SPRING 2022
Housing & Living Guide
AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION
IDS
Housing & Living Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS
AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Izzy Myszak MANAGING EDITORS David Wolfe Bender Luzane Draughon
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ethan Moore DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Cate Charron SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Abby Carmichael DESIGN EDITOR Lawren Elderkin VISUALS EDITORS Jenny Butler Tori Krzyston INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Ellie Albin COPY EDITORS Morgan Jones Madison Cox Alex Hardgrave Jocelyn Sweeney Katy Szpak
2 QUIZ: Where should I live?
13 Signing your lease
22 The coffee scene
4 Packing checklist
14 Kitchen essentials
23 How to sublet your home 24 Sharing your space
6 How to search for your home ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Greg Menkedick
25 Local restaurants
CIRCULATION MANAGER Ian Brown
16
IU STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR Jim Rodenbush
Decorating your space
7
Choosing your roommates wisely Visit us online idsnews.com Newsroom 812-855-0760
18 Being a plant parent 19 What we wish we knew
26
8 Money management 9 Laundry 101 10 Student-friendly recipes
Business Office 812-855-0763
12 Setting up utilities
Fax 812-855-8009
13 Noise complaints
20
Staying fit
21 Planning a night in
Owning a pet
26 Living in Greek housing 28 Campus parking map 29 QUIZ: Parking permits
COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN POWERS | TOP PHOTO BY ALEX PAUL | 6 PHOTO BY AVERY ANTILL | 16 PHOTO BY AVERY ANTILL | 20 PHOTO BY DEEPAK SINGH BHADORIYA | 26 PHOTO BY HALI TAUXE
Where should you live next year? By Lawren Elderkin
START HERE
lelderki@iu.edu | @LawrenElderkin
Bloomington offers a variety of options for students to consider. Use this quiz to help you determine your living situation for next year. While it’s
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SHARING A BATHROOM? THAT’S FINE WITH ME
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WITH?
by no means the answer to all your housing concerns, these five simple questions can get you thinking about where to live next year.
0-2
DO YOU WANT TO HAVE PARTIES AND GET-TOGETHERS?
I MIGHT WANT MY OWN
THAT’S NOT FOR ME
I’M NOT OPPOSED
DO YOU WANT TO BE ON CAMPUS? YES, PLEASE
You will thrive in the closeheadquarters of a dorm and love living right on campus. Meeting new people has never been easier. Check out housing.indiana.edu for more information on the residence halls that IU has to offer.
2
OF COURSE!
HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU WANT?
NOT NECCESSARILY
RESIDENCE HALL
3-5+
NOT MUCH AT ALL
APARTMENT
SOME, NOT A TON
A WHOLE BUNCH
HOUSE
Whether you want to be close to Memorial Stadium, on Kirkwood Avenue or near College Mall, there are plenty apartments within walking distsance of campus to choose from. Apartments often vary in size and amentities they have to offer.
Houses come with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a patio and a sometimes a basement or backyard. (This means more cleaning, though.) You can choose to live with friends or go random. Houses near campus go fast, so the sooner you start looking the better.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
We’re on campus, online, and in the palm of your hand. Mobile Banking makes it easier than ever for you to manage your account on the go! IU Credit Union members enjoy: • Full-Service Branch at 17th & Dunn • Online Banking & Bill Pay • Mobile Banking* with Mobile Deposit (and touch ID for phones with touch ID capability)
• Online Loan Applications • Free Checking • Nationwide ATM and Shared Branch Network • And so much more!
Open your account at any branch or online:
*Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile provider.
www.iucu.org www.iucu.org
IU Credit Union is committed to campus and community. IU Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities we serve. We offer $33,000 in scholarships annually, donate to community charitable organizations, and sponsor campus and community programs that encompass education, arts, athletics, and general community needs. Go to iucu.org/communitymatters to learn more.
We started a credit union and created a community. Federally insured by NCUA
812-855-7823 • iucu.org
Packing Checklist By Melanie Reinhart | mearein@iu.edu
Moving to college can seem daunting for many reasons, especially trying to figure out what you really need to live on your own. There are many so many great resources and
recommendations out there and you may be asking yourself, what do I really need to bring with me? Here’s that list of essentials to help make your move a little less stressful.
ROOM ESSENTIALS ☐ pillows/pillowcases ☐ sheets ☐ matress topper ☐ comforter/duvet ☐ throw blanket ☐ desk lamp ☐ hangers ☐ laundry basket
☐ calendar ☐ mirror ☐ fan ☐ shoe organizer ☐ trash can ☐ organization bins ☐ extension cords ☐ books
KITCHEN
DECOR
☐ cups/mugs ☐ utensils ☐ plates/bowls ☐ microwave ☐ blender ☐ toaster ☐ pots and pans
BATHROOM ☐ shower caddy ☐ bath towels ☐ washcloths ☐ loofah ☐ shower cap and robe ☐ makeup ☐ hand soap ☐ toilet paper ☐ shaving supplies ☐ nail kit ☐ tissues 4
SCHOOL ITEMS
☐ lights ☐ pictures ☐ posters ☐ plants ☐ rug ☐ tapestries ☐ removable wall hooks
CLEANING ☐ laundry detergent ☐ stain remover ☐ paper towels ☐ disinfecting wipes ☐ bathroom cleaner ☐ toilet scrubber ☐ trash bags ☐ vacuum ☐ broom ☐ dish soap/sponges ☐ room spray
☐ backpack ☐ notebooks ☐ binders ☐ planner/bullet journal ☐ folders ☐ pens ☐ pencils ☐ highlighters ☐ stapler ☐ index cards ☐ laptop/tablet ☐ sticky notes ☐ scissors ☐ tape ☐ chargers ☐ flashdrive ☐ headphones ☐ calculator
MISC. ☐ first aid kit ☐ umbrella ☐ luggage/tote bag ☐ water bottle ☐ speaker ☐ sewing kit ☐ batteries ☐ flashlight ☐ board games/cards ☐ storage bins ☐ duffel bag HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
Here’s how to navigate the home search process in Bloomington By Laila Hamid lhamid@iu.edu | @lailahamid16
The home search process can seem like a daunting task. However, by keeping a few things in mind and organizing the process, your home search can become much easier and less stressful. The timeline you want to follow for renting a home depends on what kind of property you are looking for. In Bloomington, houses in specific locations, such as behind Third Street, near Kirkwood Avenue or by the Stadium, tend to have a more competitive market than apartments or houses further away from campus. Your official timeline will also be affected by the lease agreement provided by the landlord, so it’s best to start asking about these things ahead of time to get a sense of
how quickly you will have to rent a home or sign a lease. The home search process begins by outlining some necessities and features for your rental property. You may want to consider whether you prefer an apartment or a house, your rent ranges, the number of roommates you will have and your preferred location. Specifying what you are looking for in a home will help narrow your search and find your best-fit properties. Additionally, the Indiana University Division of Student Affairs website contains an Off-Campus Living Resources page, which provides a variety of tips for living and renting properties in Bloomington. Once you have your specifications laid out, you can begin taking a look at rentals available
in Bloomington. Bloomington houses a variety of rental companies, whose websites list the properties they have available to lease. Apartment complexes will also list the various room types they have available, as well as other leasing or apartment information. Even taking a walk or drive around Bloomington will reveal to you the different properties available for rent. Take a look at the properties available for rent and make a list of your favorites. Then you can start contacting landlords, real estate agents or property managers to set up a tour of the places. Getting a look at rental properties gives you a better idea of what the listing is actually like and also gives you a chance to ask specific questions about the property. Ques-
tions you may want to consider asking are about the cost of utilities, the inclusion of landscaping services, parking and maintenance. The final part of the home search process is to decide where you will live. Staying in contact with the landlord or real estate agent can be very helpful to stay on top of significant dates. They will also provide you with rules to be followed, leasing agreements and other information pertinent to the property you will be renting. Finding your home for the school year is not as scary of a task as it may seem to be. There are plenty of helpful resources all around for you to use. Staying organized and doing some research will provide plenty of ease to this process.
HOUSING TOUR CHECKLIST: WHAT ARE THE LEASE OPTIONS?
WHAT IS THE PET POLICY?
HOW LONG IS THE LEASE?
ARE UTILITIES INCLUDED IN THE RENT PRICE?
IS SUBLETTING ALLOWED?
IS THERE PARKING, OR WILL I HAVE TO PARK IN
HOW ARE BILLS AND RENT DIVIDED AMONG
THE STREET?
ROOMMATES?
WHAT IS THE COST OF STREET PARKING?
IS THE LEASE SHARED OR INDIVIDUAL
ARE THERE GUEST RESTRICTIONS?
IS IT FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED?
ARE THERE ANY MOLD OR MILDEW PROBLEMS?
WHAT APPLIANCES ARE INCLUDED?
WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE POLICY?
HOW OLD ARE THE APPLIANCES AND WIRING?
Graphic by Lawren Elderkin lelderki@iu.edu | @LawrenElderkin
6
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
PHOTO BY AVERY ANTILL| IDS
Freshmen William Rodenbeck and Jack Caudill enjoy a game of pool in the common area of Teter Residential Hall. Hanging out with roommates is a great way to spend time, but it’s also important to share space respectfully.
Choosing your roommate(s) wisely By Ce’Etter Stevens cemsteve@iu.edu | @marie_stevens01
Finding a roommate or roommates can be challenging when you are new to the process. Deciding who to live with can be complicated because you have to be with this person for a long time, typically for the duration of your contract. Use these tips when finding a roommate to avoid any potential problems and concerns as best you can. Similar characteristics When looking for roommates, you should find someone with similar characteristics as you. This
will help yourself and your roommates find a common ground with each other so you all can get along. Also, you should ask questions about each other’s lifestyles to better understand one another. Some questions that you should consider asking are: • The person’s work/class schedule • How often do they like to host guests • How loudly they like to play music • How much TV do they watch in common spaces • Whether they mind sharing household items • Whether they have any health
concerns you should know about Respecting boundaries When looking for roommates, try to find someone who will respect your boundaries. You’re living under the same roof with someone else, so you need to be able to establish what is yours and what you are comfortable with sharing. If you have a problem with a roommate not respecting your boundaries, find someone who can help mediate the issue. Housing goals Once you have found someone that is a potential roommate,
LIVE ICONIC Tour & sign today. Limited availability! 24-Hour Fitness Center 24-Hour Game Room Large Floor Plans Private Study Spaces
try to discuss each other’s housing goals. For instance, how often do you want to clean the space? Also, establish limits on when or how often you have company. This will help you all become considerate of each other’s goals or intentions and keep the space organized. Request roommates If you have a roommate in mind, and you wish to live on campus, you can request that person as your roommate when applying for housing. You and your potential roommate have to request each other in order for it to happen. You can find the housing application at one.iu.edu. Roommate contact information Once your housing information has been released, you can find your roommate’s contact information and start to establish a relationship with them. You can discuss each other’s interests and how you all plan to live together for the school year.
Money management tips for students Some simple tips could help you save and be in control of your finances. By Amangul Hydyrova amahydyr@iu.edu
The life of a college student can be hectic. Being a student means not only managing classes, exams, work and a social life but also figuring out the beginning of adulthood. Adulthood comes with the responsibility of managing personal finance. Col-
8
lege is a critical period to learn the necessary skills, develop the right habits and set yourself up for success. It is hard to create a universal guideline that works for everyone, but here are some tips that you may want to incorporate into your life:
Track your expenses
Find room for improvement
Start tracking your expenses. Go through your bank account statements — checking account, credit cards, Venmo and PayPal, for example — and figure out how much you spend and where you spend it each month. Pay close attention and categorize expenses into groups like “essentials” (rent, utility, groceries, gas), “miscellaneous” (gifts, clothes, entertainment) and more.
Identify your unsustainable buying patterns. Cancel random subscriptions and try to avoid impulsive online shopping. Small daily purchases quickly add up, so consider eating out less and getting a reusable coffee mug. Buy used books instead of new ones. Incremental changes make all the difference.
Find a job
Create, stick to a budget
Students already have a lot on their table and adding an extra commitment may be challenging. Nevertheless, consider getting a part-time job if you can. It will not only help you achieve your financial goals faster, but it will also help you gain work experience. The Walter Career Center at IU will help you find a job that fits your interests, write a resume and prepare you for the interview.
Identify your unsustainable buying patterns. Cancel random subscriptions and try to avoid impulsive online shopping. Small daily purchases quickly add up, so consider eating out less and getting a reusable coffee mug. Buy used books instead of new ones. Incremental changes make all the difference.
Graduate on time Exploring your interests, changing majors, transferring or being overwhelmed by personal issues are valid reasons for delayed graduation. However, delayed graduation carries a financial burden. Use the resources offered by the university: they will assist you through your journey. Set up an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic progress. They will help you choose classes that satisfy one or several requirements for your major, find campus opportunities and determine the best path for you. Furthermore, trained staff at IU Health Center will help if you need mental health support.
Have fun Who said you can’t have fun on a budget? There are so many events happening on campus every day that you can attend. It is a great way to socialize and build new connections for low costs.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
Your step-by-step laundry guide By Natalie Fitzgibbons natfitzg@iu.edu | @NatalieFitz9
Knowing how to do your laundry is an essential skill to have during college. You do not want to accidentally end up with all your white clothes stained red or your sweaters shrunken. When it comes to doing laundry, there are a few basic steps everyone can follow. Here are some tips and tricks inspired by advice from Thought Co. Step 1: Read care labels on the clothing to figure out if it can be put in a washer and, if it can, how it needs to be washed. Many washers have settings such as normal, synthetic and delicate. Step 2: Sort your laundry based on color and type. The various types of clothing can include darks, lights, whites, normal, delicates, bedding and heavilystained clothes.
A washer and dryer with laundry is seen March 6, 2022.
Step 3: Pre-treat stains with a stain stick if there are stains on the clothing. Step 4: Load one of your sorted piles of clothing into a washer. Do not pack and squish things in to make everything fit. Step 5: Choose detergent and/ or fabric softener and read the directions to determine how much to use. Step 6: Select the water tem-
WESTON KILGORE | IDS
perature and cycle on the washing machine. Temperature choices are usually cold, warm or hot. You can usually wash clothes on warm, but if it’s delicate or colors are mixed with whites, then choose the cold setting so the colors do not leak. Next, you are going to choose the soil level based on how dirty your clothes are: light, normal or heavy.
Step 7: Read the care label tags on the washed clothes to figure out if it can be dried in a dryer or not. Step 8: Load clothes into the dryer. Adding a dryer sheet or dryer balls will help to prevent static and make your clothes smell good. It usually takes up to one hour to dry clothes. When living in a dormitory, you usually have to do your laundry in the building’s laundry room. Investing in a laundry bag or laundry basket with wheels is a must. There are also a limited amount of washers and dryers, so make sure you make time to do it. Be respectful and considerate of other people doing laundry: do not touch other people’s clothes and always set a timer so other people don’t have to wait. Do not leave any of your belongings laying around, either.
We’re Sharing our Secret!
It’s not magic, just great advertising. Email advertise@idsnews.com to learn more about our advertising opportunities.
Simple meals for college students Words by RJ Crawford rjcrawfo@iu.edu | @ rjcrawfxrd
Illustration by Melanie Reinhart mearein@iu.edu
Having a balanced diet while being a college student can be hard. Healthy foods and eating out can be quite expensive. But, finding time to make a good home-cooked meal could make all
the difference and be extremely beneficial. As a college student and someone who loves to cook, I have compiled a list of recipes that don’t take a lot of time, effort or money to make.
Shrimp Alfredo Ingredients: - Shrimp - Garlic - Pasta noodles - Alfredo sauce - Shredded parmesan cheese - Butter - Heavy cream Directions: Get a medium-size pot and fill it with water halfway. Add a dash of salt. Wait until the water comes to a boil and add in pasta noodles. While the pasta is boiling, prepare your shrimp. Deshell, wash and season your shrimp with pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and crushed red pepper to your liking. Get a pan, add some oil and cook your shrimp until they are a dark pink color. Set the shrimp aside. Get a small pot. Add in some alfredo sauce and butter. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Add in some of the parmesan cheese and stir. If the consistency of the sauce is too thick, add in some heavy cream to loosen the mixture. Do not burn the sauce or cook on high heat. Once the sauce is smooth and melted, set aside. Drain your noodles once they are done boiling. Add the drained noodles back to your pot with some butter. Stir. Add in your shrimp to the noodles and stir. Add your sauce to the noodles and stir until it is at your desired consistency. Enjoy!
Homemade Chipotle Bowl Ingredients: - Rice (brown, white, or cilantro lime) - Black beans - Meat of your choice - Shredded lettuce - Cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar blend) - Queso - Jalapenos - Salsa - Sour cream Directions: Cook your meat, black beans, and rice to your liking. Once the meat, beans, and rice are fully prepared, get a bowl and prepare for the layering. First, add in your rice. Next, add your meat. Then, add your black beans, shredded lettuce, and cheese. On top of that, add the jalapenos. Then, add some sour cream and salsa. To top off your bowl, add some nice warm queso. Mix, or don’t, and enjoy your at-home Chipotle.
10
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
Vegetable Soup Ingredients: - Bagged sliced carrots - Frozen cauliflower - Kidney beans - Canned stewed tomatoes - 2 canned tomato pastes - Vegetable broth - Frozen corn - Onion - Celery - 2 red bell peppers Directions: Let’s get the hard part out of the way first, slice your onion. Then, slice the celery and bell peppers. Set them aside. In a pot, combine the vegetable broth with the tomato paste, stewed tomatoes and kidney beans. Let this simmer for about five minutes. Add in your sliced vegetables and frozen vegetables. Stir the mixture. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and soft. Once fully cooked, let the soup sit for about 10 minutes. Enjoy! Try not to burn your tongue.
Although it could be difficult to take a chunk of your day to cook a meal, it would benefit you in the long run. Cooking could allow you to switch focus from school work to reality. When you switch back to school work you’ll feel more prepared and energized. Food is our main source of energy, so use it to the best of your ability.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
11
$
$
A brief guide to utilities $
Moving into a new home can be daunting. There’s lots to keep track of: rent, maintenance and not least of all, utilities. Utilities include amenities like electricity and water, for which a tenant is often billed monthly. Occasionally the landlord will cover some of these costs, but usually the tenants will be responsible for at least a couple. Before you move in, you may have to set up some of these utilities. This can seem somewhat daunting, but it’s often not as difficult as it seems. You should begin by asking your landlord whether they have preferred providers, such as the East Monroe Water Corporation
12
$
Words by Grant Wheeler grawheel@iu.edu | @wh33lg
Graphic by Lawren Elderkin
$
lelderki@iu.edu | @LawrenElderkin
or Hoosier Energy. Some providers form partnerships with property owners, offering discounted rates in exchange for preferential or exclusive servicing rights. If there aren’t preferred providers for your dwelling, you’ll need to find them locally. This comes down to personal preference and budget. Some providers will offer cheaper rates but with lower quality service and vice versa. Once you’ve moved in, you’ll begin paying for utilities on a monthly basis. It can be difficult to keep track of these costs and make sure they’re paid on time, but there are certainly ways to do it. For one, many companies
offer automated payments that post on their own before the due date each month. This can be very convenient, as you aren’t required to keep track of due dates on your own, but there are some caveats. For example, if your account balance is less than the amount due when the automatic payment happens, you may be charged an overdraft fee by your bank as well as a late fee by the service provider. If you’d rather pay your bills manually, you can always mail a check, but many companies offer online options, which makes the process very convenient. Once you’ve started paying for utilities, you’ll probably want
Electricity
Water
COMPANY:
COMPANY:
COST PER MONTH:
COST PER MONTH:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
WiFi
Trash
COMPANY:
COMPANY:
COST PER MONTH:
COST PER MONTH:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
Other:
Other:
COMPANY:
COMPANY:
COST PER MONTH:
COST PER MONTH:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHEN THE BILL IS DUE:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
WHO PAYS THE BILL:
$
to know how to start paying less for them. Luckily, there are a number of ways to keep costs down. When it comes to electricity, keeping lights off when not needed, using more efficient bulbs and replacing your air filter often can help keep your bill down. Using cold water in your washing machine can help lower your water bill, and your dishwasher actually uses less water and electricity than hand-washing your dishes. If you’ve been using these tips, and your bill is still too high, you can request an audit from your provider, which will tell you where your utilities are being used most.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
How to understand your
How to deal with noise issues IDS FILE PHOTO BY SAM HOUSE
A student shouts in an off-campus house in Bloomington. By Matthew Fort mattfort@iu.edu
Focused studying is a necessity in college, so finding quiet study spaces on campus is important. This includes having a quiet place to come back to after days filled with classes. IU and the city of Bloomington have resources for students living either on or off campus to deal with noise complaints, as loud disruptions may come up through the semester. On-campus housing In order to live in campus residence halls, students agree to the residence hall rules and regulations. Within these rules, IU stipulates that all residence halls have quiet hours where sounds should not be audible beyond hallways or rooms. Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m., residents must abide by the quiet hours. Students are expected to respect these rules and comply with requests from others. If an issue does arise, speaking with your resident assistant can alleviate the situation. RAs are there to create a safe and welcoming environment; reaching out to them can help. Beyond this, IU recommends contacting Residential Programs and Services through their online form for problems that cannot be
resolved in other ways. Off-campus housing For students choosing to live slightly further from campus but within the city limits, the city of Bloomington’s municipal code outlines how much noise is allowable within Bloomginton. The code notes that noise above certain levels is detrimental to public health and well-being. Motors without mufflers, music played louder than necessary for listeners and any unreasonable noise are in violation of the municipal code. Violations of the code can result in an official warning the first time or a $50 fine, with the second and third subsequent violations in the same 12-month period being $100 and $500 fines, respectively. Any further violation can result in the confiscation of the noise emitter by the Bloomington Police Department. To report a violation, Bloomington residents can call the nonemergency BPD line at (812) 3394477, ready to give an address or description of the property where the violation occurred. With additional funding given to the BPD through the Quiet Nights Program, the city wants people to know it is willing to ensure peaceful nights for its residents.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
Words by Jacob Lubarsky jacob.lubarsky03@gmail.com
Illustration by Donyá Collins doscoll@iu.edu | @artbyyay
When first moving into a dorm or apartment, students may be bombarded with lengthy legal documents and lease contracts that seem to be written in jargon. These papers may look daunting, and one may have an urge to skip them. However, it is vital you carefully review all leasing contracts, as they contain crucial legal and living rules that are worth paying attention to. Without a contract lawyer by your side, here is how to assess a lease contract and where to get help if needed. Highlight key words Looking up keywords within a contract can be a fast way of finding specific information you need when signing a lease. Nowadays, most contracts can be found online and within a PDF format. To search a keyword, type “ctrl/command+f” on your keyboard to initiate a word search. Student Legal Services IU’s Student Legal Services is a convenient system to ask licensed attorneys and legal interns any questions about your contract. This free service is accessible to all students and meetings can be set up through IU’s student affairs website.
Check for extra fees When signing a contract, you must know what you are paying for and what other fees may be lurking in the sea of legal lingo. When reading through your contract, check for extra fees that may be added to your monthly rent. For example, see if your residence pays for your water and electricity bill. It is recommended you check if you are paying individual leases if living in a shared area, or if you are splitting the monthly rent among all occupants. Sign and initial after you’ve assessed everything Before you are ready to hand over your lease to your tenant, double-check the document and wait to sign the contract after you have thoroughly reviewed it. The contract is binding, and it is hard to undo after it has been signed. Keep a copy of your lease Whether digital or physical, it is important to always have a copy of your signed leases in case any disputes arise. If you ever need to double-check rules, regulations or anything at all that your lease details, it’s a smart idea to always have a copy of your lease at the ready.
13
First-time kitchen essentials to make it look like you know what you’re doing By Bradley Hohulin bhohulin@iu.edu | @BradleyHohulin
I get it — the kitchen can be a scary place. But we’ve allegedly come a long way as a species from dropping mammoth legs in a big fire and gnawing around the salmonella. It’s time to act like it. Assuming you already have appliances and utensils, these are the bare essentials for a college student new to the kitchen. An inexpensive nonstick pan Like all the most beautiful things in life, nonstick pans won’t last long, but they will give you plenty of moments to cherish along the way. When it comes to breakfast, Teflon skillets are unrivaled. Whether you’re frying eggs,
flipping pancakes or cleaning off inedible burnt remnants of botched eggs and pancakes, these pans just make everything so much easier. A silicone spatula At some point, you might get brave and decide to cook something that involves moving hot food around. If you’re tempted to simply use a metal fork, don’t. That’s not what it’s for. You know it’s not. You’re better than this. Instead of scraping your pots and pans to kingdom come and back, pick up a cheap rubber spatula. It can do everything from scrambling eggs to stirring Kraft macaroni and cheese, which should cover about 95% of your culinary endeavors.
SAMANTHA SMITH | IDS
Eating utensils are seen laying on a towel on March 5, 2022.
14
A big, sharp knife with a cutting board
A few containers for leftovers
A well-honed chef’s knife will let you turn all your favorite foods into smaller but equally delicious versions of those foods. Just be sure to chop carefully.
Have you ever gotten full midway through a delicious home-cooked meal and thought, “Alas, what great tragedy! If only there were some way I could preserve this fleeting delicacy for another day?” Boy, do I have some fantastic news for you.
A stash of band-aids Carefully, I said. An alarmingly large bowl
A sponge
My goodness, I cannot stress enough how wonderful it feels to have a truly enormous bowl sitting in your cupboard. Beating eggs, stirring batter, marinating meat, housing popcorn on movie night, you name it. Come on, do you really want to go through life wondering what it would’ve been like if you had a bigger bowl?
I know, what a bummer. Cooking can be fun, educational and extremely fulfilling, but it all has to come to an end. As this next handful of years should teach you, a significant portion of life is just cleaning up your messes. Be grateful these go away with a squirt of Dawn and a little elbow grease.
SAMANTHA SMITH | IDS
A kitchen is seen with a stove, oven, microwave and fridge on March 5, 2022.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
LIVE INDIANA WITH
US
SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS
The Village at Muller Park 500 S Muller Parkway 812-333-6800 live@villagemp.com
Reservee on Third d 500 S Parrk Rid dge e Road d 812 2-5 558 8-3 360 00 l ve@ li @resserrve v onthiird.coom
Economic and environmentally sustainable dorm decor to express yourself Reasonably-priced stores and do-it-yourself options are available. By Taylor Satoski tsatoski@iu.edu | @taylorsatoski
As if college tuition wasn’t enough of a budget buster, now you have to decorate! It may seem daunting to fully decorate a room, so here are some tips to make it easier on you and your wallet. Stores that won’t break your budget
can lead to beautiful additions to your wall. Lights — One string of lights from Target or Walmart can brighten up your whole wall. Tapestry — One simple item could cover a whole wall. Cheap tapestries can be found on Amazon. Bulletin board — Some people will say it’s “so 2000’s,” but a bulletin board is great for collaging photos. It can also be a great place to pin concert tickets and notes from friends! Calendar — A cute calendar can not only keep you organized, but also fill some space with your favorite themed photographs.
Discount stores are not only great for the environment, but great for your budget! Most thrift stores will have wall decorations along with home decor and cheap furniture. Other cheap options would be Target or Walmart. Amazon will also have multiple low-budget choices. For the floor Considering the cold floor and bland colors Stores such as Homegoods and Marshalls also have reasonably priced artwork and home of a college dorm, a cheap rug could pull together the whole room. Whether it’s a solid decor and often have aisles of clearance items. color or exotic pattern, your choice should Do-it-yourself express your style. DIY decorations can be found on Pinterest or YouTube. The ideas are endless and can end Other decor Organization — Instead of accumulating a up as a small decoration on your desk or a large junk drawer, consider getting a stylish storage part of your wall. cube from Target to place on top of your Ways to decorate your wall wardrobe. Plants — Tall bamboo trees or short Prints — Whether you’d rather put up a photo of your friends or your favorite album succulent plants are always options when it cover, your camera roll and the internet provide comes to decor. These additions will liven up endless inspiration. Head to the nearest your space without breaking your budget. Pillows — If you know someone who sews, Walgreens if you don’t have a printer and have your favorite photos printed with almost any ask for a handmade gift. A pillow could be made with a simple piece of fabric and stuffing. dimensions. Vases — With or without flowers, a vase Artwork — Purchasing a piece of canvas and designing your own artwork with your friends could add your personality to the room.
PHOTO BY AVERY ANTILL | IDS
16
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
17
Green thumb guide Looking to add a bit more color to your indoor space? Check this guide out. By Helen Rummel hrummel@iu.edu | @HelenRummel
When I was growing up, I didn’t have a ton of houseplants around me. I had pets for most of my life, and even when I didn’t, my parents always gave up on anything that wasn’t a sturdy cactus or something made of plastic. So when I came to college, I started to
invest in more plants and explore my options. Over the years I have found myself much better off because of it. College is a time where you learn to take care of yourself, so here are some beginner plant options that I have not found too overwhelming.
Aloe Vera
Philodendron
Snake Plant
Aloe plants are often called cactuses, but they are not. These hardly plants can make themselves at home nearly anywhere and can live for many years. They don’t require much watering and enjoy sunny windowsills. Pro tip: If you ever get a sunburn or superficial wound, you can cut a piece of aloe off the plant and use it carefully as a healing ointment.
These beautiful leafy plants are the ideal first plant in my opinion. Not only are they incredibly easy to take care of, but the leaves will grow fairly quickly when given an appropriate amount of sunlight. I have had my philo since I was in high school, and it has survived all three of my moves since then — plus the leaves have reached the floor and continue to grow. Pro tip: if your philo is older when you purchase it, or you have nurtured it well, you can start using hooks to promote the growth of the vines onto your walls.
I have found these plants to be the toughest to kill. These plants, coming in a variety of colors and sizes, can be found at most stores and normally don’t run too pricey. In addition, I like these plants because they farefair better in darker rooms than most houseplants. Pro tip: You can keep snake plants outdoors, and they might even flower! However, this is not common.
When selecting the plants you’d enjoy, you can take a quick trip to a number of local plant stores in Bloomington. Some of my favorites and ones that have been recommended to me are oak., Gather, Lowe’s Garden Center and Bloomington Valley Nursery.
18
Whatever your heart desires, you will likely find a plant for you at one of these places. I have found it helpful to create watering schedules if you find yourself with multiple plants with different needs. If you notice one starting to look a little under the weather, check if the soil is dry or if you can
locate bugs on the leaves or stems. These are the most frequent causes of a sick plant. Most of all, don’t give up if you lose a plant along the way. We all need a bit of time to find our green thumb. ILLUSTRATION BY LAWREN ELDERKIN
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
What we wish we knew Members of the IDS staff revisit their first independent living experiences “I wish I knew that you’re not going to have the same friends forever, that as you grow in college you grow apart from people and that’s not always a bad thing.”
“Everyone talks about how cooking is healthy and saves money, but I think more importantly it’s a fun skill to learn. Sometimes at college it feels like you’re supposed to be really good at a few things and you don’t have time to be a beginner at anything, but that’s not true. Start small and you’ll get better super quickly. Even your greatest failures could end up pretty tasty.”
“I wish I would’ve known more about the legalities of leases. It was all super confusing to me and it would’ve been helpful had I known more about them!”
Curren Gauss, opinion editor
Bradley Hohulin, enterprise
Izzy Myszak, editor in chief
“I think one thing you should definitely know is to start looking early. Housing supply is always in demand. I got lucky with my apartment and lucky with my roommates. We tried to find something on campus or close to it, and everything that fit our needs was taken. We got lucky.”
“I wish I took advantage of living in Bloomington more when I came to IU. There’s a lot of ways to get involved with the community outside of the university. Even just walking downtown and getting acquainted with all the cool events there is a start!”
“I think one thing I wish I would have known is that buying groceries saves a lot of money. I wish I would’ve bought groceries more and learned to meal prep earlier in college.”
Griffin Healy, sports
Helen Rummel, enterprise editor
Lawren Elderkin, design editor
IT’S YOUR TIME TO EVOLVE
STUDIO-4 BEDROOM NEXT-LEVEL STUDENT LIVING
Now Leasing Fall 2022 - Sign a Lease Today! 1 4 2 5 N D u n n S t B l o o m i n g t o n , I N 474 0 8 | ( 8 1 2 ) 5 9 0 - 8 5 6 2 | evo l ve b l o o m i n g t o n . c o m
DEEPAK SINGH BHADORIYA | IDS
Workout gear is seen March 6, 2022.
Tips to overcome the mortal terror of going to the gym By Bradley Hohulin bhohulin@iu.edu | @BradleyHohulin
Let’s say, hypothetically, you lived in a society with incredibly warped views and unreachable standards regarding the human body. In that society, it would probably be pretty tough for the non-genetically blessed to improve their physical and mental health without experiencing a great deal of anxiety. Again, this is all totally theoretical. Fortunately, the gym doesn’t have to be a loud, odorous factory of body dysmorphia. Whether you’re headed to the Bill Garrett Fieldhouse or the Student Recreational Sports Center, here are a few tips to conquer the butterflies and take the first steps toward a healthier, happier you.
20
Realize everybody is just there to work on themselves When was the last time you saw somebody trying to improve themself and thought, “Woah, what a loser?” The person who just deadlifted so much weight it hurt your spine to look at them doesn’t care if you’re curling 10-pound dumbbells. And I’m guessing you aren’t paying attention to the person curling the 5-pound weights, either. It’s literally a room filled wall to wall with giant mirrors. You have to exert genuine effort to focus on anyone but yourself. Find a gym buddy A gym buddy can hold you accountable, push you to work harder or simply assure you that even if you look like an idiot, you don’t look like a lonely
idiot. It doesn’t even have to be someone you know outside of the gym. Some people say your best friend at the gym is a wellstructured routine or an indomitable work ethic, but I would argue your best friend at the gym is the guy you silently nod at and clumsily fist bump on your way back from the drinking fountain. Completely abandon your comfort zone This sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to get over a fear is to dive in headfirst. Barbells intimidate you? Throw one on your back, squat a few times and show it who’s boss. Cardio isn’t your thing? Hop on one of those futuristic treadmills and run so fast that the debilitating insecurity can’t catch you. The SRSC has a power vinyasa
yoga class that looks super fun, and I swear I’m on the brink of overcoming my remarkably fragile ego and giving it a shot. Don’t go No, seriously. The gym isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally fine. There are countless ways to feel good about your body, and most of them don’t require a monthly membership. Go hiking in Brown County, take a soccer ball to Woodlawn Field or master your kick serve on the tennis courts. It all works. If you think you can’t get strong or muscular without access to a gym, go to your local natural history museum. Those plaster cavemen almost certainly didn’t have access to an LA Fitness, and they all look super jacked to me.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
How to plan a relaxing night in By Amani Gates amagates@iu.edu | @amani_gates
As college students, we have so much on our plate, and it can sometimes be difficult trying to put ourselves first. The endless amounts of assignments, having to go to work so you have money on the side to support yourself, managing your mental health, dealing with relationships and friendships, the list goes on. Planning time for yourself is something you shouldn’t feel bad about. It should be a priority. Below I have provided some tips on how to plan a relaxing night in, whether you want to spend it alone or with friends. 1. First things first, get all of your assignments done and out of the way. Then, pick a time
frame when you aren’t too busy and can dedicate the majority of the day to yourself. Easier said than done. 2. Next and most importantly, figure out what you want to have for dinner that night. Think of something that brings you comfort and makes you happy. On days where I don’t feel like cooking, ordering takeout from Taste of India or Do Asian Fusion Restaurant are my go-to spots. When I do feel like cooking, I search on TikTok to find new recipes to try. I love pasta, so I try to find new pasta recipes. Now that you have your day set and what you plan on eating, it’s time for the fun part: relaxing. 3. Take some time to debrief and journal your thoughts. When things are getting a little bit too
NEWS FOR YOU, BY YOU & ABOUT YOU.
stressful, and I have a lot on my mind, I write it out. When I journal, I vent to either my laptop or my notebook and write whatever is on my mind. Afterward, I feel so much better and more relaxed. Emotions are better out than in. 4. While doing this, you might want to listen to music and have a candle burning. It sets the mood and makes the space around you so much more peaceful. 5. After journaling, take time to feed your mind. Pick up and read a good book. I’ve been trying to read more this year, so I bought a variety of books that interest me. Currently, I am reading “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. 6. After reading a few chapters, turn on a movie or show,
ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN POWERS
put on a face mask, and just do absolutely nothing for the rest of the night. Eat your meal, and enjoy life. Although these are tips, figuring out what makes you happy and would cater to your needs at that moment is what’s important. Treat yourself and make life beautiful.
Come check out our remodeled units with all new Flooring, Cabinets, Lighting, and Appliances. Hurry! We are currently 80% pre-leased, so stop by for a tour today. Application Fee, Administrative Fee, & Deposit WAIVED!
For all things student life, visit idsnews.com.
• Ice machine, microwave, cable, & wifi in every unit • Full-size washer and dryer included • Water/sewer and gas included • 24-hour upgraded fitness center with strength equipment, cardio machines, & free weights • Full-size tennis courts • Pet-friendly community
www.TheMonroeLiving.com
Text “MONROE” to 47464 for further details
Five local coffee choices to brighten your Bloomington morning With both on and off-campus options, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect wake-up call. By Nadia Scharf njscharf@iu.edu | @nadiaascharf
Soma Coffee House and Juice Bar Soma is a Bloomington coffee cult classic. By far the most wellknown coffee shop around town, it has three locations, two of which are right off campus. With mismatched chairs and hand-written chalk menus, Soma is the picture of a college coffee shop. They offer a variety of juices, coffees and flavorings, from classic to eccentric, as well as baked goods from local businesses or made in-house. They’re also committed to activism, sponsoring a new community organization every month. Favorite drink: Razz-Ma-Tazz, a latte with dark chocolate and raspberry syrup. Poindexter Coffee Poindexter Coffee, located off the lobby of the Graduate Bloomington hotel on Kirkwood, is another great option right off campus. With dark wood tables, a quiet atmosphere and lots of natural light, it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours on homework. The coffee is good quality and, though there’s not many options, their classics and seasonal specials seal the deal for a perfect study date. Favorite drink: Iced vanilla latte with oat milk. Hopscotch Coffee Hopscotch’s goal is to “elevate the coffee scene in Bloomington,” according to its website, and you can taste the difference. With locations on West Dodds Street, south of the College Ave. Kroger, and North Madison Street, near Bloomingfoods West, Hopscotch offers beverages, pastries, coffee beans and even merchandise. They have a
variety of house specials, including diverse drinks like “Golden Milk,” which is steamed milk with a variety of spices, and “Coco Rico,” a double shot of espresso with coconut milk. They also offer refreshing classic coffee drinks, like lattes, mochas and more. Favorite drink: Cold brew with cream or their Thai iced coffee. Needmore Coffee Past the east side of campus is Needmore Coffee, a one-location coffee shop dedicated to roasting organic, ethically sourced coffee. Started by Katie Mysliwiec in 2014, Needmore is deeply invested in the Bloomington community. It’s located off campus, meaning fewer students frequent the shop, but the cozy atmosphere and deliciously strong coffee are reason enough to go. Needmore’s website lists tasting notes for the coffee connoisseurs, but their signature lattes are a go-to when you need to grind out the last few pages of that essay. They also offer herbal teas and breakfast food baked fresh in house. Favorite drink: The Campfire latte or their Lavender latte. Inkwell Bakery & Cafe A brunch spot at heart, the Inkwell Bakery & Cafe is unmissable for both a morning meal and the coffee on the side. The cafe has recently opened a new location on Woodlawn Avenue in addition to their previous location on North College Avenue. Of this list, it’s a favorite for a sit-down meal, with a menu featuring numerous breakfast and lunch options. But don’t let that scare you away from grabbing a coffee on the way to class! Favorite drink: Iced chai latte (and Broken Yolk Sandwich to go!)
ILLUSTRATION BY MELANIE REINHART
22
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
How to do subletting the right way By Marissa Meador marnmead@iu.edu
Renting in college can be tricky. A wealth of opportunities — internships, study abroad programs and early graduation — can sometimes present themselves at inopportune times. Students should pursue these opportunities, though, even when they come last minute. However, landlords often require a signed lease many months before the start of the year and typically want a yearlong commitment. No one wants to be paying rent for an unused living space. This is where the magic of subletting comes in. Subletting is a process where tenants offer their space to a subtenant. This subtenant pays rent for the time period they are occupying the space but doesn’t commit to anything other than the end of the original tenant’s lease. However, it is important to understand the landlord and renter insurance’s policies before searching for a tenant. First, check to make sure that
respond to any questions about your apartment, so you can secure a willing subtenant. Before you reach out to potential tenants, make sure to talk to your roommates about what kind of person they would like to live with. When you do find someone, emphasize the importance of communication between the new person and your current roommates in order to find a harmonious match. You also need to consider your furniture. If your apartment was originally unfurnished, decide if you want to take your furniture with you or not. Some subtenants may desire a place that is already ILLUSTRATION BY JULIETTE ALBERT furnished. After you have vetted and landlords do not want to deal classified ad or using the IU secured an agreement with with the extra issues that sublet Facebook group. When you post your place, a subtenant, refer to your subletting can cause. Other times subletting will be allowed make sure to provide key landlord for final steps. Make with an extra fee, usually paid details like the monthly rent sure you have a plan to pass off by the original tenant. Make and whether or not utilities the key to the new tenant once sure to follow each step of the are included. Provide well- you move out. After tying up all loose-ends, lit and clean pictures of your process. After you know your apartment, as well as the you should be ready to enjoy landlord’s policies on location and information about the next chapter of your life subletting, search for a parking and/or bus routes. without worrying about paying potential tenant online. The Make sure that you are ready to for a vacant apartment. your leasing agreement allows for subletting. Sometimes
best ways to advertise your place is by posting an IU
never miss out on…
today! il a em r u o y to t n se em get th Subscribe at IDSNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE
Dealing with roommates is about respect By Curren Gauss curgauss@iu.edu | @currenegauss
Throughout your young adult life, it is nearly impossible to squeeze by without a bad roommate. I’ve been there, and you will be there too: it’s no fun but there are ways to make it easier (and to avoid friends-to-roommates falling out altogether). Firstly: living with friends is not the death trap people say it is. If you and your friend decide getting an apartment together would be the best thing ever, go for it! There are just things to know beforehand. Respecting each other There is nothing worse than roommate conflict. You live together, probably have similar friends and see each other all the
24
time, meaning there is plenty of space to butt heads. In my experience, the only way to keep this from happening is some good ol’ basic respect. If you don’t like doing the dishes, but your roommate is a neat freak, have a conversation about it. Express how you will do your best to keep shared spaces clean and stick to that. If you are the neat freak, give your roommate some slack. Let each other know how you feel about keeping shared spaces tidy and if needed, make a schedule to clean. It’s not for everyone, but it can avoid conflict down the road about who is responsible for what. Guests Another issue roommates
tend to have is the issue of guests: when can they come over? How long can they stay? Do you know them? If you are planning on having someone over, just let your roommate know. Something my roommates and I do is send a text in our roommates group chat. It’s everyone’s home, so they are able to bring whoever they want, but just letting the others know is a courtesy and ties back into respect. An inevitable fight Living with anyone will lead to conflict. If you’re going through a roommate scuffle, there are ways to get out of it: just consider humility and communication. Talking to people is the easi-
ILLUSTRATION BY JACK DONNELLY
est way to fix an issue. If you and your roommate get into a screaming match about laundry, know when to take a breather. Revisit the conversation when both of you have cooled off and are willing to hear each other’s sides of the story. More often than not, sitting down with someone and having a little therapy rap-sesh is just as good as screaming (and more productive). All in all, rooming with friends is one of the best parts of college — it’s just about making sure that you act responsibly and know when and how to communicate issues effectively. It makes living with friends even better.
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
A few of Bloomington’s best restaurants By Cameron Garber garberc@iu.edu | @garber_cameron
As one of the largest cities in Indiana, Bloomington is home to a wide variety of dining options, servicing the city’s more than 80,000 residents. In addition to the standard selection of national fast food chains — such as McDonald’s or Wendy’s — Bloomington hosts a selection of local eateries to satisfy any appetite. Longfei For people looking for an authentic Chinese dining experience, one need not look farther than Longfei, located just off of Kirkwood on Grant Street.In addition to its convenient location, Longfei offers an extensive menu including an array of both American Chinese food and authentic Chinese food. This means that patrons can get their fix of fried rice and pad thai as well as hot pots and bubble tea. Longfei is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and from 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Longfei is closed on Wednesdays.
Dagwood’s Deli and Sub Shop If you are looking for a quicker dining experience, Dagwood’s is a deli and sub shop located just outside the Sample Gates on Indiana Avenue. Serving the Bloomington community since 1985, Dagwood’s serves delicious and enormous sandwiches of all kinds. Dagwood’s has earned numerous awards for Bloomington’s best sandwich, according to their website. Dagwood’s is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 10:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream If you are looking for a classic burger joint, you look no further than Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream. Located on Morton Street between Eighth and Ninth streets Bub’s serves both hamburgers and Elk Burgers, an alternative that is lower in calories and cholesterol. In addition to offering burgers up to one pound in weight, Bub’s also has a dedicated ice cream parlor specializing in milkshakes. Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ev-
Students eat outside of Dagwood’s Mar. 5, 2022.
ery day except Tuesdays when it is closed. Butch’s Grillacatessen and Eatzeria If you want a variety of options, Butch’s Grillacatessen & Eatzeria offers the variety necessary to satisfy everyone. Butch’s extensive menu includes a full pizzeria, sandwiches, bagels,
WESTON KILGORE | IDS
salads, pastas, wings, and much more. Located on Seventh Street between Washington Street and Walnut Street, Butch’s is just a short walk or bike ride from campus along the 7-Line bike lane. Butch’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays.
WoodbridgeApt.com
1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments & 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhomes 1-5 bedroom apartments, homes, & townhomes located all over town & campus. Office at corner of 14th & Walnut (812) 339-2859 • elkinsapartments.com We also lease vacation homes in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Call us or visit BamaBeachHouses.com
• Newly upgraded interior/exterior with allin-one utility pricing options! • Located off 10th St, close to IU Campus and IU Health Hospital, on bus line. • Fitness center opening in 2022!
CALL TO LEARN MORE! 812.291.1995
Benefits, risks of pet ownership in college By Natalie Gabor natgabor@iu.edu | @natalie_gabor
I never owned a pet in my life before I came to college. I technically still haven’t and live vicariously through my roommate’s cat who coincidentally is the love of my life. My roommate is a great pet owner, but caring for any animal can be tricky. They require time, money and resources that understandably not everyone has. It’s hard enough making it through college and taking care of yourself, so adding an entirely new animal to the mix produces challenges. But first, we should start with the positives. According to Gerbil Welfare, having a pet in college — when it’s likely your first time away from home — can have many emotional benefits. Pets can offer affection, reduced feelings of isolation, stress relief, encouragement to take breaks and help with anxiety and depression, among other perks. The article also pointed to various lowmaintenance pets that are easier to care for as a full-time college student. These included animals such as fish, lizards, gerbils and hamsters. Gerbil Welfare even hintHALI TAUXE | IDS
Pets like Dr. Tofu, pictured Jan. 22, 2022, can add a lot to your life, but they can also make it more difficult to find housing.
ed at more unconventional companions such as turtles, snakes or even birds (though roommates might not be such a fan of those). Understandably, these animals may not be the first to come to mind when students think of college pets. The more traditional companions are along the lines of cats or dogs — the arguably more time-consuming options. Though students can find adequate companionship with any pet, cats and dogs are probably the most playful. Owning a cat or a dog requires a high level of responsibility. Though cats are arguably lower maintenance as they bathe themselves, don’t require walks or as much attention, they’re still dependent on their owners for love and affection. The UW-Madison Badger Herald suggests if students are going to undertake such responsibility, they consider all factors. These include determining your budget, whether your apartment allows pets (and which kinds), how much time you can devote, your future plans and how roommates feel about a new occupant. Only by taking the time to really answer those questions can you discover if pet ownership in college is right for you. If it is, consider adopting from your local animal shelter. These shelters house abandoned, unwanted or unhoused animals in need of homes. In Bloomington, Animal Care and Control is a division of the Department of Public Works and addresses such community concerns. Overall, owning a pet can be extremely beneficial not only for the animal but for yourself. However, if you’re considering embarking on such a journey, it’s important to consider all factors and do what’s best for you.
The declassified Greek Life Survival Guide By Natalie Gabor
Trust the Process
natgabor@iu.edu | @natalie_gabor
Though it may seem cliche, one of the best greek-life tips is to trust the process. At IU, there are four different Greek councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Association. Each
Joining a Greek organization is one of the many experiences available to students at Indiana University. We’ve come up with several tips and tricks about surviving Greek life and how to live in a Greek house like an expert.
26
council has multiple chapters in which a member can find their home. Aside from deciding which council to join or if going through the recruitment process is the right choice, prospective members should keep an open mind about the chapters. By trusting the recruitment process of each organization, a member
will find the place they’re meant to call home, even if it surprises them. Be Open to New Experiences One of the best things about living in Greek life is the experiences and opportunities that SEE GREEK, PAGE 27
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
» GREEK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 become available to members. Greek life provides members opportunities in leadership, athletics, philanthropy and social events throughout the year, and it’s important to take advantage of them. Greek life also brings people from across the IU community together, regardless of major. Because of this, it’s important to be open to meeting new people within a chapter and the entire community. Sign up for different events, run for chapter or council positions and meet other members at social events. Be open to all the opportunities Greek life provides. Time Management One important aspect of Greek life is the social aspect. Many people join Greek Life in order to meet new people and
go to social events. At IU, social events are only allowed from noon Thursdays to 5 p.m. Sundays. Because of this, it’s pretty common for chapters to host events on a Thursday night. Outside of social events, many chapters host philanthropy and bonding events during the semester. In order to make the most out of the Greek life experience and not get serious FOMO when the chapter is going out, prioritize time management. Figure out a class balance and homework schedule that allows both academic excellence and social engagement. Have a life outside of Greek Life Greek life is a bubble. While it’s incredibly fun and rewarding, it’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day occurrences of the chapter. Members can forget the larger campus community here at IU. Living
in one space with a large group of people can naturally create some tensions if issues do arise. Add a leadership structure, social obligations and philanthropic causes on top of that, and it’s easy to see how one can get swept away in the process. Creating and maintaining relationships and interests outside of Greek life enables members to be a better member of both their chapter and the IU community. Having friends and interests outside of Greek life also gives members a different perspective and the chance to take a break from the structure and responsibilities of a Greek organization. Enjoy It Living in a Greek life organization is so much fun. Members get to meet people from across the campus community and make memories that can last a lifetime. Everyone’s expe-
Local News. Global Reach. Find the IDS on the SpotlightNews Spotlight News app to receive IU campus and Bloomington coverage straight to your phone. Download the app and search for idsnews idsnews..
rience is different, but it’s their own. Take advantage of Greek life and enjoy all it has to offer. Honorable mentions » Figure out how to wake up without using a sound alarm: some houses have community sleeping spaces. » Don’t overpack: there’s a good chance you’ll have roommates, and depending on the house, the room won’t be huge. » Clean up: a bunch of people live in Greek houses so keep the common spaces and bathrooms clean. » Bring fun clothes: Social events can have themes, and it’s really fun to dress up for them. » Shower shoes. » Bring extension cords, storage containers and a fan. » Memorize the B-Bus line/ stops: it’s the only IU bus route that goes up and down Greek row. » Actually sit in the common spaces in the house: it’s an easy way to make friends.
We know leases Off-campus renting and leases can be confusing. We can help you understand what you’re signing. Free lawyers working for IU students. Make an appointment. getlegal.indiana.edu
Where can I park on campus?
28
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE | SPRING 2022
29
Housing Rental Guide S=Studio T=Townhouse
Inside Front Cover
Cape Dutch Villas capedutchvillas.com
3401 S. Constance Ave. 812-650-4200
T
$21952445
2-3
2,5
Inside Back Cover
Cedar Creek livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$410650
2
1-3.5
Inside Back Cover
College Park livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$575650
2
2.5
Inside Front Cover
Covenanter Hill Neighborhood District
CovenanterHill.com
3101 E. Covenanter Drive 812-323-8021
A,T
$8702260
1,2,4
Inside Back Cover
Crimson Corner livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$10801210
2-3
2-3
10 mo. 12 mo.
Inside Back Cover
Dunn Residences livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$625875
1
1
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo
25
Elkins Apartments ElkinsApartments.com
Various Locations 812-339-2859
A
$5854040
25
Elkins Apartments ElkinsApartments.com
Various Locations 812-339-2859
H
19
Evolve Bloomington evolvebloomington.com
1425 N. Dunn St. 812-949-0660
Inside Front Cover
HighGrove highgrovebloomington.com
3809 S. Sare Rd. 812-333-2280
Inside Front Cover
Huntington Gardens renaissancerentals.com
Inside Back Cover
Inside Front Cover
21
12 mo.
F
a
a a a b a
a
Shom 10 mo. 12 mo.
U
a
a
12 mo. U
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo.
a
F
a a
12 mo. U
a
a a
a a
a
Parking on Site
1
a b
Pool
1
a a a a
Fitness Center
$500675
a
Shared Laundry Facility
A
F
1-4.5 12 mo.
Pets
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
Inside Back Cover
Amenities
Private Shuttle
Campus Apartments livebythestadium.com
The Avenue on College avenueoncollege.com
Bloomington Transit
2
7
IU Campus Bus
2-4
118 N Walnut St. 812-269-1196
Dishwasher
$7941039*
Atlas on 17th AtlasOn17.com
Washer/Dryer
A
5
Options
Gas
455 N. College Ave. 812-331-8500
Address/Phone
Trash
1-4
Property/Unit
Internet
Number of Bedrooms
$8691259
Pg
Lease Options
Price Range
A,H T
*Prices subject to change
Number of Baths
Unit Type
B=Both Furnished and Unfurnished
Electricity
b=Some
Furnished/Unfurnished
a=All
F=Furnished U=Unfurnished
Cable
Utilities Included
H=House D=Duplex C=Condo
Water
wwA=Apartment
YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS
a a a
b a
a
a b
a
a
a aa
b
b a
a aa a
a
a
a
aa
b
b a
a a
F
a
a a
a a aa
U
a
a a
a a
a b
a
1-5
1-5.5 12 mo. U b b
b
a b b b
b b
a
$1800 -3100
3-5
1-5.5 12 mo. U b b
b ba b b b
a
b
A,T
$9891609
S-4
1-4
12 mo.
b
a a a
A
$11951885
1-2
1-2
12 mo. U
a
a
812-323-8021
A
$799849
1
1
12 mo. U
Lincoln Tower livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$12101450
1-2
1-2
MeadowCreek Neighborhood MeadowCreekNeighborhood.com
3321 S. Cheekwood Ln. 812-333-2280
A,T H
$14351710
1-3
The Monroe TheMonroeLiving.com
1150 Clarizz Blvd. 812-323-1300
A
$515755
2,4
1800 S. Huntington Gardens Pl.
1-3.5 12 mo. U
10 mo. 12 mo.
F
F
1-2.5 12 mo. U
2
12 mo.
F
a
a a a a
a a
a
a
a a
a
a
b
a
a
aa
a
a
a
a a aa
a
a
a
a a
a
a
a a
a aa a a a a
b
b
a a a
Housing Rental Guide S=Studio T=Townhouse
Porto Flats porto-flats.com
3105 S. Sare Rd. 812-650-4200
A
$11751790
1-2
Reserve on Third reserveonthird.com
500 S. Park Ridge Rd. 812-558-3600
A
$459
15
a
a a
1-2
12 mo. U
a
a
2-3
2-3
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo.
a
a a
F
a
b a
a a
a
b
a
a a
b a b
a a a
Inside Front Cover
Scholar's Quad Collegiate Apts 2716 E. 10th St. scholarsquad.com 812-323-7359
A
$8991675
1-2
1-2
12 mo. U b b
a a b ab
Inside Front Cover
Scholar's Rock Studio Apts. scholarsrockstudios.com
1300 N. Walnut St. 812-330-1123
S
$538799
S
1
12 mo. U b a
b a a
Inside Front Cover
Scholar's Rooftop scholarsrooftop.com
1100 N. Walnut St. 812-330-1123
A
$11451229
1
1
12 mo. U
Inside Back Cover
Stadium Crossing livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$410650
2-5
1-3.5
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo.
F
Inside Back Cover
Stadium View livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$500675
1
1
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo.
U
a
Back Cover
State on Campus Bloomington stateoncampus.com/bloomington
2036 N. Walnut St. 812-334-2898
A,S
$680975
S,1,3
1-2
12 mo.
F
a
Inside Front Cover
SummerHouse at Indiana SummerHouseAtIndiana.com
4501 E. Third St. 812-332-2141
A,T
$10201810
1-3
Inside Back Cover
Touchdown Terrace 4 livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$550700
1
1
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo.
U
a
a
Inside Back Cover
University Manors livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
T
$750900
3
3
12 mo. U
a
a a
Inside Back Cover
University Village livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
H
$575775
2-5
1-3
12 mo. U
Inside Back Cover
Varsity Court livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$410650
1-3
1-3.5
Short Term 10 mo. 12mo.
F
Inside Back Cover
Varsity Gate livebythestadium.com
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
A
$650900
1-2
1
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo
U
a
a a
Inside Front Cover
Verona Courtyard Villas veronacourtyardvillas.com
3434 S. Forrester St. 812-650-4200
T
$15253285
1-4
1.53.5
12 mo. U
a
a
a a
a
15
The Village at Muller Park villagemp.com
500 S. Muller Parkway 812-333-6800
A,S T
$5091025
1-4
1-4.5
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo
F
a
a a
25
Woodbridge Apartments WoodbridgeApt.com
3401 John Hinkle Place 812-337-3501
A,T
$10651599
1-3
1-2
9 mo. 12 mo.
U
a
a
a
a
a
a aa
a
a a
a a a b bb a
mo. B b b b b a b a a 1-2.5 12 Short Term
a
a a
b
a a
a a a aa
a a
Parking on Site
Inside Front Cover
U
Pool
Short Term 10 mo. 12 mo
Fitness Center
1
Shared Laundry Facility
1-2
Pets
$525700
Amenities
Private Shuttle
Lease Options
A
Bloomington Transit
Number of Baths
2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333
IU Campus Bus
Number of Bedrooms
Parkview Apartments livebythestadium.com
Dishwasher
Price Range
Inside Back Cover
Washer/Dryer
Address/Phone
Options
Gas
Property/Unit
*Prices subject to change
Trash
Pg
Unit Type
B=Both Furnished and Unfurnished
Internet
F=Furnished U=Unfurnished
Electricity
b=Some
Furnished/Unfurnished
a=All
Cable
Utilities Included
H=House D=Duplex C=Condo
Water
A=Apartment
YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS
a
a a
a a
a
a
a
b
b
b
b a
a b
b b a a b
b
a a a
a b
a aa
a
a
a aa a
a
a
a aa
b
b a
a a
a b
a
a
a
a a
b a a
a a a
b a
a
ab a a a
LIVE BY THE STADIUM Between our spot next to Memorial Stadium and floor plans to fit every price range, with us, there’s room to live the life you want.
Introducing Crimson Corner & Lincoln Tower, available this August! • Brand new 1, 2 & 3 bedroom options
301 E. 19th Street
• Fully furnished • Washer/dryer in-unit • On-site workout facility (Force Fitness) • Included utilities (Wi-Fi & water included) 1300 N. Lincoln
SCAN FOR FLOOR PLANS >
A new state of mind. From unit upgrades and amenity renovations to our signature Lifestyle by Core resident appreciation program - you won’t believe what we have in store at State Bloomington! We offer fully-furnished Studio through 3 Bedroom apartments. Plus, our units are pet friendly and individually leased! Tour today to learn more information!
INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON
MEMORIAL STADIUM
2036 N Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
StateBloomington.com
812-334-2898