Housing Guide - Fall 2021 by MSU Reporter

2021 - 2022

2021-2022

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

How to budget in your first year leaving the dorms By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

When living on-campus, there is one thing you don’t particularly have to worry about, but the second you move off-campus, it becomes a constant stressor- money. The first step in money management is making sure you are getting money in the first place. While some people are able to maintain living from support from parents or student loans, the single best way to create income is by getting a job. When looking for a job, it is important to know what type of work you would like or be interested in. So now that you have a source of income, you have to figure out your expenses. The biggest expense while

Photo courtesy of Flickr

living off-campus is of course going to be rent. This can be anywhere from a relatively inexpensive unit around 300 dollars, all the way up to a one bedroom that might cost over 800 dollars. In addition to that, you have to account for multi-

ple housing-related costs like utilities and security deposits. Also, be prepared, many property owners will expect you to pay for first and last month’s rent on your first month, which can very quickly drain the bank account. Another expense to be wary

about is of course parking. If your apartment or house is further away from campus, there is a very real possibility that you will be stuck facing the horrors of the “Free Lot” if you don’t purchase a parking pass. Many students find it best to purchase a purple pass, which gets you fairly close to the Taylor Center. These passes are 216 dollars per year, so be ready to have to brunt that cost early on in the move in process. The last, and maybe most important thing to be wary So as you go about budgeting and planning for your off-campus living situation, be sure to know these two things in order: How much money you are making, and how much money you can spend to live comfortably.

Frequently asked questions with off-campus expert By JOHN BULCOCK Guest Writer

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, more than 90 percent of first-year students live in on-campus housing. A significant number of those students choose to live off-campus during their second and subsequent years, in privately owned and managed houses or apartment complexes. While this can be an exciting time for students, it can also be a time during which both students and parents have questions about leasing and renting. In this article, I’ve attempted to address some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from students and their families. By when should students decide where they are going to live next year? This is a great question,

and the answer depends on how confident a student is that they have found the right arrangement. Most landlords start offering lease renewals in mid-to-late-October or early November, and they begin taking new leases for the following academic year at about the same time, or just shortly thereafter. Please note that there is not a shortage of off-campus housing for MSU students. There are, however, some factors that lead to certain properties reaching leasing capacity before others. That being said, it is recommended that students make a decision about where to live during the next academic year by mid-March. By April, we usually start hearing about some properties that may be full or near-full for the next year. An exception to

the March recommendation would be for students who are not sure as to whether or not they will be returning to the university. Students signing residence hall contracts have those cancelled if they are not enrolling at the university. This is not the case for students who sign leases with private property managers. Can students receive and use financial aid to pay for off-campus housing? Yes, they can. The cost of attendance calculated for students by the university includes the cost of living, whether a student lives on or off campus. If a student completes the FAFSA and the financial aid application, the university’s financial aid office will try to help a student acquire the financial resources needed, beyond the expected family con-

tribution, to meet the cost of attendance via scholarships, loans, and grants. If a student lives on campus, the university will use the student’s financial aid balance, after tuition is paid, to pay down the balance on the student’s housing bill. This is where the biggest difference, in terms of financial management, occurs for students living off campus. If a student, who is living off-campus, has a financial aid balance after tuition is paid, that money is paid directly to the student via direct deposit to a bank account. Students living off campus are responsible for making sure their rent is paid. They will need to pay the property manager or landlord, directly. When initially signing a lease, many properties require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.

2021 - 2022

The ups and downs of living down town By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor

When looking for a new place to live, downtown Mankato is a very appealing area. Downtown is close to all of the restaurants, bars, and (probably) a lot of your friends. Downtown Mankato has a lot of great features. But first, you should ask yourself, will those features benefit me? If you’re an outgoing social type of person who plans to go out and enjoy the bar scene, downtown Mankato is a great option. If you tend to keep to yourself and like a quieter atmosphere, maybe you will consider somewhere closer to campus. Downtown has some great options for housing with a lot of 4-5 bedroom houses and

File photo Living in downtown Mankato comes with benefits and challenges, one of the main challenges being finding transportation to campus.

apartments at an affordable cost. One of the biggest factors you should take into consideration when deciding if you want to live downtown is

transportation. If you have a car, you will most likely have to park on the street and drive to campus. Then, you’ll need to decide if you want to pay for a parking permit or just

park in the free lot. Any of the gold lots on campus will cost $340 that expires the week before classes start the following fall. Another for parking permits is the general purple lot, which runs at $108 for one semester. There are also options for the orange lot and night time lots available. If none of those seem to fit your needs, or if you don’t have a car, it’s important to learn the bus routes, or look into carpooling with your roommates to campus. Downtown is walking distance to many great restaurants, stores, and venues. The Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center sits in the heart of downtown, walking distance for Maverick hockey games!

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Decorating on a budget- stay styling without breaking bank By ASHLEY OPINA Variety Editor

One of the best parts about moving out of your parents house or a tiny dorm room shared between two people is moving into your own place, whether it be an apartment or a house, and decorating it. On a college student’s budget, however, decorating can get expensive. In order to avoid overspending on furniture and decorations, here are a few tips on how to make your new place feel like home, without breaking the bank. Before anything else, you should always purchase furniture and other big items first so you know how much open space you’ll be working with afterwards. Furniture is also the most expensive, so you’ll want to purchase them first,

before you spend all of your funds on the little things that may not be as necessary as having a place for your guests to sit aside from the floor. The best way to go about purchasing furniture (and decorations) is by doing so second-hand. It’s not only more sustainable than buying it new, but it also saves you money. One place you should check out is Facebook Marketplace, also known as the holy grail for used and affordable furniture, often sold by other college students in your area. It’s also convenient since you can shop right from your phone. Another place you should keep in mind when purchasing furniture are thrift stores. There are plenty in the Mankato area and all of them

ASHLEY OPINA • The Reporter sell furniture donated by community members. Even better, simply ask your friends or family if they have any old furniture they no longer need and are willing to give away. It’s quick, easy, and best of all, free. Once all of your furniture

is bought and carefully placed around your home, you can then move onto the more fun part: decorations. Aside from Facebook marketplace and thrift stores, a great place to purchase sustainable and affordable decorations is through Etsy.

Tips and tricks for doing laundry while off-campus By EMMA JOHNSON Staff Writer

You have a fun weekend planned with your friends. Shopping all day and partying all night. As you look into your closet, the hangers are bare; everything is dirty. While most apartments have a designated laundry room, there are rare occasions where they aren’t. Laundry can only wait so long before you run out of clothing options. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options for college students. First, find a nearby laundromat. With usual 24 hour service, laundromats are available from the early hours of the morning into the night. All that’s needed is your choice of detergent, dryer sheets and all of your dirty clothes. Depend-

EMMA JOHNSON • The Reporter ing on how large your load is, most cost $20 or less, making it a small price to pay for having clean clothes. Newer laundry mats can include free Wi-fi and TV, so you will be occupied as you wait for your clothes. Check around laun-

dromats as most can include deals such as 50% off specials or $1 day for laundry. Consider investing in a washer and dryer combo. Depending on the quality you prefer, prices can range from $80 to $800.

While you can expect to see a slight raise on your water bill, it will save your overall cost for gas by driving to laundromats and the cost of paying for washers and dryers. A washer and dryer combo make laundry a breeze as it immediately dries your clothes after the rinse cycle is done. Washer and dryer combos are smaller as it’s only one machine. All that’s needed is a strong electrical outlet and a connection to water. The only downfall is that the clothes may not dry as the machine spins the water out of them, not using heat. However, they are easy to pack up and move in case you get a new apartment, so it’s worth considering purchasing one.

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Living with a significant other... probably not the move By JULIA BARTON Variety Editor

Deciding who you live with can also have a major impact on your overall college experience as they are usually the same people you’d consider your friends. Although you may think living with your best friend is a good idea, many can argue that living with your best friend is one of the worst things you can do for your friendship. The same can be said with living with your significant other and how too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing. As you enter a new chapter of your life it is important to take time for yourself and to reflect on who you are and who you want to be as an individual.

Many may assume that living with people you are most comfortable around is the key to having a healthy and happy living environment. However, when you are sharing every minute with someone you are in a romantic relationship with, it can get a bit overwhelming is not a good idea especially while you’re still in college. Establishing boundaries is important no matter what stage in the relationship you are in. This can mean letting your partner know when you feel like you’re spending too much time together. All aspects and little quirks about your relationship will be out in the open if not already. Living with someone the opposite gender can make you realize stuff about them you never knew.

LILLIAN SCHMIDT • The Reporter While it may seem like a great idea, living with a significant other can lead to stress on relationships. For example if they are a secret slob, if they snore super loud, whether they leave their hairs all over the shower, and the list goes on. Not to mention the worst

case scenario, if you decide to break up with them. If this is the case you can be in for a lot of awkward engagements and tip-toeing around your own home.

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THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Roommate search: finding a multi-lease roomie By EMMA JOHNSON Staff Writer

Roommates can be one of the best or worst parts of college. If you click right away, it’s a breeze. If things start out on the wrong foot, tensions arise which can turn ugly. Roommate selection is a tedious but thoughtful process that takes some effort, but is worth it in the end. When considering the option of living with someone else, it is a massive responsibility to take on. This is the person who will help pay rent and bills, but also be a part of your daily life. Cycling through roommates is not a fun routine, so make sure you get it right the first time. Communication is essential throughout the process. Reach out to other people via social

File photo Searching for someone to live with can be extremely stressful, so it is important to find someone you can live with more than one year.

media and strike up a conversation. Finding out what you have in common is helpful, but don’t be afraid to ask questions such as if they use drugs or alcohol and if they

will be responsible to pay rent on time each month. Having these discussions early on will prevent restrained feelings of confrontation later on. If the person you are talking to isn’t

a good fit, thank them and continue on your search. Don’t feel bad if the roommate you had your freshman year decides to live with someone else. People change and grow over the years and that’s okay. Some people are great to have as friends and others work great as roommates. Taking it personal only makes you feel worse and you limit yourself to the possibility of meeting someone new and the memories that you can make with them. You can still keep in touch with them and not live with them. Consider rooming with someone random. It can seem scary to go out of your comfort zone, but it can sometimes be easier than rooming with your best friend, especially if you are the “opposites attract” sort of friendships.

How to deal with difficult roommate disagreements By LILLIAN SCHMIDT Staff Writer

We’re all set off to college with the hopes of a great roommate that will be a lifelong best friend. At least, my family sent me away with that hope. And I thought, hey, anyone has got to be an improvement from them. However, not all of us get the glamorous movie picture living situation. Sometimes, our roommates aren’t our favorite people, and sometimes, we disagree. So, how do we handle this living situation? If you’re in the dorms, you’re more likely than not trapped in the same room with this person a fair chunk of your time. If you live somewhere else, you can always just hide in your room. But

rather than that, attempting to work things out with your living buddy seems like the best option to make both you and your roommate more comfortable and happy. Dorm roommates have to talk with their roommate and create a roommate agreement at the beginning of the year. If you’re having disagreements with your roommate, try relooking at the sheet and discussing boundaries. Boundaries to reevaluate may include what possessions you are willing to share with each other, how often it’s acceptable to have guests, and when a reasonable time to turn off the light at night is. Maybe a cleaning schedule needs to be set up. Either way, your roommate won’t be able to fix whatever

DISAGREE on page 14 u

File photo

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Know what campus parking pass is right for you By JENNA PETERSON Staff Writer

College is full of necessary expenses, whether it be from tuition to the once a month grocery trip, but one that students tend to overlook in on-campus parking passes. These passes are quite literally the students’ ticket to getting to class on time, but the real problem is finding the pass that won’t break your bank but still get you a good spot. At Minnesota State University, Mankato, there are 16 different color lots to choose from, all with their own special privileges. When picking a parking pass there are a few things to consider first: price of the pass, location of the lots, and how often you’ll be on campus and needing a parking pass. In the eyes of the students, the gold lots are the best permits to purchase. While you are allowed to park only in the designated gold pass you’ve purchased during the day, after 4 p.m. students with a gold pass can park in any gold lot. These lots tend to be closer to the dorm buildings and other buildings around campus, giving students easier access to the places they need to be. With the convenience of being close to the buildings comes the higher price tag. For a whole year you can pay $340, for a semester you can pay $204, or just for the summer you can pay $68. For the same prices, you can buy a platinum parking pass, with the lot located between the McElroy dorm residence and Carkoski Commons. If you’ve picked up a few extra shifts at your summer job and can surrender the cash, then all means go for

Photo courtesy of MNSU Several cars parked in Gold Lot 5 just outside of the Clinical Sciences Building

it with the gold pass. It’ll be a shorter walk for you in the winter as well. Following this is the green pass, which is the pass many students who live in the dorms purchase as the lots are next to the Crawford and McElroy dorm residences. These passes are convenient for students living in the dorm and are cheaper, with a year’s worth of parking $280 and $140 for a semester. To purchase this pass you must be a residence hall student. Another highly popular pass for students both on and off campus is the dark green pass. While the walk from the lots to campus is farther, it is the cheaper option for those who need to bring their car and save money. For a full academic year the pass is $280, and for a semester it’s $140. The purple pass, with the lots located behind Wiecking Center and next to Blakeslee Stadium, follows up on this list. It is still close enough to the campus buildings without too

far of a walk and is more affordable compared to the other passes with a year being $216 and a semester priced at $108. The last lot with any fees involved is the orange lots, lo-

cated in front of the Maverick All Sports Dome Scheels Field. With a year pass listed at $152 and a semester at $76, this is a great pass for students to be guaranteed a parking spot and save up on some money. For those who don’t want to spend any money on a parking pass, there is a free lot right next to the orange lots. All students have to do is register their license plate to the lot and they are able to park their car there. Since a large number of people can register their car for this lot, spots fill up quickly and many may be left to turn back around and find another way to campus. As these lots are a longer distance from campus, there is a shuttle bus that will drive students from the parking lots to the Centennial Student Union.

KATO QUICK WASH OPEN 24 HOURS FREE WIFI & TV $ WASH WEDNESDAYS $ DRY TUESDAYS

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Destination Points

Financed By Times

Days of the Week

Academic Year Coverage

Minnesota State Mankato activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour), cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy.

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > Live Active Apartments > Preserve Apartments > Meadow View Apartments > College Station Apartments > Eastport Apartments > College Town Apartments > Heron Drive Shelter > Parking Lots 20-23

(30 minute run)

Night-time James Avenue/ Stadium Heights

U-ZONE / Route #12

(14 minute run)

U-ZONE / Route #9 Stadium Heights Morning Express

(60 minute run)

City of Mankato provides link to city-wide bus network

CITY-WIDE Route #6

(15 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

(30 minute run)

> Balcerzak Drive > Ellis Avenue > Maywood Avenue > Stadium Heights

> Stadium Road > Monks Avenue > Warren Street > Student Union

City bus route starts at: > Stadium Heights > Monks Avenue > Birchwood Street > Nelson Hall > Warren Street

City bus route starts at: > Student Union > James Avenue > Stadium Heights > Balcerzak Drive > Maywood Avenue

City bus route which starts at the Cherry Street Ramp area, goes through the University campus, and ends up in the Madison East Shopping Center.

On-campus “circulator” to campus buildings and parking lots.

Minnesota State Mankato activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour), cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy.

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > Parking Lots 20-23 > Tanager Road > The Quarters > Heron Drive Shelter

U-ZONE / Route #8 Parking Lot Shuttle

Minnesota State Mankato activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour), cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy.

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > Parking Lots 20-23 > The Quarters > University Park > Heron Drive Shelter

Minnesota State Mankato Parking Programs funds, ads, cash fares, activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour)

City of Mankato, cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy. Use your MavCard as your ticket to ride.

Minnesota State Mankato Parking Programs funds, ads, cash fares, activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour)

City of Mankato, cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy. Use your MavCard as your ticket to ride.

Minnesota State Mankato activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour), cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy.

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > Stadium Heights > College Station Apartments > Live Active Apartments > Monks Apartments

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > Nelson Hall Old Town > Hubbard Building (Riverfront Drive)

Minnesota State Mankato activity fees (“Green Transportation Fee” @ roughly $1.10 per credit hour), cash fares, ads, federal transportation subsidy.

Minnesota State Mankato Campus > College Station Apartments > Eastport Apartments > Meadow View Apartments > Preserve Apartments > Live Active Apartments

Route #7/ Mankato Downtown Express

(28 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

U-ZONE/ Campus Express

(25 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

U-ZONE/ Route 1B South

(25 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

U-ZONE/ Route 1A South

(22 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

U-ZONE/ Route 1B North

(19 minute run)

Minnesota State Mankato provides service using leased City Bus

U-ZONE/ Route 1A North

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Thursday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Thursday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Thursday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Thursday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Friday

6:00 P.M. 9:30 P.M.

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Thursday

summer months or breaks.)

(Operates throughout the 12 month year.)

Monday - Friday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Friday

7:00 A.M. Monday - Friday 10:00 A.M. (Doesn’t operate during

6:33 A.M. 5:55 P.M.

7:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

7:00 A.M. - Monday - Thursday 6:00 P.M.

10:00 A.M. Monday - Friday 10:00 P.M.

7:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

6:00 P.M. - Monday - Thursday 10:00 P.M.

7:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.

Destination Points

CAR RENTALS

BUS EXPRESSES

Enterprise CarShare for Universities

Land to Air Express

City of Mankato Operated

Late Night Express

Minnesota State Mankato and City of Mankato Partnership.

Stomper Express

Minnesota State Mankato provided on-campus shuttle with handicap accesible capabilities.

Maverick Shuttle

Minnesota State Mankato provides on-campus van service.

Red Eye Shuttle

EnterpriseCarShare.com/mnsu

Live on campus? So does Enterprise CarShare. CarShare is an 18+ aged driver car sharing service at Minnesota State Mankato that gives members 24/7 acces to vehicles parked right on campus. Rates start at $7.00/ hour or $56/day, with gas and insurance included. Available to all Minnesota State Mankato students, staff and faculty members who have a valid drivers license. This year, enjoy all the freedoms of owning a car without any of the hassle.

Connection to MinneapolisSt. Paul Airport & Twin Cities. $30 Roundtrip Express to Twin Cities.

Pick-up only from Downtown Cherry Street Ramp area and dropped off in the Highland Campus area apartment complexes. No one is drive from the campus area apartments downtown to the Cherry Ramp area. No residence hall service.

Departs CSU on the hour. MavCard ID holders ride free; others pay $1.75. > Picks up at each Residence Hall > University Square > Summit Apartments > Stadium Heights Apts. > Live Active Apartments > Hoffman/Hilltop Apts. > Walmart > Old Navy > HyVee > Panera Bread > River Hills Mall

On-campus “circulator” which will follow the Route #8 bus schedule.

On-campus “circulator”. Red Eye Shuttle will be running on a bus-like pickup and drop-off schedule.

For more information, www.mnsu.edu/ mssa

The Minnesota State Student Association (MSSA) is sponsoring the program to provide the students of Minnesota State Mankato easy, affordable access to vehicles. You shouldn’t have to own a car, to have a car!

For more information, www. landtoairexpress. com or call 507625-3977.

City of Mankato operated service with $1.50 ridership cost. No Minnesota Mankato funding is provided for this service.

Partnership between the City of Mankato and Minnesota State Mankato. Student Activity fees in the form of the Green Transportation Fee (@ roughly $1.10 per credit hour).

Minnesota State Mankato Parking Programs funds augmented with some M&E state support.

Minnesota State Mankato Parking Programs funds.

NO Insurance Fees

NO Gas Charges

$7.00/hr. or $56/day.

Rates start at

• 24/7 Member Care Center

• 24/7 Roadside Assistance

• GPS turn-byturn navigation

Each rental includes, at no additional cost:

Multiple Trips by reservation only. Reserve only at www. landtoairexpress. com.

12 Midnight 3:00 A.M. Sunday

12 Midnight 3:00 A.M. Saturday

6:00 P.M. 11:00 P.M.

7:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M.

3:00 P.M. 11:00 P.M.

3:30 P.M. 12 Midnight

Times

Sedans located in Lot 11a on the west side of the CSU.

Departs from Centennial Student Union Horseshoe Lot 11 by red “Waves” sculpture.

(Doesn’t operate during summer months or breaks.)

Sunday A.M.

Saturday A.M.

(Doesn’t operate during the summer months or breaks.)

Monday - Saturday

(Doesn’t operate during the summer months, holidays, breaks or interim.)

Monday - Friday

(Doesn’t operate during summer months, holidays, breaks or interim.)

Sunday

Monday - Thursday

Days of the Week

Academic Year Coverage

www.mnsu.edu/parking Financed By

SHUTTLES - USE THE MAVCARD - “YOUR TICKET TO RIDE”

Type of Service/Route

Buses, Shuttles, Expresses, Rentals

REGULAR BUS SERVICE - USE THE MAVCARD - “YOUR TICKET TO RIDE”

Type of Service/Route

Serving the Campus Area

8 THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

RASMUSSEN WOODS RD

SEARS

SOUTH RD

WIGLEY ADMIN CENTER

LIBRARY

PRESKA

STUDENT UNION

MAYWOOD AVE

Mc ELROY

CRAWFORD

WIECKING CENTER

VAL IM

MALIN ST

MALIN ST THAYER AVE

NELSON HALL

STADIUM RD

MYERS FIELD HOUSE

TRAFTON SCIENCE CENTER

WISSINK HALL

MORRIS HALL HIGHLAND NORTH

OTTO ARENA

FLORAL AVE

Route 6 City-Wide Connector: Monday through Friday: 6:33 A.M. - 5:55 P.M.

Route 1A North: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Route 12 Nighttime Express: Monday through Thursday: 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Route 9 Morning Express: Monday through Friday: 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Route 1A South: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Route 1B South: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

9 10

ALCERZAK

16 B B

Highland East Apts.

Homestead Apts.

STADIUM RD

Summit Apts.

UNIVERSITY CT

Summit Apts.

JAKE’S PIZZA

BUNTING LN

Highland Plaza Apts.

The Quads Apts.

Monks Place Apts.

1 Wigley Administration Center 2 Student Union/Bookstore WOODHAVEN CIR Shelter 3 Sears Shelter 4 Preska Shelter 5 Nelson Shelter Jacob 6 McElroy Shelter JOSEPH PATH Heights 7 Maywood Ave. & Warren St. Apts. Shelter WO OD 8 Lot 20 Heated Shelter HA VEN CIR 9 Lot 21 Heated Shelter 10 Lot 22 Heated Shelter 11 Lot 23 Heated Shelter (Free Lot) 12 Summit Apartments 13 Monks & Bunting Shelter 14 Monks Avenue Stop 15 Balcerzak Drive 21 22 23

16 16 16 16 17 18a 18b 19 20

Apts.

HUDSON AVE N A-Live Active Apartments B-Live University Active Apartments C-Live Trailer Active Apartments Park D-Live Active Apartments College Station Tanager Road Tanager Road The Quarters S AVEApt. HUDSONRes. Stadium Heights Shelter Stadium Heights Shelter SAVANNAH CT Heron Dr. Shelter Stadium Rd. & James Ave. Shelter Southwood Terrace Apartments James Ave. & Fairfield St. TIMBERWOLF DR

E STADIUM RD

Rosa Parks Elementary School

HERON DR

STADIUM HEIGHTS RES COMMUNITY APARTMENTS

HOMESTEAD DR

Lions Park

Preserve at Southridge Apts.

16 Live Active Live Active C Apts.

Blue Heron Apts.

Homestead Apts.

ALL SEASONS ARENA

BRIARGATE RD

Live Active Apts.

CAMPUS AREA BUS STOPS AND SHELTERS

Lot 22

Lot 21

Lot 23 Free Lot

CVS

AMERICINN

Campus Village Apts.

BUS STOP

Lot 20

STADIUM RD

Campus Village Apts.

Highland Hills

CAMPUS VIEW ST

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

Campusview Townhomes

MONKS AVE Campusview Townhomes

BALCERZAK DR

Balcerzak Edge Townhomes

Cedar Edge Townhomes

Colonial Manor Apts.

Route 8 Campus Circulator: Monday through Friday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

BL ST AKE AD S IU LEE M

TAYLOR CENTER

Route 1B North: Monday through Friday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Campus Express: Monday through Thursday: 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Friday: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Monday through Saturday: 6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

see https://secure2.mnsu.edu/ bustracking/ to track route during operation

DILLON AVE

MAYWOOD AVE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BIRCHWOOD ST

ARMSTRONG HALL

HIGHLAND AVE

Hours of Service (Through University Academic School Year)

Route 33 Stomper Nighttime Express:

STADIUM RD

Huntington Hills Apts.

Southwood Terrace Apts.

Valley View Apts. LILLY ST

VALLEY ST

SARATOGA ST

JAMES AVE

STOLTZMAN RD

JAMES AVE

WEST RD

WARREN ST WARREN ST

ELLIS AVE

WARREN ST

FAIRFIELD ST

JACOB CT

LIONS LAKE

Eastport Apts.

BALCERZAK DR

JAYCEE PARK

JAYCEES CT.

16 D

CARDINAL D

BALCERZAK DR

TIMBERWOLF DR

WINGS OVER WHITE OAKS PARK

5A Lots 2 Bus Shelter 8 Lot 22 Bus Shelter McElroy Residence Community Lot 15 Crawford/Preska Residence Community Bus Shelter 5B Lots 1 Bus Shelter 9 Lot 23 Bus Shelter Julia A. Sears Residence Hall Community Bus Shelter 6 Lot 20 Bus Shelter 10 Lot 5 Entrance 7 Lot 21 Bus Shelter 11 Wissink/Performing Arts Crosswalk Centennial Student Union Bus Shelter

RED EYE SHUTTLE STOPS PICK-UP POINTS

Night time on-campus “circulator” with 11 Shuttle Stops. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3:30 P.M. to MIDNIGHT Sunday: 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

Tanager Road

Tattler Ln

Tanager Path

18b

18a

Gam bre lle

Route 6 City-Wide Connector Route 8 Campus Circulator Route 9 Morning Express Route 12 Nighttime Express 1 Campus Area Bus Stops 1 Maverick and Red Eye Shuttle Stops/Pick-up Points

Map Key

FREE NIGHTTIME “RED EYE SHUTTLE”

STADIUM RD

Swan Ln

Route 1A North Route 1B North Route 1A South Route 1B South Campus Express

Lost & Found: 507-625-RIDE (7433) Changes and Cancellations: announced on local radio Questions or Comments: please email us at crempp@mankatomn.gov or call us at 311 or 507-625-7433(RIDE)

COTTAGE PATH

College Town Cottages

The Quarters

Oa kM ars

College Station Apts.

Meadow View Apts.

RD POH

A 16

SAVANNAH S

POHL RD

https://secure2.mnsu.edu/bustracking/ • maps.google.com • www.mnsu.edu/parking

WOODHAVEN LANE

HERON DR HUDSON AVE E

MONKS AVE MONKS AVE

MONKS AVE

HERON DR HERON DR HERON DR HERON DR

Tanager Road

Route Websites:

TIM

DR LF O

Skyla Ct

ld Go

BE R

RD POHL POHL RD

Map Dr CALL 625-RIDE

ALUMNI

lC t

KWIK TRIP

rk Dr h

c fin

WARREN ST

MavCARD - “Your Ticket to Ride”

2021 - 2022

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

The moving process: a guide on making it painless By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

So, you’ve decided you are moving out of the dorms and into a new off-campus location. Whether it is a house with a fully accessible front door, or an apartment on the third floor, your biggest challenge will without a doubt be the moving process. Whether this is your first apartment outside of the dorms, or your third, there are so many factors to think about when it comes to moving into a new place; the furniture, the truck, getting the key from the landlord… the list goes on and on. So here is a breakdown on what to look for and how to plan for the big move: Step one: The packing list The first, and most important thing you must do when planning for a move is figure out what you need to bring. This includes everything from furniture down to cleaning supplies. Start with your biggest and most essential items first, then work your way down to the nitty-gritty. Furniture is obviously the most troublesome part of any moving process. Make a list of all the furniture items you will need, starting with your bedroom essentials; bedframe, mattress, dresser and desk. Then, move into the shared spaces, talk with roommates if you have them, and come up with a list of what you are in charge of bringing. These items might include a dining table, couches, a recliner, a TV and a coffee table. Once you’ve got your furniture plan solidified, move into the essential living items. These include clothes, blankets, technology such as computers or gaming devices, and

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Moving into the dorms can be a stressful time, but moving into off-campus locations can be even more, due to additional roommates and furniture to organize.

kitchen appliances. During this portion, be sure to not forget about the bathroom. A lot can be easily forgotten when it comes to bathroom essentials, such as a shower curtain- which also needs a liner for the inside, cleaning materials- be sure to have a mirror cleaner, as no guest wants to look at a dirty reflection, and of course, toilet paper. Lastly, for the packing list, figure out the fun stuff you want to bring to make the space your own. This might mean various wall art, books to put on your shelf, a record player, or even the makings for a little coffee nook. You are going to be living in this place for a year, so its up to you to make it comfortable. Step two: Prepping the move. When prepping for a move, it is essential to over plan. It is better to have contingency plan upon contingency plan than to be caught looking like a fool on move in day. Using your packing list, figure out what sort of vehicle

you will need to get what you got to where you are going. This might mean just borrowing a family member’s pickup for the day, or in some cases, it may mean you need to rent a UHaul truck or trailer. It all depends on how much stuff you are bringing. Then, pack the little things into boxes. The less extraneous items you have, the better, because that means that whoever is helping you move, simply needs to lift easy things from point A to point B. Which brings me to my next point. Help. It is almost always essential when it comes to moving. Often times, your roommates will work just fine for this, but sometimes you may need to call in favors to help move the big stuff. In the event that you ask others for help, be sure to offer them something in return, whether it is coffee or even a pizza when the move is done. Lastly, set a schedule for the day of the move. Figure out when you can pick up your key, when they will let you into the unit, and when

your help can be there. Be sure to be considerate of people’s time, and only ask them to be there for the time that you need them for. You will have plenty of time by yourself to hang up your “Live Laugh Love” poster the day after you move in, so focus on getting the heavy stuff into the house before you feather the nest. Step three: Make the move If you have followed the aforementioned advice, then your plan should have gotten you in the door with all of your belongings in tow. There are bound to be hiccups during this process. A couch may be too big, or you completely forgot the TV. Don’t stress too much. All problems come with a solution, so just remember to stay excited, and ready for anything that might come at you. Step four: Feather the nest You’ve made the move, you are officially residing in your new apartment. Now it is time to make it yours. Start making your temporary living situation your home.

2021 - 2022

The Ten Commandments of living off-campus By DAVID WING Guest Writer

From dishes and laundry to cooking and homework, living away from home can have its challenges which can be multiplied when living off campus. Hello, my name is David Wing and I am the newest off-campus student senator here at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It is my mission to help make campus more accessible for those students that live off campus and to aid them in any way I can in making their college experience memorable. In my three years at 2 different undergraduate universities, I have seen and experienced all sorts of living environments which have unsurprisingly resulted in the acquisition of knowledge and to these 10 commandments of living at college. Clean up after yourself. Your mom doesn’t live here. It is now up to you to do your own chores. By cleaning up, you will help your own mindset and also that of your roommates. Budget your time. Living off campus requires you to perform more tasks than you on-campus counterparts. Be sure to give yourself time to complete all the chores you’ve been procrastinating. Have you done your laundry, gone grocery shopping, or even given yourself a break from a stressful week of midterms? Take care of your body. When living on your own, it is far too easy to fall into bad habits. Be sure to not only make sure you are getting the exercise that your body needs, but that you are also fueling it properly, and if you’re worried about price, Aldi has great produce for a student on a budget. Take care of yourself men-

File photo David Wing getting sworn into office as a new off-campus senator for the Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Student Government.

tally. We as students are very susceptible to biting off more than we can chew. I myself am guilty of this from time to time. Give yourself time to relax from the stress of day to day life. I recommend scheduling at least one hour a day for you to simply relax, turn that phone on silent, those texts can wait until you are in a better mental state. Go to class. This is one of the steps that I have struggled with the most being an off campus student. It is far too easy to tell yourself that it’s not worth the commute all the way to class, but this is an excuse you musn’t make. Be true to the commitment you made when enrolling in classes, make it there and do that homework you’ve been putting off since Monday. Get that homework done. I know this was mentioned in number 5, but that is because it cannot be stressed enough.

Regardless of how late an assignment is, do it, some points are always better than none. Make sure you’re aware of parking. Knowing where to park and how to avoid a ticket is a primary skill for an off-campus student. For the most part, your best bet is to purchase a parking pass, but for those of us who don’t have one and do wind up having to drive to class, flowbird allows pay-by-the-plate parking and has designated spots in most university lots. Have a spare key. This one I had to learn the hard way. Always have a spare key accessible to you as you never know when you might misplace your main set of keys. My advice is to have one made by a local locksmith for just a few dollars and leave it in your car to give you a little peace of mind. Pay attention to those bills. While living off-campus can be more affordable than be-

ing on campus, that benefit is negated by missed payments. Always double check that you are up-to-date on your payments including rent, electricity, gas, and more. Utilize the resources that are available to support you through the university. There are many resources available to students through the university including the Maverick Food Pantry, the MSU Student Attorney, or even the local bus system that is free with your MavCard. You can learn more about each of these things by visiting mankato.mnsu.edu/university-life/housing/off-campus-housing, and if there is ever anything that you need assistance with, feel free to contact me at David.Wing@ mnsu.edu or visit me during office hours which will be released on the student government website soon!

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Pets during college: weighing the pros and cons By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

One of the many thoughts on a student’s mind when moving into their first off campus apartment is that of getting a pet; whether they want to bring their childhood pet with them, just miss having a pet around and want on of their own, or have never had a pet before and are ready for the experience, it is often an exciting thought. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your options when making any big decision, especially one this important. Some pet friendly apartments in the Mankato area that students tend to like are The Summit, Jacob Heights, Highland Hills, College Station, and Meadow Rivers.

SYDNEY BERGGREN • The Reporter Pets are a great way to get over the loneliness that can come with college living, just make sure you are ready to handle the responsibility All allow cats and dogs (at a limit of two), and require a monthly pet rent, large one time fee, or both. None require your pet to be spayed/neutered or declawed.

More specific info can be found on each individual complex’s website. Having a pet can have so many positive impacts on a college student’s daily life and

mental health. The student is guaranteed companionship, which is especially important if living alone or with roommates that aren’t around much or you don’t know very wellyou will always have someone around who wants to spend time with you. Having a pet also makes sure the student upholds some semblance of a routine- if you have ever had a cat before, you will know that they do not forget when it is time for food, and dogs will often eagerly uphold walking times. Having a pet is not something to be taken lightly- while a fun and exciting experience, when it comes down to it, you are responsible for another living being’s life. Be sure to careful weigh all of your options before making a decision.

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2021 - 2022

Streaming services and how to divide up paying By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer

When it comes to living on or off campus, there are always a multitude of amenities you will need to compile in order to live comfortably. Off the top of your head you might be thinking about couches, a television, bed, dresser, desk, and a load of other things. We must think about what is most important here, however, and that is our television subscriptions. When thinking about subscriptions, it also comes along who will be paying for various subscriptions. Some notable subscriptions you might be thinking about purchasing include Netflix, Hulu, YoutubeTV, Prime Video, ESPN+, Disney+, and much more. If you’re lucky, you might be on a family plan

from home, in which you would not need to pitch into any of these services. However, we know very well that those pesky roommates may not take care of your services the way you would like, so it is important to weigh your options. If you are looking to pitch into a particular subscription service with all of your roommates for the community TV, there is one thing you want to make sure of. If you want that subscription and all saved data on it, take control and buy it yourself! Not only does this take away the chance you will have to pay for a different service or split one amongst your roommates, but it also allows you to keep all the account data saved over the years of using it.

DANIEL McELROY • The Reporter You also will not have to worry about purchasing it in addition to other services you might want coming out of college. It will already be budgeted within your accounts for the past several years, and you will not have to worry about

finding a way to pay for it moving forward. So which subscriptions should you actually pay for? It might be the most simple one to make sure you want your hands on, but Netflix is always a top priority.

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THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Chores: how to break up the workload with roommates By ASHLEY OPINA Variety Editor

Living with a roommate is great. You have someone to split the rent with and someone to kill the spiders when you’re too scared to do it yourself. On the downside, however, living with a roommate means there’s more to do in order to keep your shared space clean. If you have ever struggled with a messy or lazy roommate, or are about to live with someone else for the first time and are afraid of struggling with it, here are some tips on how to tell your roommate to do their share of the chores, without causing a fight. First, decide what chores need to be done. You can’t ask your roommate to split the chores with you if neither of

you have any idea on what the chores even are. Whether is is taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher, you have to create a list of what chores need to get done. Next, decide who does what. A list of chores is only helpful if both of you know which boxes you’re designated to check off. If you decide to take out the trash, then assign your roommate the dirty dishes to deal with. That way, you both share an equal load when it comes to chores. Now that you have a chore list created and each chore assigned to a specific person, you also have to decide when things should get done. Otherwise, the chores on the list will sit there, waiting to be checked off for days, weeks, or maybe even months on end. Let’s say you take out the

ASHLEY OPINA • The Reporter trash every week while your roommate handles the dirty dishes at the end of each day. Then, you not only have a to-do list and someone to get them done, but you also have an assigned time to do them so the chores don’t pile up.

At the end of the day, the best way to go about dealing with a roommate who isn’t the biggest fan of doing their share of chores is to gently remind them that if they don’t do their half, no one will.

DISAGREE Continued from page 6 is bugging with you unless you vocalize your concerns. Remember, this person isn’t your family. You don’t have to share everything with them. Your mother isn’t going to barge in and say you’ve had the remote too long. But it’s also nice to consider what amenities can be for everyone. A little kindness can go a long way in improving your living situation. Your roommate can be a wonderful source of support and company at times. Ask them to go to campus events with you and work on building a connection with them. It’s usually easier to understand and sympathize with a person you know on a base level. However, It may also be healthy to take a small break

from your roommate. Consider hanging out in your friend’s dorm room or apartment more. Choose to study in a public setting, such as the library or central student union. Take an extra long shower to get that needed alone time; whatever works. If you need some alone time, you could gently request for your roommate to not be in the room for a couple of hours. At the worst, it can’t hurt to ask. Sometimes a little space can serve as a refresh button that lessens tension and anxiety. At the end of the day, however, you’re not stuck with this person forever. If a discussion can’t resolve your issues, you can always look into switching roommates or getting a single room.

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2021 - 2022

The best ways to keep your pantry, and belly, full By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

Effectively grocery shopping on a budget is a skill that many college students struggle with. However, there are some crucial tips to be shared and tricks to be learned that can make that budget significantly easier to follow, while still keeping stomachs full and heads happy. The easiest place to start is: where are you shopping? I know we all love a Target, but the truth of the matter is that it isn’t the most affordable place to grocery shop. Additionally, a co-op is amazing for it’s more public feel and often organic and alternative food choices, but again, may not be the best choice budget-wise unless it is a nutritional necessity. Instead, try places like Walmart and Aldi. Both of these stores are typically significantly more affordable, particularly if you are looking for produce items. Aldi also features some of their dry goods in bigger quantities, if you are looking to stock up on something for a cheaper price. Additionally, all Minnesota State University, Mankato students are invited to utilize the Maverick Food Pantry, which is located in Carkoski Commons. Simply place an order online to pick up in up to five days. The Maverick Food Pantry is open to any student who wishes to use it, and is entirely free. Besides choosing the best store to shop at, there are other things that you can do to stay within your budget. The first, which is the most cliche but genuinely works, is to not shop while hungry. Shopping while hungry tend to lead to temptation to purchase foods you don’t need, particularly

SYDNEY BERGGREN • The Reporter Buying produce can be an affordable way to keep your shelves stocked, just be sure to eat it before it goes bad. snack food. Going shopping after you eat will help avoid that. Similarly, planning your meals for the week ahead of time and only shopping for those meals can be helpful. This oftentimes means that you can budget out your grocery lsit ahead of time and go in knowing exactly how much you are going to spend. Buying generic items is a trick that can save a few dollars here and there. While it may not look like the biggest savings, the 60 cents/dollar you save on a couple of items in your basket will add up throughout the year. Alongside this tip, couponing can be beneficial for saving a bit of money; sign up for those free rewards programs, because even if they are annoying they often have some pretty good discount offers. When it comes to the food itself, there are a few specific tips one can follow. Firstly, pay attention to produce seasons- produce that is not currently in season locally (i.e., is having to be shipped here from somewhere farther away where it is in season) is often going to be significantly more

expensive that the produce that is in season. So for the fall, enjoy your apples, melons, and corn. Another tip is to buy your veggies frozen- at least, those that you plan on cooking up.

Not only are they usually already prepared, but they will be less expensive and in decent condition. Similarly, freeze everything! Did you know that you can freeze soup in tupperware and then just heat it up when you want it? Because you can, and it’s amazing. So next time you go home and grandma makes a giant pot of chili, steal some, freeze it in a tupperware, and heat it back up when you’re needing that comfort food. Bread going to go bad before you finish it? Freeze it. Freezing your food will make it last so much longer, and not allow it (or your money) to go to waste. Keeping a budget is important for both discipline and financial security; hopefully with the help of these tips, grocery shopping won’t be your downfall.

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THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE