Maroon Life - Housing Guide 2019 by The Battalion

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 || LETTER FROM THE EDITOR SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR ON FINDING A HOME IN AGGIELAND

05 || ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL FOR SHARING YOUR SPACE

06 || BUILDING A COMMUNITY RESIDENT ADVISORS SHARE ON-CAMPUS EXPERIENCES

08 || THE GREEK LIFE LIVING IN FRATERNITY AND SORORITY HOUSING

10 || ADDING COLOR TO A ROOM MAKING YOUR DORM FEEL LIKE HOME ON A BUDGET

HOME AWAY FROM HOME || 15 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ADJUST TO LIFE IN AGGIELAND

BEING SMART ABOUT PETS || 17 WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU ADOPT

HOW TO GET AROUND || 19 STUDENTS DISCUSS PREFERRED METHODS OF TRAVEL

SUITE LIFE TO SWEET LIFE || 20 MOVING OFF CAMPUS SAVED MY MONEY AND MY SANITY

DORM SWEET DORM || 21 LIVING ON CAMPUS HELPS ME MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY

12 || KNOW YOUR RIGHTS STUDENTS’ ATTORNEY SHARES TIPS FOR RENTING

13 || AGGIELAND AMENITIES LOCAL APARTMENTS BOAST UNIQUE FEATURES FOR STUDENTS

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Cover photo by Cassie Stricker Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE 3

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

One of many recent development projects on campus, the White Creek Community center held its grand opening in late 2018. The center includes study spaces and multiple dining options.

LETTER FROM THE SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Special sections editor Jane Turchi says Aggieland is often a home away from home for students, so be sure to make the most of it

M Howdy,

y name is Jane Turchi, and I have had the privilege of working for The Battalion over the past year. As the Special Sections Editor, I am honored to be a part of this year’s Housing Guide. While moving to College Station can be overwhelming, our goal through this guide is to provide helpful information and tips about how to make your time here in Aggieland fun and memorable. In my opinion, it all starts with where you live. For the majority of students, where we live determines where we will study, work out, spend our free time and relax. Therefore, it’s important to feel comfortable at your home away from home. With so many living opportunities in the area, it is important to know all of your options and make the decision that is best for you. Whether you decide to live on campus, in an apartment or in a house, this housing guide has important information to consider when moving to College Station. Being informed before moving is always the best option. I’ve heard many stories from my peers about roommate disagreements, high living expenses

and poor apartment management. By informing students ahead of time about some of these dangers and giving them the resources they need, we hope to prepare students for a fun, stress-free living situation. Aggieland holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I remember visiting campus with my family and listening to my father’s stories about meeting my mom right here at A&M. Knowing the impact that A&M has had on my life (I literally wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for A&M), I am thrilled to know that Aggieland will continue to go down in history as a place where memories are made. As I finish my second year at A&M, I already have so many unforgettable memories made right here in Aggieland. Whether it was my first Aggie football game in the student section or attending my first ring dunk, I quickly learned that when Aggies do something, they do it together. Community is a big part of Aggieland, and it’s one of the many things that makes A&M stand out. With nearly 70,000 students attending the university, this community can have its fair share of difficulties as well. Transportation remains a complicated

matter for many students. Whether it’s due to traffic or construction, the roads in Aggieland are sure to be packed. It’s a problem that A&M’s Transportation Services and innovative students alike have made efforts to remedy, and students now have an array of transportation options. From the Aggie Spirit Shuttle to battery-operated longboards, Aggies find a way to get around. Finding the right housing in Bryan-College Station is another challenge that has emerged as the student body has grown. It seems like every year, apartments are being built, so there is no shortage of options. With that being said, it’s important for students to consider location, their ideal rent and what amenities are most important to them when deciding where to live. Coming to a new place is challenging, but Aggies at The Battalion hope to make the process seamless with tips on deciding where to live, choosing roommates and traveling to campus so students can make memories of a lifetime at Texas A&M. Jane Turchi is an international studies junior and special sections editor for The Battalion.

SPRING 2019 Megan Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief Luke Henkhaus, Managing Editor Jane Turchi, Special Sections Editor Cassie Stricker, Photo Chief Meredith Seaver, Asst. Photo Chief Angel Franco, Sports Editor Abigail Ochoa, Sports Editor Jordan Burnham, News Editor Sanna Bhai, Asst. News Editor Henry Mureithi, Asst. News Editor Kathryn Whitlock, Life and Arts Editor Hannah Falcon, Life and Arts Editor Samantha Mahler, Life and Arts Editor Brady Stone, Page Designer Sydney Clark, Page Designer

THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE 5

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS When it comes to sharing your space, communication is critical By Kenedi Kruger @kenedikrug Finding the perfect roommate can be a difficult process, but the best way to avoid conflict is by getting to know the person you choose to live with. College can be tough on its own, and unnecessary roommate stress should be the last thing on any student’s to-do list. There is hope for fixing problems before they start, and the secret to success lies in asking the right questions. Allied health senior Haley Slocum said there are numerous reasons you should get to know your roommate before moving in together. “If you and your roommate live two different lifestyles that clash, the environment in which the two of you live in may not be positive,” Slocum said. “Establishing a relationship early before moving in together could begin a process of communication and trust, so that when you move in together, these two skills are somewhat developed.” Here’s a few questions to keep in mind when first getting to know your roommate. When do you usually wake up and go to bed? This may seem like a simple question at first, but it can be very helpful to ask, especially if you and your roommate are living in a one bedroom dorm or sharing a single bathroom. Learning your roommate’s sleep schedule can help you decide when to get ready for class or work, whether it be before or after your roommate. International studies senior Kate Hale said she has seen the value of this question in the past. “Know if they are a morning or a night person,” Hale said. “Figuring that out can help you figure out how to be courteous and when.” Knowing whether or not your roommate goes to bed early or late can help you consider how it will affect your sleep schedule. More often than not, living with someone means compromising. If you love your sleep and they are a night owl, there’s nothing wrong with letting them know

beforehand. Can we take turns taking out the trash? Although this question seems a little pointless, in reality, taking out the trash is usually one of the chores that is done the least. At the end of the day, nobody wants to do this, but it has to happen. If you decide to take turns from the start, future trash piles can vanish before they even exist. What room temperature are you comfortable with? Believe it or not, almost every single person has a different answer for this one. Whether you love turning up the heat as high as it will go or prefer being cold, you will most likely have to meet in the middle on this. First decide what temperature you like, then ask your roommate their preference, and pick the number in the middle of the two. Would you rather tidy up or clean? Tidying up and cleaning might sound the same on the surface, but you can be sure that they are extremely different. Tidying up pretty much consists of putting up rogue shoes or maybe even doing the dishes. Cleaning, on the other hand, might happen less frequently. Anything that includes Lysol, Windex or a Swiffer goes into this category. Agreeing to share in the load of both of these or finding ways to divide jobs before moving in with someone is helpful. Do you typically stay out pretty late? This question is one of the biggest. Many roommate conflicts occur when there is not clear communication about boundaries. Creating boundaries can feel awkward, especially when you don’t know the person, but you’ll be glad you did it in the long run. One aspect that is important to address is asking your roommate if they like to go out often. Once you know this, you can talk about how to possibly avoid waking one another up after late nights. Also, if you are someone who does not necessarily enjoy going out, asking this question up front can help let your roommate know. Whether it’s your first time having a roommate or your seventh, communication is valuable. Discussing things in advance can save you a lot of future confrontation.

Brandon Holmes — THE BATTALION

Many students sharing a living space choose to sign a roommate contract to ensure conflicts including room temperature and guests can be easily resolved.

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BUILDING A COMMUNITY

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Computer engineering senior Seth Barberee said his time as a resident advisor has included a wide array of experiences, from the educational to the humorous and even the inspirational.

RAs reflect on daily life in the dorms, along with a few crazy experiences By Jordan Burnham @RJordanBurnham From a hunt for Dippin’ Dots to a crazy place to shotgun a beer, resident advisors certainly see a lot throughout their time on campus. Resident advisors, better known as RAs, guide students through the maze that is college while attending school themselves. RAs do more than just arts and crafts; they build a community within their dorms so students can find a home away from home. Computer engineering senior Seth Barberee said every semester as an RA is different, which makes the job an enjoyable challenge. He said one of the duties of RAs is to provide programs that get residents involved. “I’ve done a scheduling program before

where I taught freshmen how to schedule [classes],” Barberee said. “The [New Student Conference] scheduling is a whole lot different versus the scheduling that you do before the winter break, so I kind of ran through that with them.” Barberee’s influence as an RA is what inspired business administration sophomore Roy Htike to become an RA at the Fowler-Hughes-Keathley complex. Htike said the most rewarding aspects of his job are the things that can’t be marked down on a resume. “The community, the friendships, creating groups within a dorm is what I strive to do and what I feel like is the most important part of my job,” Htike said. Public health senior Sterling LaBoo serves the Lechner-McFadden community and is currently in his sixth semester as an RA. Jokingly, LaBoo said the best aspect of his job is getting paid to do arts and crafts. “Initially, when I was a sophomore I really

liked McFadden and this was a means to stay,” LaBoo said. “But that really grew into caring about my residents and watching them grow from being freshmen into college students and maturing. That really kept me around for three years.” RAs undoubtedly experience many shocking moments while living among college students, and Htike said one of his first incidences as an RA at FHK is a memory that always brings laughter. Htike came across several residents, who had decided to shotgun beer from the balcony. “So they chugged it off the balcony, and then threw the cans off the balcony, then some of them, I think, threw up off the balcony,” Htike said. Apart from alcohol-related stories, Htike said he has plenty of opportunities to bond with his residents. One night after a trip to the Rec Center, the group saw a van that had an advertisement for Dippin’ Dots and decided

they had to have some. “So we’re craving Dippin’ Dots, and so for the next hour we searched all of College station,” Htike said. “We finally found it at Chuck E. Cheese’s at Post Oak Mall. That was the only place that had Dippin Dots in College station.” Barberee, who is an RA for Lechner Hall, said a homeless man often snuck into an adjacent dorm do his laundry, but the RAs could never catch the man in action. “He had a briefcase and we would always know he was there because he had his briefcase next to the laundry room in McFadden,” Barberee said. Barberee said residents often find ways to be uplifting, especially on days when he feels in a rut. “While the paycheck is nice, I do just love the fact that I get to talk to people and see what they want to do with their lives,” Barbaree said. “It’s kind of inspirational.”

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AT THE HUB OF GREEK LIFE Students share experiences from living in fraternity, sorority housing By Lexi Ellis @lexiellis10 If you’re joining a sorority or fraternity, deciding to live in the organization’s house can make a huge impact on your college career. Depending on the sorority or fraternity, you might share a room and closet, have a large laundry room or even a house chef who cooks meals on weekdays. Each house differs slightly on what it offers, but the overall experience is similar throughout all

of Greek life. Psychology senior Hudson Silverman lives in the Sigma Alpha Mu house. Silverman said they have a house chef who cooks three meals a day Monday through Thursday. The house also offers communal bathrooms. “Living in the fraternity house is like living with 26 of your best friends, and there is always something to do if you want to do something,” Silverman said. “It is a great experience, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. The comradery is too high for it to be anything less than fun.” Silverman said there are 17 single bedrooms and eight double bedrooms. There are also three washers and dryers and re-

liable WiFi. “Living here is unlike any other housing that I have lived in,” Silverman said. “There is ample time to study, and if there is ever a question that you need help with, a roommate is always there to answer it. Thursday through Sunday is typically more active throughout the house. People are asking to hang out.” Marketing sophomore Melanie Matheidas lives in the Alpha Delta Pi house and plans to live there a second year. “I love living in the house,” Matheidas said. “I’m with my best friends all the time, and it’s great. I’m not a very high-energy person, so sometimes it’s hard to relax, but there’s always somewhere to be by yourself

if you need to recharge.” Matheidas said 36 girls currently live in the three-story house, and the house chef cooks them lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday and lunch on Friday. There are two washers and dryers, a kitchenette stocked with snacks and breakfast foods, and special lockers in the laundry room to store snacks and laundry detergent. “I definitely feel like I’m at the center of all sorority activity,” Matheidas said. “It’s super convenient for the house girls to just walk downstairs when we need to be somewhere, especially during recruitment. Honestly, I love living in the ADPi house and driving down the row, knowing I’m one of the lucky girls who gets to live there.”

The Gamma Phi Beta house is one of several Texas A&M sorority houses located northeast of campus in the area known as Sorority Row. Josh Gleason — THE BATTALION

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Adding color to the college life Tips for making your dorm room feel like home — even on a tight budget By Camryn Lang @CamrynLang

Photos by Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

Paints and other craft supplies can help brighten up even the most drab spaces.

Your college journey presents many new and exciting challenges, but at the end of the day, there is nothing better than coming back to a place that feels like home. For incoming students, the dorm can be the first place to express yourself and your newfound independence. However, being a college student doesn’t leave a lot of space in the budget for expensive decorations, so here are a few ideas to get you started. Use Your Wall Space Each dorm is unique with its own storage features, furniture configurations and dimensions, but they’re share one characteristic: they’re tiny. However, the blank white walls give you a chance to showcase your style upward rather than outward. According to the Texas A&M Resident Handbook, permanent changes to the walls are not permitted, but there are many ways to showcase personality without causing damage. Designate an area to exhibit your best college memories with a picture wall. To begin the project you’ll need string, clothespins and command hooks. Pin the strings to the wall and use the clothespins to attach photos. Play with the design by using colored string or twine and adjusting the string horizontally or vertically. If you don’t like the look of Polaroid pictures, head over to a campus printer and utilize some of your $30 of alloted printing money to make black and white photos in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Keep It Tidy To utilize the space efficiently, it’s important to keep clutter at bay. Mugs and jars are useful for holding pens and pencils and are customizable with a little bit of paint. For a rustic look, a small tin can wrapped in twine and secured with hot glue will work just as well. Dorm bathrooms typically have an open storage area and may even be in full view of anyone who walks in.

A clear mason jar can display everyday essentials like cotton balls, ear swabs and toothbrushes or can serve as a makeup brush holder. Paint the lids to add some color and utilize unused ones as jewelry organizers. If it’s looking a little dark, placing fairy lights or tea lights in storage spaces that are embedded in the wall can illuminate the area and create a tranquil environment. Make it Green Sustainability is everywhere at A&M; you’ll see reusable water bottle filling stations and trash cans with specific compartments for recyclables all around campus. Implementing sustainable habits into your room is good for the earth and your wallet. Carol Binzer, director of administrative and support services for Residence Life, said you can take advantage of A&M resources by adding a plant to your room. “Plants make great decor; not only do they liven up the room, but they help filter the air,” Binzer said. “The horticulture department has a plant sale, so it’s not hard to get plants once you’re here. You don’t necessarily have to bring them from home.” Mason jars, mugs and used candles can be repurposed into pots for low-light, indoor plants. A bottle of paint can transform the plant pot and make the addition of the plants look more cohesive with the rest of the room. If you’re not up to taking care of a real plant, try stringing up some colorful fake flowers with clear fishing wire. Adding a couple rows of flowers at the head of your bed can create the illusion of a headboard and add some dimension to the white walls. Things to Remember It’s important to create a space that you can make your own, but keep in mind the room is the property of the university. Check the Resident Handbook if you have any questions about what is allowed or speak with your Resident Advisor for specific information about your particular dorm. According to Daoud Qamar, Battalion multimedia editor and a former resident advisor of McFadden Hall, it’s important to carefully asses your room at the beginning of the semester and to respect the space while it’s yours. “Be thorough with your room condition; any damage you make you are liable for,” Qamar said. “As long as at the end of the semester you walk back into the same room, you could really do a lot with the space.”

WELCOME TO

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Olivia Treadwell — THE BATTALION

House and apartment leases can be difficult to fully understand, but taking the time to read them thoroughly can help students avoid extra fees or legal issues.

Senior student’s attorney Rick Powell talks about risks to be aware of when renting a place to live By Jane Turchi @JaneTurchi Switching roommates, signing leases and getting repairs done in apartments and houses can be challenging, but there are resources on campus that can help students navigate every situation. Rick Powell assists students with legal advice free of charge as the university’s senior student’s attorney. Powell said he sees roughly 350 students for various housing issues each semester. For assistance, students can schedule an appointment or visit student legal services located in the Student Life building. Powell said many of the housing cases he sees throughout the year could easily be prevented if students paid more attention to their lease. “It’s just a business deal,” Powell said. “You’ve got to look at your lease contract, know what you’re getting into and try to do the best you can to get the best place you can.”

Preventing conflict In Powell’s experience, landlords often require students to sign long, complicated lease contracts with many terms and conditions that students are required to comply with. Powell said students typically trust their landlord until an issue arises, often involving the landlord not refunding security deposits or doing repairs. “First thing is to check the landlord’s reputation,” Powell said. “You can go to the internet or you can talk to the neighbors.” Leases The leases that landlords make students sign are not made to be broken, said Powell. While students may decide they no longer want to live in the landlord’s housing before the end of the lease, it cannot be broken unless the landlord is taken to court. “All the students want good credit now, so any problems or issues that the landlord doesn’t get their money, they’re going to put it on their credit for seven years bad credit and they’ll go on the guarantor too,” Powell said. “It’s a major issue.” Repairs During move-in, Powell suggests that students take pho-

tos of the documents they sign. It could also be helpful to photograph any damages in the house or apartment before moving in. “They can tell you anything, but if it’s not in that lease, you’ve got a problem,” Powell said. Powell often assists students in writing demand letters for repairs. He advises students to save a copy of their repair letters to prove they were sent to the landlord. “Get everything in writing,” Powell said. Roommates Students often end up in situations where they depend on their landlord to place them with roommates. Personalities and lifestyles may differ between roommates placed together by a landlord. Therefore students should be aware of the fees that are often charged when students are re-assigned roommates. Students can decide to sign individual or joint leases. More students tend to select individual leases to avoid being liable for roommates. “You rely on the landlord to match you with individuals,” Powell said. “They put you in the room and hopefully you know your roommates and your friends, but sometimes you don’t know them.”

THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE 13

AMENITIES IN AGGIELAND

Josh Gleason — THE BATTALION

Located close to campus, The Stack at Legacy Point includes a pool, athletic fields and a variety of other amenities students can take advantage of while living at the apartment complex.

Students get a taste of the sweet life with local apartments’ extra features By Jane Turchi @JaneTurchi When deciding where to live, it is important to consider basic things like the location, cost and floorplan, but today many apartment buildings in College Station offer amenities that go above and beyond. Complete with rooftop pools, jumbotrons and sports fields, these apartments allow students to enjoy their college home without ever leaving their building. The Rise at Northgate Located steps from campus, The Rise at Northgate does not sacrifice any amenities for its ideal location. Complete with a rooftop sundeck and resort-style pool, the building could be ideal for students with a desire for work and play. Agricultural leadership and development

freshman Ellie Dalena lives and works at The Rise, where she enjoys many of the building’s amenities. These include the pool, hot tub and one of the biggest gyms in College Station, but Dalena said her favorite thing about living at The Rise is the events they host. “I came here from California, and I didn’t know one person and have made a lot of friends through The Rise,” Dalena said. “If you want to be social and meet people, it’s a place to do that.” According to Dalena, The Rise offers free food at the front desk for students hurrying to class around midterms and finals. The Rise also hosts numerous events to help students meet their neighbors at the beginning of each semester. “Even just for mental health, to be able to like take a break and hang out with people, that’s definitely something that’s a huge option here,” Dalena said. The Stack at Legacy Point The Stack stands out from its competitors as one of the few apartments in College Station

with soccer and flag football fields available for residents at all times. According to Stack employee Faith Dutlantis, students often use the field to host events. The Stack offers other amenities such as a pool, hot tub and ping-pong tables. Dutlantis said these features help students live healthier lifestyles. “I’d definitely say that it gets pretty stressful, and I think a lot of students are grateful for ways to be distracted or have any kind of stress relief,” Dutlantis said. “We do offer those amenities to alleviate some of that stress and [give students] an excuse to have fun.” Aspire Aspire apartments offers student housing complete with a gaming courtyard, sixthfloor pool deck and outdoor theater. The apartments also boast an outdoor kitchen and lounging areas for students. Aspire’s community manager Erika Saenz said students at Aspire have a view of the Aggieland water tower from their popular pool deck.

“I would definitely say our pool deck [is our main attraction],” Saenz said. “The view is really relaxing as well because it’s on our sixth floor and you can just kind of overlook campus.” Located directly across the street from campus, Aspire is within walking distance from College Station’s shopping areas and nightlife. For students hoping to hit the books, there are also 20 private study rooms located within the apartment building. “They don’t even have to walk the five-minute walk to the library; they can just walk right outside their apartment and have a private study area,” Saenz said. Aspire also hosts free yoga and bootcamp classes to help students relieve stress Saenz said. They even offer free 30-minute massages every other Friday for residents who sign up. “Just to help students relax a little bit, we hire a masseuse to come,” Saenz said. “We have a private massage room.”

‘HOME AWAY

THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE 15

FROM HOME’ Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

According to fall 2018 enrollment data, Texas A&M is home to over 6,000 international students. A variety of resources exist to help these Aggies make the most of their college journeys.

International students adjust to life in the US with support from Aggie family By Brady Stone @bradystonex Campus life at Texas A&M can be intimidating for any student, and added distance from home can make this important transition even harder. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Of the 68,000 students enrolled at A&M, 6,200 are international students as of fall 2018, according to International Student Services. With a few tips and resources, A&M could be feeling more like home in no time. Oluwakemi Alonge, an epidemiology graduate student from Nigeria, said international students should visit International Student Services for help when deciding to attend A&M. ISS helps students send documents, book flights and find housing, and also gives tips for visa interviews. “For international students, International Student Services is the first point of contact, even before your application,” Alonge said. “They were really helpful, especially an-

swering all of the questions I needed to ask about school and sending documents back and forth.” While the technicalities of moving into college can be stressful even for domestic students, Alonge said the culture change for international students was one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome when getting accustomed to her new home at A&M. “One major change was the fact that people here are a lot more guarded,” Alonge said. “It was difficult to really make friends here, and I think the major reason is the fact that I speak differently. Sometimes I want to talk to someone, but I just don’t know if they would understand what I’m saying or understand my accent.” Over 75,000 international students applied to public universities in Texas in 2017, according to the Houston Chronicle. Alonge said it is easy for even the most prepared students to feel lost while adapting to a new culture. “Take it slow; don’t try to force anything,” Alonge said. “It’s okay to be alone at first when you get here. Don’t feel like everyone hates you or has abandoned you or you’re alone.”

Alonge said joining her departmental organization was the first step to making friends, but she made sure to take things slowly. “First, you can start by interacting with your classmates and just try to build up that relationship from there, but you don’t need to force anything,” Alonge said. “Be cool, and everything will fall into place.” International students can have opportunities to meet new people by joining organizations like the International Student Association. “It will give you the chance to meet other international students with shared experiences,” Alonge said. The International Student Association is an MSC-sponsored student organization that welcomes students from all over the world, said ISA President Fatima Wood, an English and international studies senior. Wood said it also gives international students a vehicle to voice issues they may experience with the university administration. “The ISA represents all international students,” Wood said. “We don’t lean more toward one ethnic group or the other. If international students are struggling or if there is a theme all of them are sharing, that is some-

thing we can fight for.” Issues like language barriers are common among international students, but English as a Second Language and other linguistic courses are offered on campus and at local churches. On top of the English classes offered locally, furniture giveaways and social events are also offered for new international students through the Baptist Student Ministry and Grace Bible Church. “If you don’t speak English well, we have campus resources for that, like the Center for Teaching Excellence English Language and Proficiency program for international students who are going to be future instructors,” Wood said. “The Baptist Student Ministry also teaches English classes. So if linguistically people are afraid, there are ways to improve that and meet new people.” For students who are nervous about leaving their home country, Wood said sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. “Texas A&M is one of the nicest, friendliest campuses in America,” Wood said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there because there are so many resources here that can help make this your home away from home.”

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THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE 17

Being smart about pets

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Wildlife and fisheries sciences senior Rachel Wilson said her two cats, Dennis and Artemis, have been supportive companions — even though she originally wanted a dog.

Before adopting, consider the pros and cons of owning a pet in college By Khadeeja Umana @Deeja_Umana Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but when you’re making the transition to college life, keeping the risks and responsibilities in mind can be beneficial to both the pet and you. Some of the benefits of owning a pet in college include increased exercise and activity, having someone to go home to and building a mutual relationship that you both enjoy. That being said, several serious responsibilities come along with owning a pet.

Professor of veterinary medicine Bonnie Beaver recommends keeping health, food and maintenance costs in mind when thinking about having a pet while in college. “Food is an expense that is ongoing, but so too is veterinary care such as vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea control,” Beaver said. “If the pet does get sick, most are not covered by health insurance, so that can involve some major out-of-pocket costs.” Pets require other necessary care as well. Beaver suggests that students consider the pet’s overall needs and training. “Cat litter costs add up, and almost all dogs eliminate outside rain or shine,” Beaver said. “Obedience lessons for dogs are important for developing a good canine citizen too.” Seeking advice from other students who

own a pet is a great way to see what the experience may be like. While pets can eat through your time and your wallet, if you establish a healthy relationship with your pets, they begin giving back as well. Interdisciplinary studies senior Yessica De Leon said her dog Lilly improved her life in many ways. “She’s a pitbull, so she keeps me active and reminds me to wake up a little bit earlier than normal,” De Leon said. “And I would say my mental health has been so much better since I got her in August.” Being realistic about what your personality and life is like is also a huge part of being a good parent to your pet. Wildlife and fisheries sciences senior Rachel Wilson said students should make a decision about what animal they’d be able to care for based on their sched-

ule and living situation. “I think it comes down to the individual person,” Wilson said. “I live in a really small one-bedroom apartment. I wanted a dog, but I knew I wouldn’t have the space for them to be left alone during the day, and I’m at work and class all the time. I wouldn’t have time to walk and let them out as much as I needed to, so I got cats because they kind of suit my personality and my living situation.” Wilson said the best part of owning a pet is when you get home at the end of a long day and have someone to welcome you. “I honestly think it’s completely worth it,” Wilson said. “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have my cats to go home to some days.”

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