an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan
FEBRUARY 20, 2013
LONGHORN LIFE
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
LONGHORN
Editor’s Note Finding a place to live is an important decision, and can also cause quite a headache. You’ve barely settled into your new place in the fall and you’re already forced to think about where you’re going to be next year! First, you need to decide whether you want to live in an apartment, a house, a co-op or a dorm. Then you have to decide between Riverside, West Campus or maybe even commut-
ing. Are you going to live with your best friends, a random roommate or your significant other? Once you’ve got all that down, it’s time to figure out how to decorate and organize your new place. Luckily, our housing guide is here to help. This edition is designed to help you in whichever stage of the housing process you’re in: whether you’re still searching for that perfect pad, deciding on a roommate situation
FIND US ONLINE!
STUDENT STAFF
or looking to spruce up your space. If you’re still looking for a place to live next year, stop by The Daily Texan housing fair today and be sure and take our handy map of the fair on page 14. For those of you deciding on a roommate situation, weigh the pros and cons of room sharing on page 10 and shacking up with your significant other on page 7. If you’re looking to im-
longhornlifeonline.com
prove your space, check out Katey’s tips for organizing your closet on page 8 and Bianca’s tips for adding some DIY flair to your place on page 9. And for those of you about to break the bank for a spring break vaca, consider getting some cash back by subletting your place for South by Southwesters (page 11). Once you find a place to live, you can put your mind – and your parents’ minds – at ease.
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Thankfully, UT and surrounding areas provide tons of options for students; so take the time to figure out what is right for you. Good luck and happy house hunting!
Alex Vickery
Special editions editor
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contents pg 05 pg 08 pg 09 pg 14 pg 16 pg 18 pg 27
Good Eats
Three dorm recipes
Style Notes
Keep calm and get your closet organized
Making Cents DIY decorating
Features The Daily Texan’s housing fair
Features Exploring neighborhoods
Explore Where homes become bars
Our Campus 5 Things I’ve Learned: William Powers
Special Editions Editor Alex Vickery Web Editor/Associate Editor Ali Killian Designers Felimon Hernandez, Daniel Hublein & Jacqui Bontke Writers Shantanu Banerjee, Kaci Borowski, Priyanka Deshpande, Channing Holman, Rachel Lau, Bianca Moragne, Katey Psencik, Jackie Ruth Photographers Mika Locklear, Alejandro Silveyra, Trisha Seelig, Monica Zhang Cover Design Daniel Hublein TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES Director Jalah Goette Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado Campus & National Sales Rep Joan Bowerman Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss Student Manager Morgan Haenchen Student Assistant Manager Ted Moreland Student Account Executives Hunter Chitwood, Zach Congdon, Jake Dworkis, Ivan Meza, Rohan Needel, Trevor Nelson, Diego Palmas, Paola Reyes, Ted Sniderman, Stephanie Vajda Student Lead Generators Gabby Garza, Jennifer Howton Student Classifieds Clerk Nick Cremona Event Coordinator Lindsey Hollingsworth Special Editions & Production Coordinator Abby Johnston Senior Graphic Designer Felimon Hernandez Graphic Designer Daniel Hublein Student Graphic Designers Jacqui Bontke, Sara Gonzalez 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 specialeditions@texasstudentmedia.com. Copyright 2011 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. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Spotlight LOVE THAT STYLE!
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LONGHORN LIFE
Showcasing students around campus by Rachel Lau photos by Alejandro Silveyra
CHATTER
Thao Nguyen
Andrea Pittard
Jonathan Soetandio
freshman
graduate student
senior
Nguyen takes advantage of the warm winter day with a cool cotton dress that makes a bold splash. Paired with flats and a stylish pair of shades, she is ready for an early spring.
This no-nonesense graduate student combines chic and practical. A black leather jacket and boots give Pittard on-the-go comfort without sacrificing style. This is important for the grad student, who was so busy she couldn’t tell us her style inspiration!
I want a washer and dryer in the unit. It is too much of a hassle to have to pull them in and out. Free parking would be a big plus, too.
Style inspiration: Jane Aldridge of the fashion blog “Sea of Shoes” Wearing: Urban Outfitters dress and shoes, American Eagle sunglasses
Wearing: Anne Klein boots, Michael Kors Jacket, Urban Outfitters top and jeans, thrifted sunglasses
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? Talea Mayo
“
”
PriscillaValdez freshman
“
I like the parks and lakes that are close to the Riverside area.
graduate student
”
Talea keeps it classy with a great pair of Aldo aviators, lots of lip gloss and a cute compact mirror. Of course, professionalism is important, too; her business cards are always close by, in case of a quick business meeting.
Ver Starr junior
“
Closet space and my own bathroom. I live in a fraternity house right now, so both of those would be really nice.
”
What do you look for in an apartment?
Longhorn Life
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday
Thursday
FEB/MARCH
Friday
Saturday
2/22
2/23
Dana Falconberry
West by West Campus
9 p.m. @ Holy Mountain
all day @ various
2/24
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/28
3/1
3/2
Electric Six
Spacecamp
Tame Impala
Tristan Prettyman
Suns of Orpheus
The Boxing Lesson
Phoebe Hunt
3/3
3/4
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/8
3/9
Heybale!
Costumes
Black Cadillac
Bone Thugs N Harmony
STRFKR
Pinback
Alejandro Escovedo
3/13
3/14
8 p.m. @ Stubb’s
10 p.m. @ Continental
3/10
S
9 p.m. @ Beerland
TBA @ Red Eyed Fly
3/11
X
6 p.m. @ Stubb’s
10 p.m. @ Sahara Lounge
3/12
S
7:30 p.m. @ Parish
TBA @ Emo’s East
W
9 p.m. @ Frontier Bar
9 p.m. @ Mohawk
9 p.m. @ Mohawk
8 p.m. @ Mohawk
3/15
8 p.m. @ Cactus Cafe
8 p.m. @ Cactus Cafe
3/16
LONGHORN LIFE
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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Good Eats
Embrace your inner foodie
You can do better than ramen by Priyanka Deshpande
Cramped and crowded dorms make it hard to prepare meals, and though on-campus rooms are furnished with a microwave, most instant food options involve cereal or Easy Mac. The trick to maintaining a varied dorm diet is taking advantage of unconventional appliances and knowing how to use your microwave more effectively. Irons provide a source of heat to make meals and are not considered fire hazards like toasters. While toasters are considered a fire hazard, irons can be used as a substitute. By insulating a slice of bread with parchment paper, you can prevent burning the toast while still allowing it to reach an ideal level of crispiness.
GRILLED CHEESE 1. Lay two pieces of bread with cheese in the middle on a piece of parchment paper. 2. Cover the sandwich with another piece of parchment paper and iron until the cheese is melted. Another benefit of using parchment paper besides protecting the bread is that any cheese that melts out from between the slices won’t cause a mess, leaving your dorm room as clean as before.
USE YOUR IRON
If the thought of another sandwich is too much to stomach, try a homemade quesadilla. Grocery stores like H-E-B sell pre-cooked vegetables and shredded chicken, along with shredded cheese, which you can use for filling between your tortillas. The same parchment paper method can be used, as well.
Find an electric kettle. Boiling water in an electric kettle is often used to make coffee or ramen noodles, but there are other healthy meals that you can cook with it, too. To make hard-boiled eggs, fill the kettle about two-thirds of the way with water, place a few eggs inside and allow them to boil for about 10 minutes. Other kettle recipes may require a bit more expertise, but they’re delicious if you’re up to the challenge.
DESSERT
Harness the power of your microwave. When you think of microwaving food, you probably imagine pre-packaged, frozen meals. Think again. Here’s a fun recipe to make cake in your microwave. All you need is a microwavable mug and the following ingredients to create the perfect dorm dessert.
HAM AND CHEESE QUICHE 1. Fill the electric kettle with water and bring it to a boil. 2. In a bowl, beat one whole egg and add a tablespoon of heavy cream. 3. Add chopped-up pieces of ham, a handful of spinach and some shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. 4. Pour the mixture into a stainless steel measuring cup and place the cup over the kettle. 5. Stir often, making sure to scrape the sides of the cup. 6. After five minutes, pat the egg down and allow quiche to cook for a few more minutes, until fully cooked. 7. Remove measuring cup from the mouth of the kettle and invert quiche onto a plate.
NUTELLA MUG CAKE
ELECTRIC KETTLE
Source: www.studentbeans.com 1. Combine four tablespoons of self-raising flour, four tablespoons of granulated sugar, three tablespoons of cocoa power, three tablespoons of milk, three tablespoons of olive oil, one egg and three tablespoons of Nutella in a mug. 2. Whisk with a fork until smooth. 3. Microwave for two to three minutes. 4. Add whipped cream and chocolate sauce for an extra sweet finish.
LONGHORN LIFE
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Good Eats Pick your picnic at Rio Ranch Eatery
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Embrace your inner foodie photos and story by Priyanka Deshpande
With the arrival of the Rio Ranch Eatery, West Campus finally has an answer to Austin’s food truck craze. The first food trailer park of its kind in the area, Rio Ranch Eatery offers a convenient venue for people to explore Austin’s eclectic food scene without leaving the campus area. The park, which opened in early February, is located at the intersection of 26th and Rio Grande streets. The park is officially open until 2 a.m., but some trucks stay open later. Rio Ranch Eatery offers a cozy setting for customers who are coming to snack and relax. The food trucks line the perimeter of the lot while picnic tables fill in the center. As the sun sets, strings of lights illuminate the area, creating an inviting atmosphere. “It’s a great place to hang out and get good food with friends,” said biomedical engineering freshman Devangi Dave. “It’s like the South Congress food trucks, but closer to campus.” Vendors at Rio Ranch Eatery take pride in being a part of the small-business community. Many of the food trucks are owned and operated by families who are devoted to sharing their unique styles of cuisine, from West Coast coffee to New York-style pizza. Esther Ondras, co-owner of the Velveteen Coffee House, launched the coffee trailer with her husband after moving to Austin from the West Coast. “We use all organic ingredients from local grocers,” Ondras said. “Our coffee is a Pacific-style blend with a hint of sweetness, and we want to offer our customers latte art.” Velveteen Coffee House serves exotic lattes and espressos, along with hot chocolate and iced tea. Sea salt caramel coffee is a fan favorite, but the Viennese coffee, which features a smooth balance of honey, cinnamon, espresso and milk, is the most popular beverage. As the local “purveyor of fine sausage sandwiches,” Wurst Tex offers classic pork bratwurst sausages, as well as gourmet smoked chicken and turkey links cooked with a variety of spices. Vegetarian options include the 04 Delight, which is made of Yukon potatoes with sweet apples and sage, and the Veggiano, which is made with eggplant, red pepper, fennel and garlic. This trailer is Wurst Tex’s follow up to its South Congress location. Fat Tony’s Italian Food the Brooklyn Way, the New York-style food truck, introduces a new way of eating pizza to the South: pizza balls. Fat Tony’s fried mozzarella, peppers and sausage balls topped with zesty tomato pizza sauce are quite popular among Rio Ranch Eatery visitors. If you’re not a pizza ball enthusiast, Firefly Pies makes fresh, oven-baked mini-pizzas. Housed in a giant yellow school bus, Short Bus Subs makes a variety of sub sandwiches named after common grade-school jargon. Try eating The Principle, The Mascot or The Teacher’s Pet, and get your grade-school revenge by taking a bite of Short Bus’ salami-pepperoni sandwich, The Bully. Keithers’ Kitchen, the “home of the best damn ham in Texas,” features ham, bacon, sausage, eggs and sandwiches that are perfect for any time of the day. If you’re craving Asian fare, Thai of Town will satisfy your hunger with their traditional pad thai chicken, or yellow or green curry. For a Texas spin, try their Thai Style Tacos. SoCo favorite, The Mighty Cone, also feeds customers at the Rio Ranch Eatery. The fried chicken and avocado cone – a tortilla stuffed with sesame-crusted chicken and avocado in a paper cone – is by far the most popular dish, and their chili pepper-dusted fries come in a close second. For dessert, try Wunder Waffle’s buttery Plane Jane waffles with strawberries and cream or Blenders and Bowls’s custom-made smoothies. Family-owned Cow Tipping Creamery serves up ice cream and milkshakes with your choice of toppings like hot fudge, nuts, strawberries, almond toffee, peanut butter chips and crushed Oreos.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
LONGHORN LIFE
Whose IKEA furniture do we keep?
Page 7
photo and story by Rachel Lau
They say, “Home is where not officially dating at the time. apartment. But, despite their rough patches during their first the heart is.” For some, that “It was a pretty spontaneous decision for the both of us, year, they still enjoyed being together. Hernando describes statement may very well too,” Pham said. this time as their “honeymoon stage.” The two enjoyed living be true. As relationships Seeing as the couple is currently still living together, ev- together so much that they would often choose watching TV begin to mature, cohabita- erything may seem pretty simple and not as problematic as and relaxing at home over going out with their friends. tion arises as a way to take many make it out to be. However, this assumption should not In their second year of living together, the couple has the relationship to the next be made, as the couple encountered many hardships during adapted to the idea of cohabitation, and they’ve learned to level. However, is this bold their first year of cohabitation. balance time with each other at home with their respective step worth taking? Is personal lives. Fortunately, the two also never run into cohabitation for better problems when either person has friends over. “Regardless of how many times we’ve bumped heads...it’s or for worse? “I like his friends and he likes mine,” Hernando said. Juniors Charlene really nice to come home to one another after a busy day.” “Nevertheless, Phillip or I would join in on the party Hernando and Phillip - Charlene Hernando, anyway.” Pham moved in toMany students are still financially supported biology junior by their parents, and it is important to seek parental gether two years ago, but their story is far from The first year was a time of learning about each other’s approval in terms of where they are living and with whom. typical. Hernando and eating, sleeping and cleaning habits. Problems began to arise Cohabitation may be a touchy subject, as many parents still Pham started their hous- when they realized how different they were from each other. hold traditional beliefs, and could be against the idea of living ing search with a third Hernando claims to be the clean “neat freak” in the rela- together before marriage. Hernando said her parents didn’t roommate. Plans were finalized for a one-bedroom, one- tionship, whereas Pham appears to be the messier one. The know that she was living with Pham in the beginning. Gradubathroom apartment, when the third roommate transferred couple had to learn to compromise and set rules — Pham is ally, they began to figure things out, and her parents are now to another university. With their leases already signed, the in charge of the dishes and taking out the trash, while Her- perfectly fine with the couples’ situation. apartment was left to the two of them, even though they were nando is in charge of laundry and the general cleaning of the In terms of expenses, shacking up seems practical. On average, rent for one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments range from $700 to $1000 per month. With the rent, groceries and utilities split in half, couples can end up spending much less by sharing a space. “Regardless of how many times we’ve bumped heads in the past, I know that both of us can agree that it’s really nice to come home to one another after a busy day,” Hernando said. “It may seem like the both of us are pretty alike to all our friends, but we’re very much opposites and I think that’s what helps us.”
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Longhorn Life
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Decluttering your closet: simple ways to organize your space
story and photos by Katey Psencik With midterms looming, keeping your apartment tidy seems like an impossible feat. You’re staying up late studying, then waking up early to head to class. When you do have time to do laundry, you just toss your clothes in your closet — who actually has time to sort them? In the morning, you drag yourself out of bed and realize you don’t know where your favorite pair of jeans is and your huge comfy sweater is nowhere to be found. You spend an extra 20 minutes just sifting through clothing, trying to find what you’re looking for. You get frustrated and settle for the first outfit you lay your hands on. Organizing your closet can take just a few minutes. With these tips, both your closet and your mind will be clutterfree. First off, realize that even the smallest closet has a great deal of organizing potential if you use every inch of space wisely. Use bins, drawers and hanging shelves to sort your belongings. Buy small plastic drawers to store your undergarments and accessories, and large bins to tuck away seasonal clothing or other items you don’t wear often.
A good way to save space when you’re hanging clothes is to use slim hangers — metal or plastic. While wooden or silk hangers may look prettier, they just aren’t practical. Another excellent way to save space is to hang skirts, shorts, pants or jeans on a layered hanger. First, get your hanging clothes in order. Sort them by type of garment first — put all shirts in one area, dresses in another and pants in a third. Then further sort them by sleeve length, from tank tops and T-shirts to long-sleeve shirts and sweaters. If you want, break this down further by color-coding — sort from light to dark in each section. Once you finish hanging clothes, place any stackable items on either the top shelf of your closet or on hanging shelves. T-shirts are easy to stack, and you can organize them by color, sleeve length and size, since the free shirts you grab on campus range anywhere from small to XXL). You can also sort T-shirts by how you wear them — workout shirts, shirts you sleep in, or t-shirts you wear to class on a casual day. Shelves also provide good jean storage. If you have trouble
seeing which jeans are which after stacking them, solve any visibility problems by sorting them by type, and becoming best friends with a label-maker: “skinny jeans,” “wide-leg,” “straight leg” and so on. You can also buy shelf dividers at any home goods store to keep your towers of stacked clothing from tipping over into one big mess. Now that your clothes are perfectly sorted and tucked away, use letter organizers to store flip-flops and flats on the top shelf of your closet. These are cheap and can be found at any office supply store. Put a few on your shelf and toss in any shoes that are flat enough to fit. Organize them by type — sandals, flip-flops, and flats — then by function — dressy and casual. Pull out your trusty label-maker to remind you where everything is located. The rest of your shoes can be stored in a shoe cubby at the bottom of your closet or in slim plastic shoeboxes along the top shelf. If you don’t have space, organize them as neatly as possible, paired up in rows on your closet floor or on the top shelves, if you have more room. Sort them by type.
CLOSET, continued on p. 24
LONGHORN LIFE
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Page 9
Making cents
DIY Decorating by Bianca Moragne
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Doing more for less Whether you’re shacking up with roommates, living on your own for the first time or back at your parents’ house rubbing pennies together, one thing is certain: students design on a dime. Having functional, expressive and stylish décor in your living space can be expensive if you’re shopping at department stores. However, there is another way you can reflect your personality at home, without breaking the bank. With the explosion of Pinterest and similar craft sites, do-it-yourself projects have become the latest trend. It’s time to roll up those sleeves and get down and dirty with a few D.I.Y. penny saving projects. We’ve featured several ideas, with projects for the D.I.Y. novice to expert. From vintage to chic, these projects will transform your room from drab to fab in no time. Comment
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Vintage repurposed tabletop jewelry organizer Difficulty: hard Price: varies If you live near campus, you’ve probably seen massive amounts of furniture sitting on curbsides next to dumpsters from time to time. Although most of it consists of bug-ridden mattresses and smelly, stained sofas, every once in a while there’s a gem. What you’ll need: Metal tabletop (any size) Spray paint Spray metal primer Wall anchors and screws A toolkit (pliers, files and screwdrivers to disassemble the table, if necessary) 150-grit sand paper Electric drill Finish washers Small hooks 1) Disassemble the tabletop, if necessary. Once completed, use the sandpaper to remove sharp corners, rust or coating, and then spray the entire surface with the metal primer. 2) Once the primer has dried, spray on a coat of color paint. 3) Let the paint dry and then, with assistance, hold the piece where you’ll want to hang it on the wall. Mark the space, drill holes and then insert the washer anchors to secure it. Try not to screw it in too tight, as the metal may break. 4) Lastly, use the small S-hooks and clips to hang your jewelry. It’ll never get tangled again!
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Chic Instagram coasters Difficulty: medium Price: $10 Use your favorite filtered-to-perfection Instagram photos to produce cool, customized coasters.
Vintage ostrich pendant chandelier Difficulty: easy Price: $12 Trendy ostrich feather chandeliers are gorgeous additions to your space, but the price for one of those bad boys is steep. You can easily recreate the designer shades for a fraction of the cost. What you’ll need: Wax paper Packaging Tape IKEA) Electrical cord
Paper lantern ($6 at
1) Begin cutting sheets of wax paper into various lengths for the lamp’s hanging petals. Fold the paper over several times so you are able to cut eight petals at a time. 2) Attach the petals to the lamp with the tape. Start attaching the petals from the bottom upward, with shorter pieces at the top and longer ones near the bottom. Be sure to make lots of layers. 3) Now it’s complete! The petals should naturally curl outward and the matte on the wax paper will give it a glossy appearance. What you’ll need: 4-by-4 ceramic tiles (Home Depot has some for only 39 cents) Foam brush Felt Mod Podge Clear, waterproof sealant Printed Instagram photos (one for each coaster) 1) Print out your Instagram photos; be sure to size the photos to fit the tiles. Try using photo paper instead of printer paper, as it is more durable and won’t bleed ink. 2) Coat one side of each tile with the Mod Podge, then place the photo cutout onto the tile pressing out any air bubbles. Let this dry for an hour. 3) Apply two more coats of Mod Podge onto each side of the tile. Let this dry for another hour. 4) Spray a light layer of sealant over the top of the coaster so it remains waterproof. 5) Once everything’s dry, place the felt — cut out to the size of the tile — on the underside of the coaster. Grab a drink and you’re good to go!
Modern upscale corkboard Difficulty: easy Price: $10 This fun and easy craft will help you manage your time and stay organized. What you’ll need: 4 12-by-12 inch cork tiles (other sizes will also work) Foam brush Paper towels Acrylic paint Painter’s tape 1) After purchasing all the materials, select a color of paint to use for the base of the corkboard. You can stick with a single color or play around with a few by mixing and matching. 2) Tear long strips of painter’s tape, and create lines across the corkboard. Feel free to get creative and paint a topcoat on the board first if you don’t want the brown of the board showing. You can also arrange the lines of tape however you want for a funky feel. 3) Fold a piece of paper towel in half, and then in half again, and squeeze out a dollop of acrylic paint. Use the foam brush to cover the exposed areas of the board without tape. 4) Once finished, find a spot for the tile to dry for an hour before removing the tape. Repeat the process on the remaining tiles. 5) Now it’s time for you to find the perfect spot to place your trendy corkboard. Hang it up on your wall with tack or sticky putty, grab your pushpins and start pinning away!
Page 10
Longhorn Life
Sacrificing more than space
Whether it’s Callaway or the Castilian, sharing a room with someone reduces costs. But is the money saved worth the trouble? There are more benefits to splitting rent with someone than just saving money. Sharing provides company, always giving you someone to talk to or hang out with. Roommates can become best friends given the right conditions. But there’s always a risk. Some people end up worst enemies, and friendships can suffer from the decision to rent together. Cleanliness, different social groups and romantic partners are some of the most common issues roommates encounter.
by Shantanu Banerjee photo by Mika Locklear
Different groups of friends can make things awkward, especially if someone wants to have a party or bring their friends back to your place. “My roommate and I are still close despite being in different groups,” said business sophomore David Yu. “I have my business council group while he has his liberal arts friends.” “I find when you’re with your roommate or bringing others back to your place, it’s best to share a group of mutual friends,” Yu said. “Otherwise, go out with those friends or take the party somewhere else. That way nobody’s uncomfortable. Now, if it’s bringing a girl back, that’s a different story.” Significant others, whether they are romantic partners or one-night stands, can cause a major upheaval in leasing together. This is especially awkward when bedrooms are shared; someone ends up on the couch or floor. Having to put up with a third person you may not know or even like can be a problem, especially when that person is using the shower or eating your food. Romantic partners can feel like uninvited guests. Solutions beyond asking your flat mate to crash on the couch for some privacy do exist, though. “There’s a lot you can do to make sure you don’t feel like you’re deciding between your roommate or a girl,” said biochemistry sophomore Mert Erdenizmenli. “Have your partner come over during holidays or weekends, when there aren’t classes your roommates have to get to. Breaks also mean your roommates go home, so you have the whole
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
place to yourself. Now, if it’s someone you might bring back from a party, plan in advance so your roommate isn’t bothered. I know some people’s solution is their couch with a pullout bed.” Cleanliness, or a lack thereof, can cause roommate issues. It can be small things, from not washing dishes or not picking up after themselves to never helping to clean or your roommate waiting for you to do it. “Sometimes, it’s just a total mess, and we kind of live in it until one of us can’t handle it anymore and does something about it,” said biomedical freshman Anita Guthikonda. “Usually I break first, but sometimes my roommate gets in these cleaning moods and cleans the whole apartment.” With the money saved from splitting the rent, hiring someone to clean can even be an option. If you feel frustrated with the dirty apartment or some other habit, it’s always easiest to bring it up straight away. When people take a passive-aggressive approach, like leaving things dirty to frustrate the other, everyone loses. Living with someone means forming a relationship with them, and part of that will always involve letting each other know about any problems you might have with their living habits.
Wednesday, February 20 2013
Page 11
Longhorn Life
Vacating for vacation? Rent out your place
by Kaci Borowski
Want to recoup your losses from that sweet spring break trip you’re about to take? One easy way is to list your apartment for rent during the monolith known as South by Southwest. Here are a few tips to help you through the process, and yo put some of that margarita money back in your pocket. 1. Check with your landlord first One way to find out if this is an option for you is to look at your lease. “Read over your lease in case there is something in the special provision or ‘guest’ section that prohibits you from having guests,” advises Rachel Ford, property manager of West Campus Living. If you are unsure, contact management to see what your options are.
2. Take some photos and create a listing Once you’ve received the green light, set up a listing on a rental site like Airbnb or Craigslist. Put in a little effort and make your place look as nice as possible — photos and presentation matter to strangers coming halfway across the country to crash at an unknown pad.
3. Check local rates and be competitive
bedroom apartment a few miles away from downtown — you’ll likely end up with no takers. Adding a surcharge for extra guests is fair game on most listing sites, so if you’re cool with lots of guests, you might find yourself raking in a lot of paper.
4. Protect yourself and your stuff, just in case Although sites like Airbnb have insurance policies in place to protect renters, it is a good idea to have a back up plan. Take valuables to a friend’s house and look into affordable renters’ insurance policies. Many go for as little as $5 per month. Ford suggests taking a refundable cash deposit and holding a Skype interview to get a feel for your guests, so you can enjoy your vacation worry-free.
5. Enjoy
There are a lot of people who are desperate for a place to stay during SXSW, and are willing to shell out major bucks for a roof over their heads. Look at other local listings to get a feel for what the going rates are in your neighborhood. You may see places going for more than $300 per night, but be realistic. Don’t ask for major money if you’ve got a one
You’ve done a good deed by opening up your home to those hungry for free food, music and those sweet tote bags you’ve been collecting since 2009. Reap those karmic and monetary benefits and enjoy your break — it’s going to be all-systems-go once you get back.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Housing by the students, for the students
by Jackie Ruth
If you’re walking through West Campus and you see a house with TVs dotting the roof, you’ve stumbled upon French House. This is one of the nine co-ops that belong to the UT Intercooperative Council, one of two co-op boards in West Campus. What exactly is a co-op? It’s a house or other residence in which all of those who pay rent own the property together. This means that everyone gets an equal say in the rules, renovations and other decisions about the living space. According to Anna Pope, the president of ICC’s board of directors and trustee of French House, co-op living is simply “based on what we want.” In general, ICC co-ops are smaller than those of College Houses’, the other West Campus co-op board. The co-ops under ICC are all actual houses, rather than dorm or apartmentlike dwellings, and they house a range of 15 to 33 people. The board of directors is elected by residents in the co-ops and is an entirely student-run, nonprofit program. Pope, who graduated in December with degrees in Spanish and Latin American studies, has lived in French House since January 2012. As trustee, it’s her job to make sure the household runs the way it’s supposed to and to run the bimonthly meetings. Like other co-ops, French House has officers within the house who take care of certain duties. Everyone is required to do a certain number of hours of labor each week — like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and other chores — and the rent covers not only a resident’s room, but also utilities and food. Co-ops can be an economically savvy decision for students who want to experience the convenience of living in West Campus, while paying a lower rent. Each house offers a different atmosphere. For instance, French House does not allow pets, and only upper division and graduate students can live there. There are no TVs allowed in common areas, to increase social interaction, and they require prospective members to attend a dinner at the co-op before being able to move in. For applicants to French House who don’t currently live in Austin, the household will do a Skype interview in lieu of dinner. Currently, 19 people live at this particular co-op, which is known among the other co-ops as the “clean house,” because they are much tidier than others. Each person in the house must do four to five hours of labor per week, and there is a weekly schedule of chores that usually shifts every semester due to new members and other changes. The camaraderie among the residents at French House is in part owed to the rule that bans TVs, and many of them said that they hang out together often. “Co-ops can be pretty insular, but not always,” said aerospace engineering graduate student Karl McDonald. “It usually gives you a ready-made social group.” Pope agrees, adding that co-ops are eclectic, and you can make friends that you never would have met otherwise. “I’ve known very few people who move into co-ops and don’t like it,” she said.
Longhorn Life
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Room, board and bus fare
When it comes to housing, many students limit their search to West Campus. But as rent climbs and enrollment hits record highs, students are trading convenience for more affordable housing. But what happens when an increasing number of students can’t walk to campus? When housing on campus alone can range from $8,700 to $15,000 per year, the perceived problems with commuting suddenly seem worthwhile. Reduced rent and more living space seem like worthy trades for campus proximity, but the
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by Shantanu Banerjee
problem extends beyond traffic for many commuters. “The issue in reaching class on time is not just the morning jam on Mopac, but just unpredictable events that come with it,” said psychology junior Jason Pang, a resident of Northwest Austin. “The bus broke down once — it just straight up stopped running. I’ve seen other buses get flats and have to pull over. All this can make commuting a hassle, especially during exam week.” The scarce parking can also cause a problem for many commuters. “Permits for parking on campus are expensive if you’re not an employee, so I have to go by the bus schedule instead,” Pang said. “Of course if it’s an emergency, like making it in time for a test, I can always drive myself and pay for a parking garage or get dropped off by family.” The perks of living near campus are evident. To make an 8 a.m. class, students can simply wake up 30 minutes before and walk there. Left your homework in the room? Run back and get it. Have a club or group meeting two hours after class? Go home and grab some dinner. But, for traveling students organization, is key. Professors do not usually excuse being late to class, lab or an exam because traffic was a mess, so commuting always involves planning ahead. “It’s more difficult to be involved in what happens outside
of class hours, like student organizations or group projects,” said senior electrical engineering major Karan Dodia. “The worst part about commuting was a physics lab I had from 8 to 11 p.m. The last northbound express bus left the Guadalupe and 26th streets stop at 10:50 p.m., so I would usually have to sprint from RLM all the way up 26th Street.” The varying bus schedule poses a particular problem for those who come to Austin without a car. On weekends, buses that usually commute uptown, like the 983 Route, do not run, which leaves the 3 Route bus as one of the few slower options. As a result, many believe enjoying weekends or nightlife at UT or downtown Austin can be more difficult being at the mercy of a bus schedule. But, not all students feel that living away from campus inhibits their social life. “Just because I work and commute doesn’t mean I can’t have a good time,” said sophomore Latin American studies major and North Austin native Blanca Badillo. “I go clubbing with Texas Latin Dance most Thursdays; I can always make weekend parties, and even make time for a dance class.”
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It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood by Katey Psencik After freshman year, students typically want to branch out from oncampus living into the further reaches of Austin. Are you curious what’s the best choice for you? From trendy North Campus to affordable Riverside to convenient West Campus, here’s what you need to know about these popular neighborhoods.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Residents: Chemistry and pre-pharmacy senior Leslie Opara and music performance and biology senior Alyssa Barnes Longhorn Life: How do you feel about the rumors that Riverside is a dangerous place for students to live? Leslie Opara: It’s not true at all. I’ve lived in Riverside for two years, and not once did I, or anyone else I know get robbed. You’re as safe in Riverside as you are anywhere else. Alyssa Barnes: I’ve never had any problems or felt any danger. For extra assurance, most of the apartment complexes around here have good security. LL: Why is Riverside a good place for students to live? AB: The price and location are super convenient. My apartment sits on a busy street, so I’m within walking distance from an H-E-B and a shopping strip with a Subway, a gym and several hair-care stores and salons. LO: You get a lot of space for very low rent. Being a student is very stressful; we shouldn’t have to worry about paying our rent on top of everything else. Living in Riverside definitely gave me that peace of mind.
Riverside
North Campus Residents: Journalism senior Sheyna Webster and government senior Linda Castillo Longhorn Life: Why did you choose to live in North Campus? Sheyna Webster: It’s far away from the chaos of West Campus. I was so immersed in school and living by campus that my stress was too much to deal with; not to mention I couldn’t sleep. I wanted something far enough away for peace, but close enough that it was still convenient to get to and from campus. Linda Castillo: We got a great deal on the rent! It’s a lot of space for our dollar. LL: Why is this a good place to live? LC: It’s pretty close to the Intramural Fields bus stop. I also love that we have a backyard because I have a dog. SW: Commuting to campus is easy with the IF bus right down the street, and you can’t beat how great street parking is around here. Plus, we have a huge house with so much space and privacy for the exact same rent we were paying for a tiny apartment squished in West Campus.
West Campus
Residents: Radio-television-film and finance junior Shane Ware and petroleum engineering senior Gibson Strickland Longhorn Life: What do you love about West Campus? What do you hate about it? Shane Ware: I love the convenience factor of being on campus, being within walking distance from everywhere, and the apartments are a good size for parties. But I hate that the appliances, Internet and other things are pretty low-quality. Things have broken multiple times and my drains are consis-
tently slow. It’s also pretty expensive. Gibson Strickland: West Campus parties are great, but the rent is really high. It’s good if you have the money, and if you want to party but still get to class on time. LL: Describe your neighborhood’s character. GS: Typical college debauchery. LL: What should students looking for apartments in West Campus know about the area? SW: When you live in West Campus, know what you’re signing up for. Weekends will be loud and drunk people will be everywhere. I know a lot of people who just can’t stand the noise. So if you’re one of those, prepare yourself.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Explore The other, other Sixth Street
by Jackie Ruth photo by Mika Locklear If you love going out drinking with friends on the weekend, but you’re tired of hard-partying Sixth Street regulars, Rainey Street may just be your new favorite place. Located a few blocks from “Dirty Sixth” by Lady Bird Lake and I-35, this up-and-coming district’s houses-turned-bars are full of old school charm. Bridget Dunlap, whose ownership of three of the properties has deemed her the “queen of Rainey Street,” was the first person to breathe life into the block when she moved to Austin from Houston in December 2008. She first created Lustre Pearl and Clive in 2009, and later Bar 96. To Dunlap, the idea of turning the old houses into bars was obvious, partially because she had done a similar project in Houston. Her past success, combined with the location’s proximity to downtown, the construction of the Four Seasons residential tower and, as she puts it, simply because the houses were cute, made Dunlap confident in her new venture. The district’s popularity has risen so much that The New York Times wrote a story about it in 2011, calling it “the latest hot spot for locals.” But, popularity comes with a price, as overcrowding on weekends has become an issue for some customers. Although Dunlap doesn’t have a solution for the overcrowding, she indicates that city officials may be working on a plan for meter parking in the area or a pedestrianonly Rainey Street.
The bars all have outdoor porches or backyards with food trucks readily available. The outdoor spaces help to spread the crowd, rather than keeping people confined indoors. Dunlap is also working on another bar in the district called Container Bar, but there is not a set date for the opening. “Lustre Pearl is my alter ego and she’s a party girl,” Dunlap said. “Clive is her boyfriend, and he’s a handsome gentleman and very laid-back. Bar 96 is their love child and is more rowdy.” These descriptions give an accurate feel of the bar aesthetic — Clive is generally calmer than the others, Lustre Pearl can get rowdy and Bar 96 is the Rainey Street version of a sports bar. Austinites also enjoy the dog-friendly atmosphere. Dogs were initially allowed at Lustre Pearl, but it quickly became a problem. “It was like a dog park — people were just tripping over them,” Dunlap said. After a brief hiatus, dogs are allowed back at Lustre Pearl, but with much fewer four-legged patrons it is more manageable. It’s hard to say what demographic frequents Rainey Street, because it is often an eclectic mix of students and nonstudents. Bryan Herrera, a 2012 UT graduate, likes the atmosphere
of Rainey Street more than Sixth Street. “It’s more laid-back and mellow and not as raunchy,” Herrera said. “It is more for the locals and less for tourists, who might not know about it.” Senior social work major Sofi Khan agrees that the setting is much more laid-back and quaint than Sixth Street, as well as being “less tourist-y,” but there are other reasons she likes it, as well. “I think converting houses into bars is a genius idea,” she said. “It offers a more relaxing atmosphere, which puts everyone at ease and allows them to have a better time.” Khan favors Clive for its natural, earthy feel and friendly bartenders. “During the week days, Rainey is a great place to go on a date or catch up with friends because the crowds are thinner,” she said. Although customers sometimes have favorite hangouts, Dunlap won’t choose a favorite among her bars. “I like them all, and they’re like kids to me. It would be rude to choose,” she said. There is a lot of development happening on and around Rainey Street, including new bars and restaurants, as well as residential spaces. Whether or not it will affect the charm of the downtown alternative has yet to be seen, but the businesses are here to stay.
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Longhorn Life
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UTmost is “Best of” with a burnt orange twist. This is your chance to recognize your favorite local spots, businesses and organizations by voting for them to win the UTmost 2013 title for their category. From food to entertainment, from on campus to off, you, the Longhorns, tell us who and what you like best, and we dedicate a whole issue to it. So, what are you waiting for? You only have until March 15. Take a look at the next page. Fill it out and return it to the HSM business office, or go to the Web site directly or scan the QR Code to let us know whom you want to win in the 2013 UTmost “Best of” Survey. Results will be published in the March 22 UTmost edition of Longhorn Life! Vote for your favorites and watch for the results.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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LONGHORN LIFE
Deadline To Submit: March 15
2013 BEST OF
Results Published: March 29
2013 UTMOST “BEST OF” SURVEY
BEST
EATING & DRINKING
BEST
ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING, & LIVING
BEST SERVICES
Best Happy Hour _____________________________
Best Festival ________________________________
Best Dry Cleaning ____________________________
Best Mexican Food ___________________________
Best Music Venue ____________________________
Best Nail Salon ______________________________
Best Asian Food _____________________________
Best Vintage Clothing _________________________
Best BBQ ___________________________________
Best Jewelry_________________________________
Best Italian __________________________________
Best Grocery Store ___________________________
Best Food Truck _____________________________
Best Liquor Store ____________________________
Best Yogurt _________________________________
Best Textbook Store __________________________
Best Pizza ___________________________________
Best Bookstore ______________________________
Best Sandwich Shop __________________________
Best Boutique _______________________________
Best Breakfast _______________________________
Best Bikeshop _______________________________
Best Vegetarian ______________________________
Best Smoke/Headshop ________________________
Best Margaritas ______________________________
Best Place to Live: Riverside ___________________
Best Chips & Salsa ___________________________
Best Place to Live: West Campus _______________
Best Beer/Games Bar _________________________
Best Place to Live: North Campus _______________
Best Coffeehouse ____________________________
Best Place to Live: On Campus _________________
Best Burger _________________________________
Best Apartment Locator _______________________
Best Hair Salon ______________________________ Best Tanning Place ___________________________ Best Men’s Cut _______________________________ Best Car Mechanic ___________________________ Best Car Wash _______________________________ Best Tailor __________________________________
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Page 24
CLOSET, continued from p. 8 Apartments don’t provide much storage space. Chances are, your luggage takes up quite a bit of room in your closet. Utilize this space by storing out-of-season clothes and smaller bags you don’t use often inside larger suitcases. If you use a handful of bags frequently and don’t want to shove them away into other bags, buy hooks to hang them on the closet rod next to your clothes. This way, you can see them all at one time, and they’re not in a messy pile on the floor or on a shelf. Use an old shower curtain rod stretched between closet shelves for extra belt and scarf storage. This is much easier than looping your belt buckles around the neck of a clothes hanger and having to remove every belt whenever you want to wear one. It also keeps scarves from getting wrinkled. Gentlemen can drape ties over this rod as well. From the smallest dorm closets to the largest walk-ins, utilizing every inch of useful space and getting creative with storage containers can neatly organize any closet. A clean closet is a clear mind — follow these tips and you’ll have more time to study for midterms, and you’ll be looking sharper, too!
Longhorn Life
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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LONGHORN LIFE
Twenty-four hour guest policy improves dorm safety A change in the guest hours policy at The University of Texas at Austin’s residence halls may have improved safety conditions for students, university officials say. The new policy allows residents to have guests inside 24 hours per day, regardless of gender. Although allowing nonresidents inside the building at any time may pose a security risk, Area Manager of Waller Creek Residence Halls Edmund Tillett said the change actually made the dorms safer. “Prior to the change, we had a lot of students who would try to sneak people in,” Tillett said. “Now that they can have the guests without having to worry about trying to sneak them in, it’s a little bit safer community. ... We know who is in there, we have record of that, and there’s less of that skirting around the system that some students do.” Since fall 2012, when the policy changed, burglary reports in the dorms have seemingly declined. While official crime statistics for the current academic year are not yet available, the University of Texas at Austin Police Department’s daily crime log, a record of crimes reported in the past 60 days, shows one instance of burglary in a dorm between Dec. 14 and Feb. 10.
Eight burglaries were reported in dorms or apartments during the 2011-2012 academic year, an average of one burglary a month, according to UTPD’s crime statistics logs. Freshman Kinsolving Hall resident Katie Cook said the staff enforces the guest and safety policies well, and knowing that nonresidents can be inside the dorm 24 hours per day does not make her feel unsafe. “I always see RAs going around the dorm around midnight looking for people who don’t belong there,” Cook said. Previously, opposite-sex guests could visit only until guest hours ended, while same-sex guests could stay overnight if they were registered at the 24-hour desk, according to the 2011-2012 Living on Campus Guide. The university reviewed the guest policy after students expressed concerns to the University Residence Hall Association, which surveyed the residents about it in spring 2010. The results showed an interest in eliminating the gender restriction on overnight guests, according to Hemlata Jhaveri, the director of residence life. Administrators then ran a pilot program in Moore-Hill and Duren halls during the 2011-2012 academic year. The program mirrored the guest hours policy that is currently in
by Ali Killian
place. The positive student response to the program motivated the university to officially change the policy, Tillett said. Campus-wide implementation of the revised policy happened in fall 2012, with Prather and Littlefield halls as exceptions. Those two remained under the restrictive policy to serve as alternate living spaces. “We saw a decline in the number of incidents where students were sneaking in guests,” Jhaveri said. “In a security way, it helped us to be better, because the students were registering their guests at the front desk.” Junior San Jacinto Hall resident Kaitlyn Kennedy said she hasn’t noticed any threats from the change, and that the measures she and her roommate take make her feel safe in the dorm. “We always lock our door at night,” Kennedy said. “I would never leave our door unlocked if we weren’t in here; even just walking to the trash room, I lock it.” “As far as personal safety in the dorm goes,” Kennedy said, “I don’t ever really feel threatened.”
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OURCampus
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Celebrating the faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin
Expert Q&A: Drawing city lines with Eliot Tretter by Channing Holman
LL: What is the history of Austin’s political system? ET: The history taints so much of the present. Positions six and seven are here because a black candidate almost won a seat, and the council realized they had to give a position to a black guy so they wouldn’t dilute white rule as a consequence. Moreover, the council created a brown and black space to change the at-large system. It has everything to do with blacks in East Austin turning out in big numbers [during elections], and having legitimate power to change the system. Look back and imagine West Austin power in the 80s driven by business leaders and the real estate council. More representation will lead to equality in social services.
Last November, Austin voters approved the election of city council members from 10 geographic single-member districts, in an amendment known as “Proposition 3,” or “10-1.” Longhorn Life spoke to Dr. Eliot Tretter, a lecturer in the department of geography and the environment in the College of Liberal Arts, about what this redistricting will mean for students, locals and the city as a whole. Longhorn Life: What is Austin’s history of geographic division? Eliot Tretter: In the 1980s, Austin was driven by local politics. Now, the state government is a huge driver in Austin; citizens may want something and receive something completely different. There is a limited effect of what the local government can deliver [due to state government limitations]. When institutions and reforms don’t deliver, Austinites end up more disenfranchised and disappointed.
LL: How will redistricting affect the City of Austin politically? ET: That’s a complicated question, but my sense is that it will potentially lead to people who selfidentify on the council. Since business leaders dominate the council, it is impossible for minority candidates to be elected. If you look at the demographic data, the Latino population has increased, but only one person, Mike Martinez, identifies with the group. Skepticism of the redistricting plan stems from politics in the 1980s. Redistricting will diminish power in neighborhood council and change political configuration.
members of council. There will be a slight increase in tangible and different politics. One problem with running a political campaign is money across space; the capacity to campaign, organize voters and control levels of economic power.
LL: What do you think about UT having the opportunity to represent themselves in Austin’s shift to geographic representation? ET: It’s an interesting and complicated case. Student enrollment peaked in 1975 and leveled off. Most students reside in West Campus or dorms and since they were unable to build more housing, the university proposed a shuttle system. The shuttle system was a deconcentration of student population with the desire to reconcentrate. In the past, the council didn’t want students at UT voting for Lloyd Doggett, primarily, and there was an attack on student voting rights. Students made a pretty significant impact, and it proved that students have influence on whoever is in the district. I have no idea how 10-1 will help students, but students have proven that they are able to unify behind one single candidate and mobilize across different places.
LL: How will redistricting represent historically underrepresented groups? ET: The interior of Austin is becoming whiter, but the region is becoming browner because of an Asian and Latin American increase. Redistricting will change the geographic makeup of the region. The percentage of the population is small, but it’s driven by demographics and it is driving political change. Austin is a minority city of nonwhite persons, Hispanic, Asians and others. Trying to accommodate certain people’s claims will end up with more voices, but may not end up with minority voices. There will be more seats on the Austin City Council to gain political power. An increase in minority representation and a decrease in business power equal more
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OUR CAMPUS
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things I’ve learned…
William Powers, JD President At UT [43 years] Faculty for 36 years President for 7 years
1. Focus on the big rocks. If you focus on five goals, you might get them done. If you focus on 63, you won’t get any of them done. 2. Go big or go home. A B+ isn’t good enough for people in Texas. It’s not good enough in sports, and it’s not good enough in anything else. If you’re not shooting to be the very best, no matter what field you’re in, it’s not good enough. Nobody had tried a $3 billion capital campaign before. Few think 70 percent of our students can graduate in four years. It’s better to aim high and come up short than aim low and claim victory. 3. You have to put your money where your mouth is. If you have a goal, you have to fund it. The provost and I created a new process to align budgets across campus with the stated goals of department heads and deans. 4. If you want to do something big, you need a champion. In a leadership position, it’s hard to get something done by making it someone’s second job. Curriculum reform needed a champion, and Paul Woodruff answered the call. Four-year graduation needed a champion, and David Laude answered the call. Now Kevin Hegarty is championing our Smarter Systems business productivity project. And in all areas, surround yourself with talent. As Jim Collins said, get the right people on the bus, and get them in the right seats. 5. I’ve learned I’ll always be a teacher first. When I entered administration, as dean of the law school, I found there was nothing as good as teaching, so I kept doing it; and I still do it today.
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