Housing Edition

6 END !

1 .

6 K 3.2 WEE N DAY R FU E T EAS AMILY F

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2016

24

ISSUE 7

MARCH 2016

26

WHOSE HOUSE? YOUR HOUSE.

2016

HELP US CELEBRATE THE BEST OF HOUSTON & UH

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4 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

H KARIS JOHNSON Executive Editor

presents

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th 8:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

STUDENT CENTER SOUTH FREE Food, Prizes & Music #UHinfrared uh.edu/infrared Sponsored by The Center for Student Involvement

and the short-lived doom of housing crises. High-rise apartments, dormitories, two-bedroom row houses and mansions are all spaces crafted for the specific purpose of inhabiting them. But they are just space until you move in, and that is when they venture to become something more.

The one thing you won’t leave behind when you merge into the adult world is who you are — the core of what makes you a unique individual does not stay stationary when you are on the move. Whatever makes you want to paint your bathroom walls pink, cover your ceiling with David Bowie posters or have 10 cats running around the place is all a part of the heart.

You are the heart behind your home.

I think that’s what this phrase is trying to say: that the walls and space surrounding you, wherever you choose to live, are blank for a reason. Enjoy discovering your first apartment and get excited about personalizing your dorm room. And unless you hire a professional interior designer from HGTV (in which

case you’re probably not in college), your place is your space, and what you make it is up to you.

As you flip through the pages, I hope this issue of Cooglife inspires you to make your living space your own — even if that entails cross-stitching a scratchy couch pillow similar to the one at your grandmother’s house.

CONTACT COOGLIFE www.cooglife.com

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CON

COMIC

&

ome is where the heart is.

Whether this cliché phrase is cross-stitched into your grandmother’s scratchy sofa cushions or you’ve seen it shared on Facebook alongside a stock photo of a thriving family, the world seems to think that your home is where your heart is — but what does that really mean?

As college students, we have already witnessed a number of changes throughout life. Moving away from home has the potential to make a colossal impact on you. Different states, different cities and even different countries are all represented in our campus housing facilities. And even if you live at home in the greater Houston area, you’ve still seen the degree of freedom that comes with attending a university and all it entails.

The four walls that you grew up in are likely not the same four walls you find yourself in now. Houses and homes come and go, as evidenced by the rise and fall of real estate markets

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6 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

EDITORIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Karis Johnson 713-743-5302 arts@thedailycougar.com

CLOSING EDITORS Glissette Santana Sean Alder Mónica Rojas

WRITERS

14

12

17

TABLE OF CONTENTS 09

20

30

A Cooglife Guide to Pets

On Campus or Off?

10 Things You Need

You’ve dreamed of owning one, we know. .

14

Hit the Quads — Or Don’t

What could we do besides demolishing them?

19

Think Before You Lease A how-to guide on leasing.

Where you should live and why.

24

RAs Tell All

What does being an RA really entail? Find out here.

28

Roommate Etiquette

What it takes ot not get kicked out of your room..

Study Guides, Flashcards, Tutors

Sign up here and get $20 free tutor credits: bit.ly/uhcougars

www.coursehero.com

But you didn’t think you did.

32

House Cleaning Playlist

Dean Suchy Mia Valdez Greg Fails Mónica Rojas Anthony Torres Effren Diasodo Trey Strange Timothy Nguyen Rose Singh Bianca Baymon Esperanza Farrell Sonja Aune Iman Balagam Maybelline De Vera BreeAngela Hamilton

DESIGNER

Courtney Williams

ABOUT THE COVER

Illustration by Courtney Williams I was inspired by the options of living both on and off campus, because no matter which is chosen, the possibilities are endless. No room is the same because each is specific to the individual.

ADVERTISING

The top songs to dance to with your mop.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

34

SALES MANAGER

Roommate Ransom Note

Callista Brown 713-743-5340 csmadvertising@uh.edu

A goldfish hostage situation.

Jose Salazar

CEO & CDI PRESENT: CEO/CSI/CDI PRESENT:

OXFAM

CEO PRESENTS:

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If you will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES at 713-743-5400 or uhcsd@central.uh.edu

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8 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

MY SAFE SPRING BREAK Free Food Free Giveaways Tons of Fun Activities! @uhstudentcenter Connect • Eat • Relax • Shop

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016 9

THE DORM ROOM GUIDE TO PETS How to have (and keep) a

FURRY, FISHY, SCALY

GREG FAILS Cooglife Writer

BEST FRIEND Pets: we all love them, and studies show that having one can reduce stress in our daily lives. Dorm residents will dismally inform you, however, that — excluding goldfish — pets are a quick way to get yourself smacked with a housing violation.

Regardless, students may choose to get a furry best friend. If you think it’s worth the risk, here’s a short guide to pet ownership in college.

10 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

From Big to Small, Here are Your Options Think outside the kennel when it comes to choosing your new best friend

RATS Rats are smart, social animals who are small enough to hide easily. They tend to be pretty chill pets—content to hang out on your shoulder or in your hoodie pocket while you do homework.

A downside to owning a rat is that they may smell. Regularly changing their bedding alleviates this problem. Rats are prone for respiratory infections, so owners have to be selective about the type of bedding they use, and they should avoid aerosol fresheners. Potential owners should also be wary about buying a female rat—most are prone to mammary tumors later in life, and vets for rodents are hard to come by.

CATS Buying a cat is the same as being Miss Colombia in the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant. Sure, you may have some form of documentation saying that you own it, and maybe someone even congratulated you about it, but really the whole thing is symbolic at best.

Yes, the kitty may be cute, but you can kiss the concept of placing items on shelves goodbye.

Worst of all, unlike a dog, cats won’t give you much of a hint that they have to poop, so unless you train them well, it’s going to end up in some random corner or crevice of your room.

DOGS While I understand the appeal of having a puppy in your dorm — mine occasionally stays overnight

with me — it can be stressful when they start whining at 3 a.m. Puppies need a lot of maintenance, playtime and training, so consider how well you can provide those things before adopting.

If you do get a dog, try setting up a small kennel for them in your closet with a “pee pad” and food. With a bit of work you can train them to sleep in there, and when the fire marshal comes by just toss a blanket over the evidence.

DWARF HAMSTERS Dwarf Hamsters are extremely small, affordable and adorable. Speaking from experience, though, buying more than one is a gamble. Many pet stores can’t tell the difference between males and females, meaning your pet ownership will probably follow a 5 step process: 1.Buy two hamsters 2.Notice that one of them is getting fat.

3.Aw look at that, the hamster gave birth. Look at all the cute baby hamsters.

4.Oh my god, she’s eating the babies.

5.Never play with the hamsters again (especially not the dead ones).

RABBITS Rabbits are the perfect dorm pet.

They’re calm, quiet and clean enough to easily conceal. They are also still big enough to really play with and cuddle.

They don’t require an excessive cage setup either, and you can improvise food by occasionally raiding the salad bar in the dining halls.

GECKOS, CHAMELEONS AND AMPHIBIANS, TOO These scaly friends aren’t so complicated to take care of, as long as you have a heat lamp and a proper habitat.

If you have a heat lamp, the pet can even stay in your closet indefinitely.

The only problems are that owning one can be expensive to set up, and they are a bit dull to play with. Between the cost of an aquarium, heat lamp, and food, you could be paying upwards of $50 before even buying the pet itself.

Pets to

NOT

consider SUGAR GLIDERS They need large cages, smell like vomit and bark loudly all night long.

HEDGEHOG They are prone to shedding their quills, and those quills are prone to stabbing feet.

ANY SORT OF SPIDER Statistically, you are at least 3 feet from a spider right now, so just settle for that.

HUSKY, GREAT DANE, OR OTHER LARGE DOGS “Talkative” dog breeds should be avoided at all costs.

THE SQUIRRELS Please just don’t do it, it’s not worth it.

TIPS for fish

owners Just because you don’t want to break the rules doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

Why not get creative with your fish breeds? Walmart is selling puffer fish for under $10, and their tank requirements fit with most housing rules. Other viable options include small koi, loaches and moon jellyfish, so don’t think you have to settle for bettas and goldfish.

There was a kick starter a while back for a remote-controlled car for your fish. The project is still iffy on delivering results, but it means that you might be able to take your fish on legitimate walks.

A google search for “goldfish in a party hat” delivers a depressing lack of results. There’s a whole untapped market of dressed up goldfish pictures that you could get in on. Why not become an internet sensation?

Tuesday, March 1, 201611

You Should Be Thinking About...

EXPENSES

NEEDINESS

HIDEABLITY

The first thing you should ask yourself before buying a pet is whether you can afford it. Buying your pet means buying a cage, tank, bowls and toys.

You should also take into consideration their food and bedding every month with occasional vet visits. They need shots and kibble to live a happy life, so wait until you can afford it.

Accounting is a good idea, anyway.

All animals require some kind of attention to stay happy. A lack of playtime can lead to separation anxiety, and your pet may act out by damaging the room or even themselves.

Luckily for those considering smaller pets like rats and hamsters, buying a playmate or carrying them around in your hoodie pocket is an easy way to deal with this neediness. Larger pets like dogs need frequent attention.

Whiskers just barked and the RA heard it. What’s your plan? Do you have a small kennel under some inconspicuous pile of clothes? Are you going to shove him inside a drawer?

Don’t just shove your dog in a drawer, you animal. At the end of the day, proper planning and stealth can make the difference between whether you lose your housing privileges. So before

you get your pet, invest in a concealable cage or kennel and take the time to plan accordingly for fire marshal and room inspections.

ADOPTION There are tons of sweet dogs at adoption agencies all over Houston that are sold for next to nothing. Consider making your new best friend a rescued or adopted pet.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

We’re More Than Just a Community Live on Campus Today - www.uh.edu/housing

@thedailycougar

12 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Decorating Your Living Space

Don’t leave your walls naked. Get creative with how you choose to decorate IMAN BALAGAM Cooglife Writer

FUTON

Nowadays, there are so many ways to make your space more personalized.

Here’s a list of items that add so much to your waiting blank canvas.

The sofa is great for lounging and can easily convert into a bed for friends who spend the night.

The adjustable back means you can choose whether to sit, recline or lie down. The color, too, pairs well with statement pillows and a nice throw.

Try this: BALKARP sofa bed sold at IKEA ($130)

in style. Chalk is included so you can start writing right away.

Try this: Wallies Removable chalkboard panels, set of four sold at Paper Source ($19.95)

PLANTERS In environments with more greenery, people tend to be calmer.

Besides, plants make a room more welcoming and are generally easy to upkeep. Help yourself out this semester with a fashion-forward planter.

Try this: Crystal-Cut hanging planter at Anthropologie ($38)

TAPESTRIES

PHOTO HANGER

The perfect statement piece for a bland bedroom: they look great hanging behind your bed and can be used as a divider if you share a room.

There are numerous patterns and designs for wall tapestries, so making this is an easy way to make your room your own.

Try this: Urban Outfitters ($30)

Don’t forget to print your favorite pictures to hang around your room. Or, clip photos from the magazine and create a Cooglife shrine.

Try this: Metal Photo Clip String Set at Urban Outfitters ($14)

PILLOWS FLOOR LAMP A necessity when decorating a new space, the floor lamp offers intimate and romantic lighting. They are also a unique addition to apartments with small spaces.

Try this: Modern Globe Floor Lamp Brassy Gold – Threshold from Target ( $57)

Statement pillows are perfect for, well, exactly that: making a statement. Purchase around five, and spread them around your room to spruce up your place.

Try this: Magical Thinking Good Vibes Pillow at Urban Outfitters ($39)

BOOKS Coffee table books are a staple in the fashionable New York apartment, which is, of course, the look you’re going for. Hit up Half-Price Books or a local garage sale to find something that speaks to you.

MINI-FRIDGE This cooler is perfect if you live in a place that doesn’t provide a fridge, or if you want to hide some snacks from the roommates. Plus, it’s designed to easily fit where you need it — on your desk, bookshelf or another handy spot.

Try this: Retro Cooler from Potter Barn Teen ($130)

BAR STOOL RUGS A nice geometric pattern mixes up a small space, and provides comfort for your bare feet when the floor is less than inviting. This rug is both stylish and easy to maintain.

Try this: Anthology Chindi Dhuri Diamond Rug from Bed Bath and Beyond ($23.99)

WALL STICKERS No more blank wall space for you, and now you can plan your week

Whether your space is big or small, the underestimated Saddle Stool gives guests a place to rest, while the compact size makes it convenient to stow away.

Try this: Dar Saddle Stool at Target ($59.99)

Tuesday, March 1, 201613

A Day in the Life: Living at Home Step into a commuter’s world during a typical school day MÓNICA ROJAS Managing Editor

Birds chirping entwine with the sound of water flowing in the rainforest. I grumble incoherently and turn to my side. My phone, blasting nature’s song, says its 6:20 a.m.

The smart alarm feature on my phone just stole 10 minutes from me, again, so I lay and contemplate life for that time.

Shit. It’s 6:42 a.m.

I head to the bathroom where I spend the next 15 minutes mentally preparing for the traffic that awaits me.

Next is getting dressed and made up and then, finally — coffee.

At the kitchen, the Keurig is ready with a fresh cup of coffee for me, courtesy of my dad.

With my purse on my shoulder and my lunch in my purse, I walk to

my car in the driveway and head out.

The sky is finally lighting up as I head toward the feeder, but an 18-wheeler decides it’s his turn to merge and I slam the brakes.The jerk behind me honks.

About 45 minutes later, I make it to my internship. I’m 30 minutes early, but leaving 30 minutes later would have made me an hour late. #Houston Still reeling from the cloud of road rage that takes over me when idiots chose not to turn on their turning signal, or cut me off because hey, there’s a 2 inch space; I head toward my computer and type in “Houston apartments” into Google.

I check my payment date and what I owe. I close the apartment search tab on Google — traffic wasn’t that bad.

Eventually I make it to school and, finally — I can eat. I walk past

the overflowing lines of Chick-fil-A and McDonalds to heat up the arroz con pollo my mom made.

The day proceeds: meetings and editing at The Cougar. I might even be able to attend the energy symposium.

After hours of work and laughing with the staff, I finally get to head home. Traffic isn’t as bad as the morning, but it ain’t no walk in the tar park either.

At home I’m greeted by my mom laughing over Skype, with my aunt. .

I.’m hungry, and I guess I could have gotten something on my way because #thesuburbs and there’s something everywhere, but I have food at home.

I grab a seat next to my mom, pour myself a glass of wine that we both sip, and join the gossiping hens to hear about how things are back home.

At some point I decide it’s time for me to watch something on Netflix. The fourth episode of “The Newsroom” waits to be clicked and watched for the third time in as many months.

I close my bedroom door, and now I’m in New York City with Mackenzie and Will McAvoy.

During episode six, my bother knocks on my door and we end up talking for an hour about the latest Real Madrid game. He leaves and I go get ready for bed.

I see my dad on my way back from brushing my teeth, say goodnight and head back to my room, where my bed awaits me.

I start to contemplate life, because my brain just won’t shut up.

And in the quiet that surround my house, I just think.

And then the birds start chirping.This smart alarm is really stupid.

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14 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

HIT THE

QUAD...

OR DON’T

Some alternative ideas to demolishing UH’s historical residence facility

TREY STRANGE

Cooglife Assistant Editor

The Quadrangle, which consists of five beautiful halls — Bates, Law, Oberholtzer, Settegast and Taub —may not be the most popular dorming option on campus, but Cooglife firmly believes that it would be a shame to lose the historical buildings, which are named after humanitarians, activists and medical benefactors, for another housing unit.

We’ve proposed a few ideas for alternatives to tearing them down, and we really hope students and the administration are listening. You can share your ideas, too, with #SavetheQuads on your social media accounts.

4. THE BEYONCE SHRINE OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation — not every student can enter the Quadrangle Hall of Queen Bey at the same time. Imagine it: a tour guide, taking you along, pointing to the left, to the left at exhibitions of her clothes and records. With such proximity to her childhood home, we will preserve the legacy of Beyoncé better than any institution. But there’s no need to stop there. We give Beyoncé the honorary doctorate she deserves, and we create a real reason to bring her to campus by requesting her to cut the ribbon for the ceremony.

3. THE BEER GARDEN The craft beer game is strong in Houston right now, so we’re asking: why not get into it while we have the chance? Think of how much experience it could give to Hotel and Restaurant Management students, who would get another opportunity to work in the field before graduation, and the rest of us would get the booze flowing on campus, as it should be. The city already has high competition between the likes of Karbach and 8th Wonder, but if there’s anything us students have learned in school, it’s how to drink, and we’re confident that, in the words of our next president, this is gonna be huge.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 15

2. THE MILITIA TRAINING CENTER

1. THE SYRIAN REFUGEE SHELTER

There are whispers that our society is at risk. Although unconfirmed, we remind the good people that we’re living in an age where presidential candidates are openly calling themselves “socialists,” and the feds continually try to infringe on our individual rights.

But the Quads pose an opportunity for all of this to change. Picture the UH Citizens’ Militia — like the ROTC but armed, thanks to the new campus carry bill — which, naturally, capitalizes on the building’s unique dorm rooms with windows that open to create programs that specialize in sniper rifle sportsmanship.

We will be ready for Jade Helm 16. Don’t mess with Texas.

Texas already has a growing population of Arab immigrants and Arab-Americans, alhamdullilah. The state has more than 150 Islamic Centers — and unlike Dallas, Houston usually doesn’t have armed protests around them.

Because there are nearly 5 million Syrians displaced around their homes worldwide, we think that the university should take the lead in creating a safe space for the refugees to live. With options like Cougar Village 1 and 2, the Moody Towers and on– and off–campus apartments springing up around the area, do students really need another housing option? But between Assad and the rebels, the Syrians definitely do. They have no more options left.

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16 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Moving Out Efficiently and (Almost) Effortlessly How to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to switching living spaces TIMOTHY NGUYEN Cooglife Writer

socks, and pants) and clean the place, too. There’s the actual moving of the items from point A to point B, and unpacking all the crap that you have.

Having second thoughts? Don’t fret. We can help.

identify your boxes even if they are stacked up.

through the process. Most services will even provide boxes for you to use.

If money is tight, ask around for a friend who’s daring enough to own a truck or a large van. After all, what are friends for?

Finally found a Get Supplies new place? All you Unless you have the materials at home, make a trip to the store to get have to do is pack packing tape, scissors and permayour stuff, grab nent markers, the beginning and Write a List Stay Organized end of each semester has tons of the secret stash of You actually need to prepare for sales and deals. Next, head to your t’s time to test your organizational this process. A list of everything local Goodwill and pick up as many skills. Whether it’s color coordinatcash you hid and you need to pack is essential to free boxes as you think you’ll need. ing, attaching certain labels to boxes move out. People organizing your stuff. Don’t write You can also use various household or grouping things by category, let’s out where every single sock needs objects such as luggage, hampers, put that list you made to good use. move in and out all to go, but group general items such drawers or baskets to lessen the It’s a good idea to label what room as clothes, toiletries, bed items, etc. need for boxes. each box will go so you can unpack the time, so it has Estimate the amount of items per by room. to be simple, right? group, and dedicate an appropriate Moving out can be more stressful than studying for finals. You have to organize your stuff, pack your hundreds of clothes (including shoes,

sized box for it. Use multiple boxes if you have tons of items for each group, and then label each box for the corresponding items on the list.

When labeling each box, label the side, not the top. That way you can

Transportation

Before the actual moving process, it’s a good idea to think of how you will actually transport your stuff. If you have money to spare, you can hire a moving company to help you

Packing Now for the hard part: after planning and organizing, you need to pack your belongings in their corresponding locations.

HOW ARE YOU DEFINING YOUR UH SUCCESS? WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN IMPACTFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE. WE VALUE STUDENT SUCCESS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM. Your #UHSuccess is defined by you! uh.edu/dsaes

UH_DSAES

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 17

Transportation (part two)

7. Defrost your fridge.

When you’re moving out, the fridge can get moldy if you leave it plugged in over time. Unplug it and placing a towel at the base of your fridge 24 hours before you leave.

After everything is packed, there should 8. Fill holes in the wall and do general repairs so the place won’t be an order in what to grungy for the new owners. This transport first. This will look is an easy fix and will save you time make your life easier, and money. Leaving the walls patched will raise the trust value of your me.

To clean faster, dust, old place.

sweep and mop each room as you pack.

1. Make sure you actually have everything packed. You don’t want to feel stupid by forgetting anything.

2. Get rid of all your perishable foods by eating them. This is not only an excuse to binge eat, it’s an excuse to have our friends over to help you. Try to have your last grocery run a week or two prior to the move as opposed to the week before so you are not forced to throw away precious food.

3. Make sure you change your address and notify the postman. You don’t want your mail getting into the wrong hands.

4. Make sure you have movers insurance; you’ll thank yourself later.

5. If you have kids or pets, let them stay at a friend’s house so they are not in your way.

6. Clean your place as you go.

Dust, sweep and mop each room as it is emptied.

9. Arrange for a charity organization to pick up unwanted items such as old mattresses and sofas at least a week before the move.

If you feel like those items are too valuable, list them on eBay or craigslist at least a month in advance.

10. Take photos of your old and new place. This is essential if you are renting, because it makes getting your deposit back easier, and you will also have proof in case landlords want to charge you for unnecessary maintenance or repair fees.

How to pack Now for the hard part: after planning and organizing, you need to pack your belongings in their corresponding locations. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind while packing: 1. Wrap your fragile objects in clothing to save money on bubble wrap.

That way you’ll pack two thing in one section, and keep your valuables safe.

2. Use socks and jackets for extra padding on glass objects, as well as dishes and picture frames.

3. Put cotton balls in your cosmetics to keep them from breaking apart.

You’ll thank yourself later.

4. When packing plates and picture frames, place them vertically to reduce the risk of breaking.

5. Cover toiletries with Saran Wrap to avoid accidental leakage in your bags.

6. Use Press’n Seal to keep your drawers or jewelry intact so they don't come apart and damage other objects during transportation.

11. Take your time. This is a daunting process, but if you take your time and divide your work throughout the week, it can save you stress and hassle.

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18 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 them fresh.

7. Use sandwich bags to keep small parts, including cords or furniture parts, organized. Label them, and keep building parts together so it will be easy to identify which piece goes with what when you unpack.

9. You can easily pack your closet by grouping your clothes in plastic trash bags to conserves space and keep them together. Also, try stuffing dryer sheets between them to keep

8. Take a quick photo of how your electronics are connected so you can know where all the wires go later.

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10. Use disposable bags or vacuum seal any clothing that you won't wear for a while.

It saves valuable space.

Donate anything you don't want. Maybe give your friends first pick since they are probably the ones helping you through this process.

11. Use old soap to fill in small nail holes in the walls. It’s easy, cheap and probably smells better than plaster or paint.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 19

Think Before You Lease All you need to know about apartment leases and how they work BIANCA BAYMON Cooglife Writer

Signing leases are a part of life, whether it’s for your car, house or a mysterious multi-billionaire seeking a sexy contract.

No matter the lease, it’s important to understand how they work.

The two main types of leases are short-term and long-term. Longterm leases are the most popular when it comes to apartment leasing because they provide stability for both the tenant and landlord.

Long-term leases also have a lower monthly rent compared to shortterm leases. Spencer Moore, a Nino Properties Realtor, said this is because the apartment owners lose money when short-term leases are signed.

“The single most important thing to do for somebody that is going to rent an apartment, that most people don’t do, is to read the lease before signing it,” said Richard Alderman, director at the Center for Consumer Law. Although short-term leases may result in a higher monthly rent, they provide flexibility for the tenant.

Circumstances can change a lot as a college student, so with a shortterm lease it is less likely that you will end up having to break your lease.

“Let’s say in this imaginary world there is an apartment for $1000 in Midtown,” Moore said. “If you were to do a 12-month lease there it would be $1000, but if you were to do a 3-month lease it would probably be $1,800.”

Breaking a lease can be detrimental to your credit and rental history.

It also could make renting in the future more difficult and expensive.

If you anticipate that you may have to break a lease for things like a new job, then Alderman said you can ask your landlord to add a clause in the lease before signing it.

“It would say in the event that you are transferred ‘x’ number of miles away from your apartment, you can terminate the lease with a 30 or 60 day notice,” Alderman said.

A major part of every lease is the amount you are agreeing to pay monthly for rent. To make sure that you are getting a fair rate, Moore said students should stop by at least eight complexes that are within the same area and class.

“Class A is fancy with granite everything, Class B is less of, and Class C is even more less of,” Moore said.

The point of doing this is to be able to evenly compare rent prices to see if you are getting a fair price for your specific apartment.

People often find themselves in a position where they like an apartment, but cannot afford the rent.

This is when negotiation comes into play, Alderman said.

“When the market is very good for landlords they don’t negotiate,” Alderman said, stressing that a potential buyer should always attempt negotiations. “When the market is not as good and there’s more competition, then they are more likely to negotiate.”

In addition to rent, another cost on the lease is the security deposit.

The purpose of a security deposit is for the landlord to set money aside to cover any possible future damages that the tenant may cause.

They can vary from as low as $100 to as much as the price of one month’s rent.

To make sure you don’t get charged for previous damages, it’s a good idea to walk through the apartment with your landlord and take pictures of everything before signing the lease. Within 30 days of moving out, the landlord must either return your security deposit or explain to you why it is being withheld or deducted.

“If you party a bunch and throw chocolate on the walls, you’re going to get a big chunk of your deposit

taken out,” Moore said.

If you plan on having pets, there is also a pet deposit that you must pay in addition to the security deposit.

Pet deposits typically end up costing a tenant around $250. After you make the pet deposit, there is often also a monthly pet rent that must be paid with your regular rent. Pet rent normally ranges from $10 to $25.

The costs of having a pet can quickly add up, so it’s vital to pay attention to the part of the lease that states the landlord’s guidelines on pets.

Roommates also split the responsibilities for the apartment, but they can sometimes cause a plethora of problems if not chosen properly.

Alderman said that if your roommate doesn’t pay their share of the

rent or moves out—even though you both signed the lease—you are responsible for paying the full rent to the landlord.

“If you don’t pay all of the rent, you will be evicted and it will be on your credit report,” Alderman said.

“You really want to make sure your roommate is someone you know well and is financially responsible.”

Apartment leases involve various statements and as the tenant you are responsible for upholding everything that is above the dotted line.

“Understand that you are entering into a significant legal agreement, and the lease is binding the way it is written,” Alderman said. “There are a number of laws that help tenants and it is always important to know your legal rights.”

20 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The Perks of Living On Campus Dorm life is better than you think. Keep reading.

SONJA AUNE Cooglife Writer

INDEPENDENCE

Maybe you’re the fifth of six children, Look around you. UH and independence isn’t anything new has one of the most to you. Your parents are old and totally over it. Or perhaps you’ve lived your beautiful campuses in entire life without washing a single the nation, filled with load of laundry, and now you’re on your own. In either case, on-campus a diverse array of stugives you the kind of independents working to better living dence that encourages 3 a.m. waffles themselves and the at Denny’s on any given morning. You deserve world they live in. Why to come not make this place your across home away from home? that delicious So whether you’re in regret it for the naps or for on your own the friends, there are a terms. variety of wonderfully unique things you can FREQUENT NAPS only experience when While campus offers an incredible you live on campus. variety of flat surfaces conducive to

SWEET, SWEET SLEEP When you live on campus, waking up an entire hour before your 8 a.m. class really feels like you’re over-doing it. If it takes 5 minutes to brush your teeth and 5 minutes to walk to class, well, you do the math.

You don’t have to factor in the massive amount of time it takes for commuters to find parking after bumper-to-bumper traffic. Remember these poor souls each time you hit that snooze button and roll over.

napping, there’s nothing quite like visiting your own cool, quiet bed for a quick refresher. There’s no chance of wasting that hour break you left between classes when Alejandro, your handsome young body pillow, is waiting within walking distance. So take that five minute stroll and relax in the middle of the school day.

BETTER GRADES Do you smell it? That smell—that smelly smell that smells… smelly.

That’s the smell of learning. If you’re

reading this on campus right now, then you’re covered in it. Campus housing puts you in close proximity with everything you could possibly need to succeed.

Not only are you conveniently located near your professor’s lonely office hours, there are free walk-in tutoring services offered across campus for all majors. On top of that, you have easy access to the campus recreation center, UH Wellness, Counseling

and Psychological Services and the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. Nothing contributes more to success than a healthy mind, body and soul, and living on campus can make that easier.

MYRIAD FOOD OPTIONS If you’re living on campus, chances are you have a meal plan. Embrace it.

Such a tantalizing variety of food will never be this conveniently located and easily accessible ever again. And plus it’s buffet-style, with all-you-can-eat or store in your fridge for later.

If you’re not tied to a meal plan, you can easily fill yourself on reasonably priced Bullrito’s, Jimmy John’s and Chinese Star. And while you’re there, there’s no reason you can’t top off

each meal with a voluptuously frosted cupcake from The Nook.

Coffee — a college student’s best friend — is also easily accessible in over five spots around campus including Starbucks, Einstein’s Bagels and The Nook. So, if by chance you roll out of bed an extra 15 minutes earlier than usual, grab a cup of coffee on your way to class. You’ve got time.

NEW FRIENDS On-campus living means you’re one of nearly 6,000 students who call UH home.

For starters, you already have something in common with everyone: you’re students. On top of that, you share all the perks of living on campus.

Your future soulmate may live next door. And as far as roommates go, what could possibly be more intimate than sharing a bathroom?

And even when you find yourself at odds with the people you live with, you can still learn a lot about yourself and what you value in others. Is your roommate a difficult person, or are you? What makes the way she eats yogurt so impossible to handle?

Nothing makes you appreciate your real friends more than dealing with horrible people.

Tuesday, March 1, 201621

The Perks of Living Off Campus

Don’t get left behind. Here’s why you should escape the college dorms.

ANTHONY TORRES Opinion Editor

Commuting can be a real bitch, but the benefits to living off campus can make up for the hours of traffic you have to endure every semester, whether you hvae your own place or live with the ‘rents.

FOOOOOOOOOD If you live with your parents, you never have to worry about starving. Food on campus can be expensive or unhealthy, and living at home fixes that problem.

You might have to deal with your parents, but it’s better than eating Ramen noodles for two meals a day.

If you have your own place, you have the luxury of having your own kitchen.

Not every dorm on campus has this feature, and a lot of times you have to share a stove with an entire floor. You can bake cookies without worrying about making your entire floor smell, and that’s a pretty big plus.

Depending on where you live, you could also have access to significantly better food options than what UH has to offer.

PRIVACY If you have your own place, you get to fully experience living like an adult.

This means being able to do whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it in your spare time. No adhering to “quiet hours,” poorly matched roommates and definitely no shared bathrooms and showers.

You want to stay home Friday night and binge watch House of Cards at an unreasonable volume? Go ahead. You want to engage in illicit and probably illegal activities that are otherwise prohibited on the UH campus? Knock yourself out.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION There are tons of locations around the Houston area that are fantastic to live in. Whether you live in the Heights or Montrose, being able to bike or walk to some of Houston’s best nightlife locations is a huge plus.

COMFORT How great is it to sleep in your own bed, sit on your own couch or eat at your own table? Living at your own place allows you to have as much comfort as you want without having to deal with university-provided furniture. I’m quite a fan of my queen-sized bed.

YOU MAKE YOUR OWN RULES Being able to do what you want, when you want, is fantastic. Constantly having to work it out with the roommates who washes the dishes, who can use the T.V. during certain hours of the day or night and who cleans the bathroom can be arduous and frustrating.

It’s always good to live with people to learn how to resolve conflicts and manage time, but trust me when I say living on your own is simply better.

Have a lady/guy friend coming over to Netflix and chill? Oh wait, you need to text your roommate in advance to let them know they might not want to sit on the couch later — or touch their toothbrush.

When you have roommates, your schedule tends to revolve around theirs when you want your privacy, especially when it comes to having “special time” with your significant other.

Yes, having a roommate can be adventurous, and it’s a great way to build relationships that last you the rest of your life. But it doesn’t always work out. Sure, live on campus your first year to have college experience, but look forward to living off campus and having your own place. Trust me, you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more.

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22 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The Inside Scoop on MAP-Works What’s the deal with this survey and why is it so important?

ROSE SINGH Cooglife Writer

Any student who lives in a campus residence hall is familiar with the “MAP-Works” survey — at the least, they have been reminded of it any number of times by their Resident Advisor.

Many students ultimately participate, but without any readily apparent ramifications, many also wonder: to what end?

Lin Crowson, the assistant director of Student Housing and Residential Life, coordinates the survey and said that MAP Works is “more than just

a survey.”

“It’s really a tool that helps us help students,” Crowson said. “The MAP Works survey seeks to measure a student’s perception of their overall experience and gives students an opportunity to answer questions about their holistic student experience.”

MAP-Works surveys are administered at many campuses from small and large schools to community colleges and private institutions. At UH, all first — and second — year residence hall students are invited to participate. This fall, 67 percent of students completed a MAP-Works

survey.

“The Fall Transition MAPWorks survey consists of about 120 questions concerning things like students’ performance in the classroom, relationships with roommates and how their finances are affecting their grades,” Crowson said But, Crowson said, the survey is only the first part.

“Once a student completes the survey, they have access to an interactive report that provides them with normative data (what they report in comparison to peers) regarding their responses and tips for success. Residence hall students are connected to their Residence

“MAP-Works is more than just a survey.”

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Life Coordinators and RAs in the system. Once a student completes the survey the RLC will be able to help steer the student to appropriate resources on campus if they need help.”

MAP-Works surveys provide a real-time, personalized feedback in an effort to inform or remind students of resources available to them.

“MAP-Works is really our effort to widen the net under students and attempt to help them connect to resources before it may be too late,” Crowson said.

Like all surveys, MAP-Works benefits from larger sample sizes — in this case, the more students who invest the time required to complete a MAP-Works survey, the more refined the services the MAP-Works team can supply.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016 23

We asked students what they thought about MAP-Works, here’s what they have to say...

EFREN DIOSDADO Assistant Sports Editor

JAMES FOS HOTEL RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT SOPHOMORE | CV1 RESIDENT They gave out free stuff if you took it, but it wasn’t really compelling to me.

When I finally did take it, I didn’t get much out of it. It seemed too general so a lot of my answers were just average. Except for one or two questions, there was nothing special about it to me.

RIVER PHILLIPS PRE-BUSINESS FRESHMAN | CV1 RESIDENT I feel like they asked for a lot of input and the input I put back was pretty beneficial to them.

It was my first semester here (when I took it) so I was getting used to everything. I think they’re able to collect a lot of data on it, and I think they’re able to improve a lot of things that they might not have known needed improvement. It gives it a little bit more of personal insight on what people think of the dorms.

KEVIN MCDONALD

ENGINEERING FRESHMAN | CV1 RESIDENT We had to answer like a lot of questions about staying on campus and how the experience was. It was really long, and other than that I was indifferent about it. I thought it was going to be like a quick five minute thing, but I ended up having to sit down and take out time to actually do it. It was voluntary, but if you did it you got a free shirt from your dormitory.

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24 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

TAKING OFF THE

DEAN SUCHY

Cooglife Writer

Are they just random people that volunteer to defend the college dorm quiet hours? Are they secret heroes who save lives without anyone knowing?

I would argue that RAs fall somewhere in the middle, but everyone is entitled

to their own opinion.

Before you draw an opinion on people you don’t know or about a job you think you may know, hear what the actual RAs have to say. You might just be surprised what goes on after that sexy red polo gets put on.

POLO Who are your RAs? What do they do?

MOODY TOWERS COUGAR VILLAGE 2

HAMZA MUHAMMAD

MEESHAL MAHMOOD

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SOPHOMORE

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SENIOR

Being an RA is a lot of work. One of my supervisors, Jackie Stelmaszczyk told me, ‘in housing, any job is not worth it if you don’t like what you do. For me, it was the perfect job because I love getting to know new people, but for others it might not be.

I think definitely give becoming an RA a try, but keep in mind that as an RA you become a student leader and it gives you a certain level of responsibility that you can never shirk in any situation.

Being an RA has definitely helped me step outside of my comfort zone and take initiative to be bold and speak what is on my mind. As a business major, confidence is key, and being an RA has helped me in being OK with voicing opinions that are not always with the status quo. I am a committee member for the Sourcing and Procurement Organization in Bauer. I would have not had the courage to be able to pursue a leadership role before. The RA job has taught me to take chances and not be intimidated by others.

KATIE HALL

H.R. DEVELOPMENT SENIOR

SARA BARCHIE NUTRITION SENIOR

My favorite part about being an RA is My friends joke that I can’t walk the opportunity to positively reprearound campus without running into sent the University while building a people I know, and it’s really true. community for each of my residents.

I was pretty involved in campus If I weren’t graduating in May, I organizations before I became an RA, would be the first to apply to be but I have met so many more people an RA again. My experience as an and made many more friends as an RA has allowed me to grow tons of RA. Now, it’s so much easier to try leadership experience, and I’ve made new events or organizations because some amazing friends through my I know I can always find a friend to two-year process between Calhoun attend with me.

Lofts and Cougar Village 2.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 25

COUGAR VILLAGE 1 CALHOUN COUGAR

LOFTS PLACE

JOHNNY SOUDAH

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING JUNIOR My favorite event that I’ve ever put on was ‘Keep Calm and Be Zen.’ What made this event so special was the fact that it required residents to interact with people they didn’t know. Throughout anyone’s college career, you will come across the idea of working together with different people—and that is what we accomplished with this program. Also, residents got to keep homemade stress balls, so they can walk away from the programs with something cool.

While the RA job has its eventful moments, there are times where it gets difficult. Not only is time management a major key in becoming a successful student and an RA, but also being able to respond correctly to emergencies is extremely important, and sometimes difficult. An RA may build friendships with many different residents throughout the year, but it is important to remember that at the end of the day, you need to establish boundaries with everyone to ensure that no one is breaking any rules.

KAYLA FISCHER BIOLOGY JUNIOR

Honestly, I feel like I’ve mostly learned about different types of people. Not just cultural differences, but different personalities, which helped me open my mind more to the different values and ideas that other people have.

I think (being an RA) helps both introverts and extroverts grow. As an introvert, being an RA has helped my communication skills and has made me more comfortable and willing to talk to people. Extroverts, I think, learn how to tone down their approach in order to relate to the quieter, shyer residents.

THE

QUADS

BAYOU

OAK S JAMISON CARSON

HUMAN DEVLOPMENT & FAMILY STUDIES JUNIOR I would want to be an RA again because I love what I do. This job is extremely rewarding, but can also be challenging at the same time.

Through being an RA and an SRA, I have found my passion and I plan on continuing to work in residence life after graduation.

BETHANY POLSON COMMUNICATIONS JUNIOR

I became an RA because I was interested in fostering community in our residence halls on campus. I know it can be hard to make friends in the building you live in but with a good RA, that’s a lot less stressful of a process. I love helping my residents when they come to me for help as long as it’s not 2 a.m.

LEAH LUCIO

JOURNALISM/LIBERAL STUDIES SENIOR I wanted to become an RA only after living on campus (at CVI) for a semester. I was super shy, introverted and experienced culture shock and homesickness. But I had three amazing RAs on my wing who were always kind and inviting. They facilitated a really positive, welcoming atmosphere and inspired me to do the same. They proved that succeeding at UH and working was possible.

ADAOBI BETTY OVUEGBE HEALTH & LEARNING SCIENCES SENIOR

It’s great to know that you can have a positive influence on the lives of others, and also contribute to the pride and success of the UH community. The (monetary) compensation is great and all, but you also learn a lot of important skills that can be applied later in your life, regardless of what profession you decide to pursue.

26 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Moving In? Here are the 5 Best Residential Areas for Millennials Find out where you should consider living after graduation For some whose homes are far away from school, the college dorms become their second home — or even first. Living by yourself for

MAYBELLINE DE VERA Cooglife Writer

the first time is a unique experience and one that leaves you with freedom and responsibility all wrapped into one.

E F I L Y T I R O R NITY AND SO

E M I T E F I L A R O F P I H S R E D A E L D E S A B S E U L VA FRATER

ents

ns and o i t a z i n a 45+ org

H stud U l l a g n i esent ncils repr

5 cou

We’ve all been there — designing a small space and attempting to make it as big as possible, late night chitchats with roommates and pulling an all-nighter. #NoSleep. After college comes the real deal.

After graduation, most students want to upgrade to apartments. If you are thinking about making a big move after saying goodbye to the college dorms, here is a list of some of the best residential areas in Houston to consider.

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Whenever you hear queen Beyonce mention Houston in her songs, she’s most likely talking about Third Ward. Millennials coming Straight Outta College love this location not just for being an accessible spot, but because the Third Ward boasts a unique mix of historical past and modern structure that gives off a good feel. Apartments in this area start from around $590 per month.

Houses range from $200,000 with the installment fee starting from $1000 a month. And why wouldn’t you want to live close to TDECU stadium? Just think about all the UH home games you could watch.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 27 or are thinking about getting a pet, then Memorial Park is the place for you.

Apartments range from $650 to $2,000, and they are not too far from downtown — a 20-minute drive.

MONTROSE Montrose hits the sweet spot of millennials who prefer the urban life. This area of Houston is a bustling bowl of entertainment. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques of all sorts are found here. No need to worry about the distance from the heart of downtown, either. It only takes a 13 minute drive to get there. Apartments start from $800—a pretty good deal for a fresh grad who’s hungry for city life.

MIDTOWN Besides being known as one of the hippest parts of town, Midtown has several Metro stations, which help millennials save time, money and gas. Prices of apartments play around $1,000 and up, a bit higher than other areas. The living spaces in Midtown apartments are significantly roomier than many urban areas in central Houston. Don’t think you can afford it? Get a roommate (or four) and pay for an apartment together. But if you are considering going back to school to up your degree, Midtown makes it easy as it is a mere six minutes away from UH.

DOWNTOWN Of course, the heart of downtown can’t be left out. Apartments start from $1000. Most building offices are here, making it a good location for those who find themselves employed downtown. Besides accessibility, downtown Houston provides a unique living experience. Market Square, the House of Blues, a hoppin’ night life and coffee shops on street corners are all fun additions to calling downtown your home. While it may not be a permanent residency, living in downtown Houston is a home you won’t soon forget.

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28 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Roommate Etiquette

Keep calm and carry on with the compromises and conversations MIA VALDEZ Cooglife Writer

It’s not easy to live with someone you may or may not have anything in common with. There are difficulties involved with communication, personal space and anything else you

may not be used to sharing.

But roommates are good for you. They help you find out what you like and what you don’t like, and they can also help you develop an understanding of the way

that you want to be treated, and what you deserve as an individual.

Here are 10 tips on how to be a better roommate:

Greetings and Salutations!

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING… Industrial design freshman Caolina Delgado shared this piece of advice: “Don’t (have sex) where you sleep.” I’ll let you and your roommate talk about that one on your own, but you should remember to be respectful when it comes to a shared sleeping space. With a little compromising, you might just come to a good agreement about when having someone over is appropriate or not.

Don’t make it awkward.

There is nothing awkward about trying to make your living space more comfortable, or expressing what you think about the space you share. You can tell people what you want or need for them to do without feeling ashamed. Know what you want, and make sure that it is respected by speaking with your roommate openly and kindly.

TALK TO ME

Ours is a community that cares.

We keep each other safe.

uhsystem.edu/salutations Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Prevention Campaign

University of Houston System

Talk to your roommates. You are both living together for months at a time, and while you are bound to step on each other’s toes a little bit, don’t keep it all inside. Open communication is always the way to go. Don’t let resentment build.

LISTEN. You are both away from your families, and you will both experience a rough patch here and there. Ask about your roommate’s day. Encourage them when you know they have an exam coming up. Talk. Listen. Feel the companionship.

You don’t know me like that.

Don’t be overly clingy with your roomie. If your relationship does not warrant a specific inquiry into their whereabouts, then let it be! Stop asking them where they’re coming from or where they are going to — that can get creepy when you don’t know them well. Sometimes they’re just walking back into the room. Don’t ask me, “Where did you go?” I go a lot of places—class, meetings, rehearsals, dope chill sessions, hangouts, the water fountain, Carrel Space No. 16, the lounge area.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 29

DON’T BE DISTANT.

RELY ON YOUR ROOMMATE.

Being a good roommate isn’t just about not suffocating them with your presence. It is equally rude to keep your awesome personality to yourself. Find a happy medium. When you are both in the room, say hello to each other, and when you leave it’s polite to say goodbye. Be kind and respectful. Most importantly, when you see your roommate in public, acknowledge them.

You sleep two feet away from them and wash your hair in the same shower; that’s an unbreakable bond—give them a shout out in public.

Your dorm is your new home base.

Keep in touch every now and then.

Let them know that they don’t need to worry about your wellbeing. Maybe, just maybe, you two will even become friends.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOTES? Of course, we know that being passive aggressive is one of the most effective, kindest and perfect attempts to let someone close to you know that you are upset. Not. Be straightforward with your roommate—being passive aggressive might be fun at first, but it’s unfair to the people you live with.

BUT ALSO DON’T. Make other friends, and enjoy spending time outside the four walls of your dorm room. If you cling to your roommate, you will keep yourself from the amazing opportunities that having other friends might bring.

DON’T BORROW YOUR ROOMMATE’S TOWELS AND SHARE THEM WITH THE PERSON YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH. Doesn’t that headline pretty much speak for itself? You’d think it’d be common sense, and yet...

BONUS TIPS (IF YOU STILL DON’T GET IT) 1. You can be messy, but keep it on your side.

2. Noise pollution is an issue.

3. Taking Turns: Are you wearing headphones to watch Netflix, or am I wearing headphones to listen to my dope playlists?

4. “Can I borrow this?” is always a good question to ask.

5. You’re a good singer, but chill.

6. Light-hearted banter is fun, but let’s talk about politics.

7. Please don’t leave _____ on the floor.

8. I don’t care that it was 3 a.m. and you were drunk. I still heard you say I smell.

9. Yeah, I’m a liberal arts major. Go ahead and judge me — it feeds me.

CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PRESENTS

SPRING WORKSHOP SERIES

VERSITY community global microagression faith religion transgender social international expression opression privilege ability ass access opportunity tolerance acceptance heterosexuality workshop gender race language colorism multiracial socioeconomic lesbian gay hnicity dream ally DIVERSITY community global microagression faith ansgender belief social international expression opression identity class access opportunity tolerance acceptance heterosexuality DIVERSITY WORKSHOP: POWER AND PRIVILEGE* Wednesday, March 9th Noon-1:30pm - Student Center South-Bayou City (Room 219) *This workshop will explore dynamics of power and privilege, its effect on others and society, and ways we can change our behavior in becoming better allies to elevate barriers.

DIVERSITY 101* Thursday, March 24th Noon-1:30pm - Student Center South-Downtown (Room 261) *What does diversity even mean, and why does it matter? This workshop will discuss the meaning of diversity and explore the multiple diversities that exist. Participants will also identify the relevance of one’s own cultural identities and leave with an enhanced understanding of how to embrace diversity in order to work more effectively across differences.

All workshops are open to UH students, faculty, and staff. e i for each workshop.

Participants must register online Limited seating available.

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For more information please contact 713-743-6047 or visit www.uh.edu/cdi

T E G R O F DON’T UPCOMING DATES & DEADLINES Short-term Tuition Deferment Due..............................March 3 3rd Installment Due........................................................March 11 Book Loan Payment Due...............................................March 21 Last day to add a class in spring session 5.................March 22

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UH Enrollment Services

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30 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

THINGS YOU

NEVER KNEWYOU

NEEDED

Your mom never said you would need to buy a broom, did she?

ESPERANZA FARRELL Cooglife Writer

Being an adult is difficult.

Being a college student can be even more difficult. You have so many things to remember (don’t you have something due today?) and sometimes household items slip through the cracks of your grocery list. Below are a few items you may need to make a quick Walmart run to grab before it’s too late:

TUNE INTO

THURSDAYS 5-7 P.M. ON COOGRADIO.COM Campus lifestyle/News/Talk/Giveaways & more!

10.

CAN OPENER

You know, to open cans. How are you supposed to eat Spaghettios or vegetables, I guess, if you can’t even open the can, you Neanderthal? Most can openers are cheap, but if you’re feeling fancy, invest in an electric can opener.

9.

CORKSCREW/BOTTLE OPENER You know, to open bottles. Having one of these nifty tools automatically puts you ahead of a large percentage of your friends. No one thinks about how to open the wine bottle—they’re just excited about the wine.

8.

MEASURING CUP

Measuring Cups — No, you don’t know what a cup of sugar looks like. And using your hands to measure is not a great way to make that desert from Pinterest.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 31

7.

CHIP CLIPS

3.

CURTAINS

Unless you like stale chips, invest in some of these cheap, plastic food-savers.

Don’t feel like buying any? Use some clothespins or bread ties. Just don’t let your chips get stale from sitting open on the counter for days.

6.

BROOM

The floor shouldn’t feel crunchy. When you get home from class or work and just want to kick off your shoes, make sure the floor is swept and ready to meet your bare feet. Plus, what would mother say if she saw your floor?

5.

TAPE

To hold your life together. And any class projects, posters or pictures as well.

4.

TOASTER OVEN

You can eat something besides ramen, my friend. And if, on the off chance, you really do only eat Ramen, then having a toaster oven may help you get creative with your Maruchan dinners.

10600-UH Coog Life March Ad Half Page-final.pdf

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11:19 AM

Preferably blackout, because the sun is overrated. They also add a decorative touch to your otherwise lacking space. Shower curtains are always a good idea, too.

2.

LAMPS

I love lamp. You should, too. If you hate the sun, you need some form of light by which to do your homework. Candlelight is so last century.

1.

PLUNGER

For that extra fiber you’ve been eating. On a side-note, you definitely don’t want to get stuck without one of these. When your plumbing problems get too much to handle, you’ll be glad you invested those $5. I guarantee paying for a plumber costs way more.

32 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

House Cleaning Jams BREEANGELA HAMILTON CoogRadio

So Fresh, So Clean OutKast Who doesn’t aspire to have a home as fresh and as clean as this song?

This hip-hop classic is the perfect to ease yourself into the cleaning mood.

Young & Stupid Travis Mills (ft. T.I.) This catchy tune joins the pop rapper with the King of the South and jazzy horns. It guarantees to make any time a good time.

Hot Mess Cobra Starship Head bang, jump around and rock out to the title track from Cobra Starship’s third LP. Just try not to break anything in your kitchen.

Another One Bites the Dust Queen No cleaning playlist is complete without this classic ’80s rock song. Go ahead, use your broom as a guitar — we won’t judge.

Problem Ariana Grande (ft. Iggy Azalea) Clean house while jamming to this 2014 hit. It’s quick tempo and catchy chorus will help you power through even the most mundane of chores.

I Love It Icona Pop Treat your hallway like a runway — this techno-pop duo’s 2012 hit will give you the strength you need to finally clean out your closet.

Starin’ At It Maliibu N Helene You can practice your dance moves and degrease the oven while listening to this upbeat, dancehall-inspired song.

Hotline Bling Drake If you’re not hitting Drizzy’s dance moves while tossing your things into the hamper, you’re doing the laundry wrong.

Shake It Off Taylor Swift Cleaners gonna clean. Break out the Swiffer and your shades for this record-breaking Swift hit from her Grammy award-winning album “1989.”

Dirty Laundry Blackbear This high energy, genre-bending track is perfectly suited for household chores. You will jam so hard that you’ll forget you’re cleaning.

INSTRUCTOR

Certification Course

INSANITY LIVE! 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | MP 1/2 $249.00

BACKPACKING

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

APRIL 15–17

LONESTAR TRAIL

PiYO Live!

Enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with an escape to woods for a weekend of backpacking along the Lone Star Trail in the Sam Houston National Forest. The deadline to sign up for this trip is 3/28 at 5pm.

9:00 am - 6:00 pm | MP 1/2 $249.00

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

$95 Student/Rec Center Member

SCUBA OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF CAMPUS RECREATION

Member

SCUBA Schools International (SSI) is one of the most trusted names in SCUBA diving. SSI has set the standard for SCUBA diving certification since 1970 with more than 27 regional offices, representation in more than 110 countries.

March 21–April 13 Days Time Mon & Wed 6:30–9 PM

Register By March 16

#

UHCampusRecreation

UHCampusRecreation

UHRecreation

@UHRecreation

#UHREC

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 33

Student Housing & Residential Life and the Student Centers presents

COUGAR CASINO at Frontier Fiesta

Drawing Times: Thursday and Friday @ 9:45PM Saturday @ 7:15PM

Grand Prizes Xbox One HP Chromebook Apple Watch 100% Free, Open to All Hourly Door Prizes Roulette

Texas Hold ‘Em

Blackjack

Thursday March 24, 2016 @ 6PM - 10PM Friday March 25, 2016 @ 6PM - 10PM Saturday March 26, 2016 @ 2PM - 7:30PM

34 Tuesday, March 1, 2016

”Dear” RoomMate, I have yoUr goldfisH aND your favorite pair Of sOcKs. ThEre is NO WAY you are geTting tHem Back unLeSs You dO A FeW ThingS. fOr starters, clean the daMn Bathroom!

And if you don”t, liTtle “GoLdiloCks” the GolDfISh maY jusT end up a part of the CV1 PLumBING SySTEM! NeXt, DO YOUR LAUNDrY, for the Love of God! I may or may not KeEp Your Care BeaR socks, depending on how Long i Can TaKe theIr SMElL...

THat is ALl.

—DisGrunTleD in the DorMs

2016

HELP US CELEBRATE THE BEST OF HOUSTON & UH

TUESDAY, APRIL 5TH / 11:00AM-2:00PM / STUDENT CENTER CIRCLE DRIVE

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@cooglifemag

@cooglifemag

6 END !

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6 K 3.2 WEE N DAY R FU E T EAS AMILY F

SFAC FUNDED

2016

24

ISSUE 7

MARCH 2016

26

WHOSE HOUSE? YOUR HOUSE.