Table of contents Welcome to The Paisano College Living Guide. We created this guide with you in mind.
Everybody knows the stresses of college life - living with a stranger, learning how to eat healthfully, avoiding the college weight gain - all while still having fun. We hope this guide can answer some of your questions or provide you with some helpful information. Enjoy!
See pg 22
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• Living on your own, pages 3, 5 • Learning to live peacefully with a stranger, page 6 • Maximizing small kitchen space, page 9 • Couponing, page 10 • Freshmen friendly meals, page 11
See pg 15
• Using the best apps, page 14 • Getting rid of that college weight, page 22
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• College parties, page 15 • Local adventures, pages 7, 17 • South by Southwest, page 19 • Tattoos, page 20
The Paisano Editor-in-chief: Allison Tinn
Stories by: Carly Cirilli, Erica Cavazos, Katy Schmader, Mansee Muzumdar, Casey Lee, Itza Carbajal, Ariel Alvarez, Charles Horvilleur
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Photos: Brianna Cristiano Design: Allison Tinn, Ryan Branch, Burk Frey, Kevyn Kirven Advisor: Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper
Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. Issues of the newspaper are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries should be directed to the ad manager at ads@paisano-online.com © The Paisano 14545 Roadrunner Way San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)690-9301 Fax: (210)690-3423 E-Mail: editor@paisano-online.com
Living on your own: A guide for UTSA freshmen By: Casey Lee
Face it. You’re used to living with your parents. You didn’t have to worry about food, bills or laundry. Now that you’re in college, it’s time to make these things a priority. Living alone means that you have to be your own parent and take care of yourself. You have to be the adult, which means taking responsibility. This responsibility may seem overwhelming or stressful at first, but once you get into the groove of things, taking care of yourself gets much easier. Here is a guide on how to make living
alone easier.
Make friends:
In order to live on your own successfully and safely, you must make new friends. The people you meet don’t have to be your best friends, but forming relationships is essential. For example, when you’re out of milk or coffee, your new friends may be able to help. It’s also important to have someone to contact in the event of an emergency. So smile and be approachable. Having friends in a new place is a good feeling and will likely rescue you in tough situations. See FRESHMEN, Page 5
FRESHMEN: Ways save money and stay organized From Page 3
Make lists:
Yes, lists are tedious for many people, but they are helpful. The most important list is the grocery list. At the top of your grocery list should be bread, lunchmeat, eggs, milk and cereal—the essentials of college life. Don’t forget Ramen, for you noodle lovers. Ramen will sell from 10 to 15 cents a pack or two dollars for a 12- pack at most grocery stores. It’s very inexpensive; however, you should try to eat a balanced meal whenever you can.
Make a budget:
A lot of you are getting financial aid and loans for the first time. It may seem like a lot of money, but if you don’t watch your spending, by mid-semester, you’ll be broke again. The best thing to do when you get your money is to sit down and list everything you have to pay for throughout the semester. Start with rent, and estimate your grocery bill and factor in other bills. Add it all up and see how much you’ll have left over, if any. That is how much you can spend for other things. Try to avoid excess spending; buy what you need, but treat yourself occasionally.
Enjoy free activities:
UTSA offers a variety of free campus activities. To keep informed about what is offered, pay attention to the signs posted around campus. There are sporting events, social gatherings, pizza parties and lots of other fun events, many of them absolutely free! You don’t have to worry about spending your money for movies because UTSA offers a free movie night every Friday with fairly current films at the JPL. You can also rent feature films at no charge; the cost is covered in your tuition, from the John Peace Library. You don’t have to spend money to have fun.
Look for hand-me-downs:
Do you know someone who is trying to get rid of a couch? Maybe it’s not the best couch in the world, but it beats sitting on the floor. So take it. Used furniture and other goods are a great way to get started. You can always upgrade later.
Find a roommate:
You also have the option of living with other people. You can live in the dorms or one of the many apartment complexes around UTSA. Student residents are always looking for roommates. Check the postings in the University Center. Living with a roommate is an awesome alternative because you’ll be able to split rent, bills and chores. Besides—it’s also a lot less
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Learning to live peacefully with complete strangers
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By: Ariel Alvarez Students who are not so lucky to pick their own roommates, or those willing to enter the roommate roulette and have a random person assigned to live with them, face uncertainty. The weeks leading up to meeting a new roomie can be a little nerve wracking. The whole process can be a bit intimidating, even for students who have roomed with a stranger before. Though most people wish to become good friends with their roommates, or at the very least have an amicable relationship, problems can arise and events may not go as planned. The following are tips that may help when you are living with a stranger. • Get to know future roommates before living together. Talking about who’s going to bring the TV and who’s going to bring the printer isn’t enough. If it’s possible to meet before the move-in day, do so. Sure, Facebook can tell a lot about a person, but it can sometimes be deceiving. Talking to someone over email or text messages just isn’t the same as meeting him or her face-to-face. Knowing a person’s quirks or odd habits beforehand can help prepare for a smoother transition when the time comes to move in. • Take an interest in them. Learn about their hobbies or what they do with their free time, especially if it is something that seems a little peculiar. However, don’t force a
friendship when the chemistry is clearly not there. Don’t expect to be best friends. The other person might just want to use the dorm as a place to eat, sleep and study – not make a friend for life. • Communicate. This seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of people don’t discuss problems with their roommates because they don’t want things to become awkward. If one person likes to study during the evenings and be in bed by 11:00 p.m. so they’re well rested for their 7:00 a.m. class, while their roommates have friends over late into the night, the atmosphere can become strained. Dealing with little problems early on is easier than waiting and letting things blow out of proportion. Chances are the other person isn’t even aware that a problem exists. What seems normal to them can bother someone else. If the problem is never addressed, there won’t be a res-
olution, and it can, and most likely will, lead to resentment. • Establish rules about cleaning, borrowing, etc. Leaving dishes in the sink and waiting until someone else cleans them may have worked when living with the parents, but now it will probably just lead to a upset roommates and a nasty mess. The same can be said of borrowing something without permission, especially if it turns up lost or damaged. • Most places offer a chance for residents to write down what kind of roommate they want and what their own habits are like. It sounds simple, but don’t rely on these. Don’t say you’re a partier if you like to go to bed before midnight. And don’t say you’re studious if you’ve never set foot in the library. Be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. Chances are, if others are honest as well, you’ll be matched with someone similar to you.
Getting out of town has never been so close By: Charles Horvilleur
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Everybody remembers the Alamo, but not as many people may remember the rest of the missions. Managed by the National Historical Parks Service, the missions were built before San Antonio was a city and the United States was a country. They were built in the early 1700s by the Spanish to convert Native Americans and to defend themselves against hostile tribes. These stone missions provide a unique insight to the past and feature Spanish colonial architecture. The four missions are located around the San Antonio River on
the south side of town. They are among the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and they are still active chapels today. Visit a state park: Enchanted Rock, Guadalupe River State Park and Hill Country State Natural Area are excellent representations of the natural beauty found in the Texas Hill Country. The parks are great places to camp and hike, and their adjacent towns are great places to explore as well. Don’t forget that you can borrow tents and everything you need to go camping from the Rec for free! Experience German culture: The nearby towns of Boerne, New Braunfels and Fredericksburg were originally settled by German immigrants, and they
continue to retain a strong German culture. They feature a variety of German foods, drinks and festivals. Go on a safari: You may have to fly to Africa to see wild elephants and lions, but there are safaris in our own backyard. In addition to caves, Natural Bridge Caverns also has a safari you can drive through and feed the animals. The Serengeti Resort outside of Boerne is an African-themed wedding venue, safari and resort, and it has a wine tasting room. You can buy a bottle or glass of wine to enjoy on the veranda or as you drive a golf cart around the animals.
Successfully maximizing small kitchens By: Mansee Muzumdar Here’s how to cook in a tiny kitchen (with multiple roommates!)
Storage
starts loading dirty dishes in with clean ones.
Fridge
Write lists. Before you go to the grocery store, make a list of what you already have. If you don’t, you risk having three cartons of eggs. And unless you really like eggs, you probably won’t use 36 of them. Knowing what you have will also give you the chance to rotate all the stuff in the back of the fridge to the front. Obviously, anything with mold should be thrown away. Move everything else to the front so you remember to use it. If you have a bad habit of forgetting things hidden away in drawers and shelves, stop storing them there. Keep your vegetables out on a shelf in the refrigerator, and use the drawer for drinks, condiments or anything else that doesn’t spoil.
Not only does having storage spaces around keep you organized, it also can remind you what you have, so you don’t end up buying three boxes of pasta in one week. Use see-through containers to store your pasta, cereal, flour and sugar. If you have ample drawer space, store all silverware in drawers. If you run out of room, buy a big canister to store all your cooking utensils. Keep it by your stove for easy access.
Pots & Pans
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could open up your cupboards without the fear that everything inside will come crashing down on you? Students have a tendency to accumulate lots of cooking items. Even if you cook a lot, all you really need are a few pots of different sizes and two frying pans (one big, one small). Yes, this means you might have to do dishes every night, but that’s probably a good habit to get into anyway. By not crowding your cupboard with dozens of different pots and pans, you will give yourself more room to store your blenders, sandwich makers, etc. Counter space is precious, so don’t litter it with bulky appliances.
Sink & Dishwasher
Using small containers helps maximize counter space in kitchens.
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If you live alone, or with just one other person, chances are you don’t accumulate that many dishes every day. If that’s the case, try hand washing everything and using the dishwasher to store your things while they dry. Not only is this easy, but it’s practical too. If a few of you are using the kitchen, and you can’t keep up with the seemingly endless pile of dirty dishes, go ahead and fill up the dish washer. Just make sure everybody is on the same page, so nobody
Ways to stretch your dollar with coupons
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By: Erica Cavazos With current economic issues, people have begun to change their attitudes about saving money and getting into debt. It used to be shameful to have one’s financial ruin publically displayed, but now it is now acceptable to share financial information and to counsel each other about debt, money troubles, unemployment and layoffs. The tough economy has even influenced some to turn to shows like TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” to find an easy way to stretch a dollar. “Extreme Couponing” shows how people use coupons to save a significant amount of money on their purchases. Some episodes follow an extreme coupon collector—from finding coupons to preparing for a shopping adventure as he or she buys hundreds of dollars in groceries but pays less than $20. Many Americans are embracing this concept, though their practices may not be as extreme as the show’s coupon collectors. For some, couponing has become a staple in their lifestyle, and it can certainly help stretch a college student’s budget. Cutting coupons out of newspapers is a good way to start a money-saving hab-
it, but it certainly isn’t the only way to find savings. You can find coupons from other sources, such as magazines, store mailings and junk mail. Some products even have coupons on their packaging. Many online merchants also offer printable coupons. Other websites, such as livingsocial.com, enable you to receive daily deals through email. To maximize your savings, try combining online coupons with coupons offered by the manufacturer. Also, pay attention to special offers from businesses, such as mail-in rebates and “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) sales. Those who regularly practice couponing recommend
organizing a system for your coupons. Some file coupons by their categories (dairy, frozen, beauty, etc.), while others file by expiration dates. Be sure to keep your file system updated by filing new coupons regularly and throwing away expired coupons. When shopping at a certain store, it is often a good idea to keep that store’s coupon policy on hand in your binder to ensure that you don’t run into any trouble at the register. Your own couponing does not need to be as extreme as what is shown on TLC. Even occasionally using coupons can help your dollar go further.
Clipping coupons can help with saving money when buying groceries.
Freshman-friendly meals By: Carly Cirilli
teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
When you live on your own, you have to make difficult decisions about meals. Going out to eat can be expensive, but cooking at home has its own challenges—especially if you have never cooked for yourself. But don’t worry. Even if you’re not a graduate of culinary school, these five recipes will ensure your ability to navigate through meal time. Just remember to turn off the stove when you’re finished.
1. In a saucepan, combine the noodles and milk. Cook on medium to high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low for 20 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked. 2. Once it’s cooked, add cheese, salt and mustard, stirring constantly. 3. Cover the saucepan and let it stand for five minutes before serving.
Diced Chicken Breast with French Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients: 1 boneless and skinless chicken breast, 1 cup of pasta (any kind), ½ cup of French vinaigrette dressing, sliced mushrooms
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Ingredients: 2 cups of macaroni noodles, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1
Ingredients: 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder 1. Place the banana and the cocoa powder in a blender and mix until creamy. Voila! For a smoothie, add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter and ½ cup of milk to the blender.
Lutheran Chicken
Ingredients: 1 boneless and skinless chicken breast, 1 cup of your choice of dressing or sauce, Italian bread crumbs 1. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed. (Refer back to the trick in the first recipe.) 2. Cover the raw chicken with the dressing. It’s best to use a sandwich bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator over night, but it’s not necessary. 3. Cover the chicken with the breadcrumbs. 4. Bake the chicken at 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (no pinkness in middle). 5. Serve with Homemade Mac & Cheese or any side dish you like.
Ground Beef Taco Salad
Ingredients: ground beef, crispy taco shells, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, dressing 1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. You may also add spices or a dab of barbeque sauce to liven it up. 2. Smash the number of shells you want in the bottom of a bowl. Add the cooked beef on top. 3. This taco salad is your creation, so add any toppings you want! Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes and grated cheese are good. 4. Top the salad with your choice of dressing.
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1. If the chicken is frozen, place it in a sandwich bag and thaw in room-temperature water. Next, dice it into cubes and remove any fat (the white, stringy part). 2. Pour the French vinaigrette dressing in a skillet and turn heat to low or medium. Add the chicken into the skillet. 3. Cook the chicken fully by flipping the pieces frequently. To make sure it’s cooked all the way through, cut into the middle of the biggest piece to see if there is any pinkness. If there is, continue cooking until thoroughly cooked. 4. While the chicken is cooking, boil salted water in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and stir often. Cook for 10 minutes or according to directions on the label. 5. After the chicken is done, reduce the heat on the stove and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Brown them lightly. (Mushrooms can be substituted for any sliced vegetable.) 6. The pasta should take from six to 10 minutes. Check often to ensure it’s not overcooked. Once the pasta is done, drain the water in a colander then transfer the pasta from the colander to a bowl. 7. Add the chicken and vegetables on top of the pasta and pour the rest of the vinaigrette over it.
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
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Apps to improve your college experience By: Ciera Young
With UTSA becoming more technologically advanced, students are relying more on gadgets such as phones, tablets and laptops to get them through the day at school. From measurements to definitions, to mapping ancient lands, the invention of the app has been a vital tool for class work. A simple click can take a student from a social network site to the next class assignment. The following are some of the best apps for college students.
College Packing Checklist
It’s true. Leaving home for college for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. Why add to the stress by being disorganized? The College Packing Checklist app helps you make sure that the big day is filled with nothing but ease. The app has a pre-programmed list with over 289 tasks and features that let you check off and edit a personalized list; the app also helps you budget all of those expenses. This app is definitely for incoming freshmen who may need a little more than just a stern call from their parents reminding them what essentials they need to pack for the dorm. This app is available from the Android Market.
Penultimate
With this handwriting app, you can take notes and keep sketches using digital power and flexibility to share ideas with classmates in a meeting or at home. This app is on sale and available only from the iTunes App Store.
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iStudiez Pro
Are you a control freak when it comes to keeping up with your class schedule, homework assignments or your current GPA? Well, this app may be perfect for you. Voted Best Young Adults App for iPad in 2010, iStudiez Pro will have your life organized right down to the smallest detail of your job schedule, prescription history and your next class assignment. This app is available only from the iTunes App Store.
StudyBlue Flashcards
Are you the student who likes to make flashcards to remember all the facts for the test? StudyBlue is a good choice for you. With StudyBlue, you can mobilize your notes without lugging around 50 individual flashcards all day. You can also study while waiting in line at Starbucks. This app is available from the iTunes App Store, Android Market and Amazon App Store.
Mixology
Are you 21 or older? If so, this app is definitely for you. Mixology is the ultimate bartending guide with over 7,900 drink recipes and 1,300 ingredients; you can find the perfect cocktail for any occasion. It has a feature that allows you to save your favorite recipes from the list. This app will surely make you the hit of the party. Mixology is available from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.
LocalEats
One of the cool things about going to college in San Antonio is the local dining. LocalEats focuses only on locally owned restaurants and excludes all national chains. The app asks you if you want to search in your city or to choose from the “Best Of” in your area. This is a great source for finding great eateries and getting into the local vibe of your new college city. This app is available from the iTunes App Store, Android Market and BlackBerry.
RepairPal
This app is for the student who may need a little assistance with a car that’s on life support. RepairPal helps you find local repair shops, provides estimates on car repairs and rates the price quoted by the mechanic. It is user-friendly and gives you a little more education on your car’s make and model, so don’t fret if your parents are not around to save you. With a few easy clicks, RepairPal will have you back on the road in no time. Available from the iTunes App Store.
Parties: Staying safe, and having fun at the same time By: Itza Carbajal
Admit it: When people think of college, they think of partying. Many students check out the party atmosphere when they’re choosing an apartment complex to live in. Here are some simple guidelines to consider when searching for an apartment that is “party friendly.”
Parking
Most apartments have designated areas for guest parking. Think about whether your guests will be able to park close to the building or far away, forcing them to walk long distances to get to your place. Apartment complexes along Chase Hill Blvd. fill up fast, and if students don’t arrive early, they will end up walking from the elementary school located four to five blocks away.
Apartment Structure
If you choose a multi-level apartment, consider the noise level. How sound proof are the walls? Will your guests make a lot of noise? Some students blast their music while others prefer peace and quiet for studying. The other option is to live in college student neighborhoods. These living arrangements allow for more space and a more party-friendly environment. You will still be held liable for noise complaints, yet you may be given more leeway since the living spaces are not as closely connected as apartments.
Security
Whether you live in an on-campus or off-campus apartment, you must adhere to the guidelines and restrictions set by UTSA and San Antonio police. The UTSA police officers have the same authority that San Antonio police officers have to make arrests. If you (or another party-goer) are disturbing your surrounding neighbors, you can be arrested. Underage drinking is illegal and may lead to an arrest, and perhaps a hearing in front of a Judicial Hearing Officer if the detainee is a university student.
Apartment Exterior
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A party apartment complex may seem appealing at night, but think about what you want to see the next morning when you walk out to your car. If you don’t enjoy walking knee-deep in beer cans, balloons and other random items, then you might look into a quieter area to live. Visits from parents should also be taken into account when choosing an apartment complex. Imagine if your parents stopped by to see you. Would they want to follow the trash trail to get to your room? You probably don’t want your parents to see the remains of last night’s party. Decide whether you want a party-friendly apartment or a quiet one. Determine whether you are a party-oriented student or a more studious one. Different apartments offer choices for both kinds of students.
Art, nature and nightlife in SA By: Carly Cirilli San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States. There is always something to do. Of course, there are malls, movie theaters and the picturesque River Walk, but there is so much more left unexplored. If you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure, check out one of these nine places. They’re not all free, but they’re all worth a visit.
Art
First Friday- This monthly event is an art walk through San Antonio’s Southtown district. Visitors are invited to view and buy local artwork as well as watch the artists create their masterpieces.
and is definitely a must-see. The park also includes jogging trails, picnic spots and the Brackenridge Eagle mini-train.
Nightlife
San Antonio Museum of Art- Located in downtown San Antonio, the San Antonio Museum of Art houses a significant number of extraordinary pieces. There’s even a cozy café with a pleasing view of the San Antonio River.
Parks & Gardens Howl at the Moon (21+)If you get an opportunity, visit Howl at the Moon on the River Walk. With spirited pianists (and sometimes an accompanying band), the place literally howls with cheery, singing patrons. Tip the pianists enough and you can hear whatever you want!
Witte Museum- This museum is one of San Antonio’s most popular and is primarily dedicated to science and natural history. It also includes educational children’s exhibits as well as traveling displays.
Japanese Tea GardenIf you’re looking for an idyllic and tranquil spot to spend an afternoon, visit the Japanese Tea Garden. This subtle oasis is ideal for the strolling poet and anyone else who’s looking for a quiet setting. Brackenridge Park- With 343 acres of nature and 3,500 animals, the San Antonio Zoo is located in Brackenridge Park
Cowboys Dance Hall- If the jitter bug has got you itching to dance, Cowboys Dance Hall is the perfect spot. Enjoy Cowboys’ mostly country dancing—with a hint of bootygrinding—and their popular bull riding contest. The Cantina- This primarily college bar is located within walking distance of UTSA’s Main Campus. The Cantina offers DJs, pool and darts and great nightly drink specials. It’s ling been a staple for UTSA students.
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McNay Art Museum- In 2008, The Wall Street Journal named this small but developed museum the 4th must-see small museum in the United States. Located on a sprawling 23-acre estate, the McNay boasts an impressive collection of modern art.
Think before you ink By: Ciera Young No more than 30 years ago, a person with a tattoo or body piercing was considered to be “alternative.” Flash forward to the present day, and no matter where you go, it’s hard to walk down the street or turn on a television without seeing some sort of body art in pop culture. Tattoos have become a part of the mainstream. Tattoos have become more prevalent on college campuses as well. A tattoo wearer could be a fraternity member with his brotherhood’s Greek lettering across his arm or a woman with the Chinese symbol for “strength” on her ankle. But what happens when someone with a tattoo seeks employment? Even though society is becoming more accepting and understanding of self-expression through body art and modification, there are still employers who prefer to hire someone more conservative to represent their company or organization, as opposed to someone with body art. The director of professional development for UTSA’s University Career Center, Morris Ellington, laid down the facts about employers and their perception of tattoos and piercings in the workplace. Ellington, a former employer, said, “An applicant has to make sure that all tattoos and piercings are not visible.” He explained that, while employers don’t have a problem with the concept of piercings and tattoos, someone who represents a brand or company has to conform to that employer’s dress code protocol. Many tattoo enthusiasts want to do away with what they consider a strict and outdated way of viewing body art. Miya Bailey, a tattoo artist and the owner of City of Ink Tattoo Shop and Art Gallery, provides a different perspective on body art in the workplace. “I’m anti-corporate America, but for those who are a part of that world, they should be able to express themselves through body art.” A lot of college students also share Bailey’s other views on body art in the workplace. They feel that tattoos do not make a person less qualified than someone without them. Even though the stigma of tattoos has lessened over the past few decades, there will always be some guidelines for tattoos in the workplace. However, there are a few alternatives for those who love ink but know that they have a future career that
requires business attire. Before you get a tattoo, do the “shirt test.” Try on a long sleeve, button-down, collared shirt and see where the collar and the sleeves hit you. Once you’ve figured that out, map the appropriate places where tattoos can be covered up when necessary. Tattoos that can be covered with a basic collared shirt can save you the trouble or discomfort of explaining obvious tattoos to a potential employer. Another alternative is temporary body art, such as henna. Henna tattoos last for only a couple of weeks and can actually help you decide if you’re ready for a permanent tattoo. Tattoos have their place in society. Freedom of expression is one of the main reasons people get tattoos, but, as always, there is a time and a place for these expressions. When you’re thinking about getting something that is permanent while in college, just remember this phrase: “Think before you ink.”
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SXSW: Spring break option
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By: Katy Schmader Walking down Sixth Street, you’ll find that the doors to most bars and clubs are wide open. Music is streaming from every amp, out of every door and window straight into the crowd’s hungry ears. People squish themselves into bars and smush their faces against the windows to get a better look. It’s the month of March and March means South by Southwest (SXSW). What started off as plans for a simple music festival, has— 26 years later—developed into one of the most influential music, film and interactive festivals in the country. It all began with four gentlemen: Louis Black, editor and co-founder of the Austin Chronicle: Chronicle publisher Nick Barbaro; Chronicle staffer Roland Swenson; and booking agent Louis Meyers. The name South by Southwest is rumored to have come from Alfred Hitchcock’s film “North by Northwest.” In 1994, SXSW added film and other multimedia into its line up, making it what it is today. People come from everywhere: South by Southwest offices are in Ireland, Australia and Japan. The music festival lasts four days, from March 13 to 18. Approximately 2000 bands are playing in over 90 venues across town. Sixth Street shuts down for South by Southwesters. Crowds walk down the street. People dance. Lights are bright, and people on the corners distribute mounds of free stuff. It seems like the night
SXSW is a good way to get out of town for spring break without having to travel too far. will never end, and the city will never sleep. Bands distribute flyers in hopes of increasing the number of fans that night. The artists are the most eclectic gang of musicians you might ever come across. Genres range from blues and soul to rap and dance music. The bands range from Austin’s own backyard and spread all over the globe. There is something for everyone to see, do and hear. “A friend and I tried to get into a show last year but they weren’t letting people in that didn’t have a ticket. Instead we sat on this side of a hill, and could hear the show perfectly as if we were there. We could even see the bands hanging out from the backstage area,” says Miles Boyle, a senior anthropology major at UTSA. Miles went to SXSW for his first time last year. He was impressed with the bands that made their way to the festival.
If music isn’t your thing, SXSW also hosts one of the most anticipated film festivals in Austin going from March 9 to 17. During this time eight theatres will open their doors to enthusiastic movie addicts. You can see the 118 movies and numerous shorts. If you missed the festival last year, don’t fret—the festival will show some of last year’s highlights. Badges for South by Southwest can get pricey, but if you haven’t gotten yours yet, no need to worry. Although theaters will admit badges and ticket holders first, tickets for remaining seats will be sold for $10, so arrive early. Also, there are plenty of free music shows. Like Miles says, “Whether or not you have a ticket, you’ll enjoy it if you go with the flow. Don’t be afraid of the experience; you never know what’s going to happen.”
Getting beach ready in time for spring break By: Erica Cavazos
22 LIVING
With all-nighters, study groups, and social engagements, the hectic lifestyle of a student—freshman or upperclassman—can often lead to unwanted weight gain. It’s hard for students to eat healthfully when they don’t have a guide to help them make better choices. Thankfully, UTSA offers such help for its students. The world is full of weightloss gimmicks and programs. Many programs, such as Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem, require participants to eat foods that are specifically made for the program. Often times, once participants are off the program, there is no guidance on what to do in the real world filled with restaurants and groceries.
Programs, such as Weight Watchers, teach people how to lose weight while living in a not-so-dieter-friendly world. Participants learn about food labels, portion control, the benefits of physical activity and many other tools to help change their lifestyles. Programs like Weight Watchers, which change the dieter’s overall relationship with food, have gotten a lot of success but are often too expensive for students’ budgets. UTSA students, however, already pay for such programs with their tuition. UTSA’s Health Services Department has the Nutrition & Weight Management Program, which assesses a student’s nutrition intake, health and weight. The program also teaches about planning meals, shopping for
food, reading food labels and changing one’s lifestyle and behavior. Along with the program, UTSA also offers membership (covered in students’ tuition) to the campus Recreational Center. The rec center includes a variety of programs and fitness facilities (such as massage studios, an aquatics center, a rock wall and group exercise studios) that students can use to their advantage in their journey towards weight loss and better health. UTSA can be the center of growth and transition for most students. Students’ futures can grow brighter with the university’s academics, while students’ bodies can grow healthier with the proper care and tools provided by the university.
The Recreation Center on-campus provides ways for students to stay healthy.