Sidelines 4/20/2016

April 20, 2016

SIDELINES

Home is where

The #MTSU #MTSU orBound Bust

Vol. 90 | No. 6

the lease is...

Housing Edition Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

1

STAFF

Campus Voices

/ page 3

Off-campus vs.

On-campus living: Which will you choose?

/ page 4

Off-campus crime: Staying safe at student apartment complexes

/ page 6

6 SWEET JAMS FOR YOUR NEXT HOUSE PARTY

House Shows: Murfreesboro’s DIY Scene Keeps INdependent Music AlIve

10

Ways to not be a horrible roommate

/ page 8

/ page 10

/ page 12

Staff Report: Roommate Horror stories

/ page 14

College life is not a bug’s life:

5 quick tricks to keeping pests out / page 16 of your living space

Gourmet recipes for dorm life:

A fun spin on quick and easy meals that won’t break your bank

/ page 18

Editor-in-Chief Dylan Skye Aycock Managing Editor Sarah Grace Taylor Managing Editor John Connor Coulston News Editor Amanda Freuler Assistant News Editor Bennie Hunt Lifestyles Editor Tanner Dedmon Assistant Lifestyles Editor Brinley Hineman Assistant Lifestyles Editor Olivia Ladd Sports Editor Connor Grott Assistant Sports Editor Caleb Luketic Design Editor Anna Claire Farmer Design Editor Allison Ciccarelli Assistant Design Editor Sam Wycoff Faculty Adviser Leon Alligood

Note from the Editor The semester is swiftly coming to an end and so are many students’ leases.

Some of you will be graduating in two short weeks while some may be touring campus for the first time.

Some of you will move away from Murfreesboro to start your career and some will be apartment hunting for the fall.

Regardless of the situation, remember this: you’ll spend several hours on campus, at a job or out with friends, but your home — whether it be a dorm room, apartment or house — is ultimately where you’ll be spending most of your time.

There will be nights you won’t leave the library until 2 a.m. and will have to park three buildings down from your apartment. For that reason, and many others, choose a place where you feel safe and be mindful of your surroundings. At Sidelines, we see the crime reports every morning. We know it’s not always safe.

In this edition, we look at crime at student apartment complexes, housing conditions on campus, recipes for college students and share our own roommate stories, as well.

So choose wisely when deciding on a place to live because, chances are, you’ll be there for a year.

Cover art by Allison Ciccarelli and Anna Claire Farmer.

Want to advertise with Sidelines?

Email editor@mtsusidelines.com or managingeditor@mtsusidelines.com for more information.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MTSUSidelines.

2

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

Dylan Skye Aycock Editor-in-Chief

Campus Voices A

be disproportionately employed. During my enrollment we were told s an alumni of MTSU (1979), it saddens me that such a prothey could not find qualified people of color to teach at the salaries ofgressive educational institution over these many years there fered. As proposed then, and still true today, why continue to be an issue of having not require each academic department to identify Nathan Bedford Forrest be represented on the Send future letters to the editor campus. While he is acclaimed to have served send to editor@mtsusidelines.com or a minority student and finance their higher educational degree under an agreement that once the honorably as a military general, his disregard managingeditor@ degree is obtained they contractually agreed to toward humanity should have no place of mtsusidelines.com. return to MTSU as a professor. Why not establish recognition on any public funded institution, a committee to decide this if that’s the procedure be it MTSU, the state Capitol, etc. I assert that if a proposal is submitted for the representation of Malcolm X on any utilized in deciding what’s right. However, I submit committees [don’t] decide what’s “right” from “wrong”, taxpayers’ facility it would result in outrage. Lest we forget, Hitler too that was a “historical figure” and strategic leader, but his regard, or disreindividuals [do], and as we become wise we learn to acknowledge the difference. If one is unwilling to take a step, you’ll be unable to make gard if you will, for humanity is considered absurd.

Even more discerning, that the president of the university is unwilltracks. ing to make a decision that’s right. Rather he appointed a committee Finally, why not name Forrest Hall “Col. Jeff Bonner Hall”, an honorable and distinguished military servant, as well as an MTSU graduto decide what’s right in removing the name from a building named ate (1982) and military professor. in honor of a terrorist, tyrant and traitor. As the CEO of Middle Tennessee State University, he should understand deciding what’s right Lewis Holiday does not require a committee. After all, in further retrospect it wasn’t a committee that decided that violating the sexual harassment laws was wrong. Equally, distrusting that professors of color continue to

SIDELINES Interviews Sidelines will be holding Editor-in-Chief interviews on Wednesday, April 20, in the Center for Innovation in Media.

If interested, stop by the Center for Innovation in Media located inside the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building or contact editor@mtsusidelines.com for more information.

If you’re a student interested in writing, photography, videography or design and want to become involved, contact editor@mtsusidelines.com.

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

3

On Campus VS. Off Campus Which will you choose?

by Dylan Skye Aycock // Editor-in-Chief

Apartment versus dorm room. Freedom versus proximity.

Sometimes you have to decide if living off campus is really worth losing a few minutes of much desired sleep before your 9:40 a.m. class. But then again, is having a guaranteed parking spot on campus really worth purchasing that roughly (and mandatory for freshman) $2,000 meal plan? The choice is ultimately yours. There are pros and cons with all living situations.

Depending on your personality and preferences, some of those pros and cons will matter more than the rest. Here are a few to help you weigh your options and (hopefully!) make the right decision.

Off-campus pros Individual room

The option of having your own room is usually a make-it-orbreak-it scenario for students deciding between on or off campus housing. Whether you’re used to having your own room back home or you’re tired of your roommate now, not having to share that sacred space with anyone is a huge bonus. Depending on what kind of complex you choose and how many roommates you have, this can also be a much cheaper option.

No rules! (kind of)

I’m using “no rules” fairly liberally because even apartment complexes will hand you a list of community rules upon move-in 1 day. Yes, you can have visitors over at any hour, but you can’t expect to blast music at 2 a.m. without receiving a noise complaint. That being said, you can sometimes get away with turning up the stereo if you live in a house. Just don’t do this often or your next door neighbors won’t be as willing to help you jump off your car the next time it dies.

Management skills

The word “bills” usually has a negative connotation, but mastering the art of paying them on time will prepare you for life after college. Unlike the all inclusive dorms fees which are typically due before move-in day, you’ll be paying rent each month at an off-campus apartment or house. To add to this equation, you’ll have to keep track of electricity, water and internet payments if you’re living at a non-student apartment complex or residence. But, trust me, in most cases it still comes out cheaper than living on campus.

4

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

On-campus pros More sleep

Students who say they roll out of bed five minutes before class aren’t lying. That’s truly the beauty of living two buildings down from your first class. You can also skip out on fighting for parking spaces by avoiding the situation entirely. And unlike commuter students, you can get away with hitting the snooze button a zillion times before actually getting out of bed. However, I can guarantee your roommate whose first class starts at 12:40 p.m. won’t appreciate it.

Closer parking spaces

Three words: red parking decal. Depending on which dorm or on-campus apartment you live in, parking is both easier and closer than the green lots.

Social life

There’s no doubt you’ll meet more people living on campus.

You may think you’ll meet people when you move into your off-campus apartment, but, chances are, you’ll never set foot inside the office area unless it’s to pay rent or to swing by on “taco day” or whatever it is they do from time to time.

Photo by Samatha Hearn // Sidelines archive

On-campus cons Meal plan

This may be a pro for some, but it was one of my biggest cons because it’s mandatory for freshman.

Yes, at times it may be convenient, but I actually ended up saving a lot more money by buying my own groceries.

Small space, roommates

One of the most exciting things about going off to college is living on your own. However, that doesn’t quite happen when you share a dorm room with another person. The rooms are small which means you won’t be able to keep much from each other, and, unless one or both of you are heavy sleepers, you’ll hear every text alert, cough and late night escape from the room. If you are a person who likes privacy, dorm life may be a challenge.

Off-campus cons Parking

And we’re back to the parking fiasco. It’s a widely known fact among students that MTSU’s parking situation is subpar. Depending on what time you arrive to campus and where you try to park, there’s really no hope. Of course, you readily can drive over to the Rutherford Lot and catch the bus at any time, but why would you do that when someone might leave Ezell Lot as soon as you pull in?

Awful roommates (see our staff report on pg. 14)

Roommates. They can be complete strangers, your best friend, or, by the end of the lease, possibly your worst enemy. Most people can deal with the occasional stack of dirty dishes from time to time, but sometimes things take a turn for the worst. The unforgivable. Whether it’s the day you move in or the day you part ways, there will be times when having a roommate will question your sanity. There will even be times when you question their sanity. So choose wisely, friends and live with people you know.

Bills

You know how I said bills can actually be a good thing?

Well, not when it’s cold outside. Unless you want to live in a freezer all winter, don’t be surprised when you open up your electricity bill to find it’s almost double what you paid in September. Plus, if you’re unorganized and forget to turn on the auto draft payment option, there may come a day when you forget to pay Comcast and lose wifi. Trust me, it will hurt a lot more when it cuts out five minutes before a paper is due.

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

5

Off-campus crime: Staying safe at student apartment complexes

by Dylan Skye Aycock // Editor-in-Chief with contributions by News Editor Amanda Freuler

A

t approximately 3 a.m on Saturday, Peak Campus, the April 9, Murfreesboro Police respondcompany that owns Photo by John Connor Coulston // Sidelines ed to a shots fired report at the Pointe and operates Campus at Raiders Campus, 39 at Student Quarters at Raiders Campus, a student apartment comCrossings, College Grove on South Rutherford Boulevard, 34 at Camplex located off N Tennessee Boulevard, where and all three Student Quarters, has a crisis pus Crossings, 36 at Aspen Heights and 77 at one person was injured and a car was hit with management team to alert residents when College Grove. The most frequently reported stray bullets. crimes, such as what happened at the Pointe, The victim, who was shot in his left leg, said occur in the apartment’s vicinity. The company crimes at all five complexes include drug violations and assaults and robberies, some of which he was visiting his sister when the incident recently assumed management for four of the are armed. occurred. As the victim and some of his friends five apartment complexes, with College Grove Murfreesboro Police responded to two armed were leaving her residence near building 7, on June 17, 2015, and Student Quarters (forrobberies at College Grove this month, one on they heard a large group of people in the parkmerly University Gables, Raiders Ridge and April 8 and the other April 11. Residents were ing lot arguing followed by the sound of a gun the Woods at Greenland) two months later on not made aware of the incident. being cocked.

August 17.

MTSU junior Victoria Ellis says she feels safe A witness later told police he saw a male According to Peak Campus’ New Developat College Grove by staying mindful of her surrandomly pointing a gun at people before he ment Marketing Manager Lauren Bradford, roundings and by walking with others to the started shooting, and then watched him leave Peak Campus works with third-party patrol individual apartment when possible. Ellis says the scene in a white four-door car. companies to at each complex and says the paMTSU sophomore trollers are stationed that although she feels safe, others may not if they have to walk a long distance. and Pointe resident at the complexes Since Oct. 5, 2015, there have been a “The distance from my car to the door isn’t Landon Holloway during different shift total of 226 crimes reported at five of the too far and it’s in a well lit area,” she said. “But said he was at his hours. Additionally, off-campus student apartment complexes I think safety also depends on your neighbors, apartment at the College Grove has in Murfreesboro including The Pointe at time of the shooting four courtesy officers how often they are having parties and how Raiders Campus, Student Quarters on S. Rutherford Blvd., Campus Crossings, Colmany people they have over.” and said he later that live onsite. lege Grove and Aspen Heights.

Although off-campus student apartment found out what hap“We have a Crisis complexes advertise as a student living space, pened on Twitter.

Management Team Murfreesboro Police Public Information Officer “I was on Twitter when I saw a tweet saying, made up executive associates from various Kyle Evans says the complexes are not exclu‘There were gunshots at the Pointe,’ but I didn’t corporate departments and they work directly sively for students. find out the extent of what happened until the with the on-site team for any emergencies,” “The term ‘student apartment complexes’ is next day on the news,” Holloway said.

Bradford said. “When appropriate, residents somewhat misleading in that most off-campus Both Aspen Heights and Asset Campus and guarantors are made aware via email as housing is rarely exclusively ‘student’ housHousing, the student housing property manwell as posted notices to their doors. The oning,” Sgt. Evans said. agement company that owns the Pointe at site staff also wel“Like traditional neighRaiders Campus, have a notification system in comes questions and borhoods, it is importeffect. Residents at the Pointe did not receive a are happy to assist ant to get to know your text, email or a paper notice about the shooting locally.” neighbor and report suson April 9.

Since Oct. 5, 2015, picious activity immediHolloway, who has lived at the complex for there have been a total ately to police.” two weeks, says he doesn’t feel safe after recent of 226 crimes reported According to Sgt. crime in the vicinity. The Pointe has one gate at at five of the off-camEvans, students genereach of the two entrances, however Holloway pus student apartment ally report more crimes says they have been broken and left open since complexes in MurPhoto by Cat Murphy // Sidelines archive at the beginning and he moved in. freesboro including end of each semester at “People just drive right through at any time The Pointe at Raiders both apartments or homes. Some of the more of the day or night,” he said. “So far I haven’t Campus, Student Quarters on S. Rutherford traditional crimes reported to police, he said, been robbed, but it happens all the time and Blvd., Campus Crossings, College Grove and include burglary to vehicle and textbooks and you never hear about it unless another resident Aspen Heights. tells you.”

Of those 226 crimes, 40 occurred at the Pointe electronic items are often stolen from inside the

6

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

vehicles.

“Students are especially vulnerable during these times for several reasons but mainly because they are new to an area, inexperienced at living on their own, and are especially focused on school responsibilities rather than personal safety,” Sgt. Evans added.

Additionally, he says there are five important factors students should remember while choosing an apartment. In addition to choosing an apartment with a metal or solid core wooden doors equipped with deadbolt locks, he suggests asking management if the locks have been re-keyed since the last tenant moved out, if there’s a peephole to observe visitors without opening the door and if there is adequate light surrounding the entryway and walkways.

“Always keep doors and windows to your apartment or residence locked, especially when you are alone or sleeping, or the apartment is left unoccupied,” he said. “Most burglaries involve unlocked doors, so locking them is a very effective action you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim to a burglar.”

Sidelines reached out to the individual complexes, including the Pointe at Raiders Campus, but were declined comment.

Off-Campus Crime

Divided by apartment complex and charges

Graphics by Dylan Skye Aycock // Editor-in-Chief

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

7

6 SWEET JAMS FOR YOUR NEXT HOUSE PARTY

by John Connor Coulston // Managing Editor

In honor of our housing edition, we wanted to throw together a short list of housing related jamz to fill your domicile with sweet, sweet tunez. Our scientific, patent-pending selection process for this groundbreaking listicle was a bit complicated and involved many heated debates among members of our editorial board, however, I’ll do my best to break it down for you. First, I found songs about houses. Then, I found some songs that had the word “house” in their titles. And after this grueling two-part process that involved me creating a March Madness-style bracket in my head, I narrowed our selections down to these six homey selections. Check out my picks and enjoy spinning them in your apartment, house, duplex, condo, tent or cardboard box all year long:

“My House” by Flo Rida I got some understandable heat for this selection, with the phrase “catchy trash” being thrown around the newsroom when it was mentioned. However, it’s catchy, fun and, of course, it’s about a house.

This three-minute jam, taken from the rapper’s 2015 EP of the same name, is a standard entry in the “Low” and “Club Can’t Handle Me Right Now” mastermind’s catalog, with a generic, Madness Album Art party-ready lyrics over upbeat piano-laced production. And that’s all a Flo Rida needs, a good beat and an easy to sing chorus.

Put this one on when you’ve got friends over for a party or if you need an upbeat pop song to soundtrack your morning routine.

“Our House” by Madness While you may not recognize this one by name, this cheesy ‘80s pop tune from English band Madness has surely made its way into your psyche over the years, as it’s been featured in commercials, films and even the 2012 Olympics. It’s a simple track that lyrically references the simple day-to-day actions in a household, all while taking pride in the place you call home. It’s a fun throwback I could definitely see soundtracking a productive cleaning session before your landlord does a walk-through.

“House Party” by Sam Hunt Little known fact, pop-country star Sam Hunt went to MTSU back in the day, and

8

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

even played on the football team in 2003-2004. He now calls Nashville home and is one of the biggest rising country stars out of Music City. This 2014 track from his debut album Monetevallo was tailor made for southern cookouts, tailgate, bonfires or, obviously, house parties. Even if you aren’t a country fan, you’ve gotta admit it’s catchy, fun and sets a strong foundation for Hunt’s ongoing rise to success.

“Brick House” by The Commodores Man, who doesn’t enjoy a beautiful ode to a structurally sound home? Lionel Richie and company pen a poignant ode to their favorite house on the block and the building material it’s made of.

They say it’s “got everything” and it’s “built like a am-a-ka-zawn.”

They even mention its “sexy ways,” “the clothes she wears,” that “make an old man wish for younger days” ...

Wait, this song isn’t about a building is it?

Oops, my bad. It’s still a funk classic, so don’t let the group’s metaphorically misleading use of the term “house” deter you.

“House Music” by Benny Benassi Is this song about music playing in a house? I mean, no, it’s most likely about the electronic Benny Benassi Album Art music genre of the same name. But, really, does that matter with a banger like this? Producer Benny Benassi delivers a building EDM jam with repeating synthesizer lines in the drop, that, while it may give your roommate a headache if you blast it at high volumes, would make a killer addition to your party/rave playlist.

Sam Hunt Album Art

“Daft Punk is Playing in My House” by LCD Soundsystem Apart from some of the songs on this list, I enjoy this dance rock jam with 0 percent irony. LCD Soundsystem’s 2005 breakthrough single is the perfect dance music introduction for all you indie kids out there. James Murphy plays all instruments on track, which include some pounding bass lines, steady dance drums and, everyone’s favorite farm-related instrument, a cowbell. Spin this one and gear up for the band’s reunion tour, which features a headlining gig at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, in June.

u o y e Hav

e? m n see

Height: 3� 1’ Weight: 17 lbs.

Color: Royal Blue Last seen: strolling around Forrest Hall

Please contact Editor-in-Chief Dylan Skye Adcock at editor@ mtsusidelines. com with any information.

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

9

Photo by Olivia Ladd // Sidelines

House Shows: Murfreesboro’s DIY Scene Keeps INdependent Music AlIve

By Olivia Ladd // Assistant Lifestyles Editor

H

iding away in the basements, living rooms and backyards of Murfreesboro rental homes is one of the most progressive, tight-knit yet expansive artist communities in the country: the Murfreesboro house show scene.

A house show is exactly what it sounds like: a show held in a house. A typical house show is where a few roommates decide to invite bands to put on a concert in their home and everyone invites their friends to watch.

There is a tradition of planning, playing and hosting shows that dates back decades.

Most house show venues are clustered near to campus, and many are passed on from friends to friends over the years.

They have memorable names, such as Terminus, Purr Palace and The Mothershack. Many remain a staple for a while as others eventually cycle out.

Hundreds of artists have performed at house shows over the years, and many show experiences are kept between the few gathered in whatever living room they were happening in at the moment.

Artists such as Cherub, Sharon van Etten and, more recently, Meth Dad, Julien Baker and Mouth Reader have started music careers in Murfreesboro houses.

10

Legend has it that the White Stripes, Kings of Leon, R.E.M., of Montreal and others played elusive house shows in Murfreesboro, pre-fame.

The scene itself exists partl becuase of MTSU’s RIM program. Artists from all over the country come to the area to start careers in music business, audio production and the like.

Murfreesboro is unlike most other local scenes anywhere else in that it doesn’t hone in on one trademark genre; it consists of several music communities that work together. This creates a vibrant, diverse community of both musicians and music fans.

“There’s a much greater sense of unity here than there are in other places,” said Alex Cunningham, a local promoter and musician told Sidelines. “Even though there are different scenes in Murfreesboro, they all kind of work in tandem to generate one larger whole.”

The house show scene consists of EDM producers, punk, hardcore and emo bands, jazz, reggae, piano rock, jam bands, singer-songwriters, hip-hop artists and even some unclassifiable bands.

“I love how artistic-minded Murfreesboro is compared to Nashville. People

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

[there] have this mentality that you’re trying to make it big, whereas Murfreesboro is more of a niche thing,” said Jake Umberger of local band Tomato Face. “It’s like, ‘Here’s a bunch of artists I met at school, we’re making crazy music and playing it on Fridays and Saturdays and everyone’s having a great time.’”

“That’s part of what makes Murfreesboro Murfreesboro … the diversity and volatility of the music scene,” Cunningham said. “You can’t put a dog collar on punk rock.”

With this volatility comes a cyclic nature of things. However, the beauty of the house show scene is its ability to adapt and stay relevant over time.

Bands move to Nashville and beyond and people graduate college and buy real homes. There may be lulls at times, but the scene is regenerated again and again by people who care about having an open, non-judgmental space for creativity. There are no rules for how things are supposed to be done; this makes it a little bit harder to continue things when leaders move along, but that’s the very spirit of DIY.

Going to a house show is a right of passage for music fans in Murfreesboro.

“More people need to be actively involved in the scene to prevent [this from stopping] when people leave,” Umberger said of his experience.

Going to a house show is a right of passage for music fans in Murfreesboro.

They’re an intimate experience unlike anything you’d find in a venue.

“The biggest advantage of a house show, I would say, is the intimacy,” Knabe added. “You are not up on some stage looking down on everyone, you are standing on the same shag carpet or laminate flooring as everyone else and you can see how much your peers [are] loving or hating your music.”

These shows may not hold a polished charm and may not always go perfectly, but every show-goer or band member in town has an arsenal of anecdotes of personal experiences.

“I’ve seen a handful of shows in Murfreesboro that just … if a show can change your life, those shows have changed mine,” Cunningham said. “And that’s at a house that three dudes live in. It doesn’t have to be at [Bridgestone Arena] to be a changing experience.”

MTSU senior Josh Ciminnisi, a music business major, has been attending house shows since his first week of college. He says his favorite part of the scene is the “friendliness” of those who attend the shows.

“People coming together and making a good time but supporting each other ... it’s just a very kind [and] loving scene.”

There’s no way to fully understand the house show scene without submerging yourself in the experience — an experience based on the principles of DIY and community.

Murfreesboro hosts one of the richest and wide-spanning scenes in the nation and brings together people who normally wouldn’t meet into one artistic space.

To sum it up quite perfectly, Cunningham said, “People prefer different types of musical experiences.

There’s something particular about this one, and that’s all it is. It’s ours.”

Managing Editor John Connor Coulston contributed to this article.

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

11

Ways to not be a horrible rommate

by Sarah Grace Taylor // Managing Editor

Ah, roommates:

the siblings of the post-high school world. The bain of some people’s existence, the best friend of others.

Whether it’s your college dorm, your first apartment or a rental home, odds are you’ll have at least one cohabitant throughout most of your college and even young adult life.

Whether you are living with a stranger, a best friend, a significant other or, hell, even moving back to your parents’ house, the following guidelines to be considerate, cleanly and cooperative can help you be a better roommate, and will likely make the shared living space a happier one for everyone:

1. Introduce yourself:

There are few more awkward situations than walking into a room, meeting a stranger for the first time and saying “Hi. I live with you now,” but someone has got to do it. I know I sound like your dad trying to tell you to squish your first spider, but, trust me, they are are as scared of you as you are of them and this first encounter can make or break your roomy-relationship before it has really even begun. No pressure.

2. Set boundaries early:

OK, so you are uncomfortable with loud music, late nights or having overnight guests.

Cool. Totally fair, lame, but fair. You are entitled to making (reasonable) requests to make your living space one in which you feel at home, but that does not work unless you express your concerns on the front end of the arrangement. You cannot justifiably get mad when someone Graphics by Anna Claire Farmer

12

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

breaks a rule you have not set. Mention your concerns, pet peeves and even quirks early so nobody is blindsided by the other person’s expectations.

3. Share things:

Share your dishes. Seriously. If you are not using them,why not let your roommate borrow them when they need to? Do you think you always had a can opener? Can you not remember a time when that would have made your life easier? Be quick to share because you want to be helpful, but also because it just might make them reciprocate.

4. Borrow wisely:

So maybe you had to borrow your roommate’s dishes. No big deal ... unless you leave them dirty in the sink, on the counter or in your bedroom. If you use a dish, it should be clean and back in its home when the owner goes to use it. No ifs, ands or buts on that one, just return anything you borrow in as good, if not better, condition. *Also, borrowing is not implied, so if you do not own it, you should seek explicit permission before touching it.

5. Ask:

Surely they will not mind or notice if you use that. There is no way they mind me having friends over tonight. I bet they would like my 12-foot tribal tapestry in the living room just as much as me. WRONG. Do not make an assumption, just ask.

Asking the questions: “Hey, can I borrow that,” “Do you mind if they come over tonight,” and “How do you feel about me making this change” could have

NBC Press Photo // The cast of Friends encouraging you to be Friends with your Roommates

prevented about half of the fights roommates have since the dawn of time.

6. Go the extra mile:

So you took out the trash last time, there are more of their dishes in the sink than yours or maybe you did not empty the milk but you still went and bought new gallon for coffee in the morning. So what? You just avoided disappointment between one or more of you instead of letting the task go undone. Even if not for the good of humanity, you might have just saved yourself some anguish tomorrow.

7. Don’t touch a toothbrush that isn’t yours.

How are you possibly still reading like there’s any explanation needed. I shouldn’t have to tell you that, you filthy animal.

8. Leave a little to the imagination:

Your roommate probably does not care what you do behind closed doors, but you need to keep it behind closed doors.

Some things are not meant to be seen or heard so, unless you live in a nudist colony, have some inhibitions.

9. Pay your rent:

On time. Every time. Period.

missing spaghetti sauce, the thermostat and WHY YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS ALWAYS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN YOU LEAVE IT. Despite their behavior, it is unlikely that they were raised in a barn, their mother probably was not a drifter and it certainly is not your place to speculate. A formal, logical complaint will do you a whole lot more good than an airing of grievances. Believe me...

I cannot believe this has to be said, but just do not be an ass hole. You live there; they live there. You want a good roommate; they want a good roommate. Simply put, you should be the roommate that you want to have.

If not, you might make it on to our next staff report when our editors share some of their roommate horror stories: Tweet us your roommate stories @mtsusidelines on Twitter or contact editor@mtsusidelines.com

I ’ll C

le a n it u S o r r p Late r y.

-R o omi e <3

10. Don’t overreact:

OK. It is 4:15 a.m., your roommate just came in the door with her boyfriend who does not live here and they woke you up. Maybe now is the time to politely ask that they be quieter, but I can assure you it is not the time to unleash all of your pent-up frustrations about the wet towels they leave on the floor, the empty toilet paper rolls, the dirty dishes, the

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

13

Staff Report:

s e i r o t S r

o r r o H e t

a m m o o R The Thief.

Dylan Skye Aycock // Editor-in-Chief

I was fortunate enough to move in with one of my closest friend’s freshman year, but we faced one major problem when deciding where to live. Like most college students who don’t want to be confined by a 9 by 15 ft. dorm room, we signed our lease to a student apartment complex. In order to save a little cash each month, we even decided to be paired with a random roommate for a three-bedroom. This was a terrible mistake.

There’s probably nothing more comforting than moving into an apartment with Hookah burns and red hair dye stains scattered throughout the living room and kitchen (seriously, everywhere). I get it, it’s college, so I was willing to deal with the weird stains and piles of shoes everywhere to some degree.

But then one day I learned why the individual rooms come equipped with dead bolts; if there’s one thing that gets under my skin, it’s a thief. The one day I forgot to lock the door is the same day I lost my favorite blazer, earrings and pair of shoes (which, for the record, she conveniently left by the front door weeks later). I never forgot to lock my door again.

The moral of this story? Stick to living with people you know and don’t let anyone steal from you, either. It’s just not cool.

The Witch.

Allison Ciccarelli // Design Editor

When I transferred my freshman year to a new university, I decided to look for a roommate through the university’s Facebook student transfer page. I ended up finding a girl and we went to have coffee to decide if we could get along in a living situation. In that two hours, we seemed compatible.

A few weeks into living together I figured out that she practiced Wiccan. Originally, I had no problems with it and decided I could respect her religion. For the most part that statement remains true. Until one morning I woke up and the bathroom sink was duct-taped shut. Confused, I went into her room and asked her if she might have known why.

She, nonchalantly, stated it was a part of her practice from the night before.

Apparently, she was protecting us from the demons who were trying to come into the house. I didn’t even know what to say. I just decided to use the kitchen sink to brush my teeth. The sink was eventually untaped.

The Cloud of Smoke.

Connor Ulrey // Staff Writer

My worst roommate experience began at a weird time. My first roommate, a friend of mine, had just left school because of grades, and I was forced to have another roommate to finish the semester. While the guy was a good guy who I didn’t mind talking to, his overall lack of care for the apartment pissed me off.

There was one instance — in the middle of the semester — where I felt like I just couldn’t put up with it. Apparently he liked to smoke pot in his room. At first I didn’t question it because I assumed it was hookah or he was a person who vaped.

The rule he didn’t pay attention to, though, was the one relating to candles where you’re NOT supposed to have them in the apartment.

He and a few friends were hot-boxing his room and had like 12 candles going to help with the smell. The alarm goes off, it’s like 3:30 in the morning and I wake up to open the door and see them just fanning these smoke detectors for a solid 15 minutes. The alarm is just ringing and ringing and finally he realizes he needs to go to the office and have them shut it off. It doesn’t matter if you’re a great guy ... that made for one terrible roommate, and it wasn’t the first time.

14

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

15

College life is not a bug’s life: 5 quick tricks to keeping pests out of your living space

by Devin Matthews // Staff writer

A

s the weather heats up and finals sit just around the corner, there are sure signs that Spring has arrived at MTSU. Students emerge from four months of Netflix hibernation to sip Starbucks on the quad. Professors dole out final projects like free candy. And there might just be 1,200 lady bugs in your dorm room. With only weeks of classes left to go, use these simple tricks to ensure the only roomies you have are human.

1. Put Food Away

Food is one of the main things that bugs are drawn to. When you leave out dishes with food, you’re basically opening up your domain to all available bugs. The best option would be to seal your food and place it in a refrigerator. Dirty dishes and utensils should be cleaned immediately after use, so bugs won’t begin to congregate in areas where the items are left out.

2. Keep Your Crib Clean

It’s important that you always keep your room cleaned and organized. Bugs love areas that are cluttered and dirty. The more clutter your space offers, the more room you leave available for bugs to move in. Keep clothing folded or hung up, and shoes put away. Be sure to keep your floors swept and your carpets vacuumed. Vacuuming will help to pick up eggs and larvae that nestle deep down in the carpet fibers.

3. Remove Trash

As we all know, bugs love trash. Trash contains left over food particles, dirt, moisture, and many other things that attract a bug looking for its next meal. Your best bet is to empty your trash when

16

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

it becomes full, this will eliminate areas for bugs to find food or lay eggs.

4. Keep Areas Clear of Water or Moisture Leakage

Many bugs are attracted to water and moisture. Be sure to check near faucets in kitchens and bathrooms to check for leakage. Bugs sometimes lay eggs in wet or moist places, or make them their living areas. Also, be sure to keep wet towels hung up, and rotated regularly. No one wants to hop out of the shower to a cockroach hiding in their towel. Keep wet clothes in a dirty hamper and wash them as soon as possible, as to eliminate extra space for bug families to make their home.

5. Put in a Maintenance Request

While MTSU sprays for pests monthly in dorms and apartments, students can put in a maintenance request if a bug problem gets out of hand. The Housing and Residential Life handbook stresses the importance of cleanliness habits as the best method to keep pests out of living areas. MTSU considers insect complaints a “routine” problem, which means the issue should be taken care of by housing within a week, but typically they are able to respond within two days.

If worse comes to worse, pop in A Bug’s Life and remember once you get through your finals, the only pests you’ll have to deal with are your parents.

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

17

Gourmet Recipes for dorm life:

A fun spin on quick and easy meals that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break your bank.

18

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

Evan Dunne // Staff Writer

Living in an on-campus dormitory was one of the most memorable experiences of my tenure in college.

From the moment I first gazed upon my glorious freshman bachelor pad, I was absolutely ready to gorge myself with PopTarts, Doritos and Oreos every day. However, my stomach’s frequent disagreement with a myriad of junk, sweets and cafeteria grub soon indicated that I had best attempt to cook dishes with at least a hint of nutritional value. With the assistance of a few Google searches, as well as some cooking instructions from my mother, I learned how to sustain myself in proper, college student fashion. I now impart these teachings upon you, dear reader, with four easy and affordable dormitory recipes for college students.

French Toast On-The-Go Ingredients: 1 or 2 slices of bread 1 egg butter milk maple syrup

French Toast On-The-Go is great because you can eat it out of a cup with a fork.

So collegiate! First, tear each slice of bread into roughly 16 pieces and fill up one your cups with as much bread as you’ll eat. Move this cup to the side for a little while. In the second cup, drop a small slice of butter. Microwave the cup and then stir the butter until it is properly liquefied. Next, crack an egg and mix it in with the melted butter.

To the same cup, add three spoonfuls of milk and as much cinnamon as you think you can handle without gagging. Stir your concoction until you’re comfortable with looking at it and saying, “Yeah, I could probably eat that.” Pour the mixture into your cup of bread and let it marinate. Finally, place the cup in the microwave and cook for about a minute-and-a-half as you prepare to take the tasty train to Flavor Town. Remove your cup from the microwave and apply maple syrup. This dish is ideal for college students because you can eat it while you walk, eat it on the bus and even eat it while you fail your introductory chemistry exam. Yum!

“I learned how to sustain myself in proper, college student fashion.”

Mac & Cheese On-The-Go Ingredients: 1 cup of water 1/2 cup of macaroni noodles 1/2 cup of cheese of your choice

College students don’t necessarily have the money to spend on tons of microwaveable Mac & Cheese cups, so here is an affordable alternative.

Similar to French Toast On-The-Go, this dish can also be eaten out of a cup with a fork. First, place your macaroni noodles in a cup and add the water.

Microwave the cup for five minutes, remove, and stir before microwaving for three additional minutes. Remove the cup once more and sprinkle the cheese. You can microwave your Mac & Cheese for another 45 seconds if the cheese doesn’t melt to your satisfaction. Finally, stir and enjoy. Mac & Cheese On-The-Go is fantastic because its preparation is so time efficient. You can use that five minutes of microwave time to venture down to the dorm laundry room to pick up or drop off some clothes, knock out a couple of homework problems for your freshman algebra class or continue to play Xbox because blowing off your responsibilities is more fun.

Gourmet Ramen On-The-Go Ingredients: 3 acks of ramen noodles 1 spoonful of oil garlic ginger red bell pepper 2 green onion (scallion) 1 egg

the proper amounts that suit your palate. Finally, stir in your egg until it is cooked, and mix all of it with the ramen noodles. Now you’re feasting like an 18-year-old Guy Fieri!

Mom’s Spaghetti Ingredients: (varies depending on circumstance).

Mom’s Spaghetti is potentially the easiest and most rewarding recipe on this list because there are quite a few different ways to prepare it. The ingredients for Mom’s Spaghetti vary because the recipe depends on what ingredients your mother would typically use to make spaghetti.

The easiest way to create Mom’s Spaghetti is to go home, tell your mom you would appreciate if she would make you some spaghetti to take back to school, and then hope that she obliges your request. If this method is effective, congratulations! You have effectively prepared Mom’s Spaghetti and it is ready to eat in your dorm!

However, some mothers are not so inclined to do so. The second method is to ask your mom for her spaghetti recipe and acquire the ingredients. Follow the directions carefully, and you will have Mom’s Spaghetti that’s almost as good as the stuff your mom makes. I once attempted to prepare Mom’s Spaghetti for a girl I was trying to impress. Unbeknownst to me, my mother had attached tape to each ingredient with cooking instructions written on each piece. Be certain to ask that your mother only assist you to the extent to which you request. Otherwise, you’ll be very embarrassed when you have to explain to the guy or girl for whom you’re cooking for that you have no earthly idea how to prepare spaghetti.

Good luck and bon appétit!

Ramen noodles are the pinnacle of college student nutrition. Before I even came to college,

I was making lame jokes about college students eating nothing but ramen noodles. Laugh now, kids.You won’t be laughing when it’s 3 a.m., you’re furiously trying to write two research papers that resulted from your own procrastination and your stomach is begging you to feed it. With this recipe, you can add a twist to conventional ramen noodles. However, you will need to live in a dorm with a kitchen to prepare this dish. First, cook the noodles exactly how the package says to do so. Next, heat the oil in a skillet or pan on medium heat until the oil shimmers like the final gleam in your sworn enemy’s eyes before you slay him to the ground. Add your spices and vegetables.

The amount of each spice and vegetable will vary from person to person, so experiment to find

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com

19

20

Sidelines | April 20, 2016 | www.mtsusidelines.com