UT Marketplace Housing Guide

HOUSING GUIDE SPRING 2018 FEBRUARY 21, 2018

A SPECIAL EDITION IN THE DAILY TEXAN AUSTIN’S BEST HOUSING RESOURCE FOR STUDENTS!

WHAT’S INSIDE...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FEAR O F MIS S I N G O UT M I G H T C A USE O VER LOA D

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After returning from a film shoot, Radio-TelevisionFilm student Cassie Coker pushed her camera equipment underneath her desk in Kinsolving dorm. To her surprise, the panel attaching the desk to the wall came loose, revealing a gaping hole into the framework of the 50-year-old building.

NEW IN 2018!

Special Editions Editor Alecsandra M. Franco Senior Designer Amanda O’Brien Writers lizabeth Braaten, Krystal Cruz, Hannah George, Meara Isenberg, Karsyn Lemmons, Ali Killian, Sydney Mahl, Hayden Pigott, Jacqueline Pena , Anna-Kay Reeves, Morgan O'Hanlon, Omar Rodriguez-Ortiz, Tehreem Shahab, Stephen Salisbury, Brooke Vincent, Ryan Young, Cover Illustration Amanda O’Brien

TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES

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Director Gerald Johnson Operations Manager Frank Serpas Advertising Manager Emily Cohen Assistant Advertising Manager Colten Crist

Check out what is going on this month around Austin and UT!

T WO KINSOLVI N G G IRLS UNRAV E L MYSTE RY

THE BEST RESOURCE FOR CAMPUS LIVING • PARENT GUIDE • STUDENT GUIDE • HOUSING RESOURCES • FIND A ROOMMATE

College is supposed to be the best four years of your life.

So why does it feel like you’re missing out?

C A LEN D A R O F EV E N TS AND AC TIV I TI E S

UTexas.Rent

STAFF

Advertising Sales Reps Tim Bauer, Diane Byram, Julianne Phillipp, Paulina Siller

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Senior Graphic Designer Amanda O’Brien Product Manager Claire Smith Print Advisor Peter Chen Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at info@ texasstudentmedia.com. Copyright 2018 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission.

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S t t y j M s e F S w f a a

E t a f

H p a d Th m e

4 CAMPUS LIFE

THE FEAR OF MISSING OUT MIGHT CAUSE YOU TO OVERLOAD YOUR LIFE

By Karsyn Lemmons

Daily Texan Originally Published February 18, 2018

College is supposed to be the best four years of your life. So why does it feel like you’re missing out?

FOMO is a term that’s only been around since the mid-2000s, but the concept has been prevalent on college campuses nationwide for decades. The fear of missing out, or FOMO, is the product of one’s own anxieties on missing opportunities mixed with messages and external signals received from the outside world.

As a part of a large school, it is normal to want to feel like an active part of a whole, and when biology junior Patricia Bal transferred to UT, she felt no different.

“On Speedway, there were a lot of tables and I thought to myself ‘I’m going to try everything,’” said Bal. “And I think that was my biggest mistake, joining so much at once. I even missed discussion classes because I had so many meetings (for organizations).”

Bal is not the first student to get overinvolved on campus, and probably won’t be the last. Social media plays a continuous loop of exciting content posted by friends, and it’s tempting to want to be a part of all that excitement. Andrew Dillon, a professor at the School of Information at UT-Austin said the presence of social media does have an effect on an individual’s point of view and could enhance a fear of missing out.

“Social media amplifies the illusion of

other worlds,” Dillon said. “As these representations create markers of experience, it is not unusual for people to interpret them as real and benchmark their own world accordingly.”

Dillon also said if the content we view on social media sets the expectations of normalcy, then the viewer may feel a sense of FOMO if they are not sharing in the same experience. For junior radiotelevision-film senior Veronica AlvarezFerreira, FOMO has played a role in how she manages her time.

Stan Richards School of Advertising commented that FOMO is often inflated by the addition of new technologies, in this example, social media, and how the presentation of everyone’s best self is unachievable for a single person to replicate.

“You don’t really have a lot of extra time,” Alvarez-Ferreira said in reference to a busy student schedule. “Even though I might kind of just feel like staying home and just watching a movie because I’m so tired, I’m probably going out and see my friends because I don’t want to lose touch.”

Junior communication studies major Georgia Herr said attending events is a big part of feeling like you belong.

“If you didn’t go to the big parties, you weren’t really part of the culture,” Herr said.

Herr and Alvarez-Ferreira are not alone. According to a study by Andrew Przybylski out of the University of Essex, young people under the age of 30 tend to rank highest on conducted ‘FOMO tests’.

It was also concluded in the studies that individuals with high ranking scores on the FOMO test were more likely to check texts and emails while driving, as well as get distracted by their social media during university lectures.

Robert Lewis, media psychologist in the

Photo Credit: Jeb Milling | Daily Texan Staff

“They’re sharing good news and keeping bad news private,” Lewis said. “You compare yourself and there’s no way possible for any individual human being to have all the experiences that they see whenever they’re using social media.”

6 CAMPUS LIVING

8 FOR 2018:

TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHY ON CAMPUS

By Stephen Salisbury SPONSORED CONTENT

Check out our top 8 recommendations for eating healthy on campus. While there may be no such thing as a free lunch, there are FREE nutritional consultations with your meal plan, new menu offerings, fresh produce and flexible to-go plans to better fuel your semester right here!

you understand your eating habits and support your nutrition goals, visit with one of University Housing and Dining’s Registered Dietitians FREE of charge with your meal plan! Contact dietitian@ austin.utexas.edu to learn tips and tricks for building a healthy plate.

campus, like a spicy black bean burger, Mediterranean pizza, eggplant parmesan and more!

1. STAY FRESH Have you heard of UT Farm Stand?

Stop by Jester Plaza (21st and Speedway) Today and March 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to stock up on great fresh and seasonal local produce. They offer all kinds of stuff from local honey to freshly baked bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. AVOID ALLERGENS Eating with food allergies can be daunting but, never fear, the Fresh and Simple Taste (FAST) line is here! Jester Second Floor ( J2) Dining offers fresh and healthy selections that are FREE of the top eight allergens (fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, gluten, eggs and dairy).

3. MEET WITH A PRO Pro tips are hardly out of style. If you’re looking for someone to help

Housing and Dining menus online.

4. TAKE IT TO GO Thinking about skipping a meal because you’re running late? Skipping meals can lead to overeating later in the day and can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Why not try the Eco2Go program? You can pick up a reusable container from Jester City Limits, Cypress Bend Café, Littlefield Patio Café, J2 or Kinsolving Dining and take your food with you! Never skip a meal, decrease waste and be happy, not hangry.

5. PRE-PLAN Deciding what to eat before entering a dining hall can help you make healthier choices. Check out each of the University

6. SNACK RIGHT Snacking can be part of a healthy diet if done right. Try a NEW bento snack box from Jester City Market, Kin’s Market, Littlefield Patio Café, Cypress Bend Café, or Jester City Limits. Each snack box meets specific criteria for calories, fat and sodium. Enjoy a bistro cheese box, protein box, Mediterranean box, or a lunchtime favorite box. Or stop by either Kin’s Market or Jester City Market to pick up a healthy snack from the Lite Bites section.

Oh, the options!

7. GO MEATLESS Meatless options are good for the environment and your nutrition. Try a Meatless Monday special at any University Housing and Dining venue across

8. MIX AND MATCH Let’s swap! If you’re looking for a way to put down the fries and grab something healthier, there’s a solution for you on both sides of campus. When you purchase an entrée you can substitute one of your sides for a side salad or piece of fresh fruit at Jester City Limits or Littlefield Patio Café for NO additional charge. On top of a swap, keep the healthy train rolling by requesting whole grain versions of your favorite bread.

8 AUSTIN EVENTS SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

3/4

3/5

3/6

3/7

3/8

3/9

3/10

ZILKER KITE FESTIVAL

SXSW EDU BEGINS!

VAUDEVILLE! EXHIBITION AT THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER, 10AM

Open Mic Night! At Gourdough’s Public House, 7PM

MGMT AT ACL LIVE, 8PM

SXSW INTERACTIVE, FILM, AND COMEDY FESTIVALS BEGIN!

{ATX} JAVASCRIPT MINI BOOTCAMP AT HACK REATOR, 10AM (FREE W/ RSVP)

3/11

3/12

3/13

3/14

3/15

3/16

3/17

ACRO JAM AT BARTON SPRINGS, 2PM

SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL BEGINS!

ADULT COLORING NIGHT AT IRIE BEAN COFFEE BAR, 7PM

COMEDY OPEN MIC AT KICK BUTT CAFÉ, 8PM

WIENERMANIA IV, AT SPIDER HOUSE ARCADE & BALLROOM, 2PM (FREE W/RSVP)

HELLO DOLLY: A TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON AT SCOTTISH RITE THEATER, 10AM

SILENT DISCO BEACH PARTY AT AUSSIE’S GRILL & BEACHBAR, 10PM

3/18

3/19

3/20

3/21

3/22

3/23

3/24

BILL MURRAY AT THE LONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 7:30PM

WWE LIVE: ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA AT HEB CENTER AT CEDAR PARK, 6:30PM

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO AT 6:30PM

CLASSIC NICKELODEON TRIVIA AT THE VOLSTEAD LOUNGE, 6:30PM

LADY BIRD AT THE UT TEXAS UNION THEATER, 6PM

SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS: “ROMEO & JULIET” AT THE NORTH DOOR, 7PM

BLANTON BLOCK PARTY 2018, AT BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART AT 11AM

3/25

3/26

3/27

3/28

3/29

3/30

3/31

PUBLIC TOUR – FORM INTO SPIRIT: ELLSWORTH KELLY’S ‘AUSTIN” NEW BUILDING AT BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART, 3PM

ANXIETY AND STRESS CLINIC, AT UT-LIBERAL ARTS BUILDING CLA 4.106, 9AM

ACCORDION ROUND-UP AT BROKEN SPOKE, 6PM

BORN THIS GAY: LADY GAGA BIRTHDAY BALL AT THE VOLSTEAD LOUNGE, 10PM (FREE)

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME AT THE UT TEXAS UNION THEATRE, 6PM

URBAN MUSIC FEST 2018 AT AUDITORIUM SHORES BEGINS

AUSTIN URBAN MUSIC FESTIVAL AUDITORIUM SHORES

SPRING FESTIVAL GUIDE 2018

By Hayden Pigott Longhorn Life

Now that our few days of winter are winding down, it’s time for spring and that means tons of festivals. We all know about SXSW, but there are so many others happening over the next few months that you should attend.

Here is our definitive guide to Austin’s spring festivals.

Texas Independence Day Parade March 3, 7:30 a.m. on Congress Avenue Get ready to celebrate Texas Independence Day, which this year marks the 182nd birthday of Texas. The parade begins at 7:30 a.m. on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Put on your red, white and blue (add some stars too), bring a lawn chair and celebrate.

Fusebox Festival April 18 through April 22, locations vary If you are interested in the grouping of artists and audiences to explore issues, ideas and new possibilities, Fusebox is for you. The festival positions arts at the center of local, national and global conversations about life and culture.

ABC Zilker Kite Festival March 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zilker Park This free festival features hundreds of kites in the sky and (hopefully) a beautiful spring day. The festival started in 1929 and has gotten larger and better ever since. It is the perfect event to Instagram because the kites are extremely colorful and there are so many. All proceeds from the festival go to supporting the dropout prevention program of Communities in Schools of Central Texas.

54th Annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party April 28, 11 a.m. to dusk at Pease Park This will be the 54th celebration of the A. A. Milne character that started as a picnic for the English department at UT. The party is a fundraiser for non-profit groups in Austin including Austin Pets Alive, Keep Austin Beautiful and the Pease Park Conservancy. There are food vendors, costume contests and musicians.

Texas VegFest April 7, 11 a.m. at Fiesta Gardens Texas VegFest celebrates the health, environment and animal welfare benefits of living a vegetarian life. Entrance to the festival is free to the public and there will be vendors, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, community outreach as well as food, craft beer and live music.

Pecan Street Festival May 5-6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(8 p.m. Sunday), Sixth Street The Pecan Street Festival is a free, two-day event that attracts hundreds of local artisans, musicians and food vendors. It is one of the largest and longest running arts/ crafts and music festivals in the nation. Proceeds raised go toward the preservation of historic 6th street.

EARLY HOUSING RUSH INCREASES PRESSURES ON STUDENTS

By Meara Isenberg

Daily Texan Originally Published January 26, 2018

Following Thanksgiving break, business freshman Jessica Zhang met with her first-ever housing contractor, eager to pin down her off-campus living situation for the coming year.

However, when the time came to see her options, there was just one problem.

“I gave him my price range and my non-negotiables, and (he) basically said ‘That’s not going to happen,’” Zhang said.

For an apartment with the three qualifications Zhang was looking for — a maximum rent of $700, close to campus, with washer and dryer included — most of the options were already gone.

Zhang’s situation is a common one for students who miss the “housing rush” that occurs extremely early in the year.

Pre-leasing begins as early as October, before many students find potential roommates, or even figure out how to navigate the more than 15 realty companies surrounding the University.

“When my plans (for the year) aren’t set in stone, it’s more difficult to decide what an ideal apartment is,” Zhang said.

Russell Calvin, a broker at Uptown Realty and UT alumnus, said the urgency is no new phenomenon.

“Typically mid-October to mid-November is the standard timeline of when (the rush) starts,” Calvin said. “I graduated from the University in 2008, and when I was in school, it was the exact same way.

It’s kind of been instilled in students and it’s something that just gets carried down.”

Looking into off–campus living early is simply a tradition for students, and

housing companies adjust to meet that demand, Calvin said.

The most popular spaces, such as houses in West Campus, are hard to come by for those who are late to the game, Calvin said. However, students who are flexible may not be out of luck.

“There are always options. It depends on how picky you are and exactly what you are looking for,” Calvin said. “Every single year, no matter what, we still have properties left.”

Jaden Harper, a realtor at West Campus Living, said the early housing tradition can potentially set back students — especially freshman — who may not have an understanding of how the leasing process works.

“Around November is when (the rush) really started happening,” Harper said. “It’s still going on now, but the kids coming in are kind of considered late. Since people are starting so early, they take the best deals off the market first.”

Zhang said she was surprised by the competitiveness of the housing season. One of her freshman friends just signed a lease for her junior year. Another decided to stay in the dorms because her options were too limited.

Before she signed a lease for an apartment she didn’t want, Zhang saw on Facebook that someone was seeking another roommate for a place that fit her original request. Next year, she plans to move into her much sought-after apartment for the first, and hopefully last, time.

“My hope is (that) I’ll really like my place and my roommates and we could stay there for the rest of the time,” Zhang said.

“I wouldn’t want to do this again.”

10 UT LIVING

CITY PLANNING EXPERTS SAY WEST CAMPUS HIGH RISES AREN'T THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SOLUTION

By Hannah George

Daily Texan Originally Published December 7, 2017

High rises are quickly taking the place of the quirky condos that used to keep West Campus weird, pulling rental rates up with them.

The price of living in West Campus has only increased, and as the student population balloons, students are moving further and further from class to make ends meet.

Elizabeth Mueller, professor of community and regional planning, said displacement is key to defining gentrification.

“Gentrification is about neighborhood change, but it’s important because it’s neighborhood change that has negative effects on existing residents,” Mueller said. “Usually, it’s used to refer to a neighborhood where residents are of lower income and have fewer housing choices.

So as their neighborhood changes, they may not have very good choices if they can no longer afford to live there.”

When it comes to West Campus, Mueller said it’s hard to call West Campus “gentrified” because students hardly live in one place longer than a year, meaning that displacement can not be discerned.

Rising rent makes staying close to campus difficult for students, which is a problem ­­— whether labeled or not — and city planners are trying to turn the tides.

Mueller said students have moved outside of West Campus to areas like East Riverside, where they trade proximity to campus for larger apartments and reasonable rent. To alleviate undesirable student sprawl, the city of Austin and neighborhood organizations northwest of campus made West Campus/University Neighborhood Overlay, or UNO, a city planning policy with new incentives and regulations for West Campus high rises.

Jake Wegmann, UT planning and development professor, said UNO incentivizes development of high rises, while creating regulations that benefit the whole of West Campus.

“The idea is to invest in improving the public realm to help support the much higher density of buildings and people that are in West Campus now,” Wegmann wrote.“This has taken a lot of pressure off other neighborhoods, such as Heritage and the area due north of campus and east of Guadalupe.”

UNO used a form of zoning called “upzoning” to allow West Campus developers to build taller buildings with more potential for rent income if they agreed to designate 10 percent of their units as low income housing, also known as SMART housing, and to help fund neighborhood infrastructure.

The objective was to create more housing options close to campus and to ensure the expensive, new buildings didn’t push low income students out of West Campus, Wegmann said.

UNO’s incentives have also improved the quality of life in West Campus via improvements to sidewalks and streetlights. In addition to improving infrastructure, UNO doesn’t ignore other nearby neighbors either — decreasing the number of students who want to live in neighborhoods also decreases students’ demand for neighborhood housing, thereby protecting the price of living for the neighborhood families.

“UNO has been a smashing success — a piece of careful city planning that has basically accomplished what it set out to do,” Wegmann wrote.

Tatum Lau, urban design and community and regional planning graduate student, lives in Austin and said the decisions made by city planners, designers and neighborhood associations have the power to make social ripple effects — for good or for bad.

“When people feel powerless about what is going on, as planners and designers, we have to be reminded that we made that choice as a city,” Lau said.

”The idea is to invest in improving the public realm to help support the much higher density of buildings and people that are in West Campus now...”

Jake Wegmann

UT planning & development professor

12 UT LIVING

STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER R GETS DECKED OUT WITH NEW EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS

A D

director. Entrance and exit ramps will be placed throughout the outdoor area to facilitate easy access to students who use wheelchairs.

By Brooke Vincent

Daily Texan Originally Published February 20, 2018

Students can rock around an outdoor fireplace and swing in hammocks under the trees this coming fall semester at the Student Activity Center.

The exterior space on the south side of the building is being renovated into “outdoor living rooms” to give students a better space to lounge, eat and study. The project’s budget of $3 million covers the addition of new outdoor decking, a hammock lounge, a water feature, the campus’ first outdoor fireplace, 30 additional power outlets and 230 added seats.

“We wanted the spaces to appeal to students during the day and early evening throughout the year,” said Michelle Rossomando, principal at McKinney York Architects. “The design has two main areas, the ‘tree deck’ area — an elevated wood deck with built-in wood benches, tables and chairs that surround two large trees to take advantage of the shade provided, and the ‘fire lounge’ area — a brick patio with lounge furniture around a fire pit under the tree canopy.”

Designed by McKinney York Architects and built by Vaughn Construction, the space will repurpose and conserve existing structures. Old runnels, or decorative channels in the area that hold water, will be converted into bench seating and workers have set up protection for the existing trees so their canopy can shade the deck.

“We’ve been working closely with Jim Carse from landscape services, coor-

Photo Credit: Mel Westfall | Daily Texan Staff

dinating all the tree protection efforts, repurposing or relocating trees and all other sustainable aspects,” said Hirokazu Horikoshi, UT project manager. “The original cistern right now collects water that otherwise would go to storm drains and (reuses) that for irrigation purposes.

It’s always been there, but we’re repairing it.”

It’s important to have a space for fresh air, said Jordan Rickaway, public health freshman. She said after moving to Austin, she felt depressed from being cooped up

in the city.

“There’s not a lot of places to lounge around outside, especially around campus, because there is so much construction that is really loud,” Rickaway said. “I basically lived outdoors back home, and it’s hard being inside all day. Having outdoor space where necessities are is great and gives you a little peace and serenity.”

From day one, making the space accessible to all students was a priority, said Nick Parras, University Unions assistant

“The Student Activity Center was built in collaboration with the Services for Students with Disabilities office to try and make this building not just at campus code and standards, but beyond it,” Parras said. “Thankfully our architects (for this project) were able to do that from the beginning and they worked everything else around that instead of building and then saying, ‘Whoops.’ This was a priority.”

Construction is scheduled to end May 25, and the complete space should be ready for the upcoming fall semester, Parras said.

“We hope that the fences come down and even if we don’t have a band and giant scissors and giveaways, people will naturally migrate to the space and be in it from seven in the morning to when we close at one at night,” Parras said. “This isn’t for donors, this isn’t for coaches, this isn’t for the general public. This is about extending the student space.”

AS RELIGIOUS ATTENDANCE DIPS, FAITH CONNECTIONS

REMAIN IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS

By Anna-Kay Reeves

Daily Texan Originally Published February 12, 2018

Najem is a practicing Muslim, and she said God has always played a major role in her life.

In a study of religious practices of college students, The Cooperative Institutional Research Program found that college students are becoming increasingly detached from religion. Since 1990, the number of students who don’t regularly attend religious services has more than doubled.

“I love that fact that I have God to look up to,” Najem said. “A lot of people have human role models, but at the end of the day humans are imperfect. Looking to God’s perfect example holds me to a higher standard in my life.”

Despite a downward trend in college students’ religious affiliation, there are 88 UT student organizations categorized as “Faith or Religious” according to HornsLink. Students from a variety of religious backgrounds offer an equally wide range of reasons why they’ve chosen to remain committed to their faith after leaving home.

For history sophomore Gabrielle Ross, faith isn’t the main motivator for staying connected to Judaism. In fact, Ross said she doesn’t ascribe to the spiritual aspects of Judaism at all.

“I’m an atheist,” Ross said. “But I still consider myself a practicing Jew. There is no equivalent to hell in Judaism, so I was never motivated to be a believer out of fear, and I don’t feel that my atheism excludes me from the Jewish community.”

Ross is a member of Texas Hillel, a Jewish community organization on campus that offers weekly Shabbat dinners and religious services. She said the organization helps her maintain ties to her heritage.

“For me, Judaism has always been tied to tradition and community, and practicing the faith is a way for me to honor my history,” Ross said.

For others, spirituality is more important than tradition when it comes to the question of faith. Anthropology junior Marwa

For Najem, one of the most important expressions of her spirituality is prayer.

In formal prayer with others, Najem said there’s a sense of unity, and in prayer alone there’s a peace that counteracts the stress of life.

“Prayer and practicing my faith give me a feeling of safety and peace,” Najem said.

“The world is draining and can leave me feeling empty, but prayer takes that away.”

Many religious organizations emphasize leadership, focusing on the joint relationship between religion and students’ personal development. Natalie Young, a Plan II and journalism sophomore and student intern with Longhorns for Christ, said in her leadership role there’s a focus on facilitating connections between students and forming friendships along with worship.

“One of the big things everyone is looking for when they get to college is community, and that’s something being part of a religious organization can offer,” Young said.

Although students are increasingly less religiously affiliated by the numbers, it’s clear that religious organizations still serve an important function for many in the UT community. For these students, religion is more than a moral code or a habit. Faith is an important aspect of identity, culture and community.

14 UT LIVING

STUDENTS USE WILDFIRE APP

encourage people to adopt this app,” Walker said. “(Also) with an app such as Wildfire, where there is self-reporting, you always run the risk of people causing more hysteria.”

TO DISCUSS CAMPUS SAFETY

By Tehreem Shahab

Daily Texan Originally Published January 29, 2018

Haley Walker, management information systems senior, downloaded Wildfire after receiving an email about the app saying users were discussing University House breaking leases. She said the app has been helpful, especially from a campus safety standpoint.

“Safety is probably one of (Wildfire’s) strong suits,” Walker said. “I’ve only been using it for about a week now, but from the University House scandal that was going on to all those robberies that were happening around Subway, it is a really good and quick way to hear what is going on around campus.”

Wildfire is a mobile app that was launched in the fall of 2016 after its creator, Hriday Kemburu, posted on Facebook about closely escaping a mugging while he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley. The app provides real-time notifications to its users about any incidents that happen on or near campus as well as an option to post in their college’s feed about other campus-related topics.

Over the past five years, the University has conducted independent studies regarding safety applications and how they can be incorporated on campus. One of the problems with apps such as Wildfire is that the information being shared does not go through a vetting process, said Jimmy Johnson, interim associate vice president for Campus Safety and Security.

Illustration By Annette Meyer | Daily Texan Staff

“One of the issues with anything that uses crowdsourcing is that there is no way to validate the information getting put in,” Johnson said. “If somebody puts ‘I was robbed at gunpoint,’ there is nothing to validate it and I don’t know if that’s actually true or somebody is just trying to create hysteria.”

Walker said even though Wildfire is a good platform to report any incidents, it comes with drawbacks such as a limited audience.

“To only be posting on Wildfire, you’re not really reaching the full potential of the student body yet and you have to

Johnson also pointed out that there were some inconsistencies between the information being reported on Wildfire and the University Police Department’s text alerts. He said that while these apps are important, the best way to inform the UT community of any criminal activity is by calling 911.

“We always encourage people, ‘See something, say something,’” Johnson said. “We have found, based on historical data, most of the time people utilizing apps such as (Wildfire) are failing to notify the authorities. So while this information is good, we can’t take any type of proactive or reactive approach to it from a law enforcement perspective.”

WEST CAMPUS CRIME ISN’T AS BAD AS YOU THINK IT IS

By Elizabeth Braaten

Daily Texan Originally Published February 4, 2018

Since the beginning of the spring semester, it seems as if UT students are getting more campus crime alerts than Snapchats. Whether it is the infamous Subway burglary or the forced entry at the United Methodist Church, these crimes have contributed to an increased feeling of uneasiness both on and around campus.

The visibility of these events has caused many students to vocalize a fear of feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods — particularly West Campus, where many of these crimes have occurred. This fear is driven more than anything by the high profile of these events, rather than actual statistics.

The popularly-held belief by students that

West Campus an unsafe place to live is inaccurate. Through an examination of the neighborhood’s crime rate per capita, it is evident that West Campus is a fairly safe place to live.

places the crime rate at .084 crimes per person. In other words, each person living within this area has about an 8 percent chance annually of being involved in a crime.

In 2016, the Austin Police Department reported a relatively high 2,650 occurrences of crime in the zip code 78705, which encompasses the West Campus neighborhood and most of UT-student residences.

While at first glance this number may seem high, it is neither a fair nor accurate representation of the actual risks that the area poses to students. It’s also important to note the largest category of these are property, and not violent, crimes.

Still not convinced? Let’s look to the city of Austin as a whole. APD reported a grand total of 115,367 crimes in all Austin area zip codes in the year 2016 when the population of the city as a whole was estimated at 931,830. Based on these statistics, Austin’s per capita crime rate is .124 crimes, which is only marginally lower than the 78705 rate. While there are only 3,004 people living per square mile in Austin, recent data places the number at around 17,000 people per square mile within West Campus.

An estimate by the United States Census Bureau places the total population of the 78705 zip code at 31,340 people. Dividing the rate of crime by the total population

Simply put, the per capita crime rates of West Campus and the city of Austin are

extremely close to one another but West Campus is almost six times more densely populated. These statistics show that you are no more likely to experience a crime in West Campus than in the city of Austin as a whole.

Furthermore, the increased frequency of text alerts are not an indication of increased frequency in crime. They’re simply part of the UT Police Department’s new policy of using their communication system to alert students of off-campus crime.

I am not suggesting that students should not keep their guard up. Living in an urban area makes it important to be alert and cautious at all times. However, UT students living in West Campus must keep a level head when discussing crime rates in their neighborhood and analyze all the data before they let fear set in.

While there is always room for community improvement, we must first be honest about our communities.

18 UT HOUSING

WHO KILLED THE COLLEGE APARTMENT?

By Ryan Young

Daily Texan Originally Published January 29, 2018 Daily Texan- Opinion Column

For Longhorns, apartment hunting just plain sucks. Nowhere is this more apparent than in West Campus, where skyrocketing rents and mismanagement of complexes have made renting an expensive and stressful experience.

So why is rent so high? On one level, it boils down to supply and demand in a booming city. When so many students compete for a limited number of beds near campus, the natural result is that the market charges more for an apartment.

less severe if we had more living options, either next to campus or within easy reach of it. With more competition among renters, West Campus residents might not need to lease their apartments years in advance. And Rylan Maksoud, a Plan II freshman who made headlines when his lease was improperly terminated, wouldn’t have such a hard time finding an alternate place to live.

So, how exactly does traffic fit into all of this?

But there is another factor at work here, and you may have heard of it: Austin’s gridlocked transportation system.

If you want to live somewhere with a convenient commute to UT — especially without a car — practically the only option is to live right next to it. Austin’s continual failure to invest in public transportation has further restricted housing options for students.

Our campus housing crisis would be

While new apartment complexes in West

If Austin had a train, bus, helicopter, or anything that doesn’t get stuck in traffic, then our housing situation might look very different.

Campus continue to propagate, rents haven’t yet gone back down. As expensive and crowded as the neighborhood can be, students continue to flock to West Campus to live within walking distance of UT. That’s one reason why UT shuttle ridership to outlying student neighborhoods like Riverside and Far West dropped by 25 percent last year; thousands of students chose to live in West Campus instead.

If Austin had a train, bus, helicopter, or anything that doesn’t get stuck in traffic, then our housing situation might look very different. Students could get to campus from other parts of the city quickly and reliably, even on Saturdays

and Sunday mornings when UT shuttles don’t run. Late-night study sessions and club meetings would no longer be a privileges of students with a window view of the Tower.

Students and staff could choose to live in the outlying suburbs along a transit line, where housing is more affordable. This would take the pressure off the housing stock near campus. And the presence of the line would convince many motorists to take free public transportation instead of driving in, which would free up precious space on MoPac and I-35.

So, why is finding housing so difficult?

Just look at the taillights.

PROS, CONS: HAVING A DOG IN COLLEGE

By Ali Killian Longhorn Life

Going to college and leaving your friends and family is hard, but leaving your dog(s) can be even harder.

While pursuing a degree, it can be tempting to get a dog to fill the void in your heart. While the addition of a furry friend sounds like a great idea on the surface, it’s important to evaluate whether or not your lifestyle is suitable for a pet.

Pro: Research shows dogs improve your wellbeing Countless studies link pet ownership to a drop in anxious and depressive tendencies as well as a rise in a person’s overall happiness. One study from The American Heart Association suggested that the simple motion of petting a dog helps lower blood pressure, lower stress and increase relaxation hormones.

Neuroscience senior Jackie Harle owns two shih tzus and sees the benefits of being a student dog owner in her everyday life.

“They help me to relax,” Harle said. “They can sense when I’m stressed. They calm me and they’re a good brain break after I’ve been studying.”

Con: Dogs can be bundles of expenses Puppers need things just like people.

Food, vaccines, chew toys, collars, grooming and vet trips, etc., not to mention most apartment complexes charge a “pet deposit” and monthly “pet rent.” Dogs can also get sick or hurt, too. And when they get sick, vet bills can cost hundreds

of dollars. For a college student budgeting from paycheck to paycheck, these expenses can be overwhelming.

Pro: Dogs get you out in the world Simply put, dogs give you a reason to get out of your home, get social and explore all the different parts of Austin. Plus, if you’re walking or running with your dog, it can help keep you fit. It’s recommended adults should exercise 2 ½ hours per week, and by taking a dog on a walk every day, it’s easier to achieve that goal.

Con: You may have to adjust your lifestyle to own a dog Yes, dogs can be fantastic companions, but they can also be destructive. Left to their own devices, your pup could tear up the floors, the furniture and your favorite shoes. Training and raising a happy and well-behaved dog is a long commitment — a task not to be taken lightly.

Geography senior Chris Depalatis doesn’t live with a dog because his apartment complex does not allow for it.

“I’d feel bad keeping a dog in an apartment,” Depalatis said. “And you have to keep up with it. It’s work.”

If you’re ready to welcome a new dog into your home, there are tons of animal shelters around Austin that are eager to help you find the perfect match. If you’re not quite ready but miss seeing furry faces on a regular basis, most of those same shelters are happily accepting volunteers year round. That way you can get by until you go home to see Muffin for the winter holiday break.

It’s your choice... choose the best!

512-607-5463

AustinWestCampus.com 2401 San Gabriel Street Austin, TX 78705

20 UT LIVING THE MUG NETWORK:

MAC AND CHEESE (NOT THE KRAFT KIND!) • Elbow Pasta (1/3 cup) • Water (1/4 cup) • Milk (2 tbsp) • Shredded Cheese (3/4 cup)

EASY MUG RECIPES YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR DORM

By Krystal Cruz

One of the many glories of college living is the freedom to eat what you want, when you want.

The only downfall is doing so on a college budget. All college students reach that point where we take one look at our bank account and wonder how we let ourselves spend so much money eating out.

Sometimes you have to take a break from buying every meal from a off-campus restaurant or eating at campus dining halls. You can have the pleasure cooking of great tasting recipies in your own room. All you need is a microwave and a trusty (microwave safe) mug.

Here are some mug recipes you should give a try!

Instructions: 1. Combine the pasta and water in your mug and stir together.

2. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and stir.

3. Repeat for 2-4 minutes, stir every 2 minutes. If you think the pasta needs more cooking, add a teaspoon of water and microwave another minute.

4. Remove it from the microwave and stir in milk and shredded cheese, until fully mixed.

5. Microwave for another minute and stir the cheese.

SIMPLE FRENCH TOAST (via allrecipes.com) • 1 tablespoon butter • 1/4 cup milk 1 egg, beaten • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon white sugar • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1. Melt butter in the bottom of a large microwave-safe mug in the microwave, about 30 seconds. Tilt mug to coat all sides with melted butter.

2. Stir melted butter, milk, egg, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract together in the mug. Press bread cubes into milk mixture.

3. Microwave on High until set, about 90 seconds.

DOUGHNUT MUG CAKE (via Lank O'Lakes) CAKE • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1 large Egg (yolk only) • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 tablespoon milk • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg TOPPING • 1 teaspoon butter melted • 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar Instructions: 1. Place butter into large coffee mug; microwave 3045 seconds or until melted. Add all remaining cake ingredients; mix well with fork.

2. Microwave 60-90 seconds or until cake pulls away from sides and top is dry. (Do not overcook.) Cool slightly. Drizzle with melted butter; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

BLUEBERRY MUFFIN (VIA WELLFLOURED) Ingredients: • 1/4 cup flour • 1 Tbsp sugar {I used raw sugar} • 1/8 tsp baking powder • 3 Tbsp milk • 1 Tbsp coconut oil {melted} • 1/4 blueberries {fresh or frozen} Topping: • 1 Tbsp coconut oil • 1 Tbsp flour • 1 Tbsp raw sugar Instructions: • In a microwave safe mug combine the flour, baking powder, and sugar • stir in the milk and coconut oil • place the berries on top • make the topping: • crumble together the coconut oil, flour and sugar and sprinkle on top of the blueberries • microwave on high 90 seconds • cool slightly before removing the mug will be HOT QUICHE (VIA FULLTHYMESTUDENT) Ingredients: • 1 Large Egg • Grape Tomatoes • Butter • Salt & Pepper • Milk • Cheese • Bread • Optional: Your Favorite Herb Instructions: 1. Chop up your grape tomatoes and slice of bread into small pieces.

2. Grab your mug (try not to use a wide mug) and crack a egg into it. Pour some milk inside as well.

3. Melt the butter and pour it into the mug as well.

4. Add salt and pepper, then whisk the egg with a fork.

Whisk until there are no large pieces of egg.

5. Toss in some cheese, your chopped tomatoes, bread, and herbs.

6. Let the ingredients settle and place the mug into the microwave. Cook on high for one minute.

7. Once finished, garnish your egg with herbs.

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22 DORM MYSTERY TWO KINSOLVING GIRLS UNRAVEL THE HISTORY OF THEIR DORM ROOM

By Krystal Cruz

Daily Texan Originally Published May 31, 2016

After returning from a film shoot, Radio-Television-Film student Cassie Coker pushed her camera equipment underneath her desk in Kinsolving dorm. To her surprise, the panel attaching the desk to the wall came loose, revealing a gaping hole into the framework of the 50-year-old building.

Coker’s roommate Sarah McCulley, also a RadioTelevision-Film student, immediately whipped out her iPhone camera to document the unexpected event for her monthly vlog project. Both of them were about to dive into the history of their 13 by 17-foot room.

Grabbing her flashlight, Coker removed all of the contents from underneath her desk to crawl into the loose panel. Inside were several layers of dark dust were 10 cans piled on top of each other. McCulley stood behind her roommate to record what they later called “Nancy Drewing.”

After collecting the cans, Coker held them over her trashcan and cleared the dust off the label to reveal that they were actually very old, solid top beer cans. In almost 9 months of living in that room, she never had a clue that these were hidden there.

After pulling out all 10 of the cans and placing them in a box, she went back to searching underneath the desk for more interesting objects. After a few seconds of looking, Coker says, “Under an inch layer of dust, there was an envelope. We pulled that out and dusted it off. We opened it, right over the trash can, and there was a picture in there of this young woman’s portrait. The portrait’s shellac was stuck to the adhesive of the envelope, so we had to pull it apart. It kinda damaged the picture a bit, but didn’t mess with the clarity. We could still see it.”

They were immediately excited. They began to scrape little remnants of dust off the envelope so they could faintly see a name scribbled in pencil to the receiver. Unable to read the name clearly, they began to remove the rest of the dust off the envelope. They found the sender’s information typed on the top left corner of the envelope along with that person’s name and return address.

It was then that the girls realized they had to start making their way back to class. They made a truce not to look at any of the found items or inside the now “hole” underneath Coker’s desk until they both were back from classes.

Later that night, they both arrived at their dorm, looked at each other and asked, “Wanna go Nancy Drewing?”

They went on a long internet search to find out more information about their new treasures. First, the mystery of the beer cans. When looking up the brand of beer and archiving through the appearances throughout the years, they found that the cans found hidden in the desk were from 1958-1959 because of their missing tab tops and stronger aluminum. Sarah matched up the year of the beer can to the year that Kinsolving was built. Under these circumstances, the girls now believe that the cans may have been a result of construction workers taking a break while building the rooms. Although there was no way for them to figure out who the beer cans belonged to, they did know they could find out more about whose picture was in the envelope.

After clearing off the dust from the surface of the envelope, Coker finally found the name Henry L.

Photos by Krystal Cruz

Jordan. She imediately googled his name and found a death certificate. Through the death certificate she found the name of his wife. After searching his wife’s name, Coker found the wife’s eulogy, where she found out the couple had a daughter named Judy.

McCulley and Coker took a second look at the name written in pencil that appeared to say Eckert.

Assuming that Judy was the girl whose picture was in the envelope, Coker continued to search Judy Eckert on Google. After some time, they were able to find Eckert’s phone number. A couple of days later, the girls called her up to find out once and for all if she was the girl who used to live in their room.

When Eckert answered the phone, the girls were unsure how to address themselves other than their first names.

When they clarified who and where they were, Eckert was ecstatic to hear from two girls who live in the room she lived in almost 55 years ago. She lived there as a UT sophomore before moving into her sorority house, Kappa Kappa Gamma.

As coincidence had it, Eckert mentioned over the phone call that she currently lives in the Dallas area and that her husband and her were going to visit Austin soon for his Law School reunion. The girls thought it would be an amazing opportunity for her to stop by Kinsolving while she was in Austin. They exchanged contact information and made the plans.

A couple days after the phone call, Eckert waited in the Kinsolving lobby with a purple orchid for Coker and McCulley, telling the front desk clerks about the funny situation. Attached to the orchid was a small thank you note from Judy that said, “April 16, 2016: Hello Cassie and Sarah, this is so much fun. You are so adorable to discover and research for someone who shared your desk almost 5 decades ago. It’s a blessing we could share this moment together. My 4 daughters and son utterly thank you. This is the neatest thing. Decades of caring and love.

-Judy”

Burnt X reached out to Judy Jordan Eckert after the gettogether to get her point of view on the experience.

“It was amazing to walk into Kinsolving because I was no longer walking into a grand piano room where dates used to pick us up, rather now a little market area and coffee place, it’s amazing!” said Eckert, surprised at the renovations to Kinsolving since her stay.

When they made their way to the dorm room, McCulley said Eckert’s eyes “lit up recognizing the room she lived in looked exactly the same as she remembered it.”

“The minute I walked in the dorm room, I remembered my roommate and everything was the same! The chairs were the same, the beds were the same, the desk and the shelves were all the same,” said Eckert.

Judy told stories about her college life as one of the few women majoring in business, while listing the few changes that had been made to the room. “It all held up really well!” Eckert chuckled thinking about how long Kinsolving has been up.

Along with Eckert’s own personal history in that dorm room was a little piece of American history. Eckert reminisced about a phone call made from her dorm room to Lyndon B. Johnson from his daughter during the Bay of Pigs invasion to ask what was going on.

have done many cool things and they all have been young and had the same kind of dreams and ambitions that you have. So it’s kinda cool to think about which of them succeeded.”

Coker, Eckert, McCulley In front of Kinsolving

Judy could only stay for about 20 minutes, but within those few minutes, years of memories flooded through and it reminded the girls that so many people with different stories lived in the room they forget to appreciate.

Judy had to run off to her husband’s reunion, and took the envelope and her portrait with her. She promised to keep in touch and said that maybe when the girls were in the Dallas area, they all should get together and have lunch with their families together.

“So many people lived in this room. I bet so many more of them were really cool,” said McCulley.

McCulley mentions that her opinion of Kinsolving has changed drastically, “You would often just think, it’s a little run down room that is not very clean and they don’t do much with, but then you realize that it is more than 50 years old. And so many people have lived here that

“The chairs and the desk have little chips on them and you think, ‘Oh it’s just a worn down desk’ and not really thinking about who made those chips and who are those people,” continued Coker.

The girls mentioned that they felt the footage they took of their story deserved to have its own video, rather than be part of a yearlong vlog that McCulley was compiling for herself. McCulley said that there are plans to make a small video documentary on their experience that will be uploaded to her YouTube channel, Vermillion Videos.

Not only can they look back at it years from now, but they can show others a more detailed version of the story.

“We just want to give perspective to people of how many people have lived here and how old the university is and the history of it all. Each generation is pretty similar to each other as we could see in [ Judy’s] face. She saw us and remembered when she was 19 like us and living here,” said McCulley. “Everyone is the same. We are all human. But unique at the same time.”

24 UT LIVING

HOW TO AVOID THE SPRING SEMESTER SLUMP

By Sydney Mahl BurntX

Spring semester is historically disastrous.

I’m not sure if it’s spring fever, all the pollen floating in the air or a false sense of security after winter break, but so far I’m zero for two in terms of college spring semesters.

And honesty doesn’t just apply to others. If you’re not handling something, don’t lie to yourself and say you can. If you’re struggling, don’t brush it off and compare yourself to a friend who’s in more hours and harder classes, but manages to make it look like a breeze. Don’t carry the weight of the world and tell yourself it’s only a feather. Be honest with your supporters, and yourself.

In an effort to get out of my slump, what time I didn’t spend contacting RideAustin trying to find my phone, I spent wondering where I went (and keep going) wrong.

THOU SHALT KNOW THY CLASSES Odds are, you have one problem class each semester.

You know, that one class with that one professor. Find a tutor- Sanger Learning Center provides students with five free tutoring credits per semester and offers tutoring personalized to the class. Get a planner and map out important due dates and get ahead on projects and papers.

Get to know the professor, visit them in office hours, and make it clear how hard you are willing to work to succeed in their class. Find out what they like and value- last semester I had a professor who was incredibly involved on Twitter and much of the class had assignments built around that. If I had taken the time to understand that and step up my own Twitter game, I would’ve been more successful in the class. Be a student first. That’s why we’re here.

THOU SHALT KNOW THY LIMITS Don’t overwhelm yourself. If it’s the first week of school and you’re already struggling to keep your head above water, figure out what you can do to reduce the load and make that change. Usually, it’s your social life that’s the most expendable. I’m not advocating never going out, but think about how much time going out four or more nights a week takes. The getting ready, the late night partying, the sleeping in the next day. Cut the negative activity out of your life and spend that extra time on something that’s truly important, like a really difficult economics class.

THOU SHALT LOVE THYSELF Taking care of yourself is so important. Whatever your de-stressing activity is, do it as often as you can. Go to yoga, or for a run. Read a book that hasn’t been assigned in a class. If you’re overwhelmed, talk about it. You can grab a coffee with a friend, sit and chat, stop and smell the roses. Running from classes to meetings to social events frantically throughout the day is incredibly taxing and doesn’t allow you time for yourself and limits face to face interactions with friends. And if you feel like you need to talk to a professional, make an appointment with the Center for Mental Health and Counseling.

THOU SHALT BE HONEST Find people in your life who are always there for you as a resource (hint, it’s probably your parents). Don’t keep problems or worries from your supporters thinking you can handle them alone. You’re in college. You can’t handle everything yourself, nor should you have to.

Reach out, and be honest. They want you to succeed too, and success is a group activity.

Here’s to a slump free spring semester that I’m hoping will be filled with good grades, good relationships and good decisions. Let’s make spring semester great again.

Oh yeah, and we’re only a couple weeks into the school year.

My most recent debacle includes losing my phone in a RideAustin car and wasting an entire day trying to track it down. Last spring semester, it was an economics class that almost brought me to my knees.

Why is the spring semester so cruel? How do I always find myself struggling through the springtime? How can you avoid the spring semester slump?

˚ Thou Shalt Know Thy Limits ˚ Thou Shalt Be Honest ˚ Thou Shalt Know Thy Classes ˚ Thou Shalt Love Thyself

26 UT LIVING

17

FEELS:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S BEHAVIOR AT UT

Y

By Jamila Raja

p e

R

BurntX Staff

By Omar Rodriguez-Ortiz

BurntX Staff e On Wednesday, Feb. 14, a young man s murdered 17 people in a Florida high school with a rifle he had legally purd chased.

As authorities continue investigating, former classmates of the shooter said n they were concerned about his behavior a prior to the deplorable act.

This included uploading pictures of him with guns and o knives on social media, bragging about n rats with his BB gun, fighting at nshooting moisturizer.

Coconut oilgun-related also worksjokes. as a school and making dark, moisturizer, and some have seen improveDue to incidents like this, the suspected ments inwas theirexpelled complexion from over gunman and banned fromtime use.

Rosehip oil is a popular oil that helps campus. regenerate cells and improve collagen production, which can help reduce the appearThe Federal Bureau of Investigations is ance of scars and wrinkles. currently investigating why the agency didn’t follow protocol when a person close to the suspected shooter contacted the FBI’s Public Access Line tipline on Jan. 5, 2018 to report concerns about him.

“The caller provided information about Cruz’s gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting,” said the agency in a press release published Friday.

In light of this, what can you do if you are concerned about a student in your class, a roommate or a co-worker in UT Austin?

The Behavior Concerns Advice Line advises all students, professors, and staff to call their 24/7 line at 512-232-5050 or submit your concerns using the online form.

“Cases that present an immediate threat to

self, others, or property should be considered an emergency and should be directed to The University of Texas Police Department by calling 911,” according to BCAL’s webpage.

When you call BCAL, trained staff members will assist you in exploring available options and strategies. You can remain anonymous although the university may be required to release some information to “appropriate parties.”

Although makeup can help cover blemishes, is out important to moisturize and balIf youitfill the online form, a staff ance your skin tone before you apply any member will contact you by the next busiproduct.

It is also crucial to protect your ness day (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm). This skin with method sunscreen; a thin layer ofsince sunreporting is not anonymous screen under your makeup can protect your you will be asked to enter your UTEID. skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Healthy habits can improve your skin dramatically.

“The Behavior Concerns Advice Line is a service that provides The University of Texas at Austin’s faculty, students and staff an opportunity to discuss their concerns about another individual’s behavior,” according to BCAL’s webpage.

After calling or submitting a form, individuals may be referred to resources like the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Emergency Services, the Counseling and Mental Health Center, and the Employee Assistance Program, depending on the situation.

Next month, May, is marked by the Mental Health America Association ordinary, if aHealth studentMonth. has notWhile seen his as Mental it isor her roommate a week duringtoa reducing busy great to have in a day dedicated time in thestigmas semester, a teaching assisnegative andif encouraging treattant’s behavior unpredictable or if a staff ment, we needisto vow to stop shaming member notices thatto a co-worker been people that decide ask for helphas with yelling at people and seems angry all the their mental health, year-round. time.

There are multiple times when someone Events the ones in Florida emphasize is seenlike having a problem, but are told the of keeping eachthe other byimportance people to “suck it up.” It’s reason accountable andcare of the responmental health in authorities’ the United States sibility to follow-up when people is so horrible: no one wants to bereport seen as these concerns. the weak link.

But what’s to blame for these In who’s 2013, or 43.8 million, or 18.5% people mass solely blame overshootings? the age of Some 18, hadpeople a mental illness, the murderer, others the lack of untreated. accessiand nearly 60% of those went ble mental health care, and many blame politicians’ to legislate These are unwillingness horrible numbers. effective gun regulation laws like bans on semi-automatic assault these weapons and The first step ofguns, improving numhigh-capacity bers is gettingmagazines. rid of the stigma that surrounds them. Let the ones affected While endless debate share this theirseemingly stories and educate thosegoes on, let’s focus theeveryone things each us can around them.onFor else,ofopen up doyour likeears connecting people services they and listen to thetobreathing of might their need. minds.

It’s not surprising that college campuses have seen an influx of mental illnesses.

Here there are a bunch of twenty-somethings being asked to carry the weight of the universe in their backpacks.

SYMPTOMS OF 80% of students have felt overwhelmed with their responsibilities, and it is only DEPRESSION going to get worse as society demands ∙ Trouble more andconcentrating, more from us.∙ Loss of interest in things once pleasurable remembering details, and making decisions.

To anyone who is struggling, the biggest or appetite thought to keep in mind∙ Overeating, is that you are loss a human∙ Fatigue being, not a burden. Having a mental illness will never change that. ∙ Aches,day, pains, ∙ Feelingstake of guilt, Go ahead, a mental health and headaches, cramps forgetworthlessness, whoever thinks that you’re orbeing won't go else. away weak,and orhelplessness unproductive, orthat whatever

Care about yourself, and take it one step ∙ Digestive problems that ∙ Pessimism and at a time. don't get better, even hopelessness with treatment If you feel that you need more than that, ∙ Insomnia, early-morning and Mental Health the UT Counseling ∙ Persistent sad, anxious, Centerwakefulness, provides individual and group or "empty" feelings or sleepingfor too much counseling students with any sort of problem. ∙ Irritability

∙ Suicidal thoughts or

attempts Your mind is the most beautiful thing ∙ Restlessness you have.

Never be afraid to care for it.

Published on www.webmd.com burntx.com on 10/13/2015

By contacting BCAL, “campus and community support networks may be accessed; optimizing the chance that individuals will receive needed assistance.”

The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) provides counseling, psychiatric, consultation, and prevention services that facilitate students’ academic and life goals and enhance their personal growth and well-being.

Some examples of situations in which BCAL may be contacted are if a student appears to be distressed in class and his or her behavior is somewhat out of the

Business Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Phone: (512) 471-3515 - Student Services Building 5th Floor

NEED HELP?

CAMPUS DINING HALL

DIY FOOD HACKS

By Jacqueline Pena BurntX Staff

Every student on the Forty Acres has gone to JCL at some point or another and has realized that the prices are ridiculous.

Some students manage to avoid the steep prices, and some simply pray that their Dine in Dollars/Bevo Bucks last through the end of the semester. Either way, the routine schedule at JCL can get a little boring. Here are some do-it-yourself hacks to try if you’re looking for something new. Some of these hacks will also save you money.

TUNA SANDWICH Instead of going to the sandwich line, go to the salad bar and grab some tuna. Get a separate bowl and add mayo (this is to prevent your tuna from becoming heavier, therefore costing a few cents less). Grab two slices of bread. Mix the tuna and the mayo and assemble your sandwich.

Optional: Add a few veggies in your sandwich if you’re into it.

GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS Grab 2 boiled eggs from the salad bar. In a bowl, grab sour cream and pico de gallo, both located in the Hummus Bar. Go to the South of the Border Food line and ask for a side of guac. When you get to your table, cut the eggs open and scoop out the yolk. Mix the yolk, sour cream, pico de gallo and guac in your bowl. Scoop on top of the eggs.

CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Exactly what it sounds like. Make a waffle and then order chicken strips. *Optional* Get two condiment cups and have syrup and hot sauce on the side for dips.

EGGS A LA MEXICANA Order plain eggs from the breakfast line, add a scoop of pico de gallo and some shredded cheese.

CHICKEN SALAD Order a baked chicken from the Country Fixin’s line. In a bowl, add mayo. In a separate bowl, add grapes. If possible, make a stop by Jester Market and grab a package of walnuts or almonds. Shred the chicken apart and cut the grapes in half. Then, combine all of the ingredients together.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

SMOOTHIE BOWL You can use either the Greek yogurt already placed next to the salad bar, or use a pre-packaged yogurt like Yoplait. Grab an empty bowl, a banana, some granola, and strawberries. Milk is optional if you want it to have more of a smoothie-like texture. For assembly, pour the yogurt and milk into the bowl and combine if applicable. Slice the banana into ¼ inch pieces, and slice the strawberries in halves.

Lay out the fruits on one side of the bowl, and spread out the granola on the other side. Bonus points if your smoothie bowl is Instagram-worthy.

28 UT LIVING

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE GETTING A PET

By Ali Killian

Longhorn Life Staff

After living on their own, some students realize it’s time to have a furry companion in the house. While having a pet can be the best time of your life, it’s also a huge responsibility. Try answering these questions to figure out if you really are ready to make the leap into pet ownership.

WHY DO YOU WANT A PET? Before anything else, determine your reasons for buying an animal. Do you just want a friend around or have you been dreaming of a little fur-ball? Although right now you may want a pet, that feeling could be fleeting. This commitment will last for the animal’s entire life, so give it a lot of thought. If you find yourself desperately longing for a ‘Fido’ or ‘Sparky’ after a couple months, then consider taking the next steps.

WHAT KIND OF PET DO YOU WANT? Lions and tigers and bears...oh my! Which do you choose? Although those aren’t necessarily domesticated animals, there is a large selection for you to pick from: dogs, cats, fish, lizards, snakes -- finding the right pet to fit your personality can be a challenge. Are you looking

for a traditional pet or something a little odd? Next, think about the breed. The type of animal you choose determines how much maintenance it will require. Do you really want to vacuum cat hair off of your furniture every week? Would you rather clean out a hamster cage? It’s best to choose a pet that will fit your lifestyle, that way you won’t have to remind yourself to walk ‘Lucky’; she can just come along for the morning jog.

DOES YOUR LANDLORD ALLOW PETS? Especially around campus, the rules regarding pets in apartment complexes can be very strict. Be sure to check your lease or ask the front desk about animal restrictions.

You don’t want to buy the parrot of your dreams just to return him to the store before you have a chance to teach him to speak.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE? Although you may think you have a lot of free time, it may not be enough to take sufficient care of another life.

No matter which animal you choose, having a pet is a big time investment. Every pet will have to be fed, but others you may have to walk, brush or bathe, in addition.

Whether it’s a litter box, cage or droppings on the ground outside or in your home, cleaning up after it will be a task.

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If you’re not home very often, your pet will be the one who suffers. He or she will depend on you to live, so you need to make sure you have enough time to give your pet a good life.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE? In addition to much time, pets also take up a lot of money; merely purchasing your pet can be an investment.

Be sure to check your bank account when you decide to make the commitment. You’ll have to get supplies at first, such as food and water bowls, a litter box, beds or cages.

After the initial purchases, make sure you have a reliable source of income because you’ll need to constantly buy food, litter and other essentials, too. Lastly, trips to the vet for shots and check-ups can be a money-sucker. Just like a child, a pet can drain you of your finances, but you’ll love it anyway.

Owning a pet can bring happiness into your life, but don’t forget that the commitment can be tough to manage for college students. Between class, work and rent, an animal may be too much to handle right now; don’t be afraid to wait for the ideal time. You can love your little pet to death, but it takes more than just love to provide it with a great life.

AT THESE AUSTIN DIVES, YOU CAN GET A BLAST FROM THE PAST — OR PASS OUT

By Morgan O'Hanlon

Daily Texan Originally Published December 7, 2017

With a reputation as one of the drunkest cities in America, it’s no wonder Austin’s as full as a pint glass as far as boozy beverages are concerned. In addition to having a lot of venues, Austin’s bars have a lot of history from different eras — so if you forget what happened during a night out, you’re in good company. In order of oldest to youngest, a night at these dive bars will take you on a ride through our city’s storied past (with a few stops at boozetown along the way).

Dry Creek Cafe and Boat Dock (1953) Don’t take the name literally — Dry Creek Cafe is anything but. UT students once ventured off the 40 acres for a scenic ride down Mt. Bonnell Blvd. and the tasty brews that awaited them at the end. Besides the devil’s nectar, what really kept them going back was one crotchety bartender. Sarah worked at the cafe for decades, during which she built her reputation as Austin’s meanest bartender — an affectionate term, of course. She died in 2009, but her son still owns the bar. Angel Altenhofel is the one behind the counter these days, taking over after another bartender served a short stint after Sarah.

Sahara Lounge (1962) Drive east down Springdale and you’ll encounter an out-of-place oasis on a treefilled road. The venue is like a mirage in more ways than one. Featuring jazz bands, African drums, blues music and Caribbean sounds, patrons at Sahara Lounge need only close their eyes to be transported to another country, or continent. If you open your eyes again to chat with one of the pleasant bartenders, you’ll be greeted with a hospitality that channels a time when Austin was a smaller and slower place than it is today. The Sahara Lounge’s schtick may have changed over the years, but its personality certainly hasn’t.

Donn’s Depot (1972) Like most people who pass out drunk

after a night out, Donn’s Depot rests between 5th and 6th Street. Half a mile west of Lamar, this repurposed train depot hosts a delightful mix of old fogies and 30-somethings. A good portion of the patrons may have been alive to see Waylon Jennings back in his day, but don’t be surprised when these baby boomers bust some moves on the dance floor. Live bands play throughout, so bring your boots!

Don’t have dance partner? On weekend nights, one octogenarian is always looking to two step. He wears a neon green shirt that reads ‘Chick Magnet’ and high socks, so you can’t miss him!

The Common Interest (1974) At this Karaoke bar in North Austin, patrons come to drunkenly holler the words to everything from “Cut to the Feeling” to “Be Prepared” from the Lion King.

This inconspicuous venue in a strip mall off North Burnet Rd. looks like a place football fans would gather for wings on a Thursday night, but the sports-bar dressings shouldn’t deter any musical theater geeks or aspiring divas — the atmosphere inside is not only lively, but accepting.

Singers of all skill levels and musical tastes will make even the worst singers feel at home. Best of all, the more you drink, the better the both you and the other performers sound.

Whole In The Wall Photo by Rachel Zien | Daily Texan Staff

Hole in the Wall (1974) If you’re looking for a true Austin venue, but don’t have a ride, hop right on over to Hole in the Wall. This Austin dive may be among the younger on the list, but you can walk there. Take a trip over after a long day of classes or exams to get hammered — and maybe spot a professor while you’re at it.

APARTMENT HUNTING IN

AUSTIN

By Jacqueline Pena BurntX Staff

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Aside from on-campus housing, Longhorns tend to live in three distinct areas: West Campus, North Campus and Riverside. When looking for somewhere to live, the area, cost and commute all have to be considered. We’re sharing some of the pros and cons of each area.

West Campus Known for always being lit, West Campus is by far the most convenient in terms of location. Located behind the Drag, WC is basically just a few steps away from campus.

Pros The convenient location is by far the biggest perk of living in WC. The nearby food trucks, restaurants, party scene (if you’re into that) and luxury apartments are also factors to consider.

Cons WC can be overcrowded at times, with leases running out quickly. In result, there are limited parking spots and the rent is higher than average. A notorious party scene, WC can be loud, which is a downside if you’re more of a homebody.

In addition, it is far away from popular grocery stores, such as HEB and Whole Foods. Search for notable WC apartment complexes here: 21 Rio, The Castilian, The Callaway House and The Quarters.

North Campus This neighborhood is known for being quiet and quaint. This is an area that is really a great transition between dorm living and post-grad living. Stretching from Dean Keeton to Hyde Park, NC offers houses to rent and share with close friends.

Pros North Campus is a beautiful and established neighborhood just minutes from campus and downtown. The historic district tucked away in NC named Hyde Park offers traditional houses and slightly cheaper rent with plenty of parking. It is very close to HEB and has great restaurants (Hyde Park Bar and Grill, Asti and Mother’s Cafe, to name a few).

Cons There are many older homes, which means there’s a lack of washer and dryer connections. Therefore, you will have to get comfortable with community-style laundry. There is not really a party scene, and NC is a little further than walking distance from campus. However, there are an abundance of bus stops and bike lanes that are easy to navigate. Click here to see some house listings in NC. Riverside The furthest from campus, Riverside complexes are located on the east side of I-35 and are similar to living in an apartment post-graduation.

Pros Riverside offers the cheapest rent out of the three areas. It is located near the Lady Bird Lake trails, has best local cuisine and offers rolling lease periods. There are UT shuttles to and from campus.

Cons Long commutes can be the biggest struggle if you live in Riverside. In addition, the apartment complexes are older but mostly renovated. Some popular apartment complexes are Ballpark North, Townlake and University Estates.

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