetic pleasure,” he stated. “It does help to relax you. When you’re working on a paper or homework, it helps to have a forced break to help contemplate things.”

However, smoking is a pricey practice. Senior Julian Mun smokes three packs a week, amounting to around $15 a week total.

“I buy the ‘buy one, get one half off,’” he said, “so it’s kind of reasonable.”

In November 2005, Seattle passed Initiative 901, which banned smoking in public buildings and also within 25 feet of the doors, windows and vents that serve those buildings.

While many are unfazed by this restriction, sophomore Jason, who requested his last name be withheld, was displeased with the law.

“I think there should be bars that you can smoke inside. … It’s cold in the winter,” he joked. “People should just be aware of their cigarette smoke.”

On the UW campus, smoking is prohibited everywhere except in designated smoking areas.

Though the intent is to control the output of smoke so that people who prefer not to inhale it don’t have to, these supposedly secluded areas weather a lot of foot traffic.

“I find it kind of funny that they put them in the most populated areas,” Garnes said. When he attempted to sidle away to a more private spot, “I was told a few times to go to the designated areas closer to the people who don’t like it as much.”

Presently, all 36 of the stations are also uncovered.

“When it rains, I wish they had more sheltered areas,” Sheppard said.

One of these areas in particular, located between Kane Hall and Suzzallo Library, is one of the major intersections on campus, noted sophomore Andrew Crooks, who took up smoking just last year.

And while smoking may exact a dent in one’s bank account, the charge for flouting campus law is far greater.

Smokers risk a $250 fine if they are discovered smoking in university facilities or outside of the designated areas.

There may be a sentiment in society to shun those who’d rather shell out $4 for a pack of Camels than a latté.

“It seems like it’s definitely not praised,” Jason stated. “You’re kind of looked down upon. When [others] see someone smoking, they’re less likely to be friendly.”

Crooks finds these situations quite humorous.

“I think it’s kind of funny,” he said. “On Sunday nights, you get a lot of glares from parents who are dropping their kids off.”

Garnes spoke of what he dubs the “passive-aggressive cough,” a loud, nonverbal expression of disapproval from nonsmokers. This produced a knowing laugh from Crooks, who has also been on the receiving end of that judgmental cough.

“Smoking’s not too offensive, is it?” Garnes wondered rhetorically. “Maybe to some people.”

Mun, however, does not often detect such alienation.

“I don’t really care. For the most part, I don’t [feel judged],” he said.

When in the company of nonsmokers, all agreed it’s important to maintain a level of respect. Smokers generally delay getting their nicotine fix while around nonsmoking friends or others who would disapprove.

“I always do the ‘behind the back’ when I’m around kids,” Mun said, gesturing how he conceals a cigarette and admitting that children eventually notice the wisps of smoke.

But smokers are usually honest about the reality of their habit — and their addiction.

Transfer student Andy, who asked to be referred to by his first name only, acknowledged his addiction as he joined Peter and Jason at the designated smoking area by the music and art buildings.

“I am addicted to smoking,” Andy said. “Well, you know, I enjoy smoking. Right now, I smoke because I am addicted, and I ran out.”

With this, he requests to bum a cigarette off Peter, who apparently borrowed one from Andy a few days ago. Peter gladly returns the favor.

“There’s a real camaraderie around smokers now,” Peter explained as the three shared a brief chuckle over the tobacco transaction.

Their light banter turns serious for a fleeting moment.

“I like pretty much everything about [smoking], except the part where it kills you,” Andy said.

Crooks also recognizes the addiction.

“Honestly, at this point, it’s just a need,” he said.

Sheppard, in contrast, doesn’t consider herself addicted.

“It’s not so much the nicotine,” she said. “It’s more of an oral fixation.”

Through showers and sunshine, smokers remain isolated in their designated smoking areas, exchanging a cigarette or a laugh, huddled around the ashtrays until their lights flicker out — and they rejoin the masses.

Reach reporter Rachel Solomon at features@dailyuw.com.