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inDeX Don’t Panic ........................................ 4
Neighbor Etiquette........................... 25
Why Live On? ..................................... 7
Design on a Time.............................. 27
Know Your Lease ............................... 8
Short Safety Tips ................................ 28
American Living................................. 9
Best of Fort Collins ............................ 29
U+2 Know the Facts ......................... 10 Protecting Your Security Deposit .... 12
Student Interviews ............................ 30
StaFF
Budgeting for Students .................... 13 Know Your Stuff ................................. 14 Housing Fair ....................................... 16 Map Locator ..................................... 17 Party Smart ........................................ 18 Mediation & Roommates ................ 20 What’s Normal Wear & Tear ........... 21
Contributions include Off-Campus Life, Student Legal Services and the City of Fort Collins. Cover Design: Cassie Steger Publication Design: Candice Coltrain
The CSU Housing Guide is produced by the advertising and creative services staff of The Rocky Mountain Collegian in partnership with OffCampus Life.
Cost Saving Transportation ............. 22
970-416-7867
Stor-n-Lock.com/csu12
Proud to be a RAMfam member since 2010
2103 Joseph Allen Dr. (north of new Police Dept on Timberline)
7 days a week, 7am-7pm gate access Clean Dry Secure Air Conditioned Heated Door Alarms Student Housing Guide 2014
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Don’t Panic!
OFF-CAMPUS LIFE Can Help You Find the Perfect Place Did you know there is an office on campus to help you find off-campus rental housing?! It is OffCampus Life, and we have a host of ways to help you find the perfect place to live next year! Here’s how we can help: 1. CSU RentalSearch – Did you know you have your very own rental listing site, just for
CSU students?! It’s called CSU RentalSearch and is the exclusive site for CSU students to find rental housing in Fort Collins! Rentalsearch.colostate.edu - Log in using your EID and search for vacant rentals, rooms for rent, and potential roommates via posted roommate profiles! You can also list your vacant place, room for rent, or
yourself as a potential roommate! 2. CSU Housing Fair – March 5, 9am-4pm, LSC North and Cherokee Park Ballrooms - Brought to you by Off-Campus Life, this free and open to the public event takes place in the Lory Student Center every spring. On this day, you can visit with landlords, apartment complex personnel, property managers, and community resources. See what is available for rent, shop around and compare, ask questions, gather up all the freebies and sign up for a chance to win a custom bike donated by The Summit on College and an iPad Mini donated by The District!
3. Off-Campus Life Apartment Complex and Property Management Lists On the Off-Campus Life website (ocl.colostate.edu), you will find two easy-to-use resources. • Apartment Complex List: an extensively compiled list with pricing, lease options, amenities, proximity to campus, etc. --all the details you need to know about apartments catering to students.
Slow Down and Take Your Time
CSU Housing Fair March 5th Pg. 16 For Details
Students often think they need to hurry and find a place, but they frequently make the mistake of renting a property they should have never visited or even entered. Even though the vacancy rate is tight, you still need to take your time in making a good decision. Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes: • Don’t rent the first and only place you look at without comparing it to others. Be diligent and shop around. • Don’t rent a place that you have only looked at online or in the paper. Make sure you actually tour the property. • Don’t sign the lease without checking out Student Legal Services’ “Lease Tips” link.
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• Property Management Company List: a compilation of property managers in town with contact information and direct links to their websites. It’s a great place to search for houses, condos, and duplexes! 4. Roommate Round-ups – Like “speed dating” but for roommates! This program is designed to connect people who have a place and are looking for roommates with those who need a place and want to be someone’s roommate. Offered multiple times throughout fall and spring semesters, this is a great opportunity to meet people face-to face and do on-thespot roommate interviews! Visit Off-Campus Life’s website calendar for future dates coming soon.
Other Available Sources
Visit Off-Campus Life to get all the help you need in finding the best place that’s right for you! We are located in the LSC West (due to LSC renovations), (970) 491-2248, ocl@ colostate.edu, ocl.colostate.edu.
Be sure to shop around and explore your housing options before signing a lease. Decide what you’re looking for and broaden your search! The following resources will help you do just that: • Newspapers: Collegian, Coloradoan, and other prints • Local Realtors • Bulletin Boards in public locations • www.NorthernColoradoRentals.com and other rental websites • Signs in lawns/windows • Word of mouth: ask other students and community members! Find out what management company or apartment complex they have used, who their landlord was, and what it was like to live there.
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Why Live On Campus?
It is often assumed that after one year in the halls all students move off campus. In reality, one out of every five students in the halls are returning, transfer, and upperclass students and that number is growing. There are 1,200 premium spaces set aside for returning students next year so don’t forget to consider the benefits of staying on campus.
Higher GPAs: Students who live on campus have higher GPAs than students who live off campus, and the gap is more significant for juniors and seniors. Location, location, location: If you want easy access to The Rec, the library, Moby, and events on campus, living on campus offers the best location in FoCo.
Easy living: Forget leases, splitting utilities with roommates, shoveling sidewalks, and grocery shopping, the halls offer one bill that goes directly to your student account with no negotiation required. Room and board rates for next year are frozen so you know up front what your costs will be. $0 due at signing: If you return to the halls, your deposit from this year carries over to next fall and there are no hidden or surprise application fees, security deposits, or first and last month rent due. Beyond U+2: Block housing in the halls allows you to live with as many friends as you’d like in adjacent and adjoining rooms. Designated spaces for returning, transfer, and upperclass students: You get first choice of available rooms on campus, including the brand new Laurel Village, Aspen Hall, and the 4th Floor Lofts at Parmelee. There
are designated wings and floors in these locations set aside for returning and upperclass students only. Flexible, convenient dining: The U Plan, offered only to returning students, provides maximum flexibility with just 5 meals per week. Returning students also have the option to select the Any 10, Any 14, Any 21, or Any Meal, Any Time dining plans. Skip the commute: When it’s cold and snowy outside enjoy the luxury of sleeping in and still arriving to class on time without the hassle of scraping car windows, finding parking, biking on icy roads, or waiting at the bus stop. You can select your space on campus at myhousing.colostate.edu through March 29. For details on rates and available spaces visit www. housing.colostate.edu/liveon.
Why do you live on?
“You always have a study buddy when you live in the halls.” Julietta, Academic Village Engineering Hall “Studying, for me, in an off-campus environment is very difficult: I’ve tried it and I’ve failed at it. On campus there are so many more resources; there’s the Cube, there’s the library, there’s the study halls.” Taylor, Westfall Hall “All the maintenance is done for us. When you’re a student you have so many other things to worry about.” Allison, Allison Hall
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Know Your Lease By: Erica Roybal with help from Kathleen Harward, Director, Student Legal Services Living on your own is an exciting time of life. You’re stepping into a more independent role without the RA setting the boundaries, without a defined curfew, and with the freedom to pick your roommates and place to live. With this much excitement, there is risk. Student Legal Services shares that landlord leases tend to be slanted against you. Be alert when signing a lease, and make informed choices with the aid of the following information regarding clauses and specific risks. Be wary of signing a lease for a new property still being built. The lease likely states that if the property is not ready by start date, the landlord has no obligation to cover tenant costs caused by the delay. It also may keep the tenant bound to the lease even if the delay is significant. Know the “joint and several liability” clause. This clause means each roommate is liable for all the obligations. This extends to the co-signor as well. Most landlords require a co-signor with a first time or financially dependent renter. If the lease mentions “house rules” or “rules and regulations”, make sure you get a copy and read every word of these. Know the notice requirements. Does the lease require advance notice for the lease term to actually end when the term is set to end? Does the notice have to be in writing? Mark your calendar and beware that failure to provide the required advance notice might result in you being charged additional rent for time after the end of the lease term.
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Know the repair clause. This clause should put the duty to repair on the landlord. Fort Collins landlords are required by the statewide Warranty of Habitability and the city wide Rental Housing Minimum Provisions to provide minimum habitability conditions. However, these do not cover all repair issues, so the lease language is important. Here’s a model repair clause: “The landlord shall be responsible for maintenance and repairs on the following: Exterior of the premises, sewers, heating, air conditioning (if any), all appliances, wiring and plumbing facilities, doors, locks, windows, stairs, all common areas, painting and any other repairs that are not trivial (defined as items such as changing light bulbs). Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of any of the above repairs if they are made necessary by the negligent or malicious acts of the tenant or tenant’s guests.” Protect yourself when the lease term begins long after you’ve signed the lease. Sometimes the property looks fine when you sign the lease and months later when you’re supposed to move in, it is trashed and you don’t want it. Consider adding this sentence at the end of the lease and taking pictures at the time you sign the lease. “This lease is conditional upon the property being in substantially the same condition at move-in that it was at the time of lease signing.”
Lease Reviews Student Legal Services’ experienced attorneys and staff will review leases and give warnings pertinent to particular situations. They are located in Room 182 of the Lory Student Center and will remain there throughout the Student Center’s renovations. Information on many legal topics can be found at sls. colostate.edu.
American Living Advice for International Students Seeking Housing
By: Kate Wormus, INTO CSU You got off the plane and took the bus to your new apartment; the one you reserved months ago once you received your admissions letter to CSU. According to some stereotypical college American movies, like National Lampoon’s Animal House or Accepted and maybe even Monster’s University, you think you have a good idea of what your new roommates might be like. You have pictured yourself drinking beer and going to parties every weekend. You envision having a cranky landlord who will get mad about the dartboard in the bathroom or the sofa on the roof. You go for it and sign the lease, unlock the door and find a neat, clean living room with one roommate cooking dinner and another roommate studying on the couch. Where’s the party you were promised in the movies? Well, that was the movies. You will hear a lot of myths and some truths about living in the US. Here are a few things we believe you should know, no movie fantasies, about being an international student seeking
housing in Fort Collins: 1. U + 2 – this LAW means you can only live with two roommates who are not related to you. Not two roommates and their two boyfriends; not you and your cousin and her three best friends. Even if your house has five bedrooms, unless the place is “zoned” for more than three people, that’s all you get. For more detailed information check out: http://www.fcgov.com/ neighborhoodservices/occupancy. php 2. Private bathrooms – not so fast. While you may prefer to have your own private bathroom, when it comes to rentals in the US, your choices may be limited. If you want the “classic American roommate experience”, be prepared to share a bathroom with your roommates and their guests. If you can’t live without a private bathroom, you should look to rent a room with a “Master bathroom” which means the bathroom is “en suite” and attached to your room. Additionally, you may want to look at apartment complexes that offer individual leases and individual bathrooms.
3. Floors are NOT waterproof. Most houses in the US are made of wood and don’t have drains in the floors like houses in other countries. You must keep water off the floors. This means you must keep the shower head and curtain in the shower and only put toilet paper in the toilet. If you don’t, you’ll have a flood in your house along with an expensive repair bill and a very angry landlord. 4. Utilities included – it depends. The rent looks like a fair price but now you have to pay for a deposit, first and last month rent, internet, TV, electricity, water, heat, gas, sewer, trash, Home Owner’s Association fees, snow removal, pet deposit, carpet cleaning, yard maintenance…and the list goes on. Don’t forget furniture, bed linens and groceries. There are many rental options that do include utilities, just pay close attention to the lease and what all is and isn’t included. 5. Parties, pets & smoking – If you like to party or want to own a dog or smoke hookah, your housing options may be limited. Most landlords don’t want these
in their rentals, and if you violate the policies you could be facing thousands of dollars in fees and getting evicted from your apartment. 6. Don’t sign a lease until you have read through the entire contract! It might seem very long and boring, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions because a contract is a legally-binding agreement that you must follow. CSU’s Student Legal Services office can help you understand the lease. Call (970) 491-1482 or visit their website, sls. colostate.edu/ before signing a lease! 7. Take pictures and document problems with your rental BEFORE moving in. Most rental places have an inventory form for you to document any damages that currently exist in your apartment. If an inventory form isn’t provided, there is a sample one in the OffCampus Life Student Handbook, ocl.colostate.edu.
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Did you know that in the City of Fort Collins, no more than three unrelated individuals may live together? Prior to signing a lease, it is important to know the facts behind the occupancy ordinance and how it may have an impact on you.
2 1+
U+2: Know the Facts Some facts… 1. Occupancy in a residential dwelling unit (single-family, duplex, and apartments) is restricted to: • One family and not more than one additional person, or • Two adults (and their dependents) and not more than one additional person 2. “Family” means any number of persons who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, who live together as a single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities.
Helpful examples… Allowed • Three unrelated friends • Two siblings and one friend • Three unrelated friends and guests who stay 30 nights or less in a 12-month period Not allowed • Four unrelated friends • Two siblings and their 2 friends • Three unrelated friends and guests who stay more than 30 nights in a 12-month period
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(anyone who spends more than 30 nights in a dwelling unit in a 12-month period is an occupant) There are exceptions… A frequently asked question that students have is whether there are any places that allow for more than three unrelated people to live. There are options in the City that allow for extra occupancy. If you are interested in finding a place where you can live with additional friends, visit the Off-Campus Life website and under the Off Campus Housing tab/Helpful Resources, you will find the “Extra Occupancy” list. A little history… Since the 1960s, Fort Collins has enforced occupancy restrictions. The City addresses occupancy to help ensure health and safety of residents, and to help protect the quality and character of neighborhoods. Need more information… If you are looking for a little more detail to this law, please visit www.fcgov.com (just type “occupancy” into the search tab) or contact Neighborhood Services at (970) 224-6046.
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Protect your security deposit By: Erica Roybal with help from Kathleen Harward, Director, Student Legal Services Your security deposit is the amount of money collected at the beginning of the lease and held by the landlord to cover damages beyond ordinary wear and tear. The deposit usually represents a substantial sum of money. Accordingly, you should take care to ensure you get it back. Some landlords are fair and reasonable in returning deposits; others are not. Rather than waiting to find out what type of landlord you have, take a few simple precautions in advance to protect your substantial investment.
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WHEN YOU MOVE IN Check-In Sheets: “Checkin sheets� document the condition of your rental unit when you move in. Usually both the tenant and the landlord sign the list to acknowledge its accuracy. Make a Video: Imagine that a judge is viewing your videos, deciding what you should be charged for, what was preexisting to your tenancy, what was ordinary wear and tear, and what was damage caused by your misuse. You should make a detailed narrated video before you move in and before the unit is cluttered with boxes and your items.
Narrate your video in a way that clearly explains what the video is intended to show from room to room, blemish to blemish. Send a Copy to Your Landlord: Even if your landlord refused to sign it, send him a copy with a request for a reply. Keep a copy of your cover letter, check-in sheet and video. PHOTOGRAPHS Get as good a camera as possible and photograph your entire unit paying close attention to damaged areas. When they are developed, note the date they were taken and the area pictured on the back of each photo.
WITNESS Have someone other than a roommate inspect your unit when you move-in. Have the same person inspect it when you move-out. DURING YOUR TENANCY Be responsible. Take care of your rental unit. Report problems to your landlord promptly. WHEN YOU MOVE OUT The conditions you documented at move-in should have been sent to your landlord at the beginning of your lease. Additionally, you should have kept copies of those documents. If there is evidence of preexisting damage and evidence of whether the tenants caused new damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
Budgeting for the Off-Campus Student By Connie Jaime-Lujan, Student Financial Services, CSU Living on campus has its perks with being close to everything on campus and it is really nice to have someone else do all the cooking, shopping and cleaning. On the other hand, living off campus provides the flexibility to do your own cooking and shopping. Below are a few financial tips to avoid some pitfalls that can destroy your money management plan when living off campus. Money Management Tips: • Determine all your costs ahead of time. • Determine all your resources ahead of time. • Develop and stick to a plan that makes sure your required expenses fit with your available resources. Find a tool that works for you; we have several college money management tools on our RAM$mart pages at sfs.colostate. edu/top-websites-for-college-
money-management. • Find roommates that have similar values and resources. It is really hard to find and share living space with someone who has a very different idea about how things should be done and how much can be spent on rent, food, Internet, heating, air conditioning, etc. • You can use financial aid to pay for rent, food, and utilities. Financial aid will pay your semester University expenses first and the excess will be sent to you in a refund to help pay rent, food, etc. It is important that this refund cover expenses until midJanuary, including January rent, when spring financial aid refunds are sent. Renting Tips: • Rent a furnished apartment. • Consider paying the full semester’s rent at the beginning of each semester.
• Consider buying renter’s insurance. It will cover theft or fire damage to your personal property and only costs $10-20 per month. Cooking and Shopping Tips: • Learn to cook simple and quick meals. • Pack a lunch every day instead of eating out and you could save $1,000 each year. • Never shop when you are hungry or you may spend more than you have budgeted. • Try to take cash instead of debit or credit cards when shopping so you don’t spend more than you have. • Purchase monthly food cards for the amount of groceries that you have budgeted. • Consider opening a separate bank account for rent and food expenditures. • Pay all bills on time to avoid late fees and ruining your credit.
• Opt-in to have your debit card not authorize when funds in your bank account are not sufficient. • Avoid parking tickets by riding your bike or taking the bus. Create your own scholarship. Latte scholarship- make your own coffee instead of buying lattes • A $4 latte every day, Monday through Friday for the academic year, is a cost of $640. Bottled water scholarship • A $1.50 bottle of water every day, Monday through Friday for the academic year, is a cost of $240 Pop scholarship • A $1.50 bottle of pop every day, Monday through Friday for the academic year, is a cost of $240. Best wishes on managing your college finances well!
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Know Your Stuff Understanding Important City Codes & Ordinances While there are many codes and ordinances within the city, there are a few that get discussed a little more frequently among students. Here is your chance to get a glimpse into how some of these ordinances may have an impact on you: Unreasonable Noise: A violation of this ordinance can come with a $1,000 price tag (per resident!) and a criminal misdemeanor. In the City of Fort Collins unreasonable noise is determined, typically, when noise is heard beyond property lines. When a noise complaint is called in to Fort Collins Police Services, an officer is sent to determine if the level of noise is unreasonable by considering the time of day, type of noise and other factors. While you may think you are doing a good job at keeping the noise down, it is always wise to go outside and walk around your property line to determine if noise can be heard from your residence. Nuisance Gathering Ordinance: This ordinance holds party hosts accountable for any damage to neighboring properties as a result of their gathering. A conviction carries up to a $1,000 fine, in ADDITION to the cost of any repairs needed, with the possibility of jail time or community service hours. Examples of these damages include trash and litter, public urination, and vandalism. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at and as a result of your party, including the actions of others. For information on how to avoid receiving these citations, check out the Party Smart article. Those are some heavy hitters,
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but how about other codes and ordinances that could have an impact on you. Whether you rent or own, there are several important nuisance ordinances to be aware of. If violations are not corrected in the allotted time, the City will bill the property owner for the expense, which may be passed down to tenants. The City may also issue citations for chronic problem properties or for violations that can’t be corrected by a contractor. Trash: Residents are not allowed to accumulate trash and discarded items. Trash containers must be stored where they are not visible from public view. Snow: You are responsible for clearing snow and ice off the public sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of accumulation. Remember it’s easier to shovel fresh snow! Sofas: Furniture manufactured for indoor use is prohibited from outdoor areas. This includes unenclosed porches. Weeds: Weeds and grass on your property can only be up to 6 inches tall. As a renter, it is important to know that a violation of any of the above may cost you additional fees assessed by your property
manager. So what happens if I have received any citations related to the issues above? Public Nuisance Ordinance (PNO): The PNO is a tool for dealing with chronic problem properties. Properties are considered problematic when citations occur on a regular basis. Property owners are accountable for the use of their properties and the behaviors of tenants. If a residence receives two
citations (of the same kind) within six months, three citations (of any kind) in a year, or five citations in two years, the tenants and property owner can be held responsible under the PNO which may require eviction. It is important to note that citations follow the property, so be aware of prior citations to avoid costly fines or possible eviction. You can check on property violation history by calling (970) 224-6046.
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Come see us at the Housing Fair
Wednesday, March 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Lory Student Center
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Conifer
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locator maP 2. arborS at SweetgraSS 1720 Kirkwood Drive 866-566-4086 arborsatsweetgrass.com 3. aSPen heightS 530 Lupine Drive 888-606-6924 myaspenheights.com 4. aSPen leaF 3501 Stover Street 970-226-5477 aspenleafapts@yahoo.com 5. cambriDge houSe 1113 West Plum 970-419-8394 vantagerentals.com 6. camPuS croSSingS at ram’S Pointe 2250 West Elizabeth 808-368-1218 ramspointe.com 7. cSu Police DePartment 212 Green Hall 970-491-6425 police.colostate.edu
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7. oFF camPuS liFe LSC West, CSU Mac Gym 970-491-2248 ocl.colostate.edu
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12. ProSPect Station 221 West Prospect 970-37-5978 prospectstation.com
17. the Summit on college 1721 Choice Center Drive 970-484-RAMS thesummitoncollege.com
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13. ram’S Park 2226 West Elizabeth 970-224-9982 Ramspark.com 14. Stone creek 1225 West Prospect 855-652-8141 stonecreekapartmenthomes. com
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PartY Smart We know that students want to host successful parties, and sometimes all of the details aren’t thought out. Here are some of the many tips to help you be successful. Always remember that when hosting a gathering you are assuming responsibility for any and all issues that may take place. • Discuss party expectations with your roommates before you host a gathering. Things to consider include: date; timeframe; house rules; how many people to have over; what you will provide guests; etc. • Notify your neighbors in advance and provide them with a phone number of the sober host. • Designate a sober host to control music volume, access to the party, outside disturbances, and to address any interactions with the neighbors or police. Neighbors typically report that it’s the behaviors of people coming and going (including parking issues) to the party that they find most disruptive, not the party itself. Make sure the sober host is monitoring the foot traffic to and from the party, and don’t forget to check the backyard. • Think before you post! We strongly advise against posting your party using social media outlets. Simply put, what you put out on social media cannot be taken back. Posting your gettogether using social media can lead to out-of-control parties, unwanted guests (are you really comfortable with complete strangers in your home?) and their unwanted behaviors, and more guests than your gathering can accommodate without unwanted consequences. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at and as a result of your party, including the actions of others. • Engaging in a riot can have long term consequences. Engaging
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in a riot – or even just being a bystander and watching it – can get you into trouble. Having a role in a riot can mean automatic suspension from all state supported universities – including CSU – for 12 months if convicted – and your tuition is NOT refunded. • Keep the size reasonable so your party stays in line with the capacity of your residence and to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Have a guest list! Remember that unwanted guests do not know you or care if you receive a ticket. • Do not provide alcohol to minors. If the minor is over 18 but under 21, the crime is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the guest is under age 18 it’s worse: the crime is a felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine. If you’re in doubt of someone’s age, protect yourself and don’t serve. • Be proactive by asking for help. If you’re uncomfortable with the size of your party or people will not leave despite your requests, call Fort Collins Police Services’ dispatch non-emergency number (970) 2216540 ext. 2 and ask for assistance in breaking up your party prior to things getting out of control. • Be cooperative towards neighbors, police, and others who come to discuss issues. Don’t make the situation or citation worse. When police arrive, all guests need to leave. • Clean up all trash resulting from your party and follow up with your neighbors the next day. Your neighbors may be more tolerant of your next party if they see that you care about how things went for them and that you are respecting the neighborhood. • …and Don’t Forget Your Free Party Pack at Off-Campus Life, which includes a ton of free items: neighbor notices, trash bags, a pretty sweet water bottle and more party smart tips!
Year-round | Friday & Saturday Parties | Holidays New Year’s Eve, St. Patty’s Day, 4th of July & Halloween • 20 minute warning for noise complaints • Avoid a costly $1,000 noise citation • Register in person by 5:00pm Thursdays with Off-Campus Life (LSC West). • Visit ocl.colostate.edu for more info! PartY regiStration mYth buSterS: “The List” is given to all police on duty for the night. FALSE – The list is never provided to the officers on the street. Dispatch calls every party at midnight to give a warning. FALSE – Dispatch only calls when an address receives a noise complaint from a neighbor. Or, if a neighbor can’t determine a specific address when there is a cluster of parties, dispatch calls all surrounding registered parties. Being on “The List” means police target those addresses. FALSE – Police on duty do not have the list, nor do they have the time to target parties as there are higher priority calls coming in.
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oFF-camPuS roommate conFlictS By Samantha Sickbert, Conflict Resolution & Student Conduct Services Emma Hart, Residence Life Roommate conf licts can happen at any time, but when students move into off-campus residences and increase the number of roommates they are living with, they often face more complex issues. People who start out as the best of friends may quickly find themselves feuding over bills, food, overnight guests, cleanliness, noise, parking, pets, house temperature, parties or alcohol/drug use. Conflict can be scary and uncomfortable for students, yet at the same time, it can be a great opportunity to develop and practice communication and conflict resolution skills. By maintaining open lines of communication with your roommates you can avoid escalation by addressing issues when they arise. Here are a few tips to help with conflict: 1. Encourage communication and collaboration. Most roommate conflicts occur due to lack of communication. Use I
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statements to communicate any behavior bothering you, rather than judging or accusing the individual. Try to work toward a solution that is mutually acceptable for everyone involved. 2. Conflicts are normal. It’s not essential for roommates to be best friends with one another. In fact, sometimes it’s better not to live together in order to get a little break from each other. 3. Being direct is the key. Sometimes students are afraid to hurt their roommate’s feelings, but this can also end up hurting them more in the end. Remember to stand up for your rights while respecting others. It’s not what you say but how you say it! When you are direct (and respectful) everyone involved usually benefits. 4. Avoid the following behaviors. Communication through text message or social media, getting friends and others involved who do not need to be involved, and/ or confronting a roommate when there has been no time allowed for “cooling-off ” Are not effective methods of communication.
reSource For helpful tips on managing conflict, visit OffCampus Life’s Helpful Resources section for the following handouts, http://ocl.colostate.edu/1helpful-resources: The Art of Roommating – hints and language to use when dealing with a roommate conflict. Roommate Agreement – a helpful roommate contract that can be sign, outlining responsibilities and expectations.
Avoid confronting your roommate when you are angry. Face-to-face communication is far more effective than a white board or post-it note. The Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services Office (CRSCS) is a resource on campus to help students address roommate conflicts. Oftentimes students have a concern, but don’t know how to navigate the situation. Students who visit CRSCS can receive conflict coaching. Inwhow to have a difficult
conversation, and may even roleplay a dialogue with a student. For students who feel that the lines of communication with their roommate have broken down, CRSCS can offer a neutral third-party mediation to help facilitate a difficult conversation. To set up an appointment with CRSCS you can call, 970491-7165; you can also request an appointment on their website at www.conflictresolution.colostate. edu.
What is Normal Wear and Tear?
by Mike Levy, NorthernColoradoRentals.com Have you ever wondered why landlords require security deposits when you move in? One of the main purposes of a security deposit is to help cover the cost of any damages to a unit outside of normal “wear and tear” that may occur within your rental period. So, what is normal “wear and tear”?
Here are some examples:
Normal
Not Normal (Tenant’s Responsibility)
Electrical
• Worn out or broken electrical switches
WINDOWS & WINDOW COVERINGS • Frayed or broken pull strings on blinds • Broken drapery rods • Faded drapes, blinds, or curtains • Torn or missing blinds, curtains, or drapes • Heat blistered blinds • Blinds with bent slats • Sticky windows • Torn or missing screens • Broken windows WALLS • Plaster cracked from settling • Large holes in the walls from shelving or hanging pictures • Faded, cracked, or chipped paint • Repainted walls to a significantly different color • Peeling or loose wallpaper • Holes in walls • Unapproved paint job • Ripped or marked-up wallpaper CEILINGS
• Stain on ceiling from rain or plumbing • Stains on ceiling from overflowed bath tub
DOORS
• Worn out keys • Loose or stubborn door locks • Loose door hinges or door handles • Closet doors off track
• Lost keys • Broken or missing locks • Damage to doors from forced entry • Damaged or missing doors
FLOORS
• Worn carpets • Carpet seam unglued • Scuffed up wood floors • Linoleum/vinyl tile worn thin
• Torn, stained, or burnt carpeting • Badly scratched or gouged wood floors • Linoleum/vinyl tile with tears or holes
KITCHEN
• Worn countertops
• Burns or cuts in countertops
PLUMBING
• Toilets run or wobble • Broken toilet seats or tank tops • Loose or inoperable faucet handles • Broken or missing faucet handles • Clogged drains from misuse
MISC.
• Intentional alterations to the premises
REMEMBER: A security deposit can only be used to repair damage for which a tenant is responsible. It cannot be used for normal wear and tear. Student Housing Guide 2014
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Cost-Saving Transportation Options
Contributed By: Aaron Fodge, Alternative Transportation Manager, CSU As a student and young professional, your decision where to rent is a significant life decision. The distance between where you live and where you travel daily directly influences your monthly budget for transportation expenses while dictating how much time you will spend commuting when you could be doing something else with your time.
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Fortunately, Fort Collins has diverse transportation options for all residents. Do your research before selecting a rental to locate yourself near these cost-saving, healthconscious, sustainable options: • Transit / Bus –Your student ID as a full-time student, allows you to ride all local buses for FREE. Look to see how close your rental is to the local bus line to campus. Also, get ready for the MAX—a new bus services that travels like a train right
through the heart of campus every 10 minutes. For more information, visit http://fcgov.com/transfort/ • Bike – Fort Collins is recognized nationally as one of four Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Communities with bike lanes and paths spanning the city to commute and recreate. Look to see if your rental is located near a bike lane or trail for a safe ride to campus. The campus has over 13,000 bike rack spaces waiting for your bicycle. For information on biking in Fort Collins, visit the following website http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/ • Carpool – Why drive alone? Split the cost of driving (parking pass, fuel, insurance) by carpooling with someone that lives close to you. Find interested carpoolers by visiting CSU online RideShare (http://www.rideshare. colostate.edu/) or SmartTrips (www. smarttrips.org). These websites have secure online matching with meet
locations and driving preferences. Contact Parking Transportation Services to register your carpool to split the cost of a parking permit and designated carpool parking space – 491-7600. • Longboard – Longboards can travel almost as fast as a bicycle and provide a wonderful exercise opportunity commuting to campus. CSU has lockers placed across campus for you to securely lock your longboard. Read more about the laws for proper Longboarding in Colorado: http://www.courts.state. co.us/Courts/Education/Youth/ Laws.cfm • Walk – 300 days of sunshine makes walking to campus very practical. Walk from your rental or to the bus. Use your feet to get you where you need to go! And gain health benefits while you’re at it. For more information, please visit pts.colostate.edu or call 970491-7600.
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Now Pre-Leasing! AFFORDABLE
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Starting at $379/bedroom!* Only 1/2 block from campus! • PLENTY of Parking
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Cambridge House Apartments 1113 W. Plum St., Fort Collins, CO (970)419-8394 • www.vantagerentals.com 24 Student Housing Guide 2014
neighbor etiQuette Fort Collins is known for its friendliness and small town warmth. Take pride in where you live! Get to know your neighbors and the city ordinances. Here are some helpful tips: Introduce Yourself ! A simple “hello” goes a long way. This is your first step in building a good relationship, and don’t forget to keep saying that “hello.” Grow the relationship throughout the year, you never know when you will need that cup of sugar or help shoveling your walk.
and HOA covenants, but also the neighborhood expectations. Each neighborhood has a different feel, s as you get to know your neighbors, ask then about what is expected of each resident. Be Aware of Differences Age, faith, ethnic background, and family status can drastically affect how one goes about their daily life. Be aware and respectful of differences between you and your neighbor. Ask How You Can Help Neighborly gestures contribute
Keep Neighbors Informed Contact your neighbors in advance before undertaking something that may affect them… like throwing a big party, building a fence, or getting a dog. Share your contact information (cell phones, etc.) so there is an easy way of communicating during any event you might host or if other questions come up. Be Aware of Neighborhood Expectations & City Ordinances Be aware of not only local laws
to a positive and welcoming neighborhood for all! Shoveling snow for your neighbor who may need assistance is a welcoming gesture. Be Candid If you’re neighbor does something that bothers you, respectfully let them know as soon as possible. If you cannot work out a fair compromise, take advantage of free and confidential mediation services offered by the City of Fort Collins Community Mediation Program. (970) 224-6022
Summer & Fall! AFFORDABLE/SPACIOUS 1 & 2 BEDROOM
- Rent Starting at $735* * - Great location next to the mall - Controlled access - Laundry facility in every building - Central A/C, gas heat - Energy efficient windows and sliding glass doors 3501 Stover Street
•
970-226-5477
- Private balconies - Park like setting - Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis Basketball, BBQ & Picnic Areas - Ample open parking *Rates Subject to Change •
email us: aspenleafapts@yahoo.com Student Housing Guide 2014
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Design on a Dime Paul Vanderheiden College of Health and Human Sciences Interior Design Major - Senior It is no secret - college students are usually broke. The small pile of coins we have managed to collect and the leftover funds we have gotten from our parents are reserved for our next rambunctious weekend. So, when the time comes to move into your first place, one that is actually larger than your mom’s pantry closet, how do you go about creating a space that is actually cool and comfortable? Luckily, there are several ways, all of which are far more fun, and much easier on your fun budget than taking a trip down to the “big-box IKEA museum”. The key to creating a unique, aesthetically pleasing space is to think a bit more creatively. Reuse, recycle, and repurpose! Nothing adds interest and personality like something you and your new roommates made yourselves. Visit some local thrift and consignment stores. There are several great ones around Fort Collins including the ARC Thrift Store, Once Again Thrift, Brand Spanking Used, and Find of the Day. These places are great because they support the local community, accept tax-deductible donations and provide a resource for low-priced amenities like furniture, accessories, decorations, and clothing. It is amazing what some people are willing to donate, and it is not hard to find quality, eclectic items that are completely suitable for temporary college housing. An old, interesting piece of furniture can be a great conversation starter and adds a lot of character to any home. However, before you start perusing some of the haphazard isles at these places, you should have one very important college living strategy in mind. Discuss this
strategy with your roommates and embrace it from the moment you start unpacking. It is best summed up by advice my father once gave me - “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” There is nothing more unpleasant than a college house that is unorganized, and therefore seemingly un-clean. In order to clean anything, it demands that things get put away; and they obviously can’t be put away if they have nowhere to go! See the conundrum? Purchase things that are functional. Next comes personalization. Some good ol’ fashioned DIY projects are great for roommate bonding and customizing a space. Have you ever melted crayons with a blow dryer on a large canvas to hang on your kitchen wall? Or colorfully splatter painted a white sheet to use as a window valance, table cloth, or tapestry? Tapestries are a fantastic way to change the look of a wall (or ceiling) without damaging or painting the surface. How about carving and/or painting a set of small folding tables to use for different things around the house? See an old bookcase or dining table that no longer wants to sit flat on the floor? Disassemble the bookcase and hang it on the wall to create custom shelving, or slap some 42inch, 2”x4”s on the table and create a standup workstation that is very functional, flexible, and ergonomic. And finally, make sure to grab some old pottery to plant, customize, and place indoors. Following some of these suggestions, embracing the opportunity for creative expression, and taking some pride in your first legitimate living arrangement will culminate in a comfortable, personal, well-designed space of which you can be proud.
Fort Collins Resale Stores ARC Kathy’s Furniture 106 Foothills Parkway 1024 North US Hwy 970-267-8870 287 970-484-1844 Brand Spanking Used Thrift National Furniture 227 South College Rents and Sells 970-449-4155 1760 LaPorte Ave 970-221-2313 ECO-Thrift 208 North Howes On To You 970-484-4224 1324 North College 970-498-0607 Find of the Day 311 South College Once Again Thrift 970-682-1056 2105 South College 970-484-6623 Goodwill Industries 315 Pavilion Lane Fort Collins 970-223-1042
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Quick SaFetY tiPS
9-1-1 28 Student Housing Guide 2014
Your lights will go on at night & off in the morning whether you are home or not. Use inexpensive low watt bulbs. If you find that your home has been broken into, DON’T go inside. Call 911. If someone lived in your home before you, have the locks changed. Close your window shades at night & be sure that the landscape around them is trimmed short. Do not hide keys under the doormat, in flower pots, or mail boxes. Do not leave the door unlocked for a roommate. Make them responsible too.
R
Mother….call 911. Park your car in well-lit areas, lock it, and avoid isolated places. If you leave work/class after dark, use the buddy system & walk out with someone. Make sure that your vehicle is mechanically sound to avoid breakdowns. Don’t drive for any distances when your gas gauge shows “empty.” Have your vehicle door key ready when you are walking to your vehicle. This way you aren’t distracted & fumbling for keys in the parking lot. Never open your door to strangers. Use peepholes or look out a window. There is no reason that you have to open the door to anyone. Teach this to everyone in the household. Never let a stranger into your home. If they need to use the phone, tell them that you will make the call for them. And remember, soliciting is illegal in Ft. Collins. Install deadbolts on all exterior doors & use them. Be sure that the screws for the strike plate go at least 3 inches into the doorframe. Lock your windows. If you want to have ventilation, then put in secondary locks. Install photocells for your porch lights (instead of motion sensors).
R
SELF-PROTECTION is knowing how to avoid being the victim of an attack. By taking a common sense approach to your daily activities and practicing the crime prevention tips that follow, you can minimize your chances of becoming a victim. REMEMBER: YOU are your first line for protection! You can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property (But never rate property over a human life). Carry a whistle or noise-maker. If you use Pepper spray (you might get sprayed too). Don’t go out alone if intoxicated or depressed (you become less aware). Be aware of your surroundings, & if you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation. Walk with a purpose; do it with confidence. Pay attention. Avoid isolated places and dark places. Take along a cell phone. 911 calls are free on pay phones. Lock your doors whether you are leaving your house or your vehicle. Carry a key. Keep in mind that while wearing headphones, you lose awareness of your surroundings. If you are in trouble or there is an emergency, don’t call your
Keep track of the make, model, & serial numbers of your property. If you receive an obscene and/ or threatening phone call, dial *57
immediately, then call Police to report it.
Report any suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities to the police as soon as possible. The bottom line is that you don’t want to provide opportunities to those who might want to harm you. Pay attention and you will lessen the chances of becoming a victim.
BEST OF
CSU 2013
beSt oF cSu
BEST OF
CSU 2013
3) The Rio Grande beSt ice cream 1) Walrus 2) Coldstone Creamery 3) Kilwin’s
beSt live muSic venue 1) Aggie Theatre 2) Avogadro’s Number 3) Hodi’s Half Note
beSt bike ShoP 1) Lee’s Cyclery 2) Recycled Cycles 3) Brave New Wheel
Check the list and see what CSU has named it’s best for this year.
beSt beer Selection 1) The Mayor of Old Town 2) Old Chicago 3) Coopersmiths
beSt movie theatre 1) Cinemark 2) Lyric Cinema Café 3) Holiday Twin Drive-In
beSt outDoor Store 1) Jax 2) REI
beSt SanDwich 1) Cheba Hut 2) B&B Pickle Barrel Deli 3) Fat Shack
Favorite bar 1) Lucky Joes 2) The Mayor of Old Town 3) Coopersmiths
beSt health club 1) CSU Rec Center 2) Miramont Lifestyle Fitness 3) Raintree Athletic Club
beSt breakFaSt 1) Snooze 2) Silver Grill Café 3) Lucile’s
beSt marg 1) The Rio Grande 2) Fuzzys 3) La Luz
beSt hair Salon 1) Studio Be 2) Tie- Tuana/James Salon 3) Tie- Europa/ The Parlour
Each year the CSU community votes on it’s favorite places to eat, shop and hang out in Fort Collins. Once the votes are tallied the winners are announced in October in the Rocky Mountain Collegian’s Best of CSU edition.
beSt burrito 1) Big City Burrito 2) Café Mexicali 3) Chipotle beSt wingS 1) Jims Wings 2) Buffalo Wild Wings beSt burger 1) Stuft – A Burger Bar 2) Big Al’s 3) Five Guys beSt meXican 1) Café Mexicali 2) The Rio Grande 3) Los Tarascos beSt aSian 1) Yung’s Chinese 2) LuLus Asian Bistro 3) Hu Hot Mongolian Grill beSt PiZZa 1) Pizza Casbah 2) Krazy Karl’s 3) Beau Jo’s beSt SuShi 1) Suehiro 2) Suh Sushi 3) Jaws
beSt liQuor Store 1) Wilbur’s Total Beverage 2) Campus West Liquor 3) Aggie Discount Liquor beSt Ski reSort 1) Vail Ski Resort 2) Tie-Copper Mtn./Winter Park 3) Breckenridge
beSt ethnic reStaurant 1) Ras-Ka Ethnic Cuisine 2) Tie- Star of India/Yum Yum 3) Tie- Thai Pepper/Hu Hot
beSt on camPuS lunch 1) Spoons 2) Common Link 3) Unami
3) Sunset Beach beSt Park 1) City Park 2) Rolland Moore 3) Spring Canyon
beSt vegetarian 1) Rainbow 2) Tasty Harmony 3) Mad Greens
beSt oFF camPuS aPartment 1) Rams Village 2) Grove 3) Rams Pointe
beSt Dorm caFeteria 1) Academic Village 2) Durrell Center 3) Braiden
beSt italian 1) Bisitti’s 2) Canino’s 3) Enzio’s
beSt local raDio 1) KCSU 2) 96.1 3) 93.3
beSt Place to Dance 1) Sundance 2) Bondi Beach Bar 3) Luscious Nectar
beSt coFFee houSe 1) Mugs 2) Alley Cat 3) Wild Boar
beSt newS Source 1) Collegian 2) Coloradoan 3) Internet
beSt bookStore 1) Old Firehouse Books 2) Barnes and Noble 3) CSU Bookstore
beSt late night reStaurant 1) Fat Shack 2) DP Dough 3) Krazy Karl’s
beSt nail Salon 1) LA Nails 2) She She Beauty Bar 3) Paradise Nails
beSt local brewerY 1) New Belgium 2) Odells Brewing 2) Equinox
beSt bagel 1) Gibs Bagels 2) Rocky Mountain Bagel Works 3) Bagel Place
beSt tattoo/Piercing 1) Tribal Rites 2) Freakshow 3) American Standard
beSt waXing StuDio 1) Screamin Peach 2) She She Beauty Bar
beSt reStaurant to take ParentS 1) Austins American Grill 2) Coopersmiths
beSt tanning Salon 1) Sienna Tan 2) At the Beach
beSt Dorm on camPuS 1) Academic Village 2) Corbett Student Housing Guide 2014
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Student Advice Students were asked, “What is one thing you know NOW about offcampus living that you wish you would have known when first moving out on your own?”
Jaysun, Sophmore Major: Sociology “How to apply for renter’s insurance.”
Here is their response:
Alexandro, Junior Major: Business “Information about not getting a security deposit back.”
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Alexandra, Junior Major: Biology “Living habit differences between living in the dorms and living in an apartment.”
Ashley, Junior Major: Biology “Utility Pricing and Water.”
Student Housing Guide 2014
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