Housing Guide 2019 by The Daily Pennsylvanian

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 HOUSING GUIDE

Table of Contents 3

Planning your on-campus housing application

The Quad mold crisis, a year later

Tenant rights for off-campus living

New Campus Apartments furniture policy

Why your Quad hall-mate has a sink — but you don't

Greek life and mandatory on-campus living

Six off-campus luxury apartments near Penn

Fast facts: on-campus housing options

How New College House can become a home

OPINION | Don’t be afraid to live alone in college

OPINION | Lowering rent increases incentive to live on campus

OPINION | The Philadelphia eviction crisis

OPINION | Know your rights as an off-campus tenant

OPINION | Freshmen, appreciate your housing situation now

34th STREET | Nine tips for maximizing a small space

34th STREET | How to grow a succulent on campus

34th STREET | Bring the studio into your home with these yoga apps

34th STREET | Planting in your apartment

On-campus applications open Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. CONOR MURRAY Senior Reporter

The application process for on-campus housing will start at the beginning of the spring semester. Here are all of the key dates you need to know, thanks to information provided by Penn Business Services Director of Communications and External Relations Barbara Lea-Kruger. All of the housing applications will open on Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. Although all students

apply through the same portal, there are multiple different types of housing applications students can choose from. All housing applications will be closed by late February. Students applying to live in a Program Community, which are application-based programs where students live on the same floors as other similarly interested students, must complete their applications by 1 p.m. on Jan. 27. Program Community applicants will be notified of their decisions by Feb. 4 in the afternoon. Examples of program communities open to upperclass-

men include the Rodin Art Collective, the Jewish Cultural Studies Project, and Zulu in Residence. For upperclassmen who plan to reside in the same college house the following year, the "Return to House" application is due on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. Those students will be assigned a timeslot for the priority selection period, which will run from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12. The priority room selection period offers applicants the best chance to get the room they want. During the priority room selection, each group of applicants will have a times-

lot in which they will be able to select their desired room. If a group misses their timeslot, they will have to select a room during the open selection period, which will take place from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13. For rising juniors and seniors applying for room retention, applications are due on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. Those students will be notified of their assignment the following day, Feb. 7. Students applying to move to another house must apply by 1 p.m. on Feb. 17, and will be notified of their timeslots for priority selection that afternoon. The priority room selection pe-

riod will run for two days, from Feb. 18 to Feb. 20. Students moving to another house who have not yet selected a room will be able to participate in open selection. This open period will run from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. To maximize the chance of getting your desired room by gaining all relevant information on the houses, Director of Residential Services Pat Killilee said students should learn about their options by attending information sessions. These events include the “Meet the 4-Year Houses” and “Meet the High Rises” in December.

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

A breakdown of on-campus housing deadlines

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 HOUSING GUIDE LINDA TING

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

A year after a mold crisis afflicted hundreds of rooms, the Quad sees a sharp decrease in reports Penn reinstalled pipes and ceiling in the Quad JASON YAN Staff Reporter

In fall 2018, multiple Penn students left their rooms in the Quad and had to be relocated because of mold found in their rooms. Now, a year later, Penn Residential Services say there are no largescale mold problems in the Quad. In October 2018, about 100 residential rooms in the Quad had evidence of mold, moisture, and mildew. The health hazard forced more than 10 students to relocate to nearby hotels for a week. Since then, Penn has replaced roofs, reinforced pipes, and reinstalled ceiling tiles in Quad rooms. “We went into every student room, cut out the drywall, reinsulated the pipes, and put new ceiling tiles back in,” Penn Residential Services Director

SUNNY JANG

Patrick Killilee said. “We also did extensive work on the exterior, during the last academic year and over the summer. We replaced portions

of the roof and parts of the building.” With the renovations done over the last academic year and over the summer, the amount of mold found

BEST OF PHILLY

2019 BURGER

HOUSING GUIDE

PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE

3601 MARKET STREET • 215.310.9828 www.thecommonphl.com

in students' rooms is down significantly this year, Killilee said. Penn Student Health Service Executive Director Giang Nguyen also said Student Health Service received fewer complaints or concerns regarding mold this semester. The mold issues were a result of condensation building up from air conditioning units, Killilee said, adding that it “was exacerbated by the unusual wet weather that we had last summer and fall,” referencing Philadelphia's record-high rainfall in 2018. In response, Penn Residential Services identified the areas in the Quad that needed maintenance to prevent moisture from coming into student rooms. “The insulation on those pipes were over 20 years old, and in some cases, they were starting to fail and when that happens, the condensation will drip into the soffit, creating wet drywall,” Killilee said. However, mold can never be entirely prevented in the Quad, Killilee and Penn Business Services Director of Communications and External Relations Barbara Lea-Kruger said. “We will always get calls and people say there are molds and we can't prevent that. There is always mold in the air naturally,” Killilee said. “There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors, but you can help prevent them from being problematic,”

Student Health Service Director of Campus Health Ashlee Halbritter said. While Penn Residential Services discovered many rooms had issues with mold during 2018's fall break inspection, Lea-Kruger said, they don’t expect to find mold in the Quad during this year's inspection that took place over fall break. “Last year, we knew about it ahead of time and we went into fall break knowing that we had some issues with mold, but we are not anticipating that this year,” Lea-Kruger said. Killilee also said Penn Residential Services reached out to students living in the Quad to ensure they remained informed. “We gave a slip to everyone saying this is what you can do to prevent mold, so we did a lot of education,” Lea-Kruger sad. Students looking to avoid mold in their rooms should keep the windows closed to prevent condensation and maintain the room temperature between 70℉ and 76℉, Halbritter said. Penn Residential Services administrators also advised students to report any facilities-related issues through the online maintenance form or their college house information centers. “If the students don't let us know, sometimes things get worse than what they would have been,” LeaKruger said.

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

Smartat Living nd 42 and Ludlow (at the intersection of 42nd and Chestnut) BRAND NEW

3 bed/3 bath & 2 bed/2 bath Luxury SMART student apartments, starting at

$750 per bed!

• Nest Bluetooth Controlled Thermostat • USB charging outlets in every unit • State-of-the-art Luxor Package Delivery System • Electric car charge station in the parking garage • Zipcar rentals available on site

Available July 2020! Other amenities include: • • • •

• •

Free indoor bike storage Study lounge Private gated parking On site ﬁtness center featuring Peloton Bikes Alarm system in every unit 24 hour video monitoring

• • • • • •

Keyless entry Stainless steel appliances Granite countertops in kitchen Hardwood ﬂoors throughout Custom glass shower doors Furnished options

Visit our website to see listings of our other properties! www.universityrealtyapartments.com 855-205-0500

HOUSING GUIDE

Free Shuttle Service Free 50’” ﬂat screen TV in every apartment Free laundry Free individual unit high speed WiFi

• • • •

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Available SMART features include:

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

What to know about your rights as a Phila. tenant Renters in Philadelphia are protected by city law HAWTHORNE RIPLEY Senior Reporter

For Penn students living off campus, knowing your rights as a tenant is vital to keeping yourself safe and informed. Student renters, in addition to longtime neighborhood residents, can fall victim to mistreatment by their landlords. Fortunately, Philadelphia law upholds renters’ rights on a myriad of issues ranging from discrimination, rental suitability, evictions without “good cause,” and other unfair rental practices. Under city law surrounding unfair rental practices, landlords are barred

from retaliating against tenants for complaints alleging violations, tenant union membership, or the exercise of other legal rights, according to the Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission. Examples of illegal retaliation include raising rent, shutting off utilities, or attempting to evict. It is also illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out of their apartment or put their property out on the street for any reason, according to the Tenant Union Representative Network. Only a landlord-tenant officer or sheriff has the power to evict, and tenants are entitled to a court hearing prior to eviction. Tenants cannot be forced to move until at least 21 days after a court hearing. Pennsylvania law also protects tenants whose landlords fail to pay their

Live music • Film • Dance • Theater Art Education • Community HATIWGxMenergy - Nightfall/The Ire/Chained Bliss/Alien Birth Oct 16 @ 6:30 PM A benefit gig hosted by Healing & Trauma Informed Working Group for the organization Menergy! MENERGY will be hosting a workshop at 7pm on how to best support survivors of abuse and assault in our community. There will be social workers and members of HATIWG to provide support during and after the workshop. $5-$10 suggested donation Philly Vegan Restaurant Week Food Court Oct 17 @ 6:00 PM A fun evening of vegan delights from local vegan caterers. At least one item at each vendor station will be $5 or less. A portion of vendor sales will be donated to Misfit Manor! FREE ADMISSION! All are welcome!

HOUSING GUIDE

Bowerbird pres. Laraaji with Chris Powell Oct 18 @ 8:00 PM Philadelphia-born, New Jersey-raised polymath Laraaji's music remains connected to cosmic African-American tradition, injecting ripples of tension and dissonance into his trance-inducing journeys. Philadelphia’s Christopher Sean Powell is well known for his involvement in art- rock bands, but over the years he’s also developed a vibrant modular synthesizer practice. Admission is FREE Touch of Classics! Entertainment pres. Gian-Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone and The Medium Oct 19 @ 7:30 PM AND Oct 20 @ 5:00 PM James R. Longacre and Dorothy Cardella bring these fully staged and costumed musical presentations this Halloween season. (Due to the nature of the show, this production is not suitable for children under 13 years old) Tickets are $15, cash only at the door As an alcohol-free/smoke-free venue, The Rotunda provides an invaluable social alternative for all ages.

4014 Walnut • TheRotunda.org

SOPHIA DAI

gas, electric, or water bills. Tenants are not required to pay the bill to keep services on, and the utility provider must notify tenants before any shut off as well as let tenants pay the bill for the last 30 days only. The landlord must deduct these payments from rent when it is due. Philadelphia’s anti-discrimination laws ensure individuals' basic rights to equal treatment by landlords. They may not refuse to rent housing, offer less favorable lease terms or interest rates, refuse to make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, or otherwise discriminate on the basis of identity, according to the Fair

Housing Commission. In addition to equal treatment for race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, there are protections against discrimination based on source of income, marital status, disability, age, national origin, or domestic or sexual violence victim status. Most recently, after year-long negotiations and more than 30 years of advocacy work, Philadelphia's monthto-month renters can no longer legally be evicted without “good cause” as of April 2019. When the bill was originally proposed, it was meant to apply to all rental leases, second-year Penn Law

student Sam Whillans, who petitioned for the Good Cause bill in November 2018 along with over 100 of his classmates, said in March 2019. As it stands now, however, the bill applies to leases that are less than a year in length — a significant change, Whillans said. The Good Cause eviction law outlines a vast array of "good" causes for eviction landlords can use, including renovation, property sale, and personal use of property, according to the Fair Housing Commission. If the landlord does not issue an eviction notice, the lease will automatically renew month to month.

5-8 BR houses available for 2020-2021 school year! Properties located at 40th & Locust, Sansom St, Baltimore Ave, 42nd & Osage Renovated kitchens and bathrooms, laundry facilities, decks! Family-run business for over 54+ years in student housing! Rent from us and make your mom happy!

university enterprises

Apartments & Townhouses Serving the Penn community for OVER 50 YEARS!

(215) 222-5500 4019 Locust St. info@uerealestate.net

Tenants are frustrated by the change in policy DANIEL WANG Staff Reporter

buy Mukherjee's furniture, the tenants would have to put the furniture into a storage unit for the summer before they started paying rent on the house. "It's just unlikely that we're going to be able to sell it successfully to the next class of people who might be moving in here," Mukherjee said. Engineering junior Jonah Miller and his friends' Campus Apartments house was passed down to them by upperclassmen they knew. Miller had intended to sell his desk, bed frame, and dresser to the next resident of his current house. "I live on the third floor of my house; I don't want to have to carry all that stuff down, and I was just planning on selling it for 90% of what I bought it for," Miller added. "Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with all that furniture."

Miller acknowledges that the new policy has benefits in theory, as residents will receive new carpets and repainted walls. Mukherjee, however, did not sign the as-is policy when it was still offered and said her apartment was dirty when she moved there in August. "We didn't take that furniture thinking that the apartment was going to be thoroughly cleaned and that issues were going to be addressed. Then, when we [moved] in, we [moved] into an empty apartment: The floors were filthy, [and] there [was] just damage throughout the house that [had] clearly not been addressed or even looked at," Mukherjee said. "It [was] so obvious that I looked at it and thought 'Okay, that definitely is not up to code.'" Mukherjee said she understands that the policy change

is intended to help clean out the apartments, but said she and her roommates had chosen "that option, and [Campus Apartments] didn't deliver on that promise," Mukherjee said. Miller is skeptical that Campus Apartments will keep its word and clean out the apartments before the next tenants arrive. Over the summer, Campus Apartments told Miller that it would clean out the house's basement, and Miller and his roommates stored their personal belongings in a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basement next door. However, over the summer, the neighbors were burglarized and many people had their belongings stolen, including Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Xbox. The basement had been untouched when they came back. Campus Apartments had not cleaned it over the summer.

HOUSING GUIDE

4043 WALNUT ST PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104 LIVECAMPUSAPTS.COM @LiveCampusApts 215.839.3562

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Penn's largest off-campus landlord has revised its "as-is" policy to discourage current tenants from passing down furniture to incoming tenants, prompting students to criticize the change as an annoyance. Under the new policy, Campus Apartments requires residents to move all furniture out of their rooms at the end of their lease, even if they are passing down the house to residents they know. The change in policy was designed to ensure rooms were in a clean condition at the beginning of a new lease term, Campus Apartments Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Miles Orth wrote in a statement.

The policy gives students the option to leave their furniture behind, but if they do so, they must have the unit professionally cleaned by a Campus Apartments-approved vendor before they leave. Some Campus Apartments tenants are frustrated by the inconvenience caused by the new policy, which will require significantly more investment and effort when passing down a house from one set of residents to another. College senior Olivia Mukherjee, who is renting from Campus Apartments for the first time this year, said she and her roommates purchased big leather couches and a lot of furniture with the expectation that they would be able to sell it to the next tenant. With the policy change, even if the next tenants decided to

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

New Campus Apartments policy prohibits students from passing down their furniture

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Why your Quad hallmate has a sink — but you don't The Quad's unique construction is to blame EVA INGBER Staff Reporter

As an incoming freshman, securing a room in the historic Quad can feel like a massive victory. But once arriving on campus, students may realize that not all rooms provide the same amenities. Freshmen with personal sinks in their bedrooms can avoid trekking to communal bathrooms when they need to rinse their faces, brush their teeth, or simply wash their hands. However, not every room in the Quad has this perk — one-third of the rooms in the Quad do not have personal sinks, Director of Residential Services Pat Killilee said. Some freshmen living in the Quad say their lack of a sink is frustrating because they pay the same $10,600 in fees for yearlong housing. “It’s pretty unfair,” Engineering freshman Jiwon Kang said.

Kang, who has a single in FisherHassenfeld without a sink, described his room as “really small and depressing.” College freshman Yoni Zisblatt also lives in a single room without a sink. “I think it’s a little bit unfair, especially if we’re all paying the same, also considering how much money Penn has,” he said. Sink distribution throughout the Quad is arbitrary and stems from the fact that the Quad was built in different phases, Killilee said. The Quad was originally built as a "cottage-style" residence made of smaller buildings with varying amenities, he said, later evolving to become a more traditional "corridor-style" residence. The Quad was built in 1895 and additions were made in 1899, 1905, 1908, 1911 and 1928, according to the Penn facilities website. Each of these additions was unique and reflective of contemporary architectural styles. “The Quad was built over the course of 60 years, and each phase

at Fuji Karaoke Enjoy a night of singing with full bar & menu options in any of our large private rooms. (Accommodates up to 40 people) HOUSING GUIDE

had some different programmatic stance at the time,” Killilee said. Killilee said some additions to

e t a r b e l e C ur special event you

BRANDON LI

Please contact us for special pricing.

215.751.0939 fujimt2030@gmail.com 2030 Chestnut St.

the Quad included sinks in their architectural design but others did not, leading sinks to be built in some rooms but not others. There was no original plan for all Quad rooms to have sinks, let alone one overarching architectural model that would make all Quad rooms uniform, since the residence was not built all at once. Killilee claimed the diversity in the Quad’s design “is part of its charm.” Though the physical discrepancies cannot be changed, some students believe the rates of Quad rooms should be adjusted to compensate for the presence or absence of perks like sinks, or room size. Kang said since his room is small and lacks a sink, it "would be nice" to pay less than those with larger rooms or more amenities. “There should be a sort of ‘you get what you pay for,’” Zisblatt said. In response, Killilee and Penn Business Services Director of Communications and External Relations Barbara Lea-Kruger said changing rates on a case-by-case

basis would be too complicated. The fixed rate, they said, is meant to make the housing process more “egalitarian,” even though Quad rooms vary in size and facilities. Just as freshmen are assigned rooms through a computer system to equalize the process, Killilee and Lea-Kruger said the fixed rate eliminates bias by ensuring that all freshmen, regardless of economic background, have the same potential to receive a “good” room or a “bad” room. Despite this, both Kang and Zisblatt said Penn could be more transparent about the Quad’s facilities — such as the variation in room dimensions and the potential of perks like sinks — before assignments are actually released. This would give students a chance to decide whether other college houses would be a better fit for them than the Quad. “It wasn’t clear what you were or weren’t getting,” Zisblatt said. For more uniform housing freshman year, Killilee and Kruger suggested considering newer residences such as Hill College House, rather than the Quad.

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

LAUNCH BASH Tuesday, October 15 | 4-8p

plus

ONE DAY ONLY

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Music | Food | Entertainment

SCAN OUR CODE 215.222.4212 | TheRadian.com

HOUSING GUIDE

Become an insider today!

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

How Greek life responded to sophomore living Sophomores must live on campus starting in 2021 ASHLEY AHN Senior Reporter

Since Penn announced a new policy requiring sophomores to live on campus starting in fall 2021, students have sharply critiqued the University and claimed that the policy will spell the end of Greek life housing. The second-year policy was announced to students in a September 2018 email from Penn President Amy Gutmann and Provost Wendell Pritchett. Administrators said the new housing policy is part of a Second-Year Experience program, which will include sophomore-specific courses, celebrations, and social events. Penn has since reaffirmed that on-campus housing will not include Greek housing, prompting Greek life leaders to seek alternate ways to encourage upperclassmen to live in chapter houses. Flexible Leasing Penn's announcement comes • Single and Double Rooms • after Individual the construction for New• AllPenn's move follows policies set are mostly filled by sophomores. Leases Amenities and Utilities Included College House West began in De- by its peer institutions. Yale Uni- Students in Greek life said they cember 2018. NCHW is located versity and Princeton University are worried the empty rooms will on 40th and Walnut streets and require freshmen and sophomores drive up dues, and that the policy Call will disrupt the social atmosphere had a record-breaking $163 mil- to live on campus, while Brown lion budget. The dorm is slated University requires students to live in Greek life. to house 450 students and open in on campus for three215.662.0802 years. Here's a timeline of how Greek fall 2021, the first semester sophoGreek life leaders have since life is coping with the effects of mores will be required to live on voiced opposition to the new rule, the policy. Email Interfraternity and Panhellenic campus. pointing out that chapter houses

Now Leasing!

JESS TAN

councils show their opposition Days before the official announcement on Sept. 26, 2018, Greek life leaders from the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council met with two Penn administrators, according to thenUndergraduate Assembly President and 2019 College graduate Michael Krone. Krone said the

AxisLeasing@AltmanCo.com

NOW LEASING

Now Leasing!

ThetoAxis on 36th Street Today learn how to make The AxisUniversity your home away City Call from home! Furnished Rooms • Flexible Leases 215.662.0802 Email• Utilities and Great Amenities AxisLeasing@AltmanCo.com Housekeeping included

Flexible Leasing • Single and Double Rooms • Individual Leases • All Amenities and Utilities Included

10 HOUSING GUIDE

Stop in

20–South 36th Street– 5pm) Monday Friday (9am 215.662.0802 Today to learn how to make www.universitycityaxis.com The Axis your home away 20 S. 36th Street Philadelphia PA 19104 from home!

SEE GREEK PAGE 11

ironwoodRE@gmail.com ironwoodphila.com 215-275-1396

Stop in

20 South 36th Street

conversation took place to discuss the implications the new rule would have on Greek life housing. After the official announcement was made, The Daily Pennsylvanian published a guest column by then-IFC Vice President Brian Schmitt, who argued that the deci-

LOOKING FOR A HOUSE FOR NEXT YEAR? 41st & Locust Sts 9 bedrooms $9,900

41st & Spruce Sts 8 bedrooms $8,900

40xx Locust St 7 bedrooms $8,100

43rd & Spruce Sts 4 bedrooms $2,600

GREEK

>> PAGE 10

sion to bar sophomores from chapter houses would bring “enormous harm to Greek life" and called on

Gutmann and Pritchett to allow Greek life to count for on-campus housing. “Affiliated, on-campus chapter houses check every box the University is looking for when it comes to their new Second Year

istration to count Greek housing as on-campus housing, and they are instead looking for ways around the policy. “At the end of the day, it’s obviously not our decision. This is not to say that we agree or disagree with it," Panhellenic President and Wharton senior Claire Canestrino said. “We work closely with the administration now, to make the most of it for our chapters and to support them as we go through this change.” Canestrino said the responsibility falls upon the individual chapters to fill their houses and Panhel helps facilitate conversations among chapters. College sophomore Maya Davidov, a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, said she thinks sorority dues for each member could increase if rooms are left empty.

“The executive board will probably just adjust housing rules to make sure we fill it, by drafting people to live in the house, which other sororities do anyways, or forcing all of the executive members to live in the house,” she said. Despite the opposition raised shortly after the policy's announcement, Canestrino said she does not believe the policy will have an enormous impact on Greek life. However, she said the adjustment period for Greek life will be “tough." “I have the most faith that the chapters will be able to figure it out and we’ll be able to work with the administration to figure it out to make that adjustment as easy as possible,” Canestrino said. “I don’t think this is like a huge emergency or anything."

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

SUKHMANI KAUR

Experience Program: supervision, community, and wellness,” wrote Schmitt, who is now a College senior. “Not allowing sophomores to live in these houses eliminates an important and often healthier alternative to college housing.” Schmitt wrote that filling chapter houses is already a problem for fraternities and sororities. Because sophomores comprise at least half of all chapter house residents, excluding sophomores from the houses would make it “next to impossible” to fill the houses, he wrote. The column was officially approved by the IFC and Panhellenic boards at the time. Chapters look for ways to blunt policy’s impact In September, Greek life representatives said they are no longer pushing the admin-

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

University City

Special Penn Rates Available Just ask when making your reservation

HOUSING GUIDE 1 1

• Fully Renovated Guest Suites • Complimentary Shuttle

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

A guide to off-campus luxury apartments near Penn From rooftop grills and movie theaters to fitness centers and study lounges, new luxury apartments are springing up in University City.

Check out the high-end options near Penn ANDIE PINGA Staff Reporter

Many of these apartment complexes near Penn's campus have been built recently, due to the gentrification of Philadelphia. A March study showed that Philadelphia is one of seven cities responsible for nearly half of the nation’s gentrification. Gentrification is defined as the process by which money is invested in lower-income areas, leading to increased property values and the entrance of higher-income residents. These new luxury apartments near Penn are on the higher end of the budget. In addition to furnished and unfurnished rooms, in-unit washer and dryers, and full kitchens, these apartments also offer community spaces to eat, study, and socialize. While The Radian, Domus, and Hamilton Court Apartments are well-established places to live among Penn students, here are six other luxury apartments in the area.

Luna on Pine MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Located on 400 S. 40th St. Formerly known as The Azalea, Luna on Pine is a five-story apartment complex built in 2018. The building is focused on attracting students and provides plenty of places for late-night studying and social events. Rents: Studio and one to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,295/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 358 to 795 sq. ft. Amenities: Club room, gym, game bar, rooftop terrace, private study rooms, movie and karaoke room Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee Walk to campus: Eight minutes

SOPHIA DAI

evo at Cira Centre South Located on 2930 Chestnut St.

12 HOUSING GUIDE

Though located the farthest from campus, students living at evo Philly will have direct access to Cira Green, a popular rooftop park. Its 33 stories house over 800 units that offer flexible floor plans. Rents: Studio and one to four-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,809/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 303 to 1,422 sq. ft. Amenities: 24-hour Starbucks, rooftop infinity pool, gym, study lounges, free weekly studio classes featuring Zumba, yoga, pilates, and bar Pet friendly? Dogs allowed, with fee and conditions Walk to campus: 18 minutes

YOON CHANG

SEE LUXURY PAGE 13

>> PAGE 12

Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour The Simon at Founder’s Row Located on 121 S 41st St.

The Simon at Founder’s Row was built in 2018 and is managed by Campus Apartments. The apartment complex is ﬁve stories tall and houses 23 units. Rents: Three to ﬁve-bedroom apartments – starting from $4,005/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 1,279 to 1,981 sq. ft. Amenities: Fitness center, key-less entry, in-unit washer and dryers, reserved parking options Pet friendly? No Walk to campus: Nine minutes

N O W AVA I L A B L E F O R

The Fresh Grocer

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

LUXURY

Instacart

Palmer Properties

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Shop now at Instacart.com/store/the-fresh-grocer

www.PalmerProperties.net

41st & Pine 42nd & Spruce

Available for June Lease 8-9 Bedroom Houses From $815/person + utilities • Large living rooms • Modern kitchens & bath • Private Backyard • Lots of Storage • Washer & Dryer • 3+ bathrooms CHASE SUTTON.

215-990-5152 | palmerapartments27@gmail.com

HOUSING GUIDE 1 3

SEE LUXURY PAGE 14

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

LUXURY

>> PAGE 13

Korman Residential

Located on 3737 Chestnut St. This 25-story property is managed by Korman Residential Properties and is one of the closest complexes to campus. Rents: One to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $2,314/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 545 to 1,009 sq. ft. Amenities: Rooftop deck, game room, grill, Zen Garden, gym, yoga studio Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee Walk to campus: Six minutes ZIHAN CHEN

Arrive University City Located on 3601 Market St.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Located between Drexel and Penn's campus, Arrive University City is a 28-story complex built in 2016. Its on-site dining options include Dunkin' Donuts and The Common, and its pool cabanas come with televisions and fire pits. Rents: One to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,655/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 415 to over 958 sq. ft. Amenities: Rooftop pool and grill, fitness center, on-site dining, game room, yoga studio Pet friendly? Dogs allowed, with fee Walk to campus: 10 minutes SOPHIA DAI

ramenbarphilly.com The LVL 4125 DREXEL 3438-48 Lancaster Ave Located on 4125 Chestnut St. 215-921-5804 Built this year, the LVL 4125 is a six-story complex housed on the corner of 41st and Chestnut streets.

HAPPY HOUR Mon – Fri: 4:30pm – 6:30pm (food & drink specials)

Sat – Sun: 9:00pm – 11:00pm (drink specials only)

Rents: Studio and one to two-bedroom apartments — starting from $1,616/mo Floor Plans: Units range from 1,279 to 1,981 sq. ft. Amenities: Roof deck, game room, fitness center, covered parking Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee Walk to campus: 11 minutes

14 HOUSING GUIDE

$4 Appetizers & Maki Rolls $2 Off Raw Apps $3 White Claw & Green Tea Shots $4 Draft Beers $5 Wines, Well Drinks & Sake Bombs $7 Ramen Bar Cocktails AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY ON CAVIAR AND UBER EATS

SOPHIA DAI

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

OVER 80 LOCATIONS - STUDIOS TO 12 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES!

UNIVERSITYCITYHOUSING.COM (215) 222-2000

HOUSING GUIDE 1 5

Find your new place in University City.

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

Here's a rundown of all your options, with fast facts about the college houses that can help you make the most informed decision. Once you have the information you need on which college house is best for you, take a look at the important dates for signing up to secure college house living for next year. W.E.B. DU BOIS COLLEGE HOUSE 2019 renovation added AC and improved common areas 159 students Bedspace: 7 singles 24 doubles 108 triples 2 quads AC: Yes Amenities: Computer lab, pianos, kitchens in most rooms Built to foster a community of African American scholarship and culture. Has a 1-to-1 mentoring program for African American elementary students in West Philadelphia.

HARNWELL COLLEGE HOUSE Last renovated from 2002 to 2009 752 students Bedspace: 39 singles 140 doubles 132 triples 456 quads AC: Yes Amenities: Rehearsal space, dance studio, computer lab, music rooms Only college house with a dance studio. On Monday nights, residents can dine for free at the family table in the Rooftop Lounge.

HARRISON COLLEGE HOUSE

2019 renovation added AC 321 students Bedspace: 23 singles 308 doubles AC: Yes Amenities: Courtyard, rooftop terrace, lounge Two separate houses connected by a courtyard. The rooftop is home to one of Penn's first green roof projects.

STOUFFER COLLEGE HOUSE Stouffer College House built in 1972; Mayer Residence Hall built in 1964 258 students Bedspace: 127 singles 142 doubles AC: Yes Amenities: Computer lab, pianos, basketball court, excersise room Rent rate: $10,600 Stouffer has a milk and cookies event on Wednesday nights. Tradition of white water rafting trip with outdoor picnic and overnight stay in wood cabins in Lehigh River Valley.

LAUDER COLLEGE HOUSE

RODIN COLLEGE HOUSE Last renovated from 2002-2009 752 students Bedspace: 39 singles 138 doubles 114 triples 480 quads AC: Yes Amenities: DVD library, yoga mats and meditation pillows, movie screening room In 2006, Rodin became the only high rise with a name that does not start with a 'H,' after it was renamed after Penn's former president Judith Rodin. Rodin was formerly called Hamilton College House.

GREGORY COLLEGE HOUSE Last renovated in 2013 and 2014 214 students Bedspace: 10 singles 30 doubles 196 quads AC: No Amenities: Computer lab, excersise room, music room, DVD library Gregory is the only college house currently without air conditioning.

HOUSING GUIDE 17

Built in 2016 339 students Bedspace: 8 doubles 54 triples 164 quads 40 five-person 78 six-person AC: Yes Amenities: Music practice rooms, green roof, courtyard Previously called New College House, but was renamed after the members of the Lauder family, who are among the largest contributors to the construction of the College House.

Last renovated from 2002 to 2009 725 students Bedspace: 76 singles 202 doubles 99 triples 408 quads AC: Yes Amenities: Computer lab, excersise room, music room, DVD library In 2004, a holiday decoration set off a small fire in Harrison. Penn Reflect, held in the Heyer Sky Lounge monthly, gives students a time to eat sushi, pizza, and green tea while discussing life at Penn.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

KINGS COURT ENGLISH COLLEGE HOUSE

16 HOUSING GUIDE

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

THINKING ABOUT LIVING ON CAMPUS NEXT SCHOOL YEAR?

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

Smartat Living nd 42 and Ludlow (at the intersection of 42nd and Chestnut) BRAND NEW

3 bed/3 bath & 2 bed/2 bath Luxury SMART student apartments, starting at

$750 per bed!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Available SMART features include:

Available July 2020! Other amenities include: • •

18 HOUSING GUIDE

• •

Free Shuttle Service Free 50’” ﬂat screen TV in every apartment Free laundry Free individual unit high speed WiFi

• • • • • •

Free indoor bike storage Study lounge Private gated parking On site ﬁtness center featuring Peloton Bikes Alarm system in every unit 24 hour video monitoring

• • • • • •

Keyless entry Stainless steel appliances Granite countertops in kitchen Hardwood ﬂoors throughout Custom glass shower doors Furnished options

Visit our website to see listings of our other properties! www.universityrealtyapartments.com 855-205-0500

Jacky Chan fell in love with NCH and is an RA ASHLEY AHN Senior Reporter

Now Leasing 4+ Bedroom Houses for FALL 2020 Properties Located Within Walking Distance to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill, and University of the Sciences.

Complimentary Shuttle Service Pet Friendly Options Laundry On-Site Steps from Campus 24/7 Emergency Maintenance Variety of Floor Plans Upgraded Apartments Available

yond freshman year because of the faculty advisors. She labeled LCH Faculty Director and Classics Professor Cam Grey, who also previously lived in Australia, her "college dad," and his wife, Senior Associate Director for Undergraduate Research Ann Vernon-Grey, her "college mom." SEE NCH PAGE 20

4104 Walnut Street

(215) 839-3518

LiveAtUCA.com

HOUSING GUIDE 1 9

dents on campus and highlight communal aspects of housing. “It sounds like a pretty cliché thing to say that college is a big transition but it really is, especially for an international student," Chan said of her first meeting with Trahan. "So from that moment, I thought it would be pretty neat to be an RA because I would love to help other people feel welcomed.”

APPLY NOW

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

In August 2016, Jacky Chan was a freshman. Lauder College House was still called New College House. And Chan was arriving on campus all the way from Sydney, Australia. Upon her arrival, the nowCollege senior felt jet lagged, shocked at Philadelphia’s 90-degree heat, and nervous at not knowing what to expect from Penn. However, when Chan’s freshman year residential advisor, 2018 Engineering graduate Sean Trahan, greeted her by name and helped take Polaroid pictures of her and her father, Chan said she immediately felt welcomed. Three years later, Chan is now an RA like Trahan and is living her fourth year in LCH — a college house that became a home. Although Chan is one of the few students to live in a college house all four years, the experience is one that the University hopes more students move toward. After the announcement that all sophomores must live on campus, starting in fall 2021, Penn is pushing a Second Year Experience Program to build community in on-campus housing. Policy changes such as the creation of Student-Designed Communities aim to keep stu-

Chan said she listed New College House as her first choice for housing in the summer before freshman year, as she was excited by the idea of living in a brand new college house. In her first year at Penn, Chan lived in a five-person suite with students from Texas, Guam, Puerto Rico, and New York, adding that they all functioned as a "little family" and remain friends to this day. Chan said she met some of her closest friends through her work at the NCH Information Center, and she ended up living with two of them in a three-person suite for her sophomore year. Chan said LCH's status as a freshman-only college house her first year was “huge for community building.” “As a four-year house, it is different,” Chan said. “Especially being an RA, I like to think we do have a strong sense of community, but it’s different because the needs of most of the people that live here vary because you have sophomores, juniors, and seniors now.” Although some of her friends moved off campus or chose another college house, Chan said a “significant amount of people” returned to live in LCH as sophomores, so there was a “pretty good sense of community” during her sophomore year in the house. Chan added that she wanted to continue living in the house be-

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

Four years, one house: one senior's story of how New College House became her home

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

CHASE SUTTON

upperclassman, living in LCH has its drawbacks. The college >> PAGE 19 house's distance from the west “To hear a very familiar side of campus and its lack of sounding voice, that Aussie ac- kitchens in apartments are inconcent coming out constantly, was venient, Chan said. a source of great comfort,” Chan “Distance does have an imsaid. pact," Chan said, "especially Chan acknowledged that as an when you’re trying to study with

NCH

friends and the majority of them live on 40th or even 42nd Street, and you just think to yourself — that’s eight blocks away." However, Chan argued that if students are willing to make the effort to connect with friends who live far away, LCH has the best location of any college house —

We’re The only bike shop on campus! AND we have the largest selection of bikes in Philadelphia!

Safety first:

Regular:

20 HOUSING GUIDE

SALE:

$24.99 $22.99

As a senior, Chan said, the majority of her friends and acquaintances are people she met through LCH. And if she had the chance to redo her college experience, Chan said she would choose to live in the college house for all four years again. “I wouldn’t do it any other way, because I knew that from freshman year, I wanted to be an RA in NCH," Chan said. "Continuing

added that LCH also has a thirdfloor kitchen which residents can reserve, as well as a seventh-floor kitchen open 24/7 for students that are not on meal plans.

to live in NCH has given me opportunities, friendships, and relationships that I wouldn’t necessarily have developed if I hadn’t stayed here."

Sunlite headlight, tail light combo o r i g i n a l ly $ 3 9 9 . 9 9 Regular: $19.99 SALE: $17.99

BLackburn central 350 microclick, usb, light set S c w i n n s p e e d st e r Regular: $39.99 SALE: $35.99 Sunlite standard u-lock with bracket

Locks & lights on sale now

it is considerably closer to Center City, Trader Joe's, and restaurants such as White Dog Cafe and New Deck Tavern. Chan added that the lack of kitchens in LCH wasn't a big deal for her. Chan was on a reduced meal plan during her sophomore year and received a meal plan as part of her compensation for being an RA in her junior and senior years. Chan

Kryptonite kryptolok combo u-lock Regular: SALE:

$47.99 $43.19

Kryptonite New york university city Fahgettaboudit mini

4040 locust street (215)$116.99 387-7433

Regular:

SALE:

$105.29

save while in school!

faculty gets 10% OFF non-sale bicycles and accessories with valid I.D. Students and Faculty sale

4040 Locust Street (at the end of locust walk)

get 10% OFF non-sale bicycles and accessories with valid school I.D.

$ 2 9 9 . 9 9@KeswickCycle (215) 387-7433

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

Large houses available for groups of any size. Call today to schedule a tour.

www.apartmentsatpenn.com

HOUSING GUIDE 2 1

215.222.0222

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Y L D N E ET FRI

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

Opinion Penn wants more students living on campus. Lowering rent is the way to do it. THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN EDITORIAL BOARD

As you sign your lease this year, consider the Philadelphia eviction crisis

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

UROOBA ABID | We should take the time to recognize realities that so heavily impact renters in Philadelphia.

22 HOUSING GUIDE

FELICITY YICK

Penn students are already exploring their residential options for the next school year. Price is a critically important factor for students in deciding where to live, including in whether or not to move off campus. Some students even cite the relatively low prices of offcampus houses and apartments as a primary reason for moving off campus. There are myriad ways for Penn to make on-campus housing an attractive option for students. The simplest and most important one is to lower on-campus housing costs. On-campus rent is much higher, on average, than offcampus rent. To live on campus, students generally pay either $10,600 or $14,840 for two semesters of housing, depending on the type of room, or roughly $1,200 to $1,700 a month. Off-campus rent in a luxury apartment building like the Radian is in roughly the

same range, while a more standard apartment can be as low as $700, or nearly half the cost of living on campus. For this increased cost, Penn students get better security, an RA or GA, and some dorm activities, but generally smaller rooms and kitchens. There’s little to justify this exorbitant rent, and so it’s no wonder that by senior year less than a quarter of students are still living on campus. Penn announced a new policy over a year ago requiring undergraduate sophomores to live on campus. The policy change sparked backlash, particularly from students who choose offcampus residences with lower rent. This policy is evidence that Penn believes living on campus can be an enriching part of student life. The administration would find, if they lowered room rates, that demanding students live on campus is not necessary, as many more stu-

dents would do so voluntarily. Only 61% of sophomores currently choose to continue living on campus after freshman year. The fact that nearly half of freshman opt not to continue living on campus indicates that Penn is failing to compete with the lure of off-campus housing. Penn students are voting with their dollars, and the Penn administration needs to respond the way every other market responds: by lowering prices. This policy would have numerous downstream effects, and a positive and important example is curtailing gentrification. As fewer Penn students pay a premium to live in the areas around campus, University City will see a decrease in the development of luxury apartment buildings that make affordable housing ever more difficult to find and a general decrease in rents overall as demand slackens.

Penn isn’t like most landlords either, as the unique dorm situation naturally makes costs lower than for a standard realtor. Penn does not pay property taxes due to its nonprofit status, and construction costs, like those for Lauder House and New College House West, often come from donors rather than from the operating budget. There’s no reason for Penn to profit further off of its students, particularly as tuition steadily increases year after year. Penn’s administration has the opportunity to make on-campus living more accessible and address the pernicious forces of gentrification, simply by lowering on-campus rent. They must take it.

With the fall semester gearing up, returning students begin the essential undertaking of finding housing for the upcoming school year. Due to their association with the University, most Penn students have plenty of affordable housing options. Whether students choose to live on campus, or off campus in the numerous houses and apartments available in the areas surrounding campus, they are provided with a sense of housing security. They know that they will have a home to come back to at Penn. Consequently, the concept of facing eviction may be a distant, inconsiderable possibility for most Penn students. As we skim through our leases, we may glaze over the language that gives the landlord power to evict tenants following missed payments, or terminate the lease at any time. Many of us probably do not know that in the city, leases that are one year or longer only require landlords to give 10 days notice before beginning the eviction process or that the landlords are also not required to state a Good Cause reason for ending the lease. This year, as we sign our leases, we should take the time to recognize these realities that so heavily impact renters in Philadelphia. While many students at Penn come from higher income households, who can support their costs of rent and security deposits, many lower income Philadelphia residents cannot

However, given that the U.S. Census estimates the average Philadelphia household income to be around $40,649, it makes sense that a large portion of the city’s population is unable to afford housing costs. This threat of rising rent costs is magnified in gentrifying areas like University City.

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

afford the burden of rent. According to Community Legal Services, more than half of Philadelphia renters are “housing cost-burdened,” meaning they struggle to afford their monthly rent payments. As a result, one in 14 Philadelphia renters will face an eviction filing every year.

Available for catering, office parties, & private dinners

215-921-5377

Perhaps the most jarring reality of the eviction crisis is that most tenants are not able to obtain adequate representation in court. Currently, around 90% of tenants who are facing evictions do not have access to an attorney, while their landlords do. The lack of legal representation significantly increases the risk of displacement. These displacements from evictions can propel families into poverty and result in homelessness. As we live out our years at Penn, inevitably moving to new housing units year in and year out, it’s important that we recognize the privileges we are afforded by always having a place to relocate to. While housing should be considered a basic human right, it is too often not treated as one by society. This year, as you sit down to sign your lease, consider the grim realities that face those in surrounding communities. UROOBA ABID is a College junior from Long Island, N.Y. studying International Relations. Her email address is uabid@sas.upenn.edu.

STOP IN FOR YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY! 7 DAYS A WEEK, ACCEPT INSURANCE

HOUSING GUIDE 2 3

I did not begin comprehending the enormity of eviction’s relationship with poverty until I picked up Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer-Prize winning book, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.” The book humanizes the eviction crisis by following the experiences of the families that live through it. A tough, at times simply unlucky, financial situation can force families to choose between affording food or a roof over their head. Although the novel follows the eviction crisis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a similar crisis is plaguing our neighbors in Philadelphia. In 2015, the city of Philadelphia saw 19,328 eviction filings. Statistically, these evictions are more likely to happen in lower income, predominantly African American neighborhoods. The high number of evictions in Philadelphia is not surprising considering the disparity between income and rent costs. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the annual income needed to afford a one-bedroom in Philadelphia at fair market rent is $39,680.

3939 Chestnut St. 2nd fl. || info@dimsum.house || IG: @dimsumhousephilly

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

CAROLINE NEW

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Know your rights as an off-campus tenant ANA WEST | Living off campus doesn't mean you have to accept lackluster housing conditions as they are Trying to find a place to live near Penn can feel like a no-win situation. On-campus housing is a pricey option for many students on and off financial aid, but all of us have heard the horror stories about off-campus units. As a student looking for housing, especially in West Philadelphia, it is easy to feel like you have to take what you can get: pest problems, broken equipment, unresponsive landlords, and even potentially hazardous conditions are accepted by many Penn students as an inevitable part of the housing process. While encountering some of these issues is normal, you shouldn’t feel like living off campus means you always have to accept lackluster housing conditions as they are. Being a student, likely one who is renting for the first time, is a vulnerable position to be in. University City landlords are not universally renowned across the board for helpfulness and fairness, and there are people who will try to take advantage of you. But there are federal, state, and local protections in place for the benefit of all renters. While

students often aren’t familiar with them, they should be: All Penn students living off campus should know their rights as tenants and be willing to exert them. Sorting through the extensive legalese of housing policies can be challenging, but the City of Philadelphia and local organizations like Community Legal Services of Philadelphia offer helpful, manageable breakdowns of your responsibilities and rights as a renter. You can’t be discriminated against in housing-related matters based on legally protected categories; you can’t be charged a security deposit in excess of two months’ rent as a first-year tenant in a given property; you can’t be evicted without due process. When you move into a new dwelling, your landlord is supposed to provide you with a copy of the City of Philadelphia’s Partners For Good Housing guide, which details the things Philadelphia landlords have a legal obligation to provide: among them functional smoke alarms, extermination before the leasing period begins (so you don’t have to move into a place with a

pest problem), running water and hot water, heating (at least 68 degrees in the fall and winter), and repairs to roofs, ceilings, plumbing fixtures, and so on. It can be frustrating and even scary to find yourself in a situation where these baseline conditions aren’t being met. But, if you do, you have options. In Philadelphia, you can call 311 and create a case for the city to inspect without the risk of your identity being divulged. Even if they do reason your identity out, your landlord can’t retaliate against you for doing this by raising rent, shutting off utilities, or threatening eviction — they are legally prohibited from doing so. There are many legal resources in Philadelphia who focus on housing concerns, and if your back is ever really up against the wall, utilizing them — or even simply saying that you will — can be a quick way to make change when none has been forthcoming. I didn’t receive this information when I moved off campus. In fact, I didn’t find it until I searched for it. As much as it would be nice to think that all potential landlords

Wing night

24 HOUSING GUIDE

tuesday 9pm-11pm | 60¢ wings

$4 well drinks $4 Yards IPA & Brawler $2.50 coors light Kitchen open until 1am Monday-Saturday

215.388.4600 | newdecktavern.com | 3408 Sansom Street

ALEC DRUGGAN

will be helpful in providing you with this information, in many cases it is in the best interest of the people you are renting from to ignore these issues. Building owners in West Philadelphia are not an antagonistic monolith, and some of them are incredibly helpful and kind, but you can’t always count on that to be the case. The only person you can rely on to be an advocate for you is yourself. When it comes to renting, that doesn’t make you difficult or annoying: It makes you an informed tenant. Renting a house or apartment

for the first time is a milestone in the transition to adulthood, and as exciting as it can be, the decidedly adult responsibilities and obligations that come with it can make even the most assertive people feel intimidated and ill-prepared. That’s why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with your rights — and to feel comfortable with using them. ANA WEST is a College junior from Spring Lake, Mich. studying English. Her email address is anawest@sas. upenn.edu.

Don’t be afraid to live alone in college SOPHIA DUROSE | You can still have a social life and live in a studio

I spent 12 years sharing a room with my twin sister, and another six being no more than 10 steps away from her. My first year at Penn I stayed in a double room in Kings Court, occupied by only myself — my assigned roommate moved to the Quad before we even met. I spent my sophomore year living a few blocks off campus with one of my best friends. This year, I again live alone, and I’m loving it. While I recognize it is not a viable option for many to live alone, I recommend Penn students not automatically counting it out of the question when considering their housing options. Many people expressed concerns that I would be

lonely living in a studio apartment or that I would feel isolated from my peers and even my friends. This is not even close to the truth. My first year living alone, when it felt like everyone else had a builtin best friend in the form of their roommate, was trying at times, and an odd kind of jealousy boiled within me for a while. But when I realized that I actually enjoyed being able to throw my clothes on the extra bed because no one was sleeping there, and that my six o’clock alarm wouldn’t wake anyone but myself, this jealousy melted off me. SEE LIVING ALONE PAGE 26

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

HOUSING GUIDE 2 5

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

LIVING ALONE >> PAGE 24

I like having a social life, going to work, chatting with friends, and then returning home after a long day and not owing anyone else more conversation. As an introvert, I need time to recharge after a full day of being around others, and living alone is the best way for me to get this much needed time to myself. If you’re like me and often feel drained by constant conversation, then living alone — be that in a high rise single or an off-campus studio — may be the best option for you. I never thought as a twin so used to sharing that living alone would be what I prefer, but my living experiences over the past three years have

fortified this preference. I think there’s this preconceived perception on Penn’s campus that saturating yourself in social activity is the only way to get the most out of your four years here. You have other things happening during these special four years: family dramas and successes, personal relationships, internal growth. Living by yourself is a choice that can make those factors more at the forefront of your mind, instead of what your roommates made for dinner or who stole your last razor. I have also had the experience of living with one of my best friends, which was chaotic and fun and an amazing learning experience for both of us. It taught us compromise and I am thankful to have lived with

him for the year. But it also made it very clear to me that living alone in college is the way I want to finish my last two years at this university, and, if you think this would also suit you, don’t be afraid to go for it if you can. Living in a big house with eight other people might be the perfect environment for extroverts who love conversation, but if you’re an introvert who just wants their own space, don’t let the pressure of Penn’s party scenes and popping social lives scare you away from doing what’s best for yourself. SOPHIA DUROSE is a College junior from Orlando, Fla. studying English. Her email is sdurose@sas.upenn. edu.

EMILY XU

First-years, appreciate your housing situation while you can

26 HOUSING GUIDE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

JAMES MORRISON | I miss the wider sense of community that freshman housing generated I miss the Quad. Now, don’t misunderstand me: I’m thrilled to be living off campus in a house of my own with some of my best friends. I don’t miss the rats, or the mold, or the sometimes cramped conditions of Quad dorms. I don’t miss the plagues that would periodically sweep through the building, or not being able to cook, or getting woken up by a horde of my rowdy classmates every Thursday night. But all the negatives aside, freshman housing is too often taken for granted and is not given due credit. So, to all current freshmen: Enjoy your housing situation while you can. From freshman to sophomore year, the biggest difference in terms of housing arrangements is by far how scattered everyone is. While I was living in the Quad, mostly everyone was no more than a five or ten minute walk away. When it was cold, or raining, I could meet up with most anyone without having to step outside. Even taking the quick ten minute trip to Hill was pretty manageable considering the distances that I now cross to meet up with people. Even though I now live only about a block off campus, to meet up with almost anyone who I don’t live with I need to walk about five or six blocks. To meet up with people who live on the opposite side of campus, I need to embark on a mile-long journey. While these distances don’t seem dreadfully overwhelming, they serve as barriers to the spontaneity that made

ZOEY WEISMAN

freshman year so special. As an upperclassman, it’s no longer possible to walk down the hall and knock on your friend’s door to come hang out or grab dinner. Further, with the exception of upperclassmen housing in Lauder College House, after freshman year everyone is made far more remote from their classes. The majority of upperclassmen live on the west side or to the west of campus, meaning that treks to buildings like DRL or Fisher Bennett Hall or even Williams Hall become far more arduous than they were before. In

order to get to class on time, I now need to wake up an extra 15, 20 minutes earlier than I did last year. Although those couple of minutes might not seem like a lot, they certainly feel it after staying up late to submit an assignment. Easily one of the best things about living in upperclassmen housing is the fact that you get to start cooking for yourself. But something that I did not realize that I would miss was the various college house stores within the dorms. The Eleventh Hour Grotto in Riepe College House was a godsend for me during

many late nights when I got just a little bit hungry. Even McClelland, which perhaps doesn’t have the best reputation among campus dining options, was incredibly convenient after some late-night studying in Van Pelt Library. Now, if I want to have some late-night snacking options, I need to have some forethought and grab some items from the Fresh Grocer. But perhaps the thing that I miss most about my freshman housing is the wider sense of community that the underclassman College House system generated. I may be biased

in that my hall was particularly social, but overall my college house advertised and funded a number of excursions that exposed me to the wider Philadelphia area. I might have taken the Tuesday night pasta dinners and occasional house picnics granted in the moment, but now I recognize how nice it was to enjoy delicious home cooked food that I didn’t need to make for myself. And although it’s nice to be able to design your own community past freshman year, nothing really beats the excitement and convenience of meeting new people in your hall or through college house events. Even if you choose to live on campus past freshman year, the sense of community that exists within the high rises or Lauder is a far-cry from what was freshman year. Most people want to buckle down and create a solid core group of friends past freshman year, which is perfectly natural and healthy. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel just a little bit nostalgic for the chaotic bumping into new and old faces alike that the freshman year college houses facilitated so well. So freshman: while yes, do file a maintenance request for that mold infestation, don’t forget to stop a moment and appreciate your housing situation just a little bit more. JAMES MORRISON is a College sophomore from Pipersville, P.A. studying English. His email address is jmorr2@sas.upenn.edu.

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

FROM 34TH STREET MAGAZINE

Nine tips for decorating a small space

How to make the most of a minuscule dorm room AVERY JOHNSTON Staff Writer

Let’s face it: Penn dorm rooms are tiny. This is only exaggerated by the fact that, more often than not, they are occupied by more than one person—which means more than one bed. There are only so many ways to organize such a small space before it becomes congested with belongings. As easy as it may be to grimly accept the the clutter, it's simpler than you may think to create a room with an intimate, cozy feel rather than a crowded one. Here are ten tips on maximizing a small space that can help to create the illusion of some extra square footage.

2. Less is more Don’t draw attention to a tiny space by overcrowding it or making clutter visible. A room jam– packed with decor makes it look as if there isn't enough space to fit

Plant-based food, right in University City. 214 S. 40th St | HipCityVeg.com

HavE YoUr NexT

ﬁESta

3. Raise your bed Tall furniture can appear to heighten the ceilings of a room, but more importantly, it provides additional storage space under your bed, where it can’t be seen from under your comforter/blanket. Maximizing vertical storage space like this works to declutter. 4. Utilize light colors It’s a no–brainer that lighter colors add light to a room. Continuation of wall color into the ceiling color helps to “raise” the ceiling by making the distinction between the two unclear. Presumably, though, most students are not asked what color they would like the walls of their room to be. You do, however, have control over your decor. Choose white or light accent pieces. SEE TIPS PAGE 28

wiTh US!

Authentic Mexican food Great for groups BYOB

426 W Girard Ave (215) 351-9144 lascazuelas.net

HOUSING GUIDE 2 7

1. Install a few mirrors Mirrors create the perception of a much larger space and double the natural lighting. Since mirrors reflect a portion of the room, they make the space feel less cramped. The extra light mirrors create affords buoyancy and life to a previously heavy and crowded room.

everything comfortably. On the other hand, a clean shelf or table tells the eye that there is ample space. Don’t overburden open shelving with dozens of disparate knick–knacks. This also goes for wall decor. A wall completely covered with photographs of friends and family is beautiful, but doesn't serve to increase room size, if that's what you're looking to do. A statement tapestry or art piece would be ideal for extending your wall and making it look longer.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

DIANE LIN

IT’S BASICALLY A SALAD

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM

TIPS

haphazard belongings within, which muddles the look of the space.

5. Pick up a minimalistic rug Adding a simple, unpatterned (or minimally patterned) rug pulls a space together without adding to the clutter. If the floors of your dorm are tiled or otherwise barren, a rug will help to bring life to a room and put the floor in conversation with the rest of the decor. Having a rug that matches the lightness of the room will extend the room's length, too.

8. Hang your lights If at all possible, hang any extra lighting you may have. Decorate with fairy lights or magnetic lighting rather than a large lamp that may look out of place (unless it can be tucked in a corner or other such space). Again, you're trying to avoid clutter; big pieces like floor lamps will only add to it.

>> PAGE 27

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

6. Invest in long curtains Floor to ceiling curtains make the ceiling look higher. Specifically, sheer drapes are typically best. They allow light in and even a view out the window without forsaking privacy or style. Lengthy drapes that coordinate with the rest of the room work—perhaps more than anything else—to pull the room together. 7. Perfect your storage methods Tasteful storage bins or other storing methods can declutter the room, and even add a decorative touch to it—if you do it right. Clear bins aren't the best choice—they reveal the

9. Keep your "look" consistent An incoherent space makes a room look much smaller than it already is. Decide on a specific “look” for your room and stick to it with your curtains, rug, and wall decor. Keep all three of these as simple as possible. Compatible colors and style will ensure smooth transitions from one section of a space to another. If you want to make the most of a minuscule space, take advantage of the natural lighting, shelf space, and other included features and work them to your advantage. Decorating a small area is all about drawing the eye to the vertical and and avoiding clutter. Try to deliberately choose decor for the space with the size in mind. Happy decorating!

FROM 34TH STREET MAGAZINE

How to care for your succulent

KAI SONG

Full pot, clear shelf, can't lose MARK PINO Staff Writer

PattayaRestaruant.com | 215.387.8533

28 HOUSING GUIDE

4006 Chestnut Street

Dine-in, Catering & Delivery

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 Lunch Special: Mon-Fri $9.95 Early Bird: Sun-Thur $11.95

First there was Charlie. Then Ralph. Then the one who broke my heart the most—Jeffrey. No, these are not lovers of the past, but they were heart–throbs none the less. Over the years, I’ve attempted, unsuccessfully, to grow and care for a number of succulents that have all withered away a few short weeks after I've welcomed them home. Like many trying to find independence in college, a thriving plant represented a milestone for me. A tall cactus or well–watered house plant proved I could take care of not only myself, but also another living thing. While I’ve supplied all the TLC a lonely plant could ever desire, I have somehow managed to accumulate a plant graveyard, instead of a thriving garden. Determined to change this and set my track record straight, I set out to the farmer’s market on 36th Street to get proper tips on giving succulents the care they need. Amid the frenzy of students lining up to get their daily fill of fresh fruits from Beechwood Orchards and cookies from Big Sky Bread, I met with Pat from PetAl Plants & Flowers to learn how to keep my succulent alive and happy. A local from South Jersey, Pat told me PetAl grafts all of their succulents and cacti plants only a few miles away in Barrington,

New Jersey. Pat then gave me a run down on the best practices to grow and care for succulents. “The biggest mistakes students make with succulents is overwatering.” Originating primarily in dry areas, cacti and succulents are designed to retain water in their fleshy stems and leaves. As a result, Pat suggests, at the beginning, to only give your succulents a few tablespoons of water once a week. After your succulent’s one–month birthday, he says to begin watering about two to three times a week. Larger cacti can be watered once a month. Following Pat’s guidelines, hold back on the watering and show your plant love in more sustainable ways. In addition, make sure to keep your succulent on a windowsill with direct, bright light. Just like many of us, succulents love to be in the spotlight and need an unobstructed source of light. Whether you’re contemplating owning a succulent for the first time or giving plant parenthood another try like myself, these tips can help your plant grow happily and healthily. Stop by the PetAl plant shop on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get more tips from Pat and your own plant to welcome home.

R LOOKING FOE WORK? T-TIM R A P R O L L G! FU N I R I H WE’RE UR LOCAL STORE CONTACT YOR DETAILS! FO

Domino’s

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

OPEN LATE & LATE NITE DELIVERY

TM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

SUN-THURS: 10AM - 2AM • FRI-SAT: 10AM - 4AM

WE MAKE ORDERING EASY! CALL DIRECT OR CHOOSE YOUR ONLINE OR MOBILE DEVICE

215-662-1400

215-557-0940 401 N. 21st St.

HOUSING GUIDE 2 9

4438 Chestnut St.

Smart Tablets Phones

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

30 HOUSING GUIDE

FROM 34TH STREET MAGAZINE

Bring the studio into your own home with these yoga apps

All you need is a smartphone and a mat RYAN MCLAUGHLIN Staff Writer

Yoga is proven to be a therapeutic, strengthening practice that is just as good for your mind as it is for your body. But, if you're too busy with your summer job or class to make it to a studio, look no further than the App Store for a yoga session. I downloaded some yoga apps and tested them out. Here's what I found: Down Dog The first app I tried on my yoga quest, I had no idea what to expect from Down Dog. With more than 30,000 pose combinations, Down Dog promises to never give the same class no matter the difficulty or “boost" (a customization allowing you to focus on a specific area of the body). No matter your settings, all of Down Dog’s practices focus on relieving back pain through muscle strengthening and stretching. The best part of Down Dog though has to be its customizability. From being able to adjust aspects like difficulty level and practice length, to the pace and voice of the instructor, Down Dog ensures that you get the most out of each session. With a monthly fee of $7.99 or a yearly fee of $49.99, Down Dog’s thorough customization comes with a price. But if you are serious about yoga, this is cheaper than any other studio around. Yoga Studio With a title like Yoga Studio, I expected the app to make me feel like I was actually in one. That wasn’t entirely the case though. Yoga Studio has more than 120 different yoga classes and 280 poses that focus on different body parts, practice difficulties, and lets you set goals such as yoga for back pain or mental health. If you can’t find a class to your liking, you can also create your own custom classes using the pose

JESS TAN

library. While I was able to choose the music, I wasn't able to adjust the instructor pace. I got frustrated because the pauses in between each pose were too long. The instructor provided tips to improve the practice, and the video was very easy to follow along in case I got lost. Overall though, there seemed to be a lack of flow in the practice. So, it didn't really seem worth the $9.99 a month fee. Daily Yoga Designed more like a social media platform than a fitness app, Daily Yoga is described as “a super handy yoga training app for everyone” with more than 200 classes of yoga, pilates, and meditation. The app is free to download, but like

many of its competitors, most of Daily Yoga’s practices come with a price. Many of its introductory classes are free, but more advanced sessions require a Pro Premium membership which can range from $12.99 to $19.99 per month or $39.99 to $69.99 annually. However, unlike other apps, Daily Yoga workouts are designed to be completed t h roughout t he week, with one practice a day. It makes the app feel more like a personal trainer rather than an at home yoga studio—but the classes are still easy to follow with high quality video and audio guidance. The app also involves a community section where users can create discussion pages and share personal tips and tricks about their practices. For being a free app,

Daily Yoga is worth checking out for any level of yoga enthusiast, especially those trying to get back into the groove of working out every day. Pocket Yoga Being the only app that I paid for upfront, I had high hopes that Pocket Yoga would give me the best experience out of all the other apps. But for only $2.99, I realized why the other apps cost more for full subscriptions. Pocket Yoga only has 27 different sessions compared to the hundreds of sessions offered by other apps. However, what Pocket Yoga lacks in numbers, it makes up for in low cost and high quality of instruction. I was a little thrown off with the guided video being animated, but the poses were explained

clearly and f lowed together perfectly. I was able to adjust the music and difficulty to my liking. It’s a fairly simple app that is great for those trying to get started with yoga, and it gives exactly what its title promises—it’s the perfect yoga session to pull out anywhere, right from your pocket. If you’re a beginner yogi trying to get into the swing of yoga, try out Pocket Yoga to get used to the different poses and practices. However, if you’re looking for something a little more serious and want to have the best experience possible, the $7.99 per month fee for Down Dog is for sure the way to go. But no matter what app you choose, any yoga is great exercise, so go forth and Namaste my friends.

How to start a garden in your apartment

THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN

FROM 34TH STREET MAGAZINE

beer springfield distributor

Studying too hard?

Take a break with us.

JENNIFER CULLEN Staff Writer

We can finally walk outside without having our appendages go numb, so you know what that means—it’s almost spring time. And nothing makes it feel like spring more than flowers blooming. Unfortunately, the confines of an apartment don't provide much space for planting a garden. But with some creativity you can make even the smallest space a little more green. Where to plant Most importantly, plants need sunlight, ideally for six to eight hours a day. Try finding a windowsill or balcony area where this would be possible. If your space doesn’t have that, then you may have to try growing a plant that requires less sunlight. If you’re planting high up, wind could be a little bit of a concern. Make sure your containers are heavy enough to withstand the elements, or buy a wind block.

these more frequently to keep the soil damp, but they’re pretty resilient plants. As an added bonus, you can use them for cooking.

WE DELIVER

WE DELIVER! Corner of 27th and South St. How to plant 22nd East & Washington There are plenty of nurseries and DIRECTIONS: on Chestnut, gardening supply stores not too far right on 23rd, right on Lombard from campus, which can provide you with all you need. I personally recommend Urban Jungle in South Philly. They have a multitude of seeds, soils, and different kinds of pots that will meet your aesthetic needs. An organic soil or potting mix will probably work best, since they’re lighter in weight and allow water to pass through easily. But don’t think you have to spend a lot to have a garden—pretty much anything can be used as a pot as long as it can hold soil and water, and seeds usually run for less than a dollar.

How to keep your plants alive First of all, give them food and water. Even if your outdoor space gets rain, it probably won’t be enough to keep the plants healthy. You’ll need to test the soil by putting a finger two to three inches deep into the pot and seeing if it feels dry. Additionally, unless you buy a soil with fertilizer included, you’ll need to feed your plants by fertilizing them about every other week. Even though apartments may not provide enough room for a full spring garden, there’s always a sunny corner where you can plant some seeds and watch something amazing grow.

ave, Philadelphia

(215) 546-7301

springﬁeldbeer.net

Welcome CLASS OF Exp.2/23/12 4/11/12 Exp.

2016

For Fast Delivery Call 215-386-1941

4004 chestnut street | (215) 386-1941 Exp.2/23/12 4/11/12 Exp.

For Fast Delivery Call 215-386-1941

All You Can Eat Buffet Every Day!

Welcome $2 beer special! TAKE 10% OFF $3 beer! shots! wine! Exp. 4/11/12 with your PennCard CLASS OF We Deliver! HOUSING GUIDE 3 1

What to plant You have so many options for what you can plant, even in a tiny space. If you’re looking for something easy to care for, succulents are always an option since they only need to be watered about once a month. If you want a little bit more of a challenge, try growing some herbs or greens, like parsley, basil, kale, or arugula. You’ll have to water

DIANE LIN

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

Test your green thumb from your home

Exp. 2/23/12

2016

For Fast Delivery Call 215-386-1941

order online @ newdehliweb.com | closed mondays

THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

32 HOUSING GUIDE

101 S. 39 TH ST • PHILA, PA 19104 (215) 987-5804 • GOHAMCO.COM CONVENIENT TO EVERYWHERE Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in University City, Hamilton Court offers superior living in the hub of University City. FEATURES • Graduate student only Tower • 1-minute walk from main campus • State-of-the-art amenity center featuring world-class fitness center and outdoor terrace with pool and lounge • Brand-new, controlled electronic building access • 24-hour on-site maintenance and on-site management • Brand-new high-capacity laundry facility • Fully furnished apartment options • Fiber optic internet services • 100% pet friendly

NOW LEASING A VARIETY OF 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM APARTMENTS