2015 Living Guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM’S 2016

Living Guide

THE DAILY ATHENAEUM

2 | LIVING GUIDE

We asked you:

What do you wish you knew before moving off campus?

Wednesday November 18, 2015

“I wish I knew more about the leasing process, and how to know exactly what I was getting into.”

—Callie Anderson Sophomore Business Management Student

“I wish I knew how hard getting downtown is with traffic in the mornings.”

—Drew Lester Sophomore Wildlife and Fisheries Student

“I wish I knew that the traffic sucks when you live off campus.” —Casey Gentile

Sophomore Journalism Student

“There’re other options other than what’s commonly known. I wish there was more advertising or marketing for other places.”

—Makayla Raby Junior Forensics Student

“I wish I knew how inconvenient it could be at times (to live off-campus).”

—Thomas Halloran Sophomore Business Student

“I’m from a big city, so I’m used to heavy traffic, but I wish I knew about the road conditions.”

—Eric George

Human Nutrition Student

“You’re just not aware of different prices around. You only know the prices of what’s popular.”

—Jordan Sekinger Junior Chemistry Student

“I wish I knew how expensive it was to eat. When you live on campus, you have a meal plan. Now, food is my biggest expense.”

—Kayla Heggie

Sophomore pre-pharmacy student

“I wish I knew what it was like to live with other —Kathryn Kerner people.”

Senior Accounting Student

“I wish I knew how hard parking downtown is.” —Justin Asch

Sophomore Exercise Physiology Student

Wednesday November 18, 2015

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LIVING GUIDE | 3

The Domain at Town Centre offers luxury and affordability

By Rachel McBride Staff Writer @DailyAthenaeum

The Domain at Town Centre prides itself on being “the newest and most luxurious student housing community serving West Virginia University students.”

The Domain is located in the University Town Centre, just minutes away from the Evansdale campus and a short drive to downtown Morgantown.

The apartment complex is also near a movie theater, Target, Walmart, Giant Eagle and a number of

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restaurants.

Amenities for The Domain include, but are not limited to, fully furnished apartments, stainless steel appliances, a flat screen TV in every living room, a resort-style pool and free WiFi Internet access. The complex is pet friendly.

The complex offers one, two, three a n d f o u r b e d ro o m apartments.

One bedroom apartments start at $1,006 per month ; two bedroom apartments start at $655 per month; three bedroom apartments start at $593 per month; and four bedroom apartments start at $560 per month, according to their website.

The Domain rent rates include all utilities, except electricity. This rate

The Domain at Town Centre. includes fees for water, sewage, trash, Internet and cable TV with HBO. “I love the view of the

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city that I have and all the amenities that are available to me,” said Jacqueline Braham, a current resident at The

Domain. “I also really on The Domain, visit : love the bus system. It http://www.domainmormakes getting to class so gantown.com/. easy.”

For more information danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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Wednesday November 18, 2015

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living edition | 5

The Ridge provides all-inclusive, off-campus housing by rachel mcbride Staff writer @dailyathenaeum

Campus Park at The Ridge provides an all-inclusive student housing experience in Morgantown, West Virginia, according to its website.

In addition to fully furnished units and free WiFi, residents have amenities such as a Mac computer lab, outdoor kitchen, late night shuttle service and a brand new 24-hour fitness center.

The Ridge offers three and four bedroom apartments. The price for a standard three bedroom, three bathroom apartment starting August 2016 is $509 per room, per apartment, $399 for a standard four bedroom, four bath-

Campus Park at The Ridge room and $425 for a deluxe four-bedroom, fourbathroom apartment.

D eluxe apar tments are bigger with a dining area and more private entries into each bedroom.

ridgewv.com

All utilities are included in the rent price per room.

“I don’t like living here because I feel like it’s so far away from my classes,” said Delilah Ruebush, a Ridge resident this semester. “There’s only

one bus, and it takes forever.”

Former resident, Christianna Shaffer lived at The Ridge for two years and had renewed her lease for a third year. After experiencing some dishearten-

ing situations, however, she decided to leave the complex.

“The amenities and rent (were) great... That’s why we (originally) chose to live there,” she said. “(But) they did not take into ac-

count who they paired up to live with each other... It was a terrible experience.”

For more information on The Ridge, visit: http:// ridgewv.com/. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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6 | LIVING EDITION

Wednesday November 18, 2015

WVU to host off-campus housing fair today

By Tessa Iglesias Correspondent @DailyAthenaeum

On Wednesday in the Mountainlair Ballrooms, West Virginia University will hold an off-campus housing fair for students looking for prospective places to

live for the upcoming 201617 school year.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will provide students with an opportunity to explore the off-campus options Morgantown has to offer.

“We’ll have large cor-

porate-owned apartment complexes coming, like West Run Apartments, Campus evolution villages, The Domain at Town Center and still others,” said Brian Walker, off-campus housing director at WVU. “We’ll also have some downtown campus landlords, such as

Giuliani Properties, Wincor Properties and Mountaineer place. And the University Apartments offerings will also have tables at the fair, like University Place, University Park, Vandalia and College Park.”

In addition to landlords, there will be a table for State Farm insurance, as well as a display on renters insurance. Walker said it’s important for students to have insurance.

“If something happens to your property while you’re living off campus—let’s say that there’s a fire, or we have a flood, or if somebody breaks in and steals your belongings—the landlords are not responsible for replacing them,” Walker said There will also be a table from Student Legal Services where representatives will be available to answer

questions about leases or can look over the sample leases some landlords may bring to the fair.

“I thought the off-campus housing fair was helpful because the people there were very friendly, and I got lots of free stuff. There was so much information available about housing, and it really helped me with deciding where I wanted to live for the following year,” said Julia Copenhaver, a junior at WVU, recalling her experience with the offcampus housing fair her freshman year.

Students often come out of the housing fair loaded with giveaways from landlords, which can make the housing fair a fun opportunity, as well as an enlightening one.

Walker said students should attend the off-cam-

pus housing fair because it can be informative about the many options students have for housing.

Simply googling “Morgantown student housing” will only lead to landlords with big marketing budgets and large staffs, according to Walker, but there are many more landlords in the area than just that.

“We have 1300 (landlords) in the area,” Walker said. “That’s a lot to pick from, but a lot of students don’t know about them.”

The off-campus housing fair will be available to answer any questions or concerns, while arming students with the information needed to make an informed decision about signing a lease. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

West Run gets mixed reviews by rachel mcbride staff writer @dailyathenaeum

West Run is an apartment complex just a short drive away from both the Downtown and Evansdale campuses.

Amenities for West Run include, but are not limited to, a private balcony and patio for all units, walk-in closets, a pool, hot tub, clubhouse, free Wi-Fi and access to a Mountain Line Transit stop.

West Run apartments offer two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Prices for West Run are based per room per apartment.

This coming August, prices for a standard two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment starts at $610. The price of rent for a standard three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is $490, and the price of rent for a standard four bedroom, four bathroom apartment is $455.

West Run Apartments.

Premium apartment prices range from $645 for a two bedroom apartment, $525 for a three bedroom apartment and $490 for a four bedroom apartment.

Premium apartments offer more space for each resident.

“I like it because it’s away from the downtown area,” said Maddy Beardsley, a current resident at West Run. “It’s

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quieter up here.”

Current resident Jake Delaney also enjoys his experiences at West Run. “I like living here,” he said, “but the maintenance is absolutely terrible.”

For more information on West Run, visit: http:// westrunapartments.com/. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

Wednesday November 18, 2015

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WVU students have access to Student Legal Services

By Jordan Miller Staff Writer @DailyAthenaeum

For the legal aspects of housing on or off-campus, West Virginia University students have access to Student Legal Services, which provides advice and representation to all enrolled who have paid their student fees.

SLS will take on everything involving housing, from lease reviews to reclaiming security deposits, in an attempt to keep Morgantown landlords accountable for how they treat their tenants.

“We really truly do find that when students are educated about an issue, it changes the way they handle the problem,” said Carrie Showalter, managing attorney for SLS. “… When students come in for a lease review and they understand their rights and responsibilities, they have less issues a lot of times, and they know how to handle things a little bit better as they go forward.”

In reviewing leases, Showalter said it’s important to make sure students are aware not only of what they’re agreeing to but also of the binding and enforceable nature of signing a legal document. Students should know both their rights and their responsibilities as it pertains to the lease.

A free service, SLS has saved students more than $141,000 in legal fees alone since April 2015, according to Showalter.

“Working with students is really rewarding, and we don’t charge anything, so a $500 security deposit

is a lot of money to a student, and for them to go hire an attorney to address that would be cost-prohibitive,” Showalter said. “…

We’re able to make change and actually assist students in cases that they wouldn’t have assistance (otherwise).”

Showalter said students should come to them as soon as an issue arises so they can address it and begin the legal process in a timely fashion to better chances for a favorable outcome.

Philip Lehman, a legal graduate assistant and second year student at the College of Law, said when students go to SLS for landlord disputes, current and future tenants are benefitted as landlords are held accountable.

“It creates a nice balance. Not only does (SLS) help (students), but it helps landlord-tenant law here in Morgantown, it keeps the landlords in check with the statutory law. I think (the managing attorneys) do a great job making sure the students’ claims are heard,” Lehman said.

Along with housing, SLS takes on civil issues, such as expungements of records, powers of attorney, family law, wills and contracts.

In criminal cases, however, SLS can only provide advice, not representation. SLS also cannot handle issues between two or more WVU students or cases filed against the University.

For cases that require specific expertise, like patent law, immigration or tax disputes, SLS will provide referrals to other places where students can get the help they need.

“I would advise all

students, if they think there’s an issue happening with their landlord, to come and see us, and we can evaluate the claim and hopefully help them,” Lehman said.

Students may call SLS to schedule an appointment at (304)-293-4897 or email sls@mail.wvu. edu. There are additional walk-in hours at 4:45-7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in room G5 of Elizabeth Moore Hall. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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living guide | 7

8 | KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Evansdale Evansdale appeals to Mountaineers for its convenient local and campus resources in a quiet, laidback environment. If you’re looking to step back from the hustle and bustle of the downtown, Evansdale offers easy options for living and commuting between campuses.

West Virginia University has recently added a plethora of new Evansdale dining options and entertainment on campus, with even more on the way. In the new Evansdale Crossing building located next to the Student Rec Center, students can chose between multiple eateries on meal-plan in the First Floor Marketplace.

Fast, on-the-go spots include Collo Rosso Pizza, Hugh Baby’s BBQ and Burger Shop, Little Donkey

Tacos and Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. Students can also enjoy a juice bar and a coffee shop on WVU Crossing’s rooftop level.

In a short five minute walk, Mountaineers can enjoy off-campus locations along Patteson Drive. Not only do students have access to a 24-hour Kroger, late-night food options including Taco Bell, Burger King, Little Caesar’s and McDonald’s are also a vailable.

If you’re looking for dinein experience, check out local restaurants Mario’s Fishbowl and Boston Beanery located along University Ave for pub-style grub. Adventurous eaters might even be tempted by Evansdale’s Asian cuisine options, such as Ogawa and Volcano. ‑CNW

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The Domain Although the Domain’s location makes residents reliant on busses or other forms of automotive transportation to reach campus and downtown fun, its proximity to a whole shopping center gives students living there opportunities others do not have.

With University Towne Centre right in its backyard, students living at the Domain have walking access to tons of shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Although Chilis, Cheddar’s, Red Lobster and the ever-so-cheap Cici’s Pizza don’t offer the local charm that some downtown restaurants have, these chains are known for their consistency.

With Regal Morgantown Stadium 12 only a stone’s throw away, the Domain

is an excellent location for movie buffs. The theatre is located right in front of the Domain, meaning residents do not need to drive, or struggle with parking, to see the latest blockbuster hit.

With the recent addition of the new baseball stadium right next door, the Domain is also an excellent area for sports fans. When the Mountaineers aren’t taking the diamond, people can watch the West Virginia Black Bears compete.

The Target, Walmart, Gamestop and other stores mean that Domain residents are never without food or material items. Although separated a bit from the rest of Morgantown, the Domain offers residents a lot of things to do. ‑WT

Wednesday November 18, 2015

Sunnyside While much of Sunnyside is undergoing serious renovations, the area is still a major hub of student life.

Iconic Morgantown restaurants such as The Rusted Musket and Mutt’s provide students with a timeless WVU feel. For those 21 and older looking for late night fun with friends, Mutt’s on Beechurst is a fun spot to spin the shot wheel and snag specials. For students looking to enjoy a healthier latenight option, The Greeks located in Beech View Place is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Owner and chef Dimitrios Kolettis said The Greeks is a great spot for students because the restaurant serves simple, one-of-akind food that is all prepared in-house.

“It’s very healthy, and it’s one-of-a-kind here in Mor-

gantown,” Kolettis said. “It is Greek. Greek is simple and we make everything in the house, this is a family owned business.”

Students who opt to stay in can also dessert dial warm cookies, brownies and ice cream sandwiches from Insomnia Cookies. The latenight delivery service, located beneath University Place, will drop hot cookies at any student’s doorstep. Insomnia Cookies isn’t the only UPlace business crafting up popular student dining.

Students looking to use Mountie Bounty can purchase not only meals from Sheetz’ Made-To-Order option, but can also browse for certain groceries at the downtown convenience store.

-CMW

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Wednesday November 18, 2015

andrew spellman/dailyathenaeum

Dickey’s Barbeque is located on Van Voorhis Rd.

Stadium

As a student, living by Milan Puskar Stadium puts you in a West Virginia University hot spot where good grub, brewed beverages and Mountaineer sports take precedent.

Within walking distance of the small community residing around the stadium are an array of dining options for students.

For a caffeine boost, or a place to study, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts provide affordable, convenient options. Both are located on Van Voorhis Drive within walking distance from the medical PRT, allowing students from various points on campus to commute without a car.

If you’re looking for a boost without the caffeine, Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant’s margarita and specialty enchilada is a go-to for students looking for an affordable meal out.

Dickey’s Barbeque located next to Starbucks also provides an affordable option for lunch or dinner.

WVU student and Dickey’s Barbeque employee Ivy Meadows said that the restaurant provides students daily specials.

“We have a lot of offers here,” Meadows said.

“We really try to reach out to the student population here in Morgantown.” ‑CMW

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The DA’s guide for WVU’s most popular student living communities Although recent construction plans make it seem like the school is trying to move the town’s center to somewhere between Evansdale and Sunnyside, there is no beating the charm of downtown Morgantown.

The historic center of the city, High Street, and the surrounding blocks have become the go-to areas for nightlife, shopping and dining.

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West Run One of the largest student living communities resides just beyond one of the biggest entertainment hubs in town. The West Run area not only offers a handful of affordable housing options, but also many great dining and nightlife options for students on a budget.

Suncrest Town Centre, located off of Stewartstown Road., has dozens of formal and fast-food options to try. For students on the run, drive-thru spots such as Mar-

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD | 9

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tin’s Barbeque, Five Guys, Dairy Queen and Sonic are available. For those looking to kick back on the weekends, check out Primanti Brothers, Buffalo Wild Wings or Pies and Pints for some tasty local favorites.

Suncrest Town Centre also offers shopping destinations such as the trendy

women’s apparel boutique Park and Madison, Cowboys and Angels, and a LOFT Outlet.

The Moutainline conveniently extends its route to service students traveling to both the Suncrest Town Centre and Pierpont Centre shopping areas. ‑CNW

Naticakes is located in Suncrest Towne Centre.

Downtown

Downtown offers a variety of housing options, from oldschool apartments overlooking the city’s center, to rentable housing along the nearby streets. There is something for every living style.

Clubs and bars along High Street such as The Annex, Jameson’s and Joe Mama’s give students places to dance, meet up with friends and enjoy a few drinks. For the more

adventurous, great bars such as the Apothecary are tucked away on side streets, offering stunning drink selections and calmer atmospheres.

Food is also easy to come by downtown. Establishments like Tailpipes, The Highstreet Diner and Soul Brothers offer delicious and quick in-andout meals. For those desiring a more sit-down vibe, downtown is home to many pubs

and breweries such as The Iron Horse Tavern, Morgantown Brewing Co. and J.W. Thirsties.

For music lovers, the area has venues such as the new Mainstage Morgantown and historic 123 Pleasant Street, which offer almost nightly performances from local groups and nationally acclaimed bands alike. ‑WT

10 | LIVING GUIDE

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Wednesday November 18, 2015

Transportation a factor in housing decision

By Amy Pratt

Staff Writer @DailyAthenaeum

Transportation in Morgantown can be complicated, especially with the growing number of students and hilly terrain.

Fortunately, West Virginia University and local services offer some methods of transportation to students.

The PRT and the bus are common methods students use to get to class and travel between WVU’s campuses.

Both are free for students with their WVU ID. Taylor Fama, a freshman biomedical engineering student, lives in Oakland Hall on Evansdale Campus. She uses both the bus and the PRT to travel downtown for class. Though she prefers riding the PRT because it drops her off closer to her first class, she usually takes the bus.

“The PRT is not reliable enough,” Fama said. “The bus is more reliable than the PRT, and you know exactly where it’s going to be. They (have) the Twitter and the schedule. You can use the schedule to find out where (the bus) is supposed to be and the Twitter to know where it actually is.”

While the bus is usually more reliable than the PRT, it also has its disadvantages for Fama.

“If you miss the bus, there’s not another one for 20 minutes. It’s not like you can wait for another bus to come in the next five minutes,” Fama said. “Also, comparing the bus to the PRT, the bus doesn’t increase its productivity or the number of runs it makes based on how many people need it. The PRT will have more cars running on the track and more runs during a rush time, but the bus can easily get overcrowded.”

file photo

Morgantown residents struggle to find parking spaces during the week.

Josef Heller, a biochemis- football stadium between try student who lives in Col- the Downtown and Evanslege Park on the Downtown dale campuses. Hedrick campus, thinks College rides the Valley View 44-line Park’s location can be in- bus downtown for class and convenient. While walking takes the PRT to medical to class can take too long, it’s and then walks home. She also too close to drive. prefers finding the bus be“I always walk to and cause it stops right in front from my classes because it’s of her home, but it stops hard to find parking. There running at 2:15 p.m. is parking at College Park, “The bus is pretty reliable, so I have the option of hav- sometimes it leaves a little ing car, but I don’t drive to earlier than it should, but it’s just by a couple minutes. class,” Heller said.

Heller has to walk up a It’s just enough that if you’re large hill to get home after running a little late, it’s a litclass, which he didn’t real- tle risky,” Hendrick said. “It’s ize when he decided to live quick and part of the reason I live there.” at College Park.

“I picked the apartment The real problem will based on the fact that it be in the winter, however, has family units, but then I when Hedrick will have to found out that it’s at the top walk home from the mediof this giant hill, and I was cal PRT. like, ‘Holy crap that kind Some of the off-campus of sucks,’” he said. “But I’ve apartments offer shuttles only lived here so this is all that take students downI know. I know some people town or to Evansdale. Camwho lived in the dorms be- pus Park at the Ridge, The fore drive to class because Lofts, Copper Beech and of the hill...”

Campus Evolution all offer Even with the hill, Heller shuttles. plans to continue walking to Most students who live class in the winter months downtown can walk or because finding parking use the Mountain Line downtown will only get Transit Authority. To harder with more people check bus schedules and driving. where they service, visit Denali Hedrick, a soph- http://www.busride.org/ omore strategic commu- Maps-Schedules. nications student, lives at danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu Chateau Royale near the

Wednesday November 18, 2015

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LIVING GUIDE | 11

Construction still affecting UPlace residents by madeleine hall staff writer @dailyathenaeum

University Place is located on University Avenue on the Downtown Campus and is one of the newer apartment complexes at WVU. UPlace has a number of apartments, studios and townhome.

Apartments are fully furnished and all utilities are included in rent.

Community amenities include a fitness center, study lounges, a WVU/ Mountain Line bus stop, outdoor courtyards and a number of food options, such as a Sheetz, Insomnia Cookies, Burgerz n Dogz and Papa Allen’s Pizza.

Individual apartment amenities include granite kitchen countertops,

hardwood style floors, private bedrooms, private and semi-private bathrooms and a washer and dryer in certain units.

Apartments are furnished to include a flat screen TV, new couches, entertainment centers and bedroom furniture.

UPlace has a policy of individual lease responsibility or “by the bed leases,” meaning that a roommate’s failure to pay rent will have no negative consequences on your credit.

Parking leases are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

“UPlace is pretty nice, but it’s quite expensive,” said Karl Mueller, a WVU sophomore and Uplace resident. “They’re going to raise rent next year, so I

frequently advise people against living here.”

Isaac Estep, also a sophomore at WVU and resident at UPlace, said he hasn’t enjoyed the recent construction in the area.

“They are still working on the building, so frequent loud construction noises disturb your day,” he said. “I have to yell to talk to someone a foot away.”

Rent at UPlace is currently $750 per month.

Because rent is rising, leases signed or renewed by Nov. 30 is $760.

If leases are signed after Nov. 30, rent is hiked to $775.

For more information on UPlace, visit http:// uplace.wvu.edu. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

Vandalia Apartments boasts prime location by madeleine hall staff writer @dailyathenaeum

Vandalia Apartments is located on the corner of Falling Run Road near the College of Business and Economics, within walking distance of the Downtown campus.

Community amenities include a nearby Mountain Line bus stop, a laundry facility, covered parking facilities for $125 a month and parking for $112.50 a month.

Individual one and two bedroom apartments are furnished with a kitchen bar and bar stools, a sofa and chair, accessory tables, curved shower rods, beds, dressers, desks and desk chairs.

Apartment amenities include brushed steel kitchen appliances like a microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher, private bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning.

Vandalia Apartments uses individual leases and room-

Vandalia Apartments mate matching, and is open year round.

Water, gas, electric, sewer, Internet, cable and sanitation are all included in rent.

“Honestly, I really enjoyed Vandalia. It had a great location,” said Michael Forester, a WVU senior who previously lived in the apartments. “We had one of the larger rooms which was very spacious, however, the smaller rooms are quite tiny and cramped.”

Also “annoying,” Forester

file photo

said there isn’t free parking available.

“And (rent) was expensive…for the price, (apartments) should have been bigger,” he said.

Rent at Vandalia Apartments is $699 a month per person.

For more information on Vandalia Apartments, visit http://vandaliaapartments. wvu.edu. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

University Place is located on University Avenue near the Sunnyside neighborhood.

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living guide | 13

Ten important questions to ask before signing a lease

By Jamie Mason Correspondent @DailyAthenaeum

“Is there parking?”

If you have a car at school with you, this answer is imperative. Especially in Morgantown, parking is one of the hardest things to come by, making this one of the most important things to ask about before signing a lease. You don’t want it to be move in day and after you unload your car, realize there is no place to park.

If parking is offered at your new home, be sure to find out whether or not there is an additional fee for it, as well.

“Are utilities included in my rent?”

Many times for apartments or houses off-campus at West Virginia University, students have to pay for utilities on top of monthly rent. It is crucial that before signing a lease, you find out whether or not utilities are included. How bad would it be if one month into your school, the electricity turned off because you

don’t want to lose your house halfway through the semester because one of your roommates can’t afford their share of the rent.

“Are there any known Many places offer separate issues or damages to the leases for each resident, apartment?” ensuring your roommates’ The home you want to mistakes won’t affect you. live in may be beautiful, “What are my transporbut what if the toilet won’t flush, or the bathtub doesn’t tation options within walkdrain? You should always ing distance?” ask the landlord if there are Whether it’s walking, any known physical prob- driving or taking a shuttle lems or maintenance is- to class, you should always sues, and more importantly, consider how far away camcheck for yourself. Land- pus is from your new home, lords might not be upfront, and how you will get around. so you don’t want to be Morgantown has a number held accountable for some- of hills, so make sure there one else’s handiwork. Also, is an easy way to navigate ask about who takes care of to and from classes, withmaintenance and how to out trekking up and down get in contact. the mountains of West Virginia. Especially if you don’t “What are my leasing have a car, transportation options?” like shuttles, buses and the Living on your own dur- PRT can be crucial to traveling college can be very ex- ling not just to class, but to pensive, so sometimes it’s the grocery store, the bar or necessary to have room- anything else in town you’re mates. Before you or your interested in. potential roommates sign “How can I decorate?” the lease, ask if each person People like to express has his or her own lease, or a “by the bed” lease. You themselves artistically and didn’t know you had to pay the electric bill? Also clarify, if all or just some utilities are included.

make their rooms their own, and many times, this may mean hanging photos or posters. But sometimes, landlords and apartment complexes are stricter than others with decoration policies, and doing anything that could possibly damage walls or doors.

Ask what you’re allowed to physically do to your new living space before making any style choices. Wouldn’t it be terrible if you lost your security deposit because of one nail in the wall? Be wary of “redecoration fees” landlords could be charging on top of security deposits, and if there is prior damage to walls or carpets, document it with a photo and show your landlord to avoid being charged when you move out.

they’re located, and how much it costs to use them.

If you live in a communal apartment, check to see if the machines are free or coin operated, and if they’re functional.

“Can I bring my pet with me?”

College is a time to gain responsibility. For some, this may mean adopting a pet and learning to take care of an animal. Whether you have one now or might want one in the future, you should ask whether or not pets are allowed. If pets are allowed, be sure to see it in the lease and find out if there is an additional fee for the pet to live in the house, or for further damage. Also check restrictions on pets.

Some landlords will allow certain dogs under a spe“Is there a laundry cific weight, and may ban unit?” select breeds.

You might not partic“What is the guest ularly enjoy laundry, but it’s necessary to consider policy?”

WVU is a school many if there’s a washer and dryer in your new home students are proud of and or nearby. If these features want to show it off to their are not inside your house family and friends from or apartment, ask where home, which means lots

of guests. Sometimes landlords have a policy in their lease, however, that prohibits guests from staying overnight or for a period of time.

Find out the guest policy before you sign if you think you might have friends over for a visit, or else you might end up leaving some loved ones stranded. Also check if guest parking is available for visits, and if special arrangements must be made with your landlord.

“What is the policy on breaking my lease?”

College isn’t for everyone, and family issues aren’t planned, so what happens if after one semester, you need to move back home, drop out of school or take some time off? Before signing your new lease, ask about the terms and conditions of needing to break it, for any reason.

Find out how much notice is required, and how much you’d have to pay, or if you’d be forced to find a new tenant for subleasing.

Campus Evolution evolves housing

By Jamie Mason correspondent @DailyAthenaeum

Campus Evolution is located minutes from the Downtown and Evansdale campuses and has a number of different features.

Amenities include an onsite café, 24-hour fitness center, including basketball and volleyball courts, 24-hour computer lounge, pool, hot tub, tanning beds, parking and free shuttle service both to and from campus.

Campus Evolution has two, three and four bedroom apartments with private bathrooms, a washer and dryer, Internet service and HD cable with HBO. There are individ-

ual leases and modern furniture for each bedroom.

Andrea Phung, a WVU junior and tenant at Campus Evolution, pays $655 a month, which includes all utilities.

The free shuttle is Phung’s favorite part of living at campus evolution. “(It’s) super convenient… and nice for when I’m too lazy to drive,” she said.

Although the shuttle is her favorite amenity, Phung said it still has its downfalls. She wishes Campus Evolution was closer to the University when heading to class in the mornings.

While the distance is a concern, Phung has lived there for two years and recommends it to other students.

andrew spellman/the daily athenaeum

Campus Evolution Villages.

“Overall, I’ve had a great experience,” she said. “The employees are super nice and really work with you. The place is spacious, and the shuttle makes getting around easy if you don’t have a car.”

For more information on Campus Evolution, visit http://cevillages.com/findhousing/campus-evolutionvillages-morgantown/. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

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Wednesday November 18, 2015

Student Renters Alliance offers students protection

By Trey Santorine

the first time, from absentee or exploitative landlords starting this spring.

A student organization The Student Renters Al- at West Virginia University, liance will fight to protect the group aims to be an instudents, often renting for valuable campus resource Correspondent @DailyAthenaeum

by providing a resource to name exploitative property owners, recognizing outstanding landlords and offering services to students being treated unfairly.

After the indictment

of Copper Beach, a multimillion dollar student housing complex that was found to have collected tens of thousands of dollars in illegal charges from students, Student Government Association Governor Mac McIntyre saw the importance of an organization that would advocate for the rights of individual students.

“The Student Renters Alliance is a student solidarity network to stand up against landlord exploitation, and make sure that students know their rights and that they’re not being taken advantage of,” McIntyre, a senior political

science student, said.

The new student organization will act as an advocate for the thousands of student renters at WVU, helping to mediate conflicts between landlords and tenants, or directing students toward relevant legal services if necessary.

In addition, the organization will produce publications to inform students about particularly notorious landlords in the area.

“We’ll get the word out and say, ‘Here’s a landlord that’s been very bad historically, here’s a landlord that’s been taking advantage of students, here’s a landlord that won’t fix

problems or charges excessive fees,” McIntyre said.

“It’s really about education and information, especially after freshman year where students are moving out of dorms, helping guide them through the minefield of choosing an apartment for the first time.”

The Student Renters Alliance will also highlight the specific landlords in Morgantown that go above and beyond to support their student renters, while providing them with a safe environment. Students will be able to better choose who to lease from and where. danewsroom@mail.wvu.edu

Helpful Resources Water: Morgantown Utility Board 304-292-8443 http://mub.org/ Electric: MonPower 1-800-686-0022 Trash: Republic Services 304-366-8900 http://republicservices. com/ Internet, cable and phone: Comcast (800) 266-2278 http://xfinity.com/ Mail keys: U.S. Postal Service 304-599-5769 https://usps.com/ Gas: AmeriGas (304) 296-8206 http://amerigas.com/

Wednesday November 18, 2015

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