ROOMATE RULES

Roommate Rules

by Madison Dobrzenski News Editor

How to be a good roommate, whether you live in a dorm or apartment

Whether you’re moving into a residence hall or an off-campus apartment, there’s one thing almost every college student (and person) has to deal with at some point: being a roommate.

I have had the privilege of never sharing a bedroom with anyone. In my first year at UNC Charlotte, I lucked out with a two-bedroom, two-person suite, so I only shared a bathroom and common space. The year after that, I had a similar dorm, and now I live in an apartment with two roommates where we share a bathroom, living room and kitchen.

No matter how much of the space you share, sharing a living space with others requires thoughtfulness and consideration of others. If you’ve never had to share a space with a roommate, this may take some learning and adjustment! Below are some tips for being a good roommate.

Clean up after yourself This may sound obvious, but many people forget to do this basic thing to be considerate of their roommates, whether it’s washing dishes after cooking, picking up your belongings in the common area, or cleaning up a spill you made when making coffee in the morning. Most people don’t enjoy cleaning up their own messes, let alone someone else’s.

Be conscious and deliberate about space whenever possible

Everyone in the space is paying for it, and as such, everyone is entitled to take up space in their own home! However, it’s considerate and helpful to be aware of the amount of space you are taking up. Taking your shoes off and leaving your bookbag in the living room can be perfectly fine, but you don’t want to leave too many items in the common area at a time because it’s exactly that: a common area. It’s your space, but it’s also your roommate’s, too! This also goes for using certain services or spaces, such as the bathroom, laundry unit or kitchen. Once again, you’re paying for the space so you can use everything as much as you need! But that applies to everyone else, too, so be sure to keep up with your laundry, so it’s not always taking up the washer and dryer, and make sure you’re not hogging the bathroom so others can use it.

Set up expectations

This applies to many aspects of living together, such as when you can have company over, how to maintain the space’s cleanliness, or establishing any other necessary boundaries. This can look different for different people and their dynamics. Some people may want to be asked before having a lot of people over; some people may not care at all. Some people need to decide on specific chores each resident is responsible for and even hang a small board listing the responsibilities so everyone’s aware. Other people may decide on a day that all roommates pitch in together and clean the space.

An important thing about these expectations is to be flexible with them. If you get a couple of months into your time at this residence and find that you’re doing all the work (or that someone else is), be open to discussing new expectations of each other!

Contribute to common items

In my experience, there are always going to be some items that are shared amongst roommates. If you have your own bathroom, then luckily for you, toilet paper and hand soap will not be one of those items! However, there is still the kitchen and living room or common area. This means that everyone is responsible for things like paper towels, dish soap, multipurpose cleaning spray, etc. No one wants to feel like they’re the only one ever buying these items. What I do is text the roommate group chat whenever I’m already at the store, asking if anyone knows of items we may need. This makes people aware of the fact that you’re contributing and hopefully ensures you rarely run out of anything.

The only flaw with my process is that you may find yourself being the only one purchasing these items. If this happens, that is where communication comes into play! Communicate

This is the most important part of being a good roommate. All of the aforementioned tips can still be modified, or any problems caused by them can be solved with simple communication. For example, if you cooked breakfast before leaving for work and didn’t leave time to clean the dishes and kitchen, a simple text to your roommate saying, “I am going to clean up after work!” can prevent conflict. Communication is also how you properly set expectations, discuss common household items and establish any necessary boundaries.

Photo of people moving into dorms in fall 2020, by Dominic DiNardi

Guide to finding a student organization

by Jamese Levison Staff Writer

So you’re looking to join a student organization? UNC Charlotte has a wide array of over 250 clubs that touch on many areas that can suit anyone’s tastes!

Academic/Pre-Professional

Are you looking to meet more people in your major or in a field you want to know more about? Look no further than our academic and pre-professional clubs. These clubs focus on a variety of fields such as Biology, Criminal Justice and Social Work. If you want to network and establish skills and connections that will help you develop throughout your college career, these clubs are for you. Examples: Biology Club, Criminal Justice Association, Social Work Club

Fraternity & Sorority

Are you looking for friendships that will last a lifetime and opportunities to serve your community while you do it? Try one of our fraternities or sororities! Whether your family has some roots in fraternities or sororities or you want to enrich your college experience by rushing, we have many Greek societies that are suited for you! Examples: Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Sigma Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha

Honor Society

Would you consider yourself a “highachiever?” Do you like being around like-minded individuals? Perhaps one of our honor societies would suit you! They work on developing leadership skills and can offer benefits such as scholarships and recognition for your academic achievements. Examples: Latinx Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, Psi Chi

Interest

Do you like animation? Gaming? Writing? Regardless of your passion, our interest groups on campus are perfect for meeting new people that are as passionate as you. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your time outside of classes, try one of these clubs out! Examples: Japanese Anime and Manga Society (JAMS), Niner ESports, Souls’ Speak

International

Are you a fan of learning about other cultures and languages? Our international clubs are perfect for that! These clubs work to create a community based on educating others about the many cultures that our diverse student body brings to the table and a mutual understanding and appreciation of the beauty of said cultures. Examples: 49er German Club at UNCC, Bridges International at UNC Charlotte, Nihon Club

Media

The number of media clubs we have may be small, but they shouldn’t be overlooked! We have Student Niner Media, a program composed of multiple forms of media such as Niner Times (the school newspaper), Sanskrit LiteraryArt Magazine (annual literary-arts magazine that publishes every Spring), Midas Magazine (our culture and identity magazine) and Uptown Audio (for student podcasts). The other two clubs we have in this section include Heroes and Comics (for those who like Marvel, DC and the like) and MOVE Dance Alliance (for dancing enthusiasts).

Multicultural

Do you find yourself wanting to be more involved in the diverse communities that make up our student body? Try our multicultural clubs! These clubs focus on the many ethnicities, nationalities and orientations that make up our community. Examples: Black Student Union, Iranian Student Organization, Pakistani Student Association

Performance

Do you like to dance, sing, or act? Maybe all three? We have many performance clubs that can suit all forms of performing artists. If you wish to find an outlet to express yourself, try one of them out! Examples: Codachrome, Cheer Act

Political

Do you find yourself passionate about politics? Are you looking for somewhere to discuss it with your peers? Our political clubs are ideal for that kind of environment! If you’re looking for a place to passionately debate the issues that affect our world, these clubs are for you! Examples: Amnesty International UNC Charlotte, Health Care Justice at UNC Charlotte, Network of Enlightened Women at UNC Charlotte

Religious/Spiritual

Are you all about your faith? Are you hoping to find comfort in a community that is built on religion or spiritual health? Try out one of our religious/ spiritual clubs! No matter what your religion is, there is a place for you! Examples: Muslim Student Organization, Campus Bible Fellowship, Hindu Youth for Unity Virtues and Action at Charlotte (Hindu YUVA)

Service

Do you love helping others? Maybe you were a National Honor Society or Key Club member in high school? You can continue this trend with one of our service clubs! These service clubs allow for UNCC students to serve around campus and the local community. Examples: Student Government Association, Niner Pantry Student Organization, Ninerthon

Sport Club

Were you a huge sports player in high school? Do you plan to continue playing through college? Why not join one of our sports clubs? Whether you’re a basketball player, football player or swimmer, our sports clubs are perfect for those who have a sport they are passionate about and wish to continue playing in college. Examples: Men’s Basketball Club, Women’s Club Softball, Club Swimming

We have many amazing clubs on campus that make the college experience all the more special. Regardless of what club you decide to join, it’s what you make of your experience that makes college worth it! If you would like to learn more about our student organizations, check out Niner Engage or the studentorg website.

Which student organization is the best fit for you?

Photo by Niyathi Sulkuntev

by Emily Kottak Arts and Culture Editor

by Brandon Mitchell Layout Editor

At some point, music has helped every student find themselves at college. Here’s a few songs that have helped us find our way.

I like me better by Lauv April Carte | Editor-in-Chief

At first, I took this less literally and thought about a song I listened to the most over the last three years. But I felt like this song was more fitting. Although this song was released before I even entered college, I think it’s a perfect depiction of my college experience. It’s pretty self-explanatory— I like my college self better. I have put myself first, grew away from a bad high school boyfriend, and found what I am good at.

I think most people can agree that you change a lot from high school to college, but being content with your change can sometimes be difficult. This song talks about liking yourself better with someone— for me, that “someone” is college.

New Romantics by Taylor Swift Madison Dobrzenski | News Editor

Throughout college, I’ve always felt I had no clue what I was doing. I have changed my majors and career goals several times. I have fallen in and out of love. I’ve found who I was, then lost her again, and repeated the same process. No matter what, the people I’ve found in college have been there to remind me to find joy wherever I am.

New Romantics is a song about dancing your way through life with people that love you. It’s a song about enjoying your youth and all the confusion, heartbreak, and change it brings you.

Golden Brown by Bosley Max Young | Copy Editor

When you look at me, the last thing you think is “Golden Brown.” However, the song “Golden Brown” encapsulates the person I have become due to my time at UNC Charlotte. The song’s vibe tries to emanate a “laissez-faire” perspective towards life yet maintains an appreciation for the complexities and challenges it brings. My college experience reflects this ideology because I try not to take life too seriously but still focusing on how my education can bring me success.

All in all, I would advise new students to take college seriously, but still have space to live your life with the intention of living it. School is important, but it isn’t everything. Be smart, have fun and take it easy, Niners!

Crippling Self-Doubt and A General Lack of Confidence by Courtney Barnett Tyler Trudeau | Community Editor

Funny enough, the title of this song by Australian musician Courtney Barnett could almost summarize the last five years of my college experience. While that might be a bit depressing, studying as an architecture student has put me through the ringer mentally, emotionally, physically and socially, perhaps more than any of my previous education ever has. That being said, it has also been the most rewarding and challenging experience of my life up to this point.

Deciding on a song to perfectly encapsulate my entire college experience would probably take me a decade to figure out with my current backlog of music, but this one captures the bittersweet chaos of journeying into a daunting discipline during your time in college and the uncertainty we all face when we think we just don’t know enough to enter the world of adulthood finally. Luckily I have another year of school to figure that out.

Blow up your TV (Spanish Pipe Dream) by John Denver Brandon Mitchell | Layout Editor

As a senior in college, I should have a pretty solid idea of who I am, and in a couple of ways, I do. Compared to my freshman self, I’m miles more confident and comfortable with myself than at the start of my college journey. The anxieties that made it difficult to get through the day seem trivial now. But that didn’t come magically overnight; it took self-reflection, research, accountability and most importantly, therapy.

Still, I have no f*cking clue about anything. Every time I feel like I’ve found myself, life happens, and I’m forced to adapt. That’s why this song resonates with my college experience. In the last line of the chorus, Denver sings, “Try an’ find Jesus on your own,” with an odd mixture of somber reflection and a sly glee. I’m not religious, but I don’t think that’s really the point of the line.

Regardless of what happens or what people say, it’s on you to find your path in life. And, every time you think you’re headed in the right direction, something’s gonna come along to prove you wrong. That’s good, though. Because life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. You don’t have to be your best self or even know what your best self looks like. All you have to do is try.

MOVIES FOR THE SUMMER

by Gabe Lapalombella Staff Writer

Five movies to watch as you crawl out of quarantine

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures, A24, Warner Brothers, and American Empirical Pictures

There is no denying that the summer movie season has a larger eye on postCoronavirus. With 2020 severely altering the cinema schedule, this busy movie season is packed more than ever. Having to narrow things down to just five summer blockbusters made me realize just how massive this summer season is. From original stories, independent arthouse films and the major classic blockbuster, there will be alot to bite into. This is why the five films listed below are the things that I and many others can’t wait to see!

5. The French Dispatch

Wes Anderson films can really split the audience right down the middle. His latest, which was due to premiere at the Cannes film festival last year, feels like a return. Add in some familiar and new faces with your typical Anderson flare, and you have some unique counterprogramming. Shot in entirely black and white, it’s not hard to admit that the film may be just a bit too “artsy” for some. Coming from someone who’d definitely consider himself an Anderson fan, this looks like great and unique counter summer programming.

4. In The Heights

Having seen this massive summer musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, I’m going to keep it brief. The big screen is the only place you should see such a joyous and delightful experience. Streaming on HBO Max to coincide with its theatrical launch on June 11th may entice you to see it at home. As Hollywood urges us to get back into the theater, you really can’t do better than this uplifting and communal film. 2020 was a year that will go down in history as dividing the masses. “In The Heights” is the resolution in creating something that you should see with as many as possible. 3. The Green Knight

Mythological films are always ones that audiences have responded to. “The Green Knight” follows the classic story, which I certainly won’t spoil here. I will say that it is quite epic in scope, which rightfully deserves the theatrical treatment. A story such as this should transport you to a world of magic and monsters which is literally the case. If you haven’t seen the trailer, the imagery here deserves to be seen on the biggest canvas. Being one of my favorite fantasy stories, It’s hard to deny my excitement to see it unfold.

2. A Quiet Place Part II

When people heard John Krasinki was directing a horror film, eyes rolled. When “A Quiet Place” was announced, there was so much hesitation on the part of fans when the initial trailer was released. As “A Quiet Place Part II” quickly approaches, there’s a looming excitement as to what Krasinski can bring back behind the camera. Set to release before the pandemic in 2020, audiences are ready to be scared and thrilled in the theater again. I know for this critic, I cannot wait to see what the next chapter in this world is going to look and sound like.

1. The Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad (2016) was one of the most disappointing films to this day I’ve ever seen. The DC Comics characters were some of the oddest and strange creations that deserved proper theatrical treatment. Coming from, as the trailer puts it, “the horribly beautiful mind of James Gunn,” it seems we couldn’t be in better hands. This looks funny, strange, delightful, and exactly what it means to be a summer movie from the two trailers. I, for one, know that August cannot come here fast enough.

by Tyler Trudeau Community Editor

Cheap snacks and meals for your dorm or apartment

by Charles Deluvio courtesy of Unsplash

I have always tried to eat smart and spend even smarter throughout my five years at UNC Charlotte. While my freshman year blessed me the bountiful offerings of campus dining halls like SoVi and Crown Commons, I have since ventured out to live in numerous offcampus apartments. With that came the challenge of shopping for my daily meals at the grocery store and divvying up cash to either cook for myself or make do with ramen and PB&J. Luckily, I’ve always had a knack for cooking. Although I have had my mishaps with the rice-to-water ratio, I have come a long way since then. However, one constant remains from my freshman days, and that is the simple fact that I am still a broke college student. As my culinary skills grew, as did my proclivity towards smart spending on the weekly grocery trip, which has helped me compile a few go-to meal and snack options to keep the wallets of struggling students from running dry.

Chicken, Chicken and More Chicken

Chicken is perhaps the most versatile option for students looking to make various meals without breaking the bank. From chicken quesadillas to chicken salad, you can easily make a dozen or more recipes just by picking up a rotisserie chicken at the store. Carve it up and toss it with some rice for a simple meal that will give you some leftovers for the next day. If you are feeling adventurous, try your hand at making a sauce for the chicken or cooking up a stir-fry with vegetables and peppers. My go-to’s include lemon chicken, chicken parmesan and a quick and easy recipe I just recently tried: a cheesy jalapeno sauce to top some chicken breasts in a skillet.

Chili For Days

If you still have some chicken leftover in the fridge, why not put it into a tasty mixture of hearty beans and broth? That is just one alternative to the classic chili staple. If you have a big pot, a few tomatoes laying around and a stack of kidney beans, you can also tackle the classic version with only a handful of ingredients. If you are not into using ground beef or chicken, a good vegetarian chili works well too. Make your chili last a few days longer by tossing in your favorite pasta to make delicious chili mac.

Calzones: The Superior Pizza?

Tired of the occasional trip to Domino’s or Hungry Howie’s for a greasy pizza that might stretch your budget? One of my go-to’s, when I am craving pizza, is making homemade calzones. While I’m not taking the time to make my own dough or anything like that, a roll of Pillsbury pizza dough and a selection of sauce and toppings works perfectly to create a satisfying dinner or just a midday snack. It is as easy as filling the dough with whatever you like on your pizza and folding the calzone up before baking. You can also just spread out the dough and top it to bake a classic bitesized pizza. Mug Meals

If you don’t have access to a stove or oven, the microwave can be a godsend to many college students bound to their campus dorms. Luckily, there is plenty more to concoct in that tiny oven than just ramen and canned soup. A trend I have seen going around but have yet actually to try myself is mug meals. Apparently, you can make almost anything with a microwave and a mug these days, from five-minute mac and cheese to blueberry french toast. Just a few ingredients, and you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner without the need for plates or bowls. I would advise students to follow any mug meal recipe to a tie unless they want to lose a good mug or, worse, set your dorm ablaze.

The Wholesome Salad

Salad might not be the preferred meal for any college student, but it can be so much more than simply lettuce and dressing. I don’t dabble much in salads but if you are looking for a way to use up those leftover beans or vegetables in your fridge, they aren’t a bad option for a side or main entree. A tuna and white bean salad packs the protein and fiber for a long day of classes, while something with quinoa will spice up your lunch or dinner and give you a few meals during a busy week.

Snacks on a Budget

Snacking on something obsessively between meals is a common and often cruel side effect of being a college student. Trapped in your dorm late into the night studying for an exam? You are probably nervously shoveling chips or something salty into your mouth. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier options for your daily cravings that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Fruit is the obvious go-to, whether you are eating it solo, dipping it in some peanut butter, or putting it in a blender for a morning smoothie. If you are looking to ditch the salty chips and crackers, try a do-ityourself trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and a tad of chocolate. For a quick snack, I typically grab some greek yogurt or pack a few granola bars for the day ahead.

Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast can make or break your daily routine, whether you are waking up for an early class or getting in a quick workout before the sun rises. Even in the age of avocado toast, I still prefer to whip up the classic bacon and eggs for a morning meal. Eggs are fairly cheap and highly versatile, making them the perfect source of protein to start or end your day. From keeping it simple with an egg scramble to more challenging endeavors like breakfast frittatas and casseroles, always keeping some eggs around will rescue you when you are desperate for a quick meal. Skipped breakfast to relish in those few extra minutes of precious sleep? Breakfast can also make for a great dinner, whether it is eggs, pancakes, waffles or whatever else you eat with your morning coffee.

by Bradley Cole Sports Editor Photo by Niyathi Sulkunte

Well, you made it. After 13 years of schooling, you have signed up for four more. Being a first-year in college can be daunting. You might be in a new place and might not know many people. Here are ten tips for your first year at UNC Charlotte to prepare yourself for this new adventure.

10- Set a schedule and stick to it

College is all about time management. The days of set classes and times to eat are long gone. It would help if you decided when you want to work on your classes and everything else in between. Set a time to eat, relax and also find time to socialize with your friends. It may seem easy to lay on the couch all day, but you will find it rewarding to set a constant schedule.

9- Join a club or two

Like in high school, joining a club or student organization can enhance your experience while in school. After you get settled into life in college, try joining a club that fits into your interest as a student. It’s a good way to get your mind off school work after a long week. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when joining a new club, as it may help spark new interest in a career or hobby.

8- Miss sports? Join an intramural team

Did you play high school sports and have the itch to keep on playing? Join an intramural team. UNC Charlotte offers various sports in an intramural form, such as soccer, baseball, soccer and many more. Joining a team is another great way to stay active and fully enjoy the college experience.

7- Don’t be afraid to find new friends

Leaving your lifelong friends at home is hard at first. You don’t have to let go of them completely but instead, find new ones too. As UNC Charlotte is a large school, you may feel like a small fish in a big bowl. But by getting out of your comfort zone and joining those new clubs, you might earn friends for a lifetime. Keep an open mind when it comes to these new people in your life, and keep your eyes open for what they could teach you.

6- Keep an eye on that GPA

Amidst all the new wild changes you will undergo during your freshman year, don’t forget about the classroom. It is important to maintain a solid GPA throughout your first year in college. Try to find time to study with friends when you can, as this can be another way to bond with your newly found friends.

5- Use the university’s resources

When you pay to attend UNC Charlotte, a portion of your money goes towards university resources such as the Career Center, University Writing Center and other valuable resources. It’s never too early in your college career to use these resources as best as you can. Freshman year is the best time to do so. Whether it’s going to the Career Center for a mock interview or for them to go over your resume, UNC Charlotte offers a wide variety of options when it comes to getting ready for your professional career.

4- Explore the city

There are pretty high chances you are coming from a smaller town, which means you have the chance to live in a big city. Charlotte has tons of amazing things to see daily, with the main attraction being Uptown. Charlotte’s downtown version has dozens of places to eat, shop and serves as a great place to take pictures. UNC Charlotte students can use the light rail that takes directly into Uptown and other Charlotte areas at no cost with a student ID. 3- Get to know your professors

A common myth for college newcomers is that you don’t get the chance to get to know your teachers. That is not always the case. As a freshman, try to email your professors with any questions you might have or set up a time to visit them in person during their office hours or through zoom. Those relationships can go a long way as some professors might keep you in mind for job opportunities or write you a snazzy letter of recommendation.

2- Go to sporting events when possible

A majority of your biggest memories as college students could come from sporting events. Whether it’s tailgating on a Saturday afternoon before a football game or catching a basketball game onv a brisk winter night, athletic events are another way to bond with friends and make new ones. As a UNCC student, you will be able to attend games for free.

1- College is what you make it

During your freshman year and beyond, remember these four years are what you make of it. Choose your decisions wisely, and make sure to remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Things will go up and down, but a solid freshman year is a great start to a college career.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Charlotte nightlife options for college students

by Madison Dobrzenski News Editor

You are now attending the second largest university in North Carolina, which happens to be in the biggest city in the state. Friday night comes (or Thursday, aka when the college weekend begins), and you want to go out as college students do. If you’re looking for something to do that isn’t a house party, I have some advice and recommendations for you.

Firstly, there are a few things to consider before going out. It benefits everyone to consider some questions. Am I going to be drinking? If so, how much? How will I get there, and how will I get home? Are we getting dinner as part of the night? Do I want to go to one place or bar hop? Should we go to a walkable neighborhood such as Plaza Midwood or NoDa, so we don’t have to pay for transportation between spots? How old is everyone who is coming out? Do we want a club environment where we can dance or a bar atmosphere for conversation? Do we want a place that allows for both?

These questions are essential for deciding your kind of nightlife. Charlotte has a lot of options, but they do require a bit of planning to make sure you arrive at them happily and responsibly. No matter what, it will benefit you to have Uber or Lyft on your phone if you plan on going out at all. And of course, don’t forget to see if a spot is close to a light rail stop.

Below are some of my recommendations for fun nightlife in Charlotte, broken down by what they have to offer, with their location in parentheses.

Places that have both food and drinks

Flying Saucer (University)

If you want a place to drink and eat close to campus, Flying Saucer is an amazing option. They have American pub fare and a full bar. However, you don’t have to be 21 to enter, so this is a great spot for a group of various ages.

They are mainly known for having an outstanding beer selection. In fact, the name “flying saucer” alludes to their challenge of drinking 200 beers and getting a saucer with your name on it hung in the bar. I’m currently on my way to getting my own saucer! However, don’t be fooled by this, they also have amazing cocktails and daily specials. I highly encourage UNC Charlotte students to take advantage of this great spot.

The Workman’s Friend (Plaza Midwood)

As someone who currently lives in Plaza Midwood, Workman’s Friend (or as my friends and I shorten it, “Workman’s”) is one of my all-time favorite spots. It’s an Irish pub with a full food menu as well as beer, wine and amazing cocktails. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m. but no worries, the pub is open until 2 a.m. This can be a great spot to start and finish your night if you want to stay in one place!

If you go, try my favorite meal/drink combo: fish and chips and “a fine thing!” Whiskey Warehouse (Plaza Midwood)

This is a great spot for a group of people that can’t decide on one thing they want. They have American-style food and a full bar. Don’t be fooled by the name; they have way more to offer than just whiskey. And if you do get a chance to go while the weather is nice, their rooftop bar is one of my favorite places in Charlotte. Be aware that there may be a wait, especially on the weekends.

Photos of various bars and clubs, by Niyathi Sulkunte

Club/Dancing atmosphere with drinks

Prohibition (Uptown)

Going to Prohibition is a rite of passage at UNC Charlotte—mainly because Prohibition is one of the only bars in Charlotte that allows people under 21+ to go. Thursday is “college night,” so if you’re under 21, you pay a cover charge of $10 to get in. I recommend going at least once while under 21 and then again when you can drink because they’re two completely different experiences. But no matter what,

if you want to dance with strangers late into the night, this is probably your vibe.

Chasers (NoDa)

Chasers is a popular gay bar in Charlotte with nightly dance and drag performances. It’s a fun place if you’re looking for an especially LGBTQ+-friendly spot. As a queer woman, I will note that in my experience, it’s been fairly maledominated when I’ve gone. However, it’s still a spot for a great time with friends.

Drinks and activities

NoDa 101 (NoDa)

Have you wanted to try karaoke? NoDa 101 is a great place to do it. This is a karaoke bar right in the middle of NoDa. This can be a stop on the bar hop or the night’s main event. It’s also close to E. 36 St. light rail station so that you can save money on an Uber or Lyft. They check IDs at the door and always have great drink specials.

Slingshot Social Game Club (Southend) If you’re looking for the bar + arcade combo, check out Slingshot Social Game Club. They have a lot of beers on tap, as well as great cocktails. And, of course, they have plenty of games. They’re open until 2 a.m. on the weekends, so this is a great place to spend your whole night if you want a night with activities!

Queen Park Social (NoDa)

Queen Park Social is another bar + arcade combo with seven bowling lanes! It’s an extremely spacious place that rarely feels too crowded, even on weekends. With two outdoor areas, comfy couches, life-size Connect Four and pool tables (to name a few), this place will do anything but bore you. Open until 12 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s the perfect place for night owls. You have to be 21 on the weekends, but weekdays are open to all. My drink recommendation: the pink starburst— but warning, they are highly addicting!

Just drinks and vibes

Thomas Street Tavern (Plaza Midwood) Thomas Street Tavern is a great place for simple things: drinks and people. It’s a tavern with a large outside area with plenty of tables and benches for people to sit and mingle, as well as ping pong tables and cornhole. This is usually the last stop on my nights out because its main appeal is drinks. Plus, it’s open late.

Common Market (Plaza Midwood, Southend, Oakhurts/Cotswold)

Anyone who’s been around Charlotte for a while should know Common Market. This place has everything, from wine to beer, sandwiches to snacks, candy to cigarettes. Whatever you need for your night on the town, it’s there, and all locations also have a great outdoor space if you want to sit down and have a drink. The Southend location has an especially large outdoor area that I highly recommend. Lost & Found (Southend)

This is a great bar with a lounge feel. It’s spacious and beautiful, with plants and neon. If you want a spot for good drinks and good pictures with your friends, I recommend this place. One additional thing I like about Lost & Found is that it’s open late, even during the week!

There’s more, but

Unfortunately, I am unable to list every single night spot in the Queen City. However, I think the places listed above are a good starting point for planning your weekends. I hope you have a great time exploring your new city, and remember to please drink safely and responsibly!

FINDING THE PERFECT STUDY SPOT

Recommendations to help new students study on and off campus

by Jessica Ceballos Staff Writer

NT file photo of Peet’s Coffee in J. Murrey Atkins Library

You’re in your first week of school, and the homework is starting to pile up. You need to get focused and start cracking down on your work. Your dorm or apartment is too crazy with your roommates, and you need a place to go. You need to find a place that suits your needs–whether that be pindrop silence or a little background noise here and there. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

J. Murrey Atkins Library

It’s cliché to suggest the library, but it is a great place if you need somewhere quiet to get focused on your studies. Plus, there is Peet’s cafe when you need that midafternoon pick-me-up coffee or a refreshing smoothie to get your brain working again. The library has nine floors, and the further upward you go, the quieter it gets. If you need that pin-drop silence to study, I’d recommend the seventh or eighth floor.

SoVi Pavilion

If you are an outdoor person, this is the place for you! The SoVi pavilion has tables and chairs for you to study outside. You can get your vitamin D and accomplish your tasks. When you get too warm, you can head inside. In the SoVi market, you can grab a snack or go downstairs and get a meal. There’s indoor seating as well if that is more your speed. The noise level is usually pretty low the further you sit from the stairs down to SoVi dining.

Hunt Hall Courtyard

This dorm courtyard offers great shade and a fantastic place to study on a good weather day. When you need a brain break, head over to the hammocks and take a quick nap or just relax. After all, you’ve earned it for studying so hard!

Popp Martin Student Union

This facility offers many unique study locations. On the first floor, there is a variety of seating options available and there are many dining options available such as Starbucks, Bojangles, Wendy’s and the Market on Craver. Many people frequent this area, so if you need noise and constant bustling to help you study, this is the place to be. On the Mezzanine level, the whole level has seating available for studying and a computer room on one end. The noise level is less here but still present. If you can find it on the stairs, there is a door to the Norm’s Hangout area. This part of the building offers, in my opinion, the closest you can get to silence in the Student Union. As we move to the second and third levels, there are places to study and the noise level, like the library, gets quieter as you move in elevation. Crown Commons is also on the second level as the University’s second dining facility on campus. There are rooms and a balcony located in Crown that offer study spots as well. Outside the Student Union, there is seating in the front of the building, side, and back. If you need that sunlight to get you motivated to study, this is the place for you.

Dorm study rooms

If you don’t want to leave your dorm or the weather outside is unsuitable for travel, you can always study in your hall’s study areas. I found this most helpful when you need to get out of your room but don’t want to leave the building. The rooms have desks and chairs and sometimes a whiteboard. The rooms are usually located on each floor.

Botanical gardens Last but certainly not least, the gardens. Located in east campus, this beautiful area has several quiet spots, and you can spend a few hours here getting work done. The surroundings are quiet and serene.

Panera Bread/Starbucks

Here is an off-campus option if the campus scene isn’t your style. You can pop in here and grab a drink to keep you energized, find a quiet corner to settle in and get cracking on those assignments.

These are just a few ideas, but this list is not exhaustive. There might be a study spot that you happen across while trying to find these locations. Kudos to you for finding a spot so you will be a successful student here at UNC Charlotte. I hope this was helpful and will help you on your journey.

Here’s the issue. You just moved to college and want to make your dorm room feel like yours. You’re independent and on this new journey to find yourself, and you want your living space to reflect that. But you’re splitting a 10x10 room with a stranger and are on a pretty tight budget. Not to mention, the college already supplied the furniture, so you’re gonna have to make your aesthetic work with that. The real solution is to just move to a cheaper off-campus apartment. You’re already trapped in this lease, so here are some tips for making the best of it.

Make a plan with your roommate

Unless you’re moving in with a high school friend, there’s a decent chance you won’t have the same aesthetic as your roommate. Maybe you’re a city mouse and they’re from the country. Maybe you’re an “old soul,” and they’re a bit more hip with it. Maybe you’re Hufflepuff, and they’re a Slytherin. Regardless, the key here is compromise. Something as simple as using the same frames for your poster can make the place seem much more cohesive. Maybe you can get matching shelves to display your array of trinkets. A little bit of planning can make a big difference.

Go big by going small

I’m not the biggest fan of the minimalist trend. It seems to be fueled by elitism, and college already has its fair share of that. This is your space. Do what you will with it, but be aware of your size constraints. Mirrors will make the place feel bigger, and lots of black will make it feel more constrained. Get a source of light that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in purgatory. Express yourself, but keep it organized. Be better than the average freshman, and place things with intention. After living in that glorified jail cell for a year, you’ll thank me.

The internet is your friend

First of all, if you don’t have a tape measure, get a tape measure. Then once that’s secured, the world is your oyster. Places like Target and Ikea are great for some basics on a budget, but you can find some absolute steals on websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Check these sites daily for what you want, and ask the sellers for details once something catches your eye. Before you buy anything, get the measurements. Know where you’re going to place it. Ask yourself, then ask yourself again if you really have room. If you follow this process, you’ll have a confidently furnished dorm room.

The internet is your friend (part 2)

If interior design isn’t your strong suit, don’t fret. The warm embrace of the internet is here to comfort you. Apps like TikTok and Pinterest are overbrimming with inspiration for your college cabin. Don’t buy into every trend, but I also encourage you to occasionally delve into some silly DIY projects. You might not enjoy the final product, but you’ll always have the friends you made along the way.

If you’re like me, you’ll ignore all of my advice. Your wall will be coated in shitty posters and everything else will be equally cluttered. That’s okay though. You don’t have to have your life together yet.

by Brandon Mitchell Layout Editor