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HOUSING GUIDE GUIDE HOUSING Contents Commuting has its pros, cons
2
Battle of the avenues
4&5
Finding your perfect housing fit
6
Do-it-yourself apartment art
7
Choose your roommates carefully
8
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Tales from a downtown resident Liz Coffee Art director
Dear God, it’s a Tuesday. Where’s my cat? Did I bolt the door? As the sun goes down in this small college town, my anxieties grow as the anticipation of the night nears me. My hope of a good night’s sleep has now become a mere fantasy. I hear the sudden loud beat of a terrible song that’s probably degrading to women and it has begun. The overpowering grunts and groans echo into the early hours of the morning as the seemingly endless hoards pass my house and call out to each other. Why the hell did I have to live downtown? It’s my fourth year of living in the downtown area of Chico, and the party is over. It was all fun and games until my classes got harder, the hangovers became crippling, and my stomach could no longer handle the late night delicacies of Jack In The Box. I now enjoy the finer things in life like Harry Potter movie marathons and telling drunken freshman to stop peeing on my house. Chico, Calif. AKA Partyville, USA. It’s the land of the dollar drinks, where the streets glitter with the glass of discarded beer bottles. I wanted to be right in the middle of the action, to never miss a thing. My search ended with a quaint place conveniently located walking distance of the bars and all the late night pizza I could eat. What more could a girl ask for? The promise of a legendary college experience is so enticing, it can cloud the judgment of even the smartest of us. I never imagined passing the carcasses of burnt couches on my walk to class, the occasional chanting of “Chico, Chico, Chico” and rioting outside my window, or that blaring sirens would eventually turn into a nightly lullaby. How could I? I just wanted to have an epic time. Now I’m old, my bed is warm and those cheap bottles of vodka make me cringe. I once was one of the party zombies who plagued the downtown area, but now I long for a good night’s sleep and a front yard I can walk barefoot in.
As I go out into to real world after graduation and search for a place to live, I will know to avoid places like Partyville, USA. No matter how much sleep I lose or how often I hear Ke$ha blaring at 3 a.m., I know that after I leave I will miss it in a way.
I will pass by a porch with a couch or beer pong table on it I will always remember the time I lived where the streets glittered with the glass of discarded beer bottles and smile. Liz Coffee can be reached at artdirector@theorion.com or @lizthecoffee on Twitter.
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by liz coffee
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Life of a commuter student Sharon Martin Sports Editor
Every morning I'm greeted with the dashed yellow lines of Highway 32. That 30-minute drive over Stony Creek and the Sacramento River is surrounded by almond orchards embellished with spring blossoms, yet the road is littered with the occasional roadkill. Yep, this is the life of a commuter student. Ever since I started my first semester at Chico State four years ago, I've lived in my hometown of Orland. For those who don't know, Orland is a small town about 20 miles west of Chico. It was close enough to campus so I felt I didn't need to move out. Four years later, I've learned that between crashing on friends' couches after a night of fun and the constant driving back and forth from home, commuting has been pretty beneficial with a few inconveniences. 1. Family is always there Unlike majority of college students who leave home for the semester, I still come home to see my parents every day. I have no shame in admitting I still live at home. Whenever I've had a tough day, I can always come home and vent to my mom about how nobody returned my calls for an important story despite leaving several voicemails or about how I embarrassingly walked into class 10 minutes late because finding a parking spot was just is as rare as spotting a unicorn. Speaking of parking, that leads me to my biggest inconvenience. 2. Parking Every semester I pay more than $100 for a parking pass and every semester I struggle to find a place to park my car. I've burned copious amounts of gas circling the garages, the Nettleton Stadium lot and any other lots scattered around campus. I've parked out in the boondocks to find myself having a 10-minute walk to class. Sadly, I've been
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by Liz Coffee
guilty of slowly stalking students who look like they're leaving so I can snag their spot. I apologize if I've ever frightened you.
I've burned copious amounts of gas circling the garages, the Nettleton Stadium lot and any other lots
3. Free stuff The biggest benefit about living at home is how much I don't have to pay for. I don't pay for groceries, satellite TV or rent. I'm not going to lie, it is the best part about living at home. My parents will pay for the necessities as long as I stay in school. The biggest
expense that consumes my life is gas. 4. Burning fuel When you drive a 2001 Camaro Z28 that only takes premium grade gasoline, your wallet is going to get hit hard. As much as I love my muscle car, paying for 91 octane every week hurts my cheapskate soul. However, it still beats having to pay for rent, utilities and groceries. Sometimes it's OK to not let go of home. Sharon Martin can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.
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College apartment living: you’re doing it right Risa Johnson features Editor
Warning: There will be floor-vibrating dubstep. A certain stench will float in so often that you won’t even register it any more. “Quiet weekends” will be a thing of the past. I live in Pomona West Apartments, a college apartment complex on Eight Street and Pomona Avenue. When I tell most people where I live, their response is usually, “Oh I’ve been to a few fun parties there.” See, when I was looking for places to live, I was looking for a quiet and safe complex near campus. I even called some police officers to find out about places with a lot of crime that I should avoid. It wasn’t really too weird because at the time I was a news reporter, and my “most recent calls” list was full of all my buds, you know, lieutenant, sergeant and captian so and so. My apartment is reasonably safe and close to campus. I guess I got two out of three things I was originally wanted. Living in a “party complex” has its less-thancharming qualities, but it has grown on me more than I expected. Here’s why: College living is really once in a lifetime. Even though I’m not a big partier, I enjoy the of blue I had ever seen. The granite countertops atmosphere. It’s easy to meet people and strike up a conver- make up for it though, and you get a discount or sation. My apartment has a dog park in the back perk like a new TV or painting done if you renew of the complex so I’ll often take Griffen, my jack the lease for another year. The cheap price is also russell terrier, and chat a huge plus. I pay $400 a with other dog owners. month, which I am sure I’m all about rescue, and the landlord offers When I tell most people where will be at least doubled when I move to a city after a 50% discount on the I live, their response is usually graduation. deposit for shelter dogs. “Oh I’ve been to a few fun My apartment is also parties there.” You stop needing ear pretty homey. I live plugs. with three friends I met I really got used to last year, my freshman the noise after the first year, and we all have few weeks of living here, and the distance from our own rooms. I will admit that my first thought when step- school and downtown is worth it. I’m sure after I ping into my new piece of sweet freedom was leave Chico I will miss the 10-minute bike ride for that the carpeting was the most revolting shade almost everything I need.
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by Frances mansour
Sometimes I get the urge to get out of my apartment to visit Bidwell, downtown or a coffee shop to relax or homework when I need some peace and quiet. Empire Coffee is close and one of my favorite spots to do work. Any excuse to splurge on the Aztec mocha. This past year I have really come to love my apartment. Finding housing in that transition from the dorms or transferring from another school is awkward and can be difficult to find the right fit, but to me, I felt like I needed to live in a college apartment for the experience. So here’s to what I know will be fondly remembered as the “good ol' days.” Risa johnson can be reached at featureseditor@theorion.com or @risapisa on Twitter.
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West Avenue vs tube anyway. After work I usually swing by Safeway to pick up some groceries. East Ave'ers can't seem to shut up about how much better their Safeway is. Zachary Phillips I don't give a crap. All I really need Columnist are the essentials, and minimalism is Coke vs. Pepsi. Giants vs. Dodg- really popular these days. Once I've eaten lunch I start walkers. Starks vs. Lannisters. Life is full of great rivalries. In the little town ing to school for classes. The walk of Chico, it's East Avenue vs. West from Fourth Avenue to school only takes about 20 minutes and people Avenue. Split between east and west by are always really friendly. On hot summer days my neighEsplanade Street, the Avenues are a common destination for students bors sell homemade lemonade on their front in search lawn. Just of housdon't drink ing. What any if you're these stuI'll admit that swerving around planning dents rarely on driving, realize is broken glass gets tedious after operating that choosthe seventh time in a single machinery, ing to live half-mile bike ride or having a in the Avebaby. nues means After a chooslong day ing into of classes I a rivalry so heated it puts Chico summers to usually get done around 6 p.m., right around when the West Aves really shame. Lately I've encountered a lot of come alive. The flickering street rumors and misconceptions about lights and demonic noises coming the West Ave's and, frankly, I'm from Monstro's Pizza really create a offended. As a proud West Avenue cool vibe as I hoof it back home. I usually go to bed around 11 p.m. resident, I consider it my personal responsibility to address all of this after a relaxed dinner, some homepropaganda, likely spread by those work and TV. East Ave'ers are always talking about how sketchy the West low-lifes from the east. The East Avenues are elitist, to say Aves are after 11. Aside from the occathe least. Listening to an East Ave'er sional raccoon or crackhead eating talk about their neighborhood, you'd through my garbage bins at 2 a.m., think they were crossing over the Jor- I hardly notice a thing. Every neighdan River into the promised land. borhood has its quirks, anyway. So there it is, a comprehensive Honestly, the difference isn't that big. I wake up bright and early for guide to life in the West Aves. With work just like everyone on the East all of those nasty stereotypes put side. I brush my teeth, eat my break- to rest, future renters can feel free fast, and hop on my bike without the to settle down and enjoy life on the West side, lemonade in hand. I bet slightest of disturbances. I'll admit that swerving around the East Aves don't have lemonade. broken glass gets tedious after the seventh time in a single half-mile Zachary Phillips can be reached at bike ride, but really it's not that big opinioneditor@theorion.com or of a deal. Accidents happen and I had @ZachSPhillips on Twitter. been planning on buying a new bike
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vs. East Avenue
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by Liz Coffee
It’s no wonder the West Aves are often described as sketchy. If I could sum up the East Aves, I would use the word quite. Even on the weekends my nights are free Zachary Coyl from the noise and excitement that opinion editor seems all too common across the Esplanade. People love to compare things. West Ave is loud, half because the Hot or cold? Sunrise or sunset? Coffee or tea? Fitzgerald or Heming- train runs through that part of town and half because of the partygoers way? East Avenue or West Avenue? While that last is unlike the oth- blowing off steam on the weekends. While it might be a stretch it would ers in it doesn’t sound like a first date question, it is an important one for seem Chico has its own East Egg and West Egg, the fictional locations of students looking for housing. Any Chico local has heard the sto- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel “The Great ries about Gatsby”. both sides of However the Avenues. instead of Even my a bay sepmother, as While it might be a stretch it arating I searched would seem Chico has its own the Avefor an apartEast Egg and West Egg nues Chico ment, has the begged me Esplanade. not to take There is a up residence division in on the Westspirit between these two locations. side of the Esplanade. That was more than a year ago and In Fitzgerald’s novel the divide was now as a resident of the East Aves I between old money and new money. In regards to East and West Ave can honestly say it has been a good the divide is not nearly as drastic but experience. On weekdays as I wake up and I would attribute the peacefulness of walk to campus I see and hear par- the former to the type of resident. While East Ave does not have the ents taking their children to school. I hear from my friends living in West lustrous estates of East Egg it is full of Avenue their commute is not nearly families and professionals, individuals who value security. as cheery. West Ave like West Egg is full of While what of the walk home? As my days on campus sometimes are another kind of person, a newer kind longer than 12 hours, the trek hap- of person, students. Like the guests of Gatsby’s extravagant parties they pens well past sundown. But the truth of the matter is, I are seeking excitement and admitrarely worry about my safety if I start tedly the West Avenues are home to my walk on the East side of campus. plenty of this. On some evenings I find myself On the rare occasion where my anxiety was peaked it was when I cut staring at the green traffic light through the West Aves on my way across the Esplanade. And instead of being filled with a longing I find comhome. On one of those occasions it was fort in knowing I won’t be awoken by probably just the unsolicited inquir- partying neighbors at 3 a.m. ing on whether I need some “bud” from a drug dealer and his group of Zachary Coyl can be reached at four friends. opinioneditor@theorion.com or
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Finding your perfect place to live Kasey Judge Photo Editor
Looking for a place to live in Chico is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. Here are some tips to finding your glass slipper in Chico. 1. Style isn’t everything Let’s get real for a second. We have all been there. Standing in the mall drooling over that one pair of shoes you know would look great with your outfit for tonight’s festivities. But, just slipping your foot into the unknown sexy six-inch heel is already making your feet flash bright red sirens saying, “You will be barefoot in one hour.” What do you do? One main focus college students need to keep in mind when looking for a place to live is where you will be the most comfortable. Will I get enough sleep if I’m living on five and I? Am I willing to bike in the dark every night to my place on Nord? These types of questions will help lower your selection on the specific area around campus. 2. Look for the sales tag We all have had those friends. Who are pros at finding the best deals and manage to buy a pair of shoes for almost nothing. Some might call it a gift but others might say, “Don’t be afraid to dig a little in the sale rack for the diamond in the rough.” Yes, we all want to buy those Gucci heels for the same prices as Forever 21 but reality check, it’s not going to happen. When looking for a place, price is everything. We are college students and some of us can’t afford to live in a luxurious palace. You have to keep in mind how much you are willing to spend and what the price actually includes. Do I have my own laundry facility? Are utilities included? If you are looking for an apartment, many
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by rachel Dugo
have move in specials. Cha-ching. However, if you are looking for a house in downtown, those can be a little tricky. Driving around and looking at the bold red and white “for rent signs” are always a good way to try and get the bang-for-your-buck. Especially if it’s later in the semester and the owner needs to fill the spot.
Honestly? You should be looking now, yes seriously, right now.
3. Out of stock We have all had those moments. When we really want to buy that one pair of shoes that would go perfect with everything. While you’re standing there day dreaming of how your friends are going to be so jealous of your new kicks, it hits you. How in the world am I going to pay for these? After battling every inch of your body not to
throw down your credit card, you finally convince yourself by saying “I’ll come back for these later.” Weeks go by and when you finally have enough cash, you dread hearing those three forbidden words coming out from the retailer’s mouth, “Out of stock.” Procrastination is a major factor in almost every college student, but you have to break this habit if you want to find the perfect place to rent next semester. Honestly? You should be looking now, yes seriously, right now. Certain locations around the campus are highly competitive and you need to put in applications as soon as possible. I know it’s one more thing on your list of studying, laundry and day drinking but you can skip one Sunday funday to fill out applications for your perfect fit. Kasey Judge can be reached at photoeditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.
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Craft Cat: Woven wooden wall art Create a bold and unique piece of wall art with simple materials
Lindsay Pincus Do-It-Yourself Columnist
Step 2: Trace the outline of a shape onto the wooden board with a pencil. You can do whatever shape you like. I chose a heart because it is a simple shape to create. Try to pick a basic shape to avoid complications and make sure to draw with pencil so the shape can be edited if needed.
This craft is a statement piece that will get people talking. If you have a roommate, I would give them a fair warning, because it is going to get loud for a good portion of this project. Price: Approximately $20 Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Lindsay Pincus can be reached at featureseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.
Step 1: The materials for this project include: a wooden board, a pencil, nails, a hammer and string or yarn. I picked string for cleaner-looking lines, but it’s a matter of preference.
Step 4: Finally, the fun part. Weave the string through the nails. First, tie the string to one nail and then the outline of the shape. Make sure the string stays at the top of the nails and does not slide to the base. Next, wrap the string randomly in the shape. Wrap one nail at a time and go horizontal, straight, diagonal — really, whatever your heart desires. The more random it is, the better it will look. Tie the end of the string on a nail when you feel like you have woven enough, and then your project is complete.
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Step 3: Hammer the nails into the board. This takes a little bit of time and is very loud, but it is definitely worth it. Hammer the nails along the traced lines and keep the nails half an inch apart so the shape has good definition. Make sure the nails are sticking out enough to wrap the string around them.
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Choose your roommates carefully John Riggin Chief copy editor
I have had the “distinct pleasure” of living with 31 different people in eight different houses and apartments since I moved to Chico in 2010. I can count the decent roommates on my own two hands, with fingers to spare. Finding a fantastic set of roommates during the college years is like gambling. Sometimes you win big. Sometimes you get screwed. Sharing spaces can be difficult — just take a look at any family with a handful of siblings under one roof, or a neighborhood in the crosshairs of a gang war. The drunken shenanigans that come with living in Chico can cause a group of cohabitating friends to feel closer than ever or ready to kill each other. All of our perfect roommates are out there, hopefully. They may be hard to come by, but living with them makes life easier, less stressful and more fun. I’m lucky enough to have found a couple people I really enjoy living with it, but I’ve seen plenty of housing nightmares. There is almost always that one slob of a roommate. Their dishes pile sky-high, their room smells and you wonder if they ever actually do their laundry. I’ve lived with entire sets of these people. I was afraid to take out the garbage when I was living at The Zoo my sophomore year. I swore I saw something move in an old pizza box; it was maggots. I’m not going to be on the cover of Good Housekeeping, but it’s really easy to become the roommate who ends up cleaning up after everybody, especially for people who don’t love living in the chaos that occurs after a week of, “Eh, I’ll do it later.” Privacy issues are another fairly common problem. A good friend of mine had to install a security camera in her room to keep nosy roommates from rifling through her drawers.
The Orion ∤ ILLUSTRATION by Frances Mansour
I’ve just had some problems with paper-thin walls, but I think they work like karma. If you keep your roommates up with an annoying headboard, someone is eventually going to keep you up and wondering if they’re faking it. The entitled roommate is one of the worst to deal with. Sticky fingers, whether snatching your munchies, “borrowing” headphones or lazily holding a late rent check, are pretty frequent among stoned and spoiled students, so watch out. With that, I’ll cut to the moral of the story — watch out. Living with crazy, awful people is crazy and awful, so don’t do it. Try to get a solid grasp on a person’s character and habits before agreeing to live with them. Sure, that dude from Craigslist that my
I have had the “distinct pleasure” of living with 31 different people in eight different houses and apartments since I moved to Chico in 2010.
roommates and I let move in was super chill. We liked him until we met his best friend, arguably one of the worst people in Chico. He proceeded to spend most of the next three months at our house. A girl from my roommate’s hometown, a dead ringer for a human Barbie, was a total sweetheart. We only occasionally saw her — when she was getting ready to go out. She just left one day. We never managed to clean up all the yellow feathers from her “Sexy Big Bird” costume. I’m lucky enough to really like my current housing situation. I live in a cool house in the Avenues with one roommate I’ve known since our first year in Chico and another I’ve known since grade school. They’re both girls, so they shed everywhere and they’re not any better at doing their dishes than I am. But I’m happy. They’re crazy, but I know exactly what I’m dealing with. John Riggin can be reached at chiefcopyeditor@theorion.com or @heyjohnriggin on Twitter.
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