The Daily Illini: Fall Housing Guide 2019

Monday, October 7, 2019 THE DAILY ILLINI

Fall Housing Guide

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, October 7, 2019

Fall Housing Guide

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Monday, October 7, 2019

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2

Houses offer benefits apartments don’t have

BY KATIE POWERS BUZZ EDITOR

In the months leading up to signing a lease, most students will receive countless emails from apartment companies offering deals and encouragement to sign for the next year.

Apartments are fun, but if you’re looking for a unique living experience, consider leasing a house.

House living will offer all the advantages of apartment living but with the added bonus of the chance to live with more friends and host larger parties and events in your space. They also offer a chance to live a comfortable distance from the chaos of campus. However, houses take a bit more preparation than other apartments when it comes to signing and moving in, so here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for house living.

With a house comes far more space. You’ll have many of the same offerings as apartments, including a living room, bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms, but you’ll also most likely have a backyard, a basement or even a spare room or two. This can be great for storage and hosting guests. If you’ve previously lived in an apartment or dorm where you’re fighting to fit in all of your things, managing and preparing for a house can feel overwhelming. But more space really just means you have

more room to decorate and make your housing situation a home.

Before moving in anywhere, it’s always good to coordinate with your roommates about purchasing living necessities and supplies. But before you move into a house, make sure you understand your space and come up with a plan for filling it up so that it feels cozy. Without plenty of furniture and fun decor, your house might feel too big and empty for your comfort.

One of the best parts about living in a house is most offer outdoor spaces like a backyard and a porch. Sure, apartments have balconies and concrete patios, but they don’t offer the same level of peace and privacy a house will.

When you look for houses, make sure you are considering the quality of the outdoor space as much as the interior. Many backyards even have fire pits and grills, so prepare for some great outdoor evenings with roommates and friends.

For many prospective house leasers, the location can be a deterrent. Most of the houses available for student living are located west of First Street in Champaign or east of Lincoln Avenue in Urbana, which is further away from campus than most student apartments. But don’t let a longer walk to class deter you from moving into one. It’s worth it to have the experience of living in a house. If you don’t have a

MARK CAPAPAS THE DAILY ILLINI

A house sits on the corner of Green Street and Busey Avenue. Houses can provide unique living experiences.

car, make sure you’re aware of the ChampaignUrbana Mass Transit District bus schedule and routes. It’s more than likely you won’t have to walk more than a couple of blocks to a stop.

Plus, the chance to live in a new neighborhood

and enjoy some peace and quiet at the end of the day is worth it.

Katie is a senior in LAS . kmp2@dailyillini.com

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4

Break it, buy it: Know this before breaking a lease

BY SHIVALI SHUKLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I remember the pure, unadulterated excitement I felt almost two years ago as I signed my first apartment lease. I sat next to three of my friends and giddily signed my initials on pages of leasing documents, already thinking about things like decorating and learning to cook.

Fast forward about six months, and the satisfaction I felt signing that same lease over to someone new was liberating. My living situation had gotten nasty. One of the three other girls I had signed with showed the ugly side of her our second semester here, and the rest of us just couldn’t imagine having to live in an uncomfortable environment. She happened to be my roommate at the time, so I knew what continuing to live with her would mean for us. When things got particularly bad with her one night in spring of 2018, we did what any self-respecting people would do: We found a new place to live.

I don’t recommend signing and breaking leases just because you might not like someone anymore. Roommates sometimes just don’t get along, and that’s natural when you’re sharing your personal space with someone new. But sometimes, situations get out of control, and there’s no reason you should

force yourself to live in a stressful environment when you’re already dealing with the daily anxieties of being a student.

To this day, about two years after I signed that lease in the first place, I’m still dealing with the repercussions of breaking it. Do I regret breaking that lease? Absolutely not.

Breaking that lease gave me the fresh start I needed and made my sophomore year much less stressful than I know it would’ve been otherwise. But I do wish there were some things I would have known to do before going through with the process.

Ensure management gives you copies of every lease transfer, sublease, release document you touch or sign.

This one’s mandatory. You don’t know what management might say to you six months down the line when whoever took over your lease is trashing the place that was technically “yours” or skipping out on rent. But depending on the type of agreement you sign, you’re not responsible for that, and you can prove it if you have the receipts.

If management promises you’ll still get your security deposit back, get that in writing, too.

I’m still struggling because of this one. Just do it. If they give it back courteously at the end of the leasing term, great! If not, you have evidence of what you’re owed.

Ask what would happen if management changes mid-year and if this will incur changes to any of your agreements.

This also happened to me, and it was nothing short of tumultuous. I didn’t think to wonder about this because I just assumed management doesn’t change so suddenly. I was wrong, and the number of different people I had to talk to when things got messy can’t be counted on my two hands.

Trust your gut.

Trust your instincts on both the people you choose to live with and the place you want to live in.

Don’t settle for a cheap, bug-infested place just because someone else wants to live there.

Don’t feel obligated to sign for a luxury building if you’d much rather live in more affordable digs.

Don’t sign a lease with someone just because they ask you to. Don’t sign a lease with someone who’s already making your life harder than it should be. Chances are time and cohabitation will only make things more tense.

There’s a difference between compromising and settling. Don’t do things you know CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI won’t make you happy. You don’t have to.

A sign advertises open leases at 75 Armory in Shivali is a junior in AHS. sshukl5@dailyillini.com

Champaign. Choose an apartment that satisfies your needs and desires to minimize the risk of breaking a lease.

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Monday, October 7, 2019

5

Embrace wild side of living in a sorority house

BY MEGHAN LYONS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

themselves. Despite this, I made a lot of friends with people on the floor below me. I also developed a great relationship with my floor resident adviser, who I am still close with today.

The friendships I made at Newman Hall were not just limited to floors; everybody who lived there had connections elsewhere.

Things are quite different living in a sorority house. On my floor at Newman Hall, I had a lot of privacy. Now, it is not unusual for one of my sisters to barge into my room at any given time.

This sounds like a downside, but I perceive the new lack of privacy the same way I do at home.

The girls in my house are my family — it is closer-knit than a dorm community. Unlike Newman, I do not have a problem going to any room on my floor to ask to borrow something or for an extra hand to help with a task.

Living in my sorority house has been dynamic.

Every day is a new adventure, from unexpected late-night runs to McDonald’s to girls getting trapped in our elevator. While I enjoyed the structure and tranquility of Newman Hall, I have learned to embrace the unpredictable life of living in a sorority house. The semester is flying by along with the time I have left living in . Until then, I am cherishing the chaos and am creating memories every minute at Delta Zeta.

Virtually every student at the University starts their journey off in a dorm, whether you are a transfer student or an incoming freshman.

After the dorm requirement is satisfied, many students choose to lease an apartment. On the other hand, students involved with the Greek community are typically required to live in their organization’s housing.

As a member of the sorority Delta Zeta, I am living in my chapter’s new house this year. Living in a house with forty-nine other girls is very different compared to living in the dorms my freshman year. Residing in a sorority house has had its ups and downs, but I can genuinely say I have had amazing experiences in both a dorm and my house so far.

Last year, I lived in Newman Hall, located right outside the Main Quad. Compared to other dorms, Newman is a tight-knit community.

Despite entering college as an anxious freshman, meeting people at Newman was stressfree. On Move-In Day, the resident advisers organized a giant game of capture-the-flag in a parking garage on campus. I was fortunate to live in a dorm where I did not struggle to meet people and where a sense of community was present.

Although Newman Hall was a social dorm, Meghan is a sophomore in LAS. my floor was introverted and everybody kept to mslyons2@dailyillini.com

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The exterior of the Delta Zeta House at 111 E. John in Champaign is pictured above. Living in a sorority house offers a very different lifestyle from what one can have in a residence hall.

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7

Establish boundaries to survive dorms

BY BELLA KEYS STAFF WRITER

So you’re moving out and onto bigger and better things: your first place of your own.

Technically, this isn’t your own place, but it’s pretty close. You only have to share a room with one or two other people, and there are no longer curfews or rules to abide by. This may all seem exciting, but it’s very easy for things to go awry. A problem that could happen is letting your dorm room become a pigsty. This can be avoided with four easy steps, which, if followed, will result in a successful dorm experience.

Step one: Discuss with your roommate(s).

After you’ve set your things up, it’s time to set some ground rules. By setting expectations at the beginning of the year, it will help guarantee that you both respect the living space. To do this, think of rules that matter to you.

One possible rule would be for you to keep your things separate. There are many ways you could approach this, but my recommendation would be to say this after you’ve both set up your individual things and drawn boundaries. This way, if your roommate turns out to be messy, their clutter will be confined to their side of the room, and it won’t affect yours.

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Step two: Stop the mess before it starts.

To implement this strategy, you have to clean up the mess the second it happens.

So, if you come home from a night out, don’t leave your clothes in a pile on the floor, but place them in the hamper instead.

Another example this is to avoid the classic “clothes chair.” This is a chair most people develop during their college career, a chair full of random clothes piled up on it. If this happens, you will not be able to distinguish what’s clean from what’s dirty, and the pile will slowly grow into something unmanageable. Fortunately, this strategy applies to more than just clothes. It can apply to your desk too.

Using this strategy for your desk is simple; you just have to clean things after you use them. Annoying, I know, but it saves you from an insurmountable heap as time goes on.

This effectively reduces the mess and stops it from piling up to the point where it will take you an absurd amount of time to clean.

Step three: Lay down rules relating to food.

I’m sure both of you will bring snacks to eat, as that is an essential part of the college lifestyle. However, with tasty snacks comes great responsibility. A possible way to keep your snacks organized is to have a certain area to keep them, such as a snack basket.

CADE WHARTON THE DAILY ILLINI

Once you’ve eaten your snacks, it’s important to dispose of them properly. The larger the trash can, the better! Unfortunately, having a trash can is not the final step to getting rid of your waste.

Food waste can get smelly, and leaving trash for too long can cause an unpleasant odor. An easy fix to this is taking the trash out regularly. It should not be your responsibility to always take the trash out, or vice versa. One idea is one of you takes the trash out once a week. This efficiently stops the room from smelling, and it will also make taking the trash out less of a chore.

Step four: invest in some cleaning supplies. are a quick and easy way to keep your room looking fresh.

A key item for your room needs is a vacuCleanliness might not be the first thing on um or a Swiffer. Which item you should buy your mind, but it is important to make sure depends on the type of floor you have. If you clutter is one extra thing you don’t have to have a rug or carpet, a vacuum is the best worry about. If you implement these simoption, and if you have hardwood floors, you ple tricks, your dorm room will be spotless. should use a Swiffer. Both of these items easily pick up the dirt on your floors.

Bella is a junior in LAS. Now, it’s possible your residence hall ikeys2@dailyillini.com already has a vacuum. If this is the case, you still need to pick up a few supplies to help keep it clean. A good start is a toilet brush and all-purpose cleaner. A final idea is to get a duster. These cleaning supplies

8

Greek life provides community for all backgrounds

BY FRANKIE BLANCO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At the University, Greek organizations play a huge role in campus life. Students join these organizations for the opportunity to meet new people and to develop a sense of community. The four fraternity and sorority councils are the Interfraternity Council, Black Greek Council, Panhellenic Council and the United Greek Council. Historically, Greek organizations excluded people of different races and backgrounds to participate, with discriminatory rules in place.

As times have changed, so have these regulations. These practices no longer exist, and Greek life is far more inclusive than it used to be. Furthermore, efforts have been made by the United Greek Council and the Black Greek Council to offer a sense of community for students who were previously excluded from these organizations. Now, students can join fraternities and sororities that emphasize the inclusivity of these marginalized groups of people. The councils’ goal is to promote a sense of familiarity and unity among people who share common backgrounds, experiences and cultures.

For Alondra Lopez, senior in Media, her experience being in a multicultural sorority

provided a sense of community.

“As a minority, it can be hard to feel like you belong in such a big (primarily white institution), (and) with the option of joining a Latina based sorority, I felt way more comfortable and at-home on campus,” Lopez said. “It provided me with a sisterhood that felt familiar even though I was far away from home.”

Many students had a childhood in which their culture was regularly implemented into their daily lives, making it difficult to transition to a place where that experience is no longer prominent. While college is the time and place to branch out, that does not mean students should erase their foundation. Where a person comes from is extremely important in shaping an individual and influences every aspect of their life.

For that reason, Lopez joined Kappa Delta Chi by attending recruitment events hosted the second semester of her freshman year.

She wanted to surround herself with people who shared a common interest in the Latino/ Hispanic culture while simultaneously meeting new people. Aside from providing a newfound sense of community in an unfamiliar place, the sorority offers other networking opportunities.

She said the girls push and inspire each other

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THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

La Casa Cultural Latina, a center owned by the University that promotes a welcoming environment for the Latinx student community, is pictured above on Feb. 5. Students from multicultural backgrounds may find a sense of belonging in the Greek system.

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to prosper and achieve their personal and academic goals.

Similarly, David Rocha, senior in LAS, enjoys having the support system his multicultural fraternity provides him. Before joining Omega Delta Phi, he said he did not have anyone around him to encourage positivity and success. Other than his own family back home, he felt alone, searching for a group of people to call his friends and motivate him.

This feeling is typical for most college students because adjusting to the new environment can feel challenging and discouraging.

Rocha believes without his Omega Delta Phi brothers, he would struggle to find people who value unity and diversity as he does.

This ultimately would have deprived him of finding people he would have connected with otherwise.

“I would strongly recommend people to join multicultural frats or sororities simply because they give you a whole different (perspective) in life, and it’s where you see the true meaning of brotherhood and sisterhood,” Rocha said. “The

Monday, October 7, 2019

9 countless opportunities and different views within the cultures is an amazing aspect that creates those strong bonds and connections with one another.”

09_09_19-Seven07-001 It’s fair to say coming to college for the first time can be intimidating. Most people seek a community where they can be supported, have fun and meet new people. Unfortunately, the effects of past discriminatory policies can still be seen throughout Greek organizations and can discourage minority students from rushing. Today, councils such as the United Greek and Black Greek Councils have created spaces for people of all races and backgrounds to participate. So, if the idea of coming to a primarily white institution is scary, there are ways to get involved with people from similar cultures and backgrounds. Joining a multicultural fraternity or sorority is just one of them, but it is certainly something to consider trying out.

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10

Learn to successfully sublet your apartment

BY SONAL SINGH STAFF WRITER

Are you studying abroad for a semester but have already signed a full-year lease?

Does your lease extend into summer, even though you won’t be living there? The best way to save money is to sublet the apartment instead of continuing to pay rent without making use of the space.

Subletting your apartment means signing a separate lease with another person with you as the lessor and the other person as the lessee. They would pay rent and live there like a regular resident with most of the same rules as you.

The first step is to check if there are any restrictions in the lease regarding subletting your apartment. Next, you should contact your lessor to let them know you plan on subletting your apartment and confirm they are OK with it. If you signed a lease through a realty company, they might be able to help you find someone for the apartment, depending on their policies. If not, the Facebook group ‘Housing, Sublets and Roommates’ is your next best option.

Start by creating a post about the place you are trying to sublet. Mention details such as price, the number of bedrooms, roommates and other facilities included. This will help ensure that people who contact you about the offer are seriously interested. One thing to keep in mind is how flexible you want to be with the rent price, such as whether you plan to charge the full price or if you will consider charging a bit lower. Being more flexible will encourage more people to reach out.

Most communication about posts from the Facebook group happens through Messenger — try to keep your notifications on in case someone reaches out. After someone reaches out, talk to them and answer any questions they might have. However, keep in mind that in the event of any damages, you will most likely be charged on your lease. Therefore, it is important to ensure the lessee will be responsible and take care

QUENTIN SHAW THE DAILY ILLINI

The Skyline Tower is located on the corner of Sixth and Green Streets. Subletting your apartment can be a cost-effective alternative t paying rent yourself if you plan to study abroad.

of the place.

If they would like, ensure you make time to show the lessee the place before making any final decisions. If there are multiple people who express interest, try to schedule all the showings during the same week, so

it gives you an opportunity to decide within a reasonable time frame instead of keeping prospective lessees waiting.

Finally, before you hand the place over, remember to collect a deposit from the lessee in case of any damages to the property.

Hopefully, this advice on subletting your apartment makes for a less costly and more convenient time at the University.

Sonal is a sophomore in business.

Tssingh2@dailyillini.com

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Monday, October 7, 2019

Live cheaply by managing your finances

BY NICHOLAS BECKHAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

College students, according to the general consensus, are notorious for having low incomes. This idea is based on the reality many young adults face. To a certain extent, it is inevitable, especially for those who receive little or no outside support from family. The jobs many students work tend to have low pay, and those with busy schedules find they just can’t work very many hours. But even if it is not ideal, learning to better manage finances can prove to be beneficial.

Housing is a large but necessary expense.

Public and the various private housing options differ in price. Though expensive, public housing provides amenities such as laundry and internet service. Apartments vary in price largely due to location. Living farther away from campus may be inconvenient, but it is often cheaper due to less demand.

Food is another large expense, but it is also necessary. To take full advantage of a dining plan, a student should be sure to use their cafe credits and all of their classic meal credits. The price of a classic meal varies depending on the time of day, but they average about ten dollars.

Dining plans are expensive, at least $4,500 a year for even the cheapest options. If one doesn’t regularly use their credits and is not a freshman who is required to have a plan, it would make much more sense to cancel.

There are many cheap dining options on campus, from locally owned businesses to chains. Many restaurants will offer boxes to take home food you don’t finish. Food can be inconvenient to prepare in a dorm room, but buying groceries is relatively cheap compared to restaurants. Groceries tend to offer much healthier options than fast food locations like McDonald’s, which is also important to consider. Those who consume a lot of coffee may

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want to invest in their own coffee maker, as popular locations like Starbucks tend to be expensive.

There are many good strategies for buying things like cosmetics and hygiene products.

It’s usually better to buy bullk sizes if it can be afforded, as they tend to cost less in the long run. Some stores like Walgreens have loyalty rewards programs that can help save money, as do online stores. It’s also important to remember the McKinley Health Center before going to the pharmacy. They offer free items to students such as bandages, Ibuprofen and many other health items.

There are many cultural and entertainment events on campus completely free of charge for students. There are also parks, libraries and discounted events as well. While relaxing may not be technically necessary, it is important for both physical and mental health, so it shouldn’t be ignored. There are free selfhelp materials and the Counseling Center through the University for students struggling with stress, depression or other mental health issues.

Different courses require different kinds of supplies. Money should be saved for the beginning of each semester, as some expenses are inevitable. Though off-campus, Walmart is a great place for cheap school supplies.

Textbooks can be found for very low prices on Amazon, though some professors require a new book for their course, so always be sure to check before you buy. The Illini Union Bookstore offers special discounts and coupons and is in a convenient location for many students.

The IUB also offers lab safety equipment, which is mandatory for many science courses. While personal computers are very convenient, libraries offer computers to use free of charge. Printing services are also offered, though these services come with a small fee.

BEN TSCHETTER THE DAILY ILLINI

Student chefs prepare a traditional Korean meal on Feb. 8 for Spice Box Guests. The Spice Box is a student-run restaurant located in Bevier Hall featuring themed pre-fixe menus.

Overall, it is important to remember the advantages and privileges students are offered, though it should also be remembered autonomy from the University can prove beneficial as well. The school offers jobs, as do many of the businesses on and around campus if one is concerned about income. There is also the Career Center for those concerned

about their financial future. Part of making money is saving money, so self-control is a very useful financial skill to have. As long as resources are used responsibly, finances can become much less of a concern.

Nicholas is a freshman in DGS. beckham4@dailyillini.com

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BENEFITS TO LIVING WITH

UNIVERSITY

HOUSING Zero Meal Preparation No Toilets to Scrub Laundry Included Quick Commute to Class Friendship and Community One All-Inclusive Bill Per Semester 24/7 Maintenance

Greek living fosters interpersonal bonds

BY CLARE BUDIN

ASSISTANT SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

You’ve finally done it! After countless tours, chants and chats with an endless parade of sorority houses and sisters, you’ve made your final decision after formal recruitment and chosen a house that you hope will nurture strong bonds throughout your college career and house lifelong friends. For many, one of the most appealing parts of sorority life can be the lavish houses, which many University chapters require members to live in for one year. After all, what’s not to love about living in a luxurious mansion with your sisters with greater intimacy and privacy than the average dorm but without the pressure of cooking and cleaning regularly that you would have in an apartment?

However, when I first entered sorority life and moved into my house, I found experiences in Greek housing that defied any expectations I previously had, good or bad. For any new sisters in Greek life, I hope this article will give you some tips on what to expect after move-in day and how to make your experience easier.

Food For those who are far from fans of the selection of foods offered at University dining halls, Greek housing will definitely be for you. Greek houses on campus offer meals through private catering companies that are far more attentive to residents’ concerns and preferences in regards to meals. At my house, our chef even takes requests for late plates for girls stuck studying late, changes to the salad bar, and what meals residents want to be made for lunch or dinner in the future.

On the other hand, more attentive care for members’ meals and smaller kitchens leave less

choices. Most of the time, what you see presented in the dining room when you come down for dinner is what you get, and those who find the meal choice unappealing will have little choice but to either scavenge on fruit snacks and chips in the kitchen, haul themselves to the grocery store or order delivery. Those in Greek housing typically spend much more on food and outside meals than the average dorm resident with a reliable meal plan. To avoid spending an exorbitant amount on groceries or runs to D.P. Dough, I would suggest creating a readily available list for must-have staples like orange juice, yogurt and granola bars, and then expand as needed if you ever have a special request or the ability to splurge for a certain week.

Community One of the main reasons most Greek chapters require their members to live for at least one year in the more intimate setting of a chapter house is the benefits that living together can create strong bonds between the sisters. Sitting around the table eating meals together, cuddling in the common room to watch Netflix after a stressful day, and dealing with a clogged toilet on the third floor is bound to create more opportunities for building stronger and closer friendships based on shared experiences.

For those who prefer to cast a wide net and find ride-or-die groups in every class or organization, the often insular setting of a sorority house may begin to make you feel cut off from other groups you might otherwise invite to your dorm room for a movie or game night. Whether it’s expectations to go to parties with other sisters or stay at the house for Greek committee meetings, making time to hang out with other groups can feel more and more difficult. As with my last piece of advice, time management is a must. Taking the

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time and resources for a wider variety of meal time to schedule when and where you and your AKI AKHAURI THE DAILY ILLINI

The sorority house Pi Mu is located on First Street. Among benefits like custom meals and locations away from campus life, livihng in a Greek House offers the potential for close-knit friends.

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Monday, October 7, 2019

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friends outside of the sorority can meet up will yield far better results than attempting impromptu hangouts.

Location How much this will affect your living in Greek housing varies from chapter to chapter. Some houses are lucky enough to be right next to convenient bus routes or the Main Quad, while others deep in Urbana or Champaign aren’t as lucky.

Almost all of the University dorms are designed and located to provide convenience to students juggling busy class schedules on a large campus, while many Greek houses weren’t built based on proximity to campus, meaning you’ll likely have to wake up earlier to catch a certain bus or give yourself enough time to walk or bike over to your first class.

A distinct advantage of many Greek house locations for students who are tired of the cramped feel of dorm living is a relaxed residential environment. It can make you feel automatically more independent and less stressed. Being surrounded by apartments and houses, even though there may be occasional issues related to noisy neighbors, makes it easier and more natural after finishing your Greek housing tenure to transition to independent living in your own apartment and take your first step into the world of adulting.

Clare is a sophomore in LAS. claredb2@dailyillini.com

AKI AKHAURI THE DAILY ILLINI

The house is locarted on first street. Greek living often comes with the ability to live away fromm the hustle and bustle of campus.

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Use checklist to find your perfect place

BY CASSIE REICHART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Finally moving out of the dorms and into an apartment seems like a big step. Every place you’ve ever lived before had everything you needed, and you may have never had to worry about all the choices that come when looking for an apartment.

But now the time has come to find the place you will call home for a semester, a year or even longer, so you want to make sure it’s the best fit for you. Follow these tips when looking for an apartment to ensure you make the right choice.

Location

The first thing you should consider is where you spend the most time on campus.

Are you going to be studying in the Undergraduate Library every night, or will you be visiting Green Street? Are your classes on the North Quad or the South Quad? Be sure to pick a place that won’t be obnoxiously far away from where you often find yourself.

Also think about your location within the building. If you’re easily bothered by noise, try not to live on the first floor of an apartment right next door to a bar. Or, if you have a disability that prevents you from using stairs and there is no elevator, then maybe you need to live on the first floor.

Reviews

You’ve probably heard apartment horror stories (or even experienced them yourself) regarding unfair landlords, bed bugs, broken appliances, a leaking showerhead, you name it. If you want to avoid facing these problems, do your research.

Be it through Reddit, Yelp or word of mouth, find out what people are saying about the apartment or leasing company you are investigating. Try to find someone who has lived in or currently lives in the building. An apartment can look like your dream home on its lessor’s website, but others’ experiences might reveal it will actually be your worst nightmare.

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

floorplans on the apartment’s website can of parties, make sure there’s no “quiet hours” be misleading, so always ask if you can tour enforced by the landlord. Read over every Did you read Marie Kondo’s book and a unit to see for yourself. apartment’s policies so you aren’t blindly have decide become a minimalist? Or is walking into fees and penalties for disobeyyour closet overflowing and you just ran ing them. out of space under your bed? These are things you should reflect on when choosProperty managers often have a long list ing an apartment. of things you can and can’t do while living If a larger apartment is within your bud- in their apartments. Some may seem like Many leasing offices advertise deals on get and you have a lot of stuff, then be sure common knowledge, while others may seem rent the earlier you sign. Keep an eye out for to pick a place that will be able to fit every- unexpected or unfair. these deals and try to make your decision thing you’re moving in with. If you end up If you have a pet or plan on getting one, be as early as possible to not only pay a lowsigning a lease for a smaller apartment, sure to see if pets are allowed or how pets er price, but also ensure there are enough pack accordingly. Sometimes pictures and can be approved. If you plan on hosting lots spaces left for you.

Space

Policies

Rent and Utilities

When looking at rent, compare the prices with other apartments you are considering.

You might be quick to choose the cheapest one, but sometimes the apartment that’s just $15 more a month could be a much greater value for what it offers. Also be sure to see if utilities are included in rent and how much they charge.

With the help of these tips, you’ll find your dream place.

Cassie is a sophomore in Business crr5@dailyillini.com

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Turn the tables by utilizing feng-shui

BY FRANKIE BLANCO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For many students living in University dorms, this is their first time living independently. With this change comes many firsts, which for some include having to decorate their own space without their parents or guardians. While this can be exciting and liberating, it can also feel overwhelming.

Luckily, most parents and guardians assist in the move-in process by passing on their expertise on how to organize a room. However, if your parents are anything like mine, they probably just left all the stuff in the dorm and said goodbye. Fortunately, creating positive energy in a space can be very simple on your own. It’s crucial to personalize the room to reflect who the person is while working to optimize the space you are given. A great way for students to accomplish this is by learning to feng-shui their dorm.

Living in a dorm can feel unfamiliar and inhospitable, especially for students who come from welcoming homes. For that reason, students should abide by the laws of feng-shui to fulfill their goals of comfort and liveliness in their dorms.

Feng-shui is defined as “a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of

shui can be utilized when choosing furniture and decor for dorm rooms.

Since the dorms at the University are compact, forcing students to cram their entire lives into a small space, it is crucial to utilize the area wisely. This is a major component of feng-shui, because there is a balance of space and energy in which the way things are arranged throughout the room greatly impacts the energy the area yields. For example, dorms with an excess amount of decor and furniture tend to make the room feel cluttered. This results in an stressful environment for the persons living in the dorm. However, this problem has a very simple solution. If one follows feng-shui principles they would understand there is a flow of energy carried in the space created by how things are arranged.

To create this harmonic balance of energy they must be intentional about where things are placed, so a positive and welcoming atmosphere is experienced. Instead of having things in excess, one should be selecBRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI tive about what they want in their dorm room A dorm room located in FAR on Sunday. and where it would best fit.

Unfortunately, people fail to follow these energy and whose favorable or unfavorable every space, there is a fundamental struc- basic principles, and it creates a bad flow of effects are taken into account when siting ture that, if followed, creates a balance of energy in the space. Everyone has that one and designing buildings.” In other words, in energy. Thus, the general concept of feng- friend that when visiting their dorm or apart-

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ment immediately thinks, “How do they live like this?” One does not have to be an interior designer to understand the fundamentals of feng-shui, as it is still possible for anyone to create this positive balance of energy in their space. In other words, that one friend can promote an inclusive area in their dorm/ apartment. All they need to do are things like picking up their dirty laundry from the floor to avoid smells and for guests to have a clear pathway to walk through. They could also open the blinds so natural light comes in or buy small lamps to create a soft, warm glow at night.

The placement of furniture and other objects is also crucial to the overall effect the room gives off. For example, if there is going to be a futon, it should face the door to encourage a welcoming feeling for guests.

One should avoid making the room feel congested, so it is important to invest in shelving or boxes for storage that can be organized against the wall or stacked on top of each other. If there are two people living in the dorm they should respect the balance of energy in the room and not make the room cluttered. The emphasis on space is evident because it ultimately impacts how the vibe

is in the room.

Other things to consider when choosing art, lighting and furniture is to coordinate to reflect a sense of unity throughout the space.

That’s not to say that everything has to perfectly match, but this is so there is a consistent theme expressed when a person walks into the room. For example, if in a double, the roommates can choose coordinating colors for their bedding or have accent colors in other pieces of furniture that tie the dorm together. Most importantly, whatever is used to decorate the room should have some significance to the people living in the space because it makes the room feel like home and invites guests into your life.

Although it may seem difficult, creating a balance of energy is attainable if the person makes the effort to follow the rules of fengshui. Generally speaking, one must understand the importance of where their decor/ furniture is placed and its role in contributing to the energy in the room. Most people want to have a welcoming place to call home, so feng-shui can be a key aspect in this.

Frankie is a sophomore in LAS rblanc3@dailyillini.com

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Avoid giving in to pressure to sign early

BY AVA TRAVERSO

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

With October finally making its appearance, the fall season can truly begin. With football games, Halloween parties and chilly nights, there’s a lot to love about autumn. On a more stressful note, October is generally the time when landlords begin opening up leasing for the next school year. With students scrambling to book apartment tours and signing appointments, it could be a wise decision to take a step back for a minute.

While this time of year can feel incredibly stressful, especially if your are a freshman leaving the dorms, make sure to take a breath. Even though it may feel like tons of your friends have already signed, there still will be plenty of options on campus once things settle. There are more important things, like midterms season and selfcare, that means housing should not be made into a huge stressor at such an academically important time of the semester. Once you have the stress of school calmed down for a bit, apartment hunting will be a breeze, and you will be glad you waited.

My personal experience with signing for my first apartment was stressful, but I got through it. One of the girls I was meant to room with decided on other options in the

middle of our search, so my remaining roommates and I had to tour about four different apartments on the fly. At that moment, I remember being stressed and panicked at what we were going to do. Looking back, however, I know we would not have found our current place without the sudden change.

In the end, my roommates and I found a reasonably priced place that we loved, and it worked out for the best. At the time, it may not feel that way, but things will work out the way they need to in the end.

It is much better to take the time to find a place that you love and can agree on with your roommates rather than rushing into signing out of anxiety. That rash decision could end up putting you in a place with tons of problems.

When moving into your first place, added anxiety and maintenance is the last thing you need and can add additional stress between you and your roommates. Doing your research is much more important than just picking a random place early on.

I know plenty of people who signed for their apartments the spring semester or even over the summer. Summertime can have its own advantages to sign because realty companies massively drop rates as an attempt to fill their remaining units. This way, you

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CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

could potentially be able to afford a more luxurious place that had originally been out of price range.

All in all, try to avoid giving in to the pressure to sign early if you are not ready yet.

You might save yourself some headaches and rent money in the process.

Ava is a junior in ACES. avat2@dailyillini.com

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For less stress, sublet from current lessees

BY SONAL SINGH STAFF WRITER

Whether you are looking for a place to stay over the summer or an apartment to live in while studying abroad at the University, a sublet is the way to go. Essentially, a sublet refers to when you lease an apartment from someone who is already leasing the place from an original lessor.

There are two main ways you could go about searching for a sublet on campus. One way is to join the Facebook group “University of Illinois (UIUC) Housing, Sublets & Roommates.”

Another is to look for people offering sublets on realty company websites. However, it is important to keep some things in mind when trying to find your ideal housing.

Budget

Setting a budget is the best way to filter your choices. This ensures you are only focusing on options you will really consider. It is also helpful to know whether or not the rent price listed includes utilities such as Wi-Fi, electricity and water. Also, be sure to check if the original sublet will give you a discount.

Location

Location is another important factor. If you are staying over the summer for an internship or to take some extra classes, it is imperative to note some buses do not run on their regular routes or schedule. Living near your place of business would make your life much simpler by providing an easier commute.

Additionally, if you are a student studying abroad here, it is best to pick a place closest to the area where you will have theb most classes.

For example, if you are an incoming engineering student, it might be best to find a place by the engineering buildings as opposed to finding one halfway across campus.

Wishlist

It is always nice to have a checklist of everything you want in an apartment. Would you like a washer and dryer in the unit? Do you want a TV included? Is having a gym or a study lounge a requirement? Making a list in order of priority will help you find a place best suited to your THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOT needs. This will further help you narrow down Orchard Downs’ an aparment complex located on Orcharde Plaza in Urbana. With so many subletting options it is critical tp consider what is your options. important to you in a home.

Roommates

Another aspect to consider is how many people you are willing to live with. Are you considering getting a studio or a four-bedroom apartment? It all depends on your preferences.

Studios are usually more expensive than twoor four-bedroom apartments, but if you like the privacy of living alone and it’s within your budget, this might be perfect for you. However, if you would like to meet more people and would

prefer to pay less, a two- or four-bedroom place might work better.

After gaining a clear understanding of what you would like out of an apartment, it is time to start searching for one.

Your next step would be to look over all the posts on the Facebook group for the semester you are interested in. Use the above criteria to narrow down which options you are interested in, and make sure you get in touch with the contact as soon as possible. Most communication

will probably happen through Facebook. Also, if they mention the price is flexible, don’t be afraid to ask about the possibility of lowering the rent.

Another thing that might work is to create a post on the group mentioning your budget and requirements. After that, all you have to do is wait for people to respond with their offers.

Although it doesn’t happen often, try your best to avoid links that seem fishy to avoid getting caught up in a scam.

Following that, set up a time to go see the

places you are most interested in. This will help give you a more realistic idea of the space compared to just looking at the pictures. While looking over a potential living space, don’t be shy to ask about anything, and if you decide to go with the place, ask them how they would like you to pay. Finally, make your big decision after going over all your options!

Sonal is a sophomore in business. tssingh2@dailyillini.com

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Simplify your hunt for next year’s roommate in your classes can only benefit you.

AVA TRAVERSO SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Though the largest stress on the surface for apartment-hunting is finding the physical apartment, an underlying concern that is just as important is the roommate hunt. Even if you find the perfect place, incompatibility with your housemates can make the year a nightmare. Not having an idea of who you plan to live with can stop the apartment hunt in its tracks. Here are some quick tips to help simplify the roommate hunt, as well as to help determine if your potential options could be right for you.

Keep an eye out in your classes

While looking on Facebook for potential roommates can seem daunting, the answer can lie right in front of your nose. Try making connections with people you share classes with and see if the roommate connection could be there.

I found my roommates through my chemistry class when we were studying together, and it came up that none of us had living plans for the next year. As you can infer, the rest was history.

More often than not, a plan for next year comes up when you least expect it. Also, making friends

Vet your potential roommates

To avoid jumping the gun and causing yourself a world of hurt later, try to have a test-run with your roommates. Make sure to spend time with them in different settings so you get a better sense of what their behavior is like outside of class or work. Make sure you get a sense of their habits and values. Do they party, and will they be doing this at the apartment? How late do they stay out? Are they dating someone, and will this person be around a lot? Getting a sense of these habits and setting ground rules can help keep the peace in your new home.

Make sure to keep your options open

Contrary to popular culture’s expectation, you do not have to be best friends with your roommates. In fact, being acquaintances or distant friends might even be more beneficial. This could lead to a more respectful home, because you two are not close enough to have gotten past the personal boundaries of friendship yet. If you are not

BRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI

A dorm room in FAR is pictured on Sunday. Hunting for a roommate can be a source of stress.

considering living with someone because you aren’t attached at the hip, revisit the option. You could find a great living-mate and someone you could become closer with while living together.

It also could open more options and lower stress levels when it comes to the search.

While these tips are just a drop in the bucket of things you should consider for living arrange-

ments, it does not hurt to give these steps some thought. Above all, make sure to go into your roommate hunt with a good attitude and an open mind, and things will work out in a positive way.

Ava is a junior in ACES. avat2@dailyillini.com

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30

Make waves with microwave meals

BY CHRISTINE SHERIFF CONTRIBUTING WRITER

3. Microwave for one minute.

4. Sprinkle with desired toppings (salsa, spinach, anything else on hand!)

5. Microwave 30-60 seconds more or until the egg is cooked through.

6. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Living in rsidence halls and apartments brings out the creativity in all of us. Whether it be optimizing space or having peanut butter on a spoon for dinner, one must make do. Sometimes, you just aren’t feeling the dining halls or the meal times don’t align with your schedule. With no kitchen and a mere microwave, one must be These are a couple of meals that hit the spot resourceful. However, you can create some really at any time of the day. awesome meals for any time of day in that little Anything Goes Rice Bowl: my go-to when there was only “light lunch” at Ikenberry Dining Hall watt machine.

What you need: minute rice or leftover rice, black beans, avocado, salsa, cheese and anything Breakfast is arguably the most important, and else in the fridge that might be good my favorite, meal of the day. Having a bite in Steps: the morning when you’re rushing out the door 1. Follow directions to make minute rice or to make it to that 8 a.m. can make just the right heat up leftover rice. start to a day. You can start off by using your 2. Toss in toppings of choice, and finish with favorite mug. Yup, that’s right, a mug. Below is cheese.

3. Microwave for an extra 15-30 seconds to the recipe for an omelet in a mug.

Omelet in a mug: protein-packed and surpriswarm up toppings. ingly delicious 4. Mix together, and enjoy.

What you need: a microwave-safe mug, 1 teaspoon of butter, toppings of choice and two eggs Microwave Nachos: a readily customizable Steps: crowd pleaser 1. Add 1 teaspoon butter to a microwaveWhat you need: microwave-safe plate, tortilla safe coffee cup. Crack eggs into said cup. chips, shredded cheese and toppings of choice.

2. Whisk with a fork until well mixed. (Add Steps: 1. Scatter chips on plate and top with cheese cheese here if you want!)

Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast

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and any other ingredients which should be warmed.

2. Microwave plate and toppings for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the microwave.

3. Remove from microwave, and add cold toppings like sour cream, guacamole and salsa.

Dessert

Lastly, for when that sweet tooth gets the best of you after a late-night study session, here is a salty-sweet popcorn recipe.

Sweet-and-saltypopcorn: the most addicting late-night snack.

What you need: your favorite microwave popcorn, pretzels, M&M’s and Chex Mix or any other sweet and salty bite-size treats Steps: 1. Follow the directions on your popcorn bag as normal.

2. Add in M&M’s, Chex Mix and other sweet and salty snacks like peanuts or chocolate chips.

3. Enjoy!

All of these recipes are my go-to’s for dorm living and can be made in under 10 minutes!

Christine is a junior in LAS. sheriff3@dailyillini.com

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CAMERON IRELAND THE DAILY ILLINI

The Daily Illini

31

Monday, October 7, 2019

Monday, October 7, 2019

The Daily Illini

32

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