Issue 30 // February 2019
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The Housing Issue is here! Kind of an odd issue for a majority commuter school, but if you’re planning on relocating closer to school, I know this issue will be a great resource for you.
EDITORIAL
In here, we have guides for living on-campus and even decorating your first place. As well as essays about the joys of living on campus and commuting.
COVER
We hope that you enjoy every page of this issue, and remember, we can’t create stuff like this unless awesome people like you (YES you, reading this very sentence right now) decide to step up to the plate and join our staff. Our doors are always open, and we are always looking to grow our little family over at the CSM. Apply now on GetInvolved. If you ever have any questions about the things that we write, or you have any suggestions about what we should be writing, feel free to send me an email at cooglife@thedailycougar. com. I hope you guys enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it. ☺
Julie Araica, Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com
Fiona Legesse, Creative Director ame@thedailycougar.com
WRITING
Reem Al Bishah Binish Azhar Ally Cendana ADVERTISING
csmadvertising@uh.edu
cooglife @cooglifemag @cooglifemag
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february 2019
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Reliant an NRG company
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Lincoln Property Company
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Aspen Houston
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Cambridge Oaks
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Cullen Oaks
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Alliance Residential
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The Icon
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Gateway on Cullen
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Vue on MacGregor
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The Daphne Apartments
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Karya Property Management
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Campus Vue
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The Elle Collection/Verdir Hermann Park
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UH Residential Life and Housing
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Metro 5514
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Apartment decorating
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My first semester on campus
24-25 Apartment Guide 26 4
Why I chose to commute
COOGLIFE // FEBRUARY 2019
Sign up for the Reliant Truly Free Weekends plan. You’ll get a Google Home Hub at no cost, 1 free electricity every weekend and price security for the length of your term. Manage your Reliant account with your voice Ask simple questions like “Hey Google, ask Reliant, when does my free weekend start?” You can also use voice commands to pay your electricity bill, track your usage, 2 or check your account balance.” Keep an eye on your energy efficiency View a customized snapshot of your weekly electricity use on your Google Home Hub display. Get estimates of your expected weekly electricity charges so you can budget better. Get help at a glance Use your voice to get the best of Google – search, YouTube, photos, calendar, maps and more – right on the Google Home Hub display. And create personalized morning and 3 evening routines with Voice Match.
An offer you’ll only find with Reliant Get your Google Home Hub at no cost and free electricity every weekend. Visit reliant.com/weekends 1 Valid only for new residential customers. Enrollment in the Reliant Truly Free Weekends plan provides one Google Home Hub per household and requires a residential service address served by Reliant. Free weekends begin at 8 p.m. Friday and end 12 a.m. Monday. Your monthly bill will reflect your weekend usage at no charge. Your average price calculation will be based on your total monthly usage. Allow up to eight weeks after service begins for Google Home Hub delivery. Reliant reserves the right to discontinue this program without notice. 2
Google Home Hub requires a Wi-Fi network, a nearby electrical outlet, and a compatible (Android, iOS) mobile device. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. Voice commands require a compatible device and working internet and Wi-Fi. Google Home Hub and Reliant Commands are only available in English at this time.
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Limited warranty provided by Google, and except for that limited warranty, Reliant and Google make no warranties. Reliant is not affiliated with Google or the products and services it markets. Google and Google Home Hub are trademarks of Google LLC.
Reliant is a registered service mark of Reliant Energy Retail Holdings, LLC. Reliant Energy Retail Services, LLC (PUCT Certificate #10007). © 2019 Reliant Energy Retail Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. 885922
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www.monarchmedicalcenterapts.com 713-338-2818
www.meliamedicalcenter.com 713-741-0570
www.lincolnmedicalcenterapts.com 713-796-1177
Great Move-in Specials! BRING THIS IN & RECIEVE A LOOK & LEASE SPECIAL OF $300 OFF ONE MONTH’S RENT & DEPOSIT WAIVED
AMENITIES INNER LOOP/5 MILES FROM U OF H WOOD FLOORS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS FITNESS CENTER RESORT STYLE POOL SPA/HOT TUB 6
COOGLIFE // FEBRUARY 2019
HOT SAUNA VALET TRASH COMMUNITY RESIDENT EVENTS PET FRIENDLY COFFEE BAR
4971 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 832-930-7565
Tired of dorm rooms? Ready to live in style? The road to luxury living starts here! Aspen Houston is one of the city’s newest gated luxury apartment complexes. We offer a variety of floorplans and layouts from 1 to 4-bedroom options. Our goal for every resident is simple – to offer the best possible student-housing experience. No matter what you’re looking for, or who you’re looking with, we’ve got an option that’s sure to fit perfectly. Every unit offers large private bedrooms and bathrooms and walk-in closets. No need to stress about buying or renting furniture. We furnish all units with modern bedroom and living room pieces! All of our apartments are fully equipped with all the basic appliances which include full-size washer and dryer, microwave, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher! Granite countertops and wood-style flooring are available in every unit! The open kitchen and stainless-steel appliances might inspire you to start cooking more and eating out less.
Our 24-hour clubhouse offers a wide variety of great amenities for our resident’s enjoyment. The resort-style pool gives you the luxury to cool down on warm summer days. Avoid the travel to campus with the convenience of our 24-hour full service study lounge and free printing. Get in shape using the 24-hour stateof-the art fitness center which offers many treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and dumbbells. Reserved parking is available for residents in the multi-level covered parking garage. In addition, we offer our private shuttle bus that takes you to and from campus. The convenience of our shuttle bus will save you time, money, and gas! We’re in Houston and we can’t wait to meet you and show you our brand-new community for students! Stop by for a tour day!
HOUSTON
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4444 Cullen Blvd Houston, TX 77004 713-748-2606 cambridgeoaksuh.com
Cambridge Oaks Apartments is the ideal on-campus housing for students attending University of Houston. The
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welcoming, garden-style apartments provide a range of living options from single studio efficiency or 1-bedroom units perfect for one, to private or semi-private 2-bedroom, 2-bath options that can house up to 4 students. Two-bedroom options are available furnished or unfurnished. The recently renovated units feature new flooring, sleek new appliances, custom cabinetry, and granite countertops. Bathrooms include new vanities and resurfaced tubs, and every room has convenient USB outlets for charging electronics. Life at Cambridge Oaks is more than just a great location. It’s also fun! The community is pet-friendly, with plenty of green space for recreation, plus dedicated BBQs and picnic areas. Residents have access to the Resident Clubhouse, sparkling swimming pool, sand volleyball court, study tables, 24-hour laundry, Hub by Amazon for secure, safe package delivery and so much more! At Cambridge Oaks, our goal is to provide a happy, healthy environment where students can ‘Live, Learn & Grow’. Whether fresh out of high school or upperclass-
men, students who are engaged and involved tend to perform better academically. That’s why we incorporate award-winning residential life programs and social meet and greet events into daily campus life. Students have the opportunity to meet peers and forge friendships. As part of the CLV family of student villages, Cambridge Oaks residents also have the chance to take advantage of our Go Explore program with free accommodations available at any of the campus communities in the CLV global network of student villages - that’s an opportunity you won’t find elsewhere! Conveniently located at the intersection of Cullen and Wheeler, the Cambridge Oaks gated community includes 24/7 on-site security for added safety, plus the option of security escorts who are available to walk students to or from class or other campus locations, anytime, day or night. Best of all? Life at Cambridge Oaks puts students just a quick 5-minute walk from the center of UH campus. No waiting for shuttles or circling to find a parking spot - residents can wake up, wash up and go!
4600 Cullen Blvd Houston, TX 77004 713-748-3707 cullenoaks.com
liveatalliance.com
What are you looking for in housing? Walk-to-class convenience? Stay-fit amenities? Tools that help you make the grade? Community events that keep you connected? Look no further! All of these are what makes Cullen Oaks the PREMIER student housing choice at University of Houston. Get the lifestyle you want with our fully furnished apartments featuring private bedroom and bathroom floor plans, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and Academic Success Centers! Our professional on-site management and staff are dedicated to serving your needs and helping you enjoy your college experience at UH. Spaces are filling fast so don’t miss out! AS | 115 | 72864
Alliance communities cater to those looking to live, work and play in an extraordinary space. As a resident, you’ll enjoy unprecedented service and convenience, not to mention amazing locations that give you quick and easy access to The University of Houston. We hope you come in and take a tour of one of our gorgeous communities, and promise to make your move as seamless as possible!
1, 2 & 4 Bedroom Apartments · Walk or bike to class at the University of Houston · On the UH shuttle route · Private bedrooms and bathrooms · Leather-style furniture
· 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center with strength equipment, cardio machines and free weights · 24-hour Academic Success Center with iMacs, PCs and free printing
Text COOGS to 313131 and enter to win a $1,000 scholarship! CULLENOAKS.COM
- Broadstone Skyline - Equinox - Memorial Hills - Broadstone Lofts at Hermann Park - District 28
Schedule your tour today!
Amenities and prize subject to change. Limited time only. See office for details.
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3509 Elgin Houston, TX 77004 713-344-4684 livetheicon.com Be the Icon. Live the Icon. The Icon is the newest and most luxurious student housing experience serving the University of Houston students. We are located directly across from campus thus walking distance to the core of the UH main campus with a location that cannot be matched, unique contemporary style and modern feel. The Icon is fully furnished with a full-sized bed, desk and chair, and dresser. The living area comes with a comfortable couch, chair, coffee table, and an entertainment stand. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a dining table including four chairs, high-end stainless steel appliances, refrigerator, dishwasher, builtin microwave, and washer & dryer.
1901 Cullen Blvd Houston, TX 77023 713-893-3858 caliberliving.com
If you are looking for a place to stay with great space, Gateway is the way to go! We have high rise ceilings, the biggest floor plans, the biggest bed sizes, and much much more! Come by and take a tour and turn your dreams of living large into a reality!
LIVETHEICON.COM
LIMITED AVAILABILITY!
PREMIER STUDENT APARTMENTS
Nestled right next to the University of Houston, The Icon is the perfect place to call home while you're in college. And with prices so affordable, who wouldn't want a bit of luxury? The Icon boasts two pools, a theater, study rooms, luxury apartments, and much more!
Unit Amenities • • • • • • • • • • • •
CommUnity Amenities • • • • • • • • • • • • •
gatewayoncullen.com (713) 893-3858 1901 Cullen Blvd. Houston, TX 77023
ICON@ACHLIVING - 713-344-1684
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Queen Size Beds 10 ft Ceilings Walk-in Closets Additional Storage Balcony Stainless Steel Appliances Tile Accents Granite Countertops Hardwood Floors Internet Cable Washer/Dryer
Campus Shuttle Volleyball Court 7 Study Rooms 24 Hour Fitness Gym Gated Community TV Lounge Club House Swimming Pool Business Center On-site Maintenance Outdoor Kitchen/Lounge Valet Trash Smart Homes (Select Units)
/gatewayoncullen @gatewayoncullen
1800 El Paseo St. Houston, TX 77054 713-799-9044 thedaphneapartments.com
4460 S. MacGregor Way 832-412-3608 vuecollegeliving.com Vue on MacGregor—remember that name because it’s about to be your new HOME. We’re not really sure why you would live anywhere that doesn’t have controlled access entry, GPA discounts, or gated-garage parking. Don’t worry, we have tons more to offer than just that. You can also forget that gym membership and get swole right at home with our 2 fitness centers, one for weights and one for cardio. Bring the squad over and chill in the aqua lounge, and then print up that term paper with free printing and access to our 24 hour computer lounge. Even if you just need a night in, we got you covered! Granite countertops, wood-style flooring, and stainless-steel appliances, and 50” flat screens to make your pad feel just like home. Did I mention we are fully furnished? From your queen-sized bed right to the washer and dryer it’s all included in every apartment. We’ve thought of everything. We’re right next to campus, so don’t you won’t have to fight for a parking space ever again. No university parking pass needed when you can just walk a few minutes and be right on time to class. If walking isn’t your thing, you can hop of the bus right across the street. Make your professors office hours, actually be involved with on-campus activities, and even sleep in late and still make it to class. So come check it out. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you hurry though, because we have some of the best deals going on right now and don’t want you to be left on the streets.
The Daphne Apartments offers inviting one and two bedroom apartments with spacious living areas with faux-wood flooring, generous storage space, and a private patio or balcony that make your apartment a place you’ll be excited to call home! Our gourmet kitchens include quartz countertops and brushed nickel fixtures. Select units also feature cozy wood-burning fireplaces and/or a stackable washer/ dryer in-unit. Stay active at our fully-equipped fitness center, spend time entertaining your guests at our picnic area with BBQ grills, or take a dip in the refreshing pool. Our welcoming clubhouse features a cyber cafe with complimentary WiFi. For your convenience, we also offer a 24/7 resident package delivery lockers.
Amenities • 24-Hour Fitness Center • FREE Wi-Fi in Common Areas • Controlled Access • Washer & Dryer Included
• Picnic Area with BBQ Grills • 24/7 Resident Package Delivery Lockers • Swimming Pool • Guest Suites
thedaphneapartments.com (713) 799-9044 COOGLIFE // FEBRUARY 2019
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4459 N. MacGregor Way 281-888-5570 campusvueapartments.com
www.karyamanagement.com Karya is the fastest growing Houston based multifamily apartment management company, with over 50 properties located all throughout Houston in major hubs such as Downtown, Riviera, Heights, Medical Center, Baytown, Champions, Clear Lake, Memorial, Westchase, and Katy. Each of our unique apartments features top of the line amenities such as modern appliances, swimming pools, fitness centers, neighborhood patrols, laundry facilities, 24-hour maintenance, and convenient locations to popular hotspots. To express our commitment to promoting the growth of Houston’s educational institutions, students and educators will receive special discount offerings in leasing for all properties. Come make Karya your new home! www.karyamanagement.com KPM
MORE THAN JUST A HOME.
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Over 10,000 restaurants, world-class theater groups, diverse culture and artistic expression; welcome to Houston, Texas. The Culinary and Cultural Capital of the South is an exciting place to work, stay and play. In its third year, Campus Vue is a leader in innovation in the student housing industry providing off campus housing to The University of Houston. Campus Vue offers accommodating living spaces for every student’s preference ranging from one-bedroom studios to four bedrooms/ four-bathroom floorplans. Plenty of spacious options if you have roommates and excellent roommate matching if you’re wanting to meet more people! Luckily for our residents each of our units come fully furnished with Wi-Fi and cable connections in each bedroom. Along with our modern style apartments we also have desirable amenities for all of our resident’s needs. Located close to the UH campus you can make a quick trip across the street to catch the UH shuttle or enjoy short walk to class. For our pet friendly residents, we have a brand-new dog park located next to our recently upgraded court yard. Our courtyard is perfect for those cooler nights to sit around the fire pit with friends. When summer hits, you can be found relaxing poolside while soaking up the sun on our upgraded furniture. Our residents also love utilizing our onsite 24-hour gym, study rooms and game/lounge room. After a long day on campus you can take a load off on our newly renovated roof top lounge with brand new gas grills and fire pit to help you relax. All while you see the beautiful skyline of downtown Houston, giving you the best VUE in town. Don’t worry, this isn’t the only place you can see these awesome views, you can request to have this view from your apartment! Not only do we have upgraded amenities, we provide a resident’s life program that is above the rest. Weekly resident events for free food and getting to know your neighbors. We know how stressful college can be and we’re here to make your living experience above the rest. Don’t believe that one place could offer so much? Come check us out for yourself and see what an amazing lifestyle we have to offer! We look forward to seeing you at the best view, CAMPUS VUE!
person oN THE STREET
What is your favorite thing about living on campus?
Being on campus let’s me get super involved with different orgs and stay on campus for a long period of time. advertising junior // alex barboza
“
I live in Alief, and with traffic it’s over an hour long commute. Skipping that commute actually gives me time to study, I get to wake up late, and I get to sleep in too. Mechanical Engineering sophmore // frederick mallari
”
“I really like the people I meet. In Moody, I always strike up a conversation with the person working the front desk about cool stuff like shows, movies and anime characters.” media production Sophomore // dj waller
“There’s this connection to the campus and culture and you feel connected to everything around you.” computer science freshman // benjamin berryman
“
I just like how convenient it is.
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cis senior // imran raziuddin
THE ELLE COLLECTION/ VERDIR HERMANN PARK www.theellecollection.com • 713-741-2001 www.verdirhermannpark.com • 713-747-1212
Featuring | Wood Floors • Granite Counter Tops • Free Covered Parking* Shuttle Service to Medical Center & U of H Campus • Washer/Dryer Over Size Garden Tubs • Pet Friendly • Resident Study Center w/ Computer Access
@ellecollectiontmc @verdirhermannpark
Outdoor Grilling Area • Attached Garages* • Free Wi-Fi in Common Areas 24-hour Fitness Center Access • 24-hour Package Pick up
*1 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $979*
*in select units/locations *prices subject to change daily
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person oN THE STREET
What is your favorite thing about living on campus?
it’s close to all my classes, it’s convenient, and i can use my own bathroom at any time of the day. mis senior // obada dauleh
“
It’s way more convenient than commuting. I like being here since all my friends are here with me. So hanging out is super easy. I also love just walking around campus. media prodcution sophomore // charles bergman
Live on campus!
Students who live on campus have an average GPA of 3.0 and are more likely to graduate in 4 years.*
Apply today! *Based on data from 2018 UH commuter and resident students.
@uhhousing
uh.edu/housing
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”
“I love the sense of community. I’ve made so many friends, whether they were my neighbor or I met them at events. It also helps my grades stay up.” broadcast journalism Sophomore // madelyn shidester
“It’s close to all my classes, so I can wake up late and still get to class on time.”
MEDIA PRODUCTION SENIOR // JAKE BOYLES
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I can just wake up and walk to class.
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broadcast journalism senior // janel strong
person oN THE STREET
What would you change
about living on campus?
I think both dining halls should be on the same side of campus so i don’t have to eat at the uc if it’s close to my class.
“
mechanical engineering sophomore // gabriel mallari
I think there should be better visitor parking. I have a lot of people come to my apartment, and they have to pay to park there which is pretty annoying. cis senior // imraan raziuddin
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“At the Lofts a lot of stuff is broken, so I’d make the facilities a little better. They let people live there year-round so I feel like there’s not a lot of time for maintenance.” media production Sophomore // dj waller
“I mean the lofts are pretty nice, but they don’t have ethernet, and my stove stinks, so I guess that’s it.” Media production sophomore// madeleine willars
“
I think it should be cheaper, and meal plans optional.
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mis senior // obada dauleh
LOOKING FOR A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME? Metro 5514 allows you to live near it all. We feature 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes conveniently located near the Medical Center, University of Houston and Downtown with easy access to I-45 and the 610 loop. All accessible by Metro rail, which is located directly across the street from our community. For your comfort our features include 9 foot ceilings, bay window dining areas and spacious kitchens. We are also pet friendly however, breed restrictions apply. Please call to schedule a tour today! ******Come check out our Student Business/Study Center!!!******
OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday CLOSED
5514 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77201
metro5514.com
713.497.1628
Metro5514@m.knck.io COOGLIFE // FEBRUARY 2019
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person oN THE STREET
Would you recommend other people to live on campus?
it depends on your age, if you’re younger then yes. If you’re over 21 and can drink, at least live somewhere without a roommate.
“
broadcast journalism senior // janel strong
I think you should live on campus at least once. There’s always so much stuff going on around here and I think everyone should experience that.
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mis senior // obada dauleh
”
“Yes and no. It’s a great experience, there’s always food, and you get to have a great social life. But if you’re really trying to save money, then stay off campus.” media production Sophomore // dj waller
“Yes! It’s a great experience, and you get to hang with all your on-campus friends and your commuter friends get a place to crash.” Media production sophomore// madeleine willars
“
Not if you’re trying to save money.
”
MEDIA PRODUCTION SENIOR // JAKE BOYLES
How I decorated my apartment on a budget Writing by Reem Al Bishah | Photos by Miranda Miller | Layout by Julie Araica
Decorating your first place can be unexpectedly daunting when you’re on a tight student budget. But here are a few tips and tricks to help you along the way — and the low-down on the best places to find new items. continued on page 18
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When I stepped through the threshold of what was supposed to be my new home, I was met with a rather unimpressive 900 square feet of space, just enough for two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen nestled into a narrow corner. As my father checked the security of the apartment, I started mapping out where I would put all the furniture I didn’t have yet. I thought of the silk plants I would hang, the wooden shelves I would nail into the walls despite my security deposit and the throw blankets I would dress the couch in. It was far from feeling like home, but I had years worth of ideas to make it just right. However, the reality of living on my own set in. I had bills and groceries to pay for, as well as textbook and parking fees that were waiting menacingly on my school account. I could not afford that beige sectional that I lusted after for so long. I was crushed under the price of a single throw pillow. Who knew a pillow could cost so much? I had bought plenty of furniture from my parent’s home, including a desk from Homegoods, a chair from Amazon and TV stand from Target. That was back when I did not have bills to pay so I was able to splurge on more expensive items. No matter all this, I could not eat dinner and watch TV on the bare carpeted floor forever. Before long, I had to find a way to get furniture for a low price. I already had my budget-friendly stores, like Marshalls and TJMaxx. Places I used to dread visiting with my mom became the places I frequented the most when I began dressing my apartment. There I could find my mid-century modern aesthetic oozing out the aisles. I can walk in for a good hour or two and emerge victorious with a $16 weaved laundry basket and a $30 wooden stool by my side. It’s best to be patient with shopping for furniture on a budget. If you try to buy it all at once, the cost will cripple an already struggling bank account. The first month I focused on a 18
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couch. Facebook Marketplace was a godsend with the bigger furniture items. People post their listings daily and you can find new options all the time. It’s a lot like Craiglist, but a lot less intimidating. I bought my couch for $200 from a home near the Galleria. With one simple exchange of some cash, I was the mother of a lightly used grey couch that’s only flaw was cat scratches on the arm, easily covered with a cozy throw blanket.
The second month I found my bed for $140 on Amazon. The bookshelf was purchased from the online furniture retailer Overstock. Home decor on a budget requires creativity and vision. If you know what you want and keep an eye out, you can find items from anywhere — whether it’s your next Target shopping spree or Goodwill adventure — shelves make your space look like from out of a pinterest photo.
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My first semester on campus, and what I learned Writing by Ally Cendana | Photo courtesy of Pexels
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Living on campus is a great experience, you have easy access to all your academic resources and events at UH. The dorms provide you with the opportunity to get involved in the community here and explore your interests. With infinite number of clubs at the university, it won’t be hard to find a place for you. I live in Cougar Village, which is fairly close to all the academia and activities around campus. I love the fact that I can just wake up in the morning fifteen minutes before class starts and still make it without being late. That’s what I love the most about living in the dorm - the convenience, you have so many places to go and things to do when you find yourself bored out of your mind. The library to research, the fountains to chill at, the Student Center where you can listen to talented musicians play on the piano. There is the Recreational Center, where I find myself going
about three times a week to keep myself active because Freshman fifteen is REAL. I always thought Freshman fifteen was a mere myth, but I was wrong because as finals week came along, food became my best friend. I always hit up the late-night menu at Moody for some stress munchies or the food trucks that come at night when I feel adventurous. There is unlimited food when you stay at the dorms, whether you go to the dining hall or head to the Student Center. When you live at the dorms you never go hungry. They have such a wide variety of foods of all different cultures at the University of Houston and that is why I love it here, just the cultural diversity all around from the food to the people. I can personally can say I have met life-long friends with my stay at Cougar Village, and that it always amazes me that there are so many
people from so many walks of life I’ve met, people not only from the Houston area, but all over the world. But dealing with so many different types of people can lead to a lot of disagreements. Living in a suite with two other girls can cause conflict at times, but it taught me valuable lessons of compromise and respect for others. Living in the dorm helped me mature and become independent, for once I have no one to tell me “No Ally you can’t go out tonight” or “Ally you need to clean your room.” The independence is liberating knowing that I can live on my own terms and live my life to fullest. It saddens me that by the end of the semester I will be gone, but the dorms gave me some lifetime memories for my freshman year of college that I will cherish forever.
FARMER’S BIKE RIDE 3/2 | $15 STUDENT HIKING BIG BEND 3/8-12 | $350 STUDENT BIKE REPAIR 3/6 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | $5 STUDENT BIKING IN SUGARLAND 3/23 | $25 STUDENT TEXAS CAVE JOUNEY 3/30-31 | $150 STUDENT MOUNTAIN BIKING SAM HOUSTON 4/6 | $50 STUDENT
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
AMERICAN RED CROSS
LIFEGUARD
CERTIFICATION
ALL TRIPS INCLUDED FOOD, GEAR, & GUIDE. Check website for trip description & non-member rates.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS MYREC.UH.EDU
BADMINTON DOUBLES 3/1 | 3 - 7PM OUTDOOR SOCCER (4V4) M/W/CR VOLLEYBALL (6V6) M/W/CR/G FLAG FOOTBALL (4V4) M/W/CR/G REGISTER DEADLINE PLAY BEGINS WEDNESDAY 3/20 | 5:00PM 3/25 M MEN ∙ W WOMEN ∙G GREEK ∙ CR CO-REC
MARCH 15 - 17
FRIDAY | 3:00 — 10:00PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 8:00AM — 8:00PM
WANT TO BE A FITNESS LEADER?
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION PREP COURSE
FEBRUARY 27—APRIL 24 Wednesdays 3:00–5:00PM CRWC Rm 1038 Register by 3/6
$35.00 Registration fee Required textbook @ acefitness.org * FREE TEXTBOOK rental to the first 5 students registered.
check the website for a full SP19 IMS schedule.
STRENGTHENING THE PRIDE
UH Recreation
#UHREC
UHRecreation
uh.edu/recreation
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Writing/Layout by Julie Araica
your guide to campus living the dorms
At the dorms, all your classes are a mere fifteen minute walk from your door. But be willing to make some compromises, like sharing a bedroom or bathroom with a roommate.
CV1 address: 4385 Cougar Village Dr cost: $3,195/semester
amenities: 24-hour desk operation and security,
CV2
free laundry facilities, computer lab, community refrigerator, oven, stove, and microwave, fitness room.
address: 4373 Cougar Village Dr cost: $3,195/semester
amenities: Computer cluster, pool tables,
MOODY
fitness room, 24-hour desk operation and security community refrigerator, oven, stove, and microwave, fitness room, seperate toilet and shower.
address: 4401 Cougar Village Dr
cost: $2,612/semester (double), $3,571/semester (single)
amenities: 24-hour information desks and security, free laundry facili-
ties, community-style bathrooms, computer lab, connected to dining hall, ATM by North Tower entrance, exercise room, pool tables.
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the lofts cougar place address: 4373 Cougar Village Dr
cost: $3,810/semester (4-bed/1-bath), $4,157/ semester (2-bed/1-bath), $4,272/semester (1-bed/1bath) amenities: Private bedrooms, computer room,
free laundry facilities, fitness area, 2 pool tables.
address: 4700 Calhoun Rd
cost: $4,928/semester (studio, unfurnished), $5,054/semester (studio, furnished), $6,058/ semester (1-bed/1-bath, unfurnished), $6,239/ semester (1-bed/1-bath, furnished), $4,398/semester (2-bed/1-bath, unfurnished), $4,519/semester (2-bed/1-bath, furnished) amenities: Theater room, two roof terraces, sky
lounge, fitness center, free laundry facilities, cougar Xpress market and Subway restaurant, private courtyard, pool table, computer lab, full-kitchen per unit (stove/fridge), no mealplan necessary.
on-campus apts. A compromise between living on-campus and having a place that feels like your own. At these places, you don’t need to share your room with a roommate, you don’t need to worry about paying monthly rent, and you still feel like you’re living on-campus because everything is so close.
bayou oaks address: 5063 Calhoun Rd
cost: $3,761/semester (4-bed/2-bath), $3,957/semester (2-bed/1-bath townhome), $3,868/semester (3-bed/2-bath), $3,224/semester (townhouse) amenities: Fall, spring and summer agreements, shuttle buses to and from cam-
pus, computer center, 24-hour fitness center, pool tables, grassy interior courtyard, free laundry facilities, full-kitchen per unit (stove/fridge), no mealplan necessary, gated community. continued on page 28 COOGLIFE // FEBRUARY 2019
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why i choose to commute Writing by Binish Azhar
South bound I-69 will be closed for the next several months due to construction of a new ramp on the right side of the freeway. Hopes to eliminate traffic and congestion, as well as lane-weaving and car accidents will detour UH students as well as others driving in the area for the remainder of the school year and beginning of summer. The new ramps construction is a $30 million-dollar project, the most expensive inconvenience many Houston commuters will have to face until June of 2019. As a commuter student myself, the detour that comes with looping yourself around to stay 26
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south-bound takes approximately 15 extra minutes of driving. Doesn't sound like much -- until you add it on to an already 45-minute commute. The burden that comes with being a commuter student in a traffic infested city like ours ranges far and wide. Whether it be catching yourself in a minor fender bender or a catastrophic accident, to even the expenses of needing a full tank bi-weekly, we’ve been indoctrinated to dedicating a good chunk of our daily lives to a road with no scenery. It’s saddening at best. Yet, I wouldn't exchange it for anything else. Not because “I love my city” or “it’s therapeutic!” Not even
because “I love driving” (as if) -- but because I hate doing my own laundry, I hate cooking, I hate cleaning up after myself. Ultimately, I hate the idea of trading in my hour-long commute and sleeping in my own bed, for a dorm on an 83 percent commuter student campus. The downsides of being a commuter student are loyal to the road only, and the perks outweigh them by a lot. I get to see my siblings, my mom does my laundry, I only cook breakfast and I sleep in my own bed. Being a commuter student isn't so bad.
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continued from page 25
student apts.
These apartments are located off-campus, but they are aimed primarily at students. This is a great way to feel like you’re off-campus, with the same on-campus sense of community.
cambridge oaks
cullen oaks
address: 4444 Cullen Blvd
cost: $569/month (2-bed/2-bath, semi-private, furnished), $901/month (2-bed/2-bath, private), $513/month (2-bed/2-bath, semi-private, unfurnished), $1,177/month (1-bed/1-bath, unfurnished), $1,079/month (studio, unfurnished) amenities: Private bedrooms, computer
room, free laundry facilities, fitness area, 2 pool tables.
address: 4600 Cullen Blvd
cost: $769/month (4-bed/2-bath), $838 or $832/month (2-bed/1-bath), $872 or $859 or $883/month (2-bed/2-bath), $957 or $1,003/ month (1-bed/1-bath) amenities: 24-hour fitness room, basketball
court, garage parking, free WiFi, gated community, furnished apartments, full kitchens, on shuttle route.
gateway on cullen address: 5063 Calhoun Rd
cost: $865/month (5-bed/5-bath), $889/month (4-bed/4-bath), $1,159 (2-bed/2-bath), $1,350 or $1,459 (1-bed/1-bath), $1,215 (studio) amenities: 24 Hour Fitness Gym, gated community, club house, swimming pool,
volleyball court, free internet.
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the icon aspen houston
address: 3509 Elgin St cost: Call for pricing
amenities: Clubhouse, pool,
address: 4971 Martin Luther King Blvd
cost: $699 or $749 or $769 or $869/month (4-bed/4-
theater, parking garage, free internet
bath), $799 or $839/month (3-bed/3-bath), $899 or $979/ month (2-bed/2-bath), $1,329/month (1-bed/1-bath) amenities: Pets allowed, washer/dryer, parking garage,
coffee bar, fitness center, pool, volleyball court.
campus vue address: 4459 N MacGregor Way cost: Call for pricing
amenities: Granite countertops, fully
furnished units, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryers
address: 4460 S MacGregor Way
vue on macgregor
cost: Call for pricing
amenities: Fully furnished units, washer/dryer, utilities included w/ electricity, stainless
steel applicaes, granite countertops, walk-in closets, coffee bar, aqua lounge, parking garage, fitness center
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Join us for the
FREE T-SHIRTS!
Cooglife Housing & Decor Fair WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 /1010A.M. A.M.-2 P.M./ Butler / Butler Plaza TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH/ - 2 P.M. Plaza BRING THIS PUNCH CARD & COLLECT 8 STAMPS TO GET A FREE SHIRT AND TOTE BAG!
Housing & Decรณr Fair
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2/16 Justin Nozuka • 2/20 The Brevet 2/22 VHS Collection • 3/11 Jade Novah 3/12 MASS APPEAL: STARTING 5 ft. Fashawn, Stro, Ezri, Cantrell, 070 PHI 3/19 Cherry Pools
THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000
All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.
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520 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002 www.ReventionMusicCenter.com