Housing Guide 2017

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Table of Contents 4 All things budgeting 6 Look for apartments 8 Renting tips 9 Apartment vs. House 10 Upperclassmen living 12 Residence halls soph-

17 Living alone 18 Furnished or no?

19 Residence hall styles 20 Pets 21 Commuter timeline 22 Staying involved 23 Living with

omore year international students 13 Living with roommates 14 Personalities 24 Enrollment 15 Bad roommates 25 Housing for international students 16 Conflicts

Standard staff Lindsay Daggett sales Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Zach LaMarre graphic design Melanie Kohrs bookkeeping

Editorial staff Nicole Roberts editor-in-chief Emily Joshu news editor Sarah Teague life editor Wyatt Wheeler sports editor Ryan Welch photo editor Taylor Balleau copy editor Sarah Hollstrom copy editor Sarah Shepard copy editor/reporter

Reporters/Photographers Alia Aaron reporter Megan Burke photographer Matt Campanelli reporter Jenna deJong reporter

Collin Hadley photographer Katie Haynes reporter Danisha Hogue reporter Natalie Laturno reporter Trevor Martin reporter Alec McChesney reporter Trinh Nguyen reporter Collin O’Connell reporter Miranda Roller photographer Chloe Skaar reporter Noah Standish reporter Cortlynn Stark reporter Layne Stracener reporter Casey Struble reporter Hanna Sumpter reporter Nina Todea reporter/photographer Bailey Vassalli reporter/photographer Mike Volding reporter Blaine Wheeler reporter

Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King advertising manager

HOUSING GUIDE 2017

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUDGETING Learn how to budget your How do you decorate your apartment on a budget? money effectively Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark You’re on the way to a restaurant with some friends. The past five days you ate out, so you really shouldn’t go. You check your bank account just to make sure you have enough to pay for yourself.

Then you realize you are broke.

Don’t be like this person.

Budgeting is critically important for college students. Learning to manage your own finances is a tricky but necessary part of becoming an “adult.”

“Basically with any budget, you’re just going to want to make sure that you know all of your sources of income,” Real L.I.F.E Peer Advisor Tai Thrasher said. “That could be like your job or financial aid coming through refunds. Your income could even include an allowance or just money that you get from gifts.”

Junior nursing major Michelle Sondermann said she uses her income to strategize her budgeting. She said she works enough to make sure her bills are covered at the minimum and donates plasma eight times each month.

Thrasher, a senior public relations major, said that doing a self-evaluation of your spending habits is a good way to start budgeting.

“Something I did that I would recommend is you have to have a starting point,” Thrasher said. “First you need to know where you are spending your money. Do your research; survey yourself; where are you spending money?”

If you are spending more than you’re making, Thrasher said there are two choices people

typically make. One choice is to bring in more income. The other is to simply spend less.

“One of the hardest parts about budgeting for me is, I don’t consider things like going out to eat or social spending and having fun,” Natalie Oetting, junior administrative management major, said. “So, I have a hard time with saying no and overspending.”

Sondermann said she suggests creating categories for your spending and to work enough so you have some spending money left over.

“Let your hard work pay off with some fun at least as a stress reliever after paying your bills,” Sondermann said. “If you don’t have a job, allow yourself a certain amount for each thing you spend money on. ‘x’ amount for food, ‘x’ amount for shopping, ‘x’ amount for leisure activities. Create limits and when you are out for that category, you are out.”

One method of limiting how much you spend is the envelope method. This method forces you to budget exactly how much you will spend on different categories. For example, if you budget $100 for groceries, you would take that much cash and put it in an envelope labeled “groceries.”

For this method, it’s most important to not take money from other categories if you decide you want something else.

“Just remember that you are a college student, so spend like it,” Thrasher said. “It’s hard, because (as) college students, we want to keep up with the latest and greatest (trends). Just remember that you are in school right now, so you can do that later.”

Layne Stracener Staff Reporter @LayneAlison1 Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but when you’re a broke college student, it can be hard to make the space your own with limited finances. Here are five ways to decorate your apartment on a budget:

Make your own decorations, even if you are not artistic.

ily have anything they’re trying to get rid of. They will be glad to get it out of their hands, and you can put it to good use.

You’d be surprised what Plus, they will love visiting and you can find for a cheap price, seeing how you used their old and you can even paint furni- items. ture or other items to transform the look and make it your own. Decorate with your own

Look at thrift shops, garage sales and Craigslist.

Don’t worry about not having everything you want right away.

You can always buy that stuff later when it’s more convenient. It could also go on sale, or you might find it somewhere else for a cheaper price.

Some stores price match, meaning they’ll match a cheaper online price in-store as long as you can show them proof of the ad.

With a quick Google or Pinterest search, you can find easy and cheap projects that anyone can do. Wall art is easy to make and can still look store-bought. You can spray paint a shoebox or line it with pretty paper and hang it on the wall to display lightweight Say “yes” to hand-meitems. Or you can paint coffee downs. stirrers, glue and arrange them You can also ask around into an art piece. and see if any friends or fam-

photos.

Print some photos and arrange them in a creative way on your wall. You can also print out different sized photos and quotes from the Internet and arrange them on the wall.

Another way to display pictures is by hanging a string on the wall and using clothespins to hang the photos.

By incorporating these budget-friendly tips, your place can look stylish without breaking the bank.

FIVE BASIC TIPS FOR BUDGETING 1. KNOW YOUR INCOME 2. CATEGORIZE RECEIPTS 3. SAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY

4. LIMIT YOUR SPENDING 5. LIVE LIKE A COLLEGE STUDENT

Save more money on food with these simple tips Matt Campanelli Staff Reporter @THE_MattyCamp Many students choose to move off campus after their first year. Living in an apartment or house means more responsibility and expenses to pay for, such as rent and utilities.

Groceries are another cost to factor in when living in an apartment, since you have to buy and plan your own meals as opposed to walking to the dining hall.

Coupons and price matching

You don’t have to go crazy with them, but coupons can help you save money when shopping. You can get them magazines, newspapers or print them off your computer. Also, look to take advantage of price matching, which is exactly what the name suggests. If you’re buying cereal from Target and show a printed ad that shows Walmart has the same cereal for a lower price, Target will match Walmart’s price; both

Walmart and Target price match.

brand items. Most of the time the store brand items have the same Write a list ingredients as the name brand, but Before you head to the store, at a cheaper price. This is an easy make out a list of everything you way to make the grocery bill less know you to need. Having a list expensive. helps you estimate how much monPlan your meals for the week ey you’re going to spend. A list also helps you buy exactly what you need Planning what you want to eat and avoid buying things that won’t for the week can help you make your grocery list; doing this gives you an benefit you in the long run. idea of what ingredients you’ll need Store brand vs. name brand throughout the week and makes Don’t be afraid to buy store shopping and saving money easier.

BoomerMeals and meal plans

If you’re willing to pay a little extra money at the beginning of the semester, BoomerMeals and meal plans are options. You can buy up to $560 in Boomer Meals, according to MSU’s website, and can purchase anywhere from 10 to unlimited meals per week in the dining halls.

These options could help you save money on groceries or at any campus convenience in the long run.

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What do you need to think about when moving off campus?

Emily Joshu News Editor @EmilyJoshu Many apartment complexes are opening up lease applications, and with a limited number of spaces available, figuring out your preferences quickly is the key to securing a lease.

Is it furnished?

With a growing number of student apartment complexes popping up around campus, furnished apartments are becoming more of a standard option. These apartments are considered ‘move-in ready’ and require less heavy lifting than unfurnished apartments since living room and bedroom furnishings are provided.

However, this offers less freedom when it comes to designing the overall look of the apartment, and there is no guarantee that you will like the provided furniture. This also often increases the cost of monthly rent, while buying your own furniture is just a one-time expense.

Is it pet-friendly?

One of the biggest adjustments to initially moving away from home is living without the beloved family pet. When it’s finally time to get out of the residence hall and into an apartment, many renters want the freedom to live with a furry friend. Not only do complexes have the freedom to decide if pets are allowed, but they also have various guidelines for the types of pets they will allow. Size and breed limits tend to differ from apartment to apartment.

In addition, pet deposits can cost anywhere from $100 to over $400, depending on the complex. However, pets can be loud, and if you don’t want to risk your neighbor’s dog interrupting your study time, it may be best to look for apartments that don’t allow pets.

How close is it to campus?

Location, location, location. Off-campus living options are moving closer and closer to the heart of campus, and some are even within walking distance of most academic buildings. Not only do these options cut down on gas costs, but they can also make the overall commute shorter. There’s even the added benefit of exercise.

For students who spend most days on campus or have a student job, finding an apartment close to campus may be a top priority. However, these apartments are often more expensive than those within driving distance of campus. Many students also work several miles away from campus and do not spend most days on campus, so an apartment further away may be the best option.

Are utilities included?

While rent is one of the main factors that goes into searching for an apartment, many students forget about the cost of utilities. Electricity, water and internet costs often depend on usage, and those costs can rise quickly.

Many apartment complexes include utility costs within the monthly rent, so that rate stays the same. This is beneficial because it eliminates the guesswork when it comes to paying bills every month. However, this makes rent more expensive.

Apartments that do not include utilities often have lower rent rates, but then the renter risks unpredictable utility rates every month.

Is the rent affordable?

This is the obvious one, at least if you’re

on a budget. Not all apartment complexes explicitly list the rent on their website, and there are a variety of factors that could contribute to this number. For example, pre-furnished housing tends to make rent more expensive since you don’t have to pay for the furniture, and the same is true for apartments that include utility costs. Also, the more roommates you have, the more ways there are to divide the rent, so living on your own tends to be the most expensive option.

Not only does the cost of rent have to be considered but also the ways there are to pay it. This is a matter of convenience more than anything. Some apartment complexes have online portals that automatically take rent out of your account, while others require you to write a physical check and mail it every month.

With a list of priorities in mind, searching for an apartment can be narrowed down right before pre-leasing time. Act quickly, though; pre-leasing periods often go by as quickly as syllabus week.

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Tips for renting Bailey Vassalli @baileyvassalli Staff Reporter About 25 percent of enrolled students in the U.S. lived in off-campus, non-family households during 2009-2011, according the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Every rental company has different rules that are specified in the lease or rental agreement.

These are some basic renting tips that may not be specified in the contract:

5. Do a walkthrough whenever you first get the apartment.

This is to make sure there isn’t any damage to the property before you move in.

6. Set a budget, because money may not stretch as far as you think.

Factor in your monthly rent and estimate your monthly cost of utilities (aim higher rather than lower, so that you aren’t blind-sided if you get a higher than usual bill). Finally, factor in necessities such as groceries and gas for your vehicle.

1. Read your lease or rental agreement.

Do not just skim or read between the lines, or you could miss something important that could benefit or harm you in the future.

7. If you don’t want to risk losing your security deposit, clean often and take care of the property.

Use Command strips in lieu of nails and screws. A rental company can take away your 2. Get to know your property manager. deposit to put towards cleaning and repair costs Make sure you feel comfortable going to them if you leave the property a mess or with holes with your issues in the future. in the walls.

3. Get renter’s insurance.

Most places require renter’s insurance, but get it even if they don’t. This will protect you and your belongings if anything happens to your apartment or home.

4. Do your research on the rental company that you’re renting from.

Of course the company will tell you that they’re great and highlight themselves with everything that they offer, but search for opinions from real people. Reading online reviews is extremely helpful.

8. Put in a maintenance request as soon as you notice something is broken or almost broken.

The sooner you put in the request, the sooner it gets fixed and there’s less of a chance for more issues.

9. Respect your neighbors.

They may not be college students like you, and they may have full-time jobs. Exchange phone numbers and communicate any issues that you may have.

WHEN CHOOSING YOUR APARTMENT OR HOUSE 1. Plan a budget and stick with it.

2. Compare the positives and negatives of all your options.

3. Make a two-column list of features you need and want.

4. Do an extensive walkthrough of the property.

5. Ask what amenities and utilities are included in the rent.

6. Walk around the neighborhood.

7. Get a copy of everything you sign and receive in writing.

8. Do online and interpersonal research.

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APARTMENT VS. HOUSE Which one is better?

Danisha Hogue; Brenner Moore Staff Reporters @Danisha_Queen; @brennerm2 There are many living options around, but some are better than others. Every option has its pros and cons. Danisha and Brenner decided to go head-to-head to see whether living in a house or apartment is better.

House-style living from Apartment-style living Brenner’s view from Danisha’s view There are many positives to living in a house. Generally speaking, you pay less for rent because you have the option of living with more people. To the right group of people, living with your closest friends sounds like a dream. It creates a situation where there’s always someone around to hang out with.

With more people comes less space. Houses typically are larger and offer more space than an apartment. Spacious living conditions provide a plethora of options for get-togethers with friends. This is often the selling point for most people. The ability to host others and have a place to be with friends is a big positive compared to an apartment. When in an apartment, you have the worry of close neighbors being bothered by you or bothering you.

Living in an apartment, people have to worry about a lot of neighbors in a very close proximity to one another. But in a house, you no longer have to worry about close neighbors.

Houses also have their fair share of negatives. First, the extra cost of utilities. In most cases, apartments come with utilities included.

Whereas with houses, those are extra expenses a person must pay. Between water, electricity, wifi, cable and any other extra costs, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming.

Another aspect to think about is that sometimes living with multiple people can be a bad thing. Part of the reason people get apartments is to live either by themselves or with one other person. When you live in a house, that’s usually not the case, and a person will end up living with three or four other people. To some; that is no big deal, but to others that’s more people to drive you crazy.

Also, a larger space and more people means more cleaning. Between a mountain of dishes, multiple rooms, potentially multiple floors and a full kitchen, there is a lot to keep clean.

Along with that, disagreements about who does what chores around the house can sometimes lead to larger issues than you would think.

When it comes to living in a house, an extra level of responsibility is needed.

There are a lot of positives about apartments. If you live alone in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, everything is yours. The things in that space belong to you, and there’s no sharing. This is an ideal situation for some, and an apartment is probably the cheapest option for single living.

When living in an apartment with roommates, there are perks for each type of person.

If you like to have someone to come home to, there are bedrooms for your preferred amount of roommates.

With your own bedroom, some would say this is the best of both worlds; space for yourself and your belongings, and friends to socialize with in the common space. With this option, bills are divided equally, making things cheaper.

Another plus to living in an apartment is the amount of bills. Many complexes offer the coverage of certain or all utilities. Some may include water, sewage, gas, electric or even cable. Free is a win-win situation for all.

Apartments typically have less space than a house, which can be a positive in some aspects. There are less areas to clean. There’s also no outside maintenance like cutting the grass.

A negative side to apartment living can be neighbors. If you live in a one-story complex, the complaints are minimum. Most complexes have multiple floors, though, giving each unit more neighbors to consider. While some neighbors might be quiet, others test your patience.

Another thing to consider in a public apartment is parking. You may come home from campus late and the lot is full. There is no way to control the number of guests your neighbors have over and no quick fix to the problem.

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YOUR OPTIONS FOR ON-CAMPUS UPPERCLASSMAN LIVING Know the pros and cons of living in Sunvilla Tower, Kentwood Hall and Monroe Apartments Hanna Sumpter Staff Reporter @hannasumpter The housing options on campus for Missouri State students are not limited to dorms for lowerclassmen. Missouri State offers three options specifically for upperclassmen as well as transfer students who meet certain requirements.

The three housing options include Kentwood Hall, Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments. A student must have completed at least 30 credit hours in order to reside in any of these buildings. Once an upperclassman has decided that they will live on campus, the next question arises: Which building should I pick to live in?

The answer to this question can depend on each person’s individual preferences. A student must know what each option offers so they can see the similarities and the differences in order to decide what’s best.

Features

Kentwood Hall

Kentwood Hall was renovated during the summer of 2014 and offers students the opportunity to live in a suite with modern amenities as well as the 1920’s character the building originally had back in its days as a popular Springfield hotel.

Kentwood has four different types of suites. Students may choose from: a private suite; a two-person suite which can also include a super-double option, providing more space for residents; and a three-person suite.

In these suites, Kentwood Hall has amenities such as: XL-twin beds, which can be lofted at a range of heights; a bathroom connected to each suite; a microwave; a midsized refrigerator; air conditioning; cable; Ethernet hookups and Wi-Fi.

Aside from the amenities inside individual rooms, Kentwood Hall contains a dining hall, community kitchen, television lounge, 24-hour computer lab and a laundry room with free-to-use washers and dryers. Kentwood Hall is also the home of the Transitions Living Learning Community.

Lastly, Kentwood is located very close to downtown Springfield, great for students who have classes in Brick City.

Sunvilla Tower

Sunvilla Tower is the most recently renovated residence hall on campus. The renovations stretched into last semester and have been mostly completed.

Sunvilla offers apartment-style rooms. Specific room options include: two-person apartments with a shared bedroom; three-person apartments in which a student may choose to live in the private bedroom or the shared bedroom, and four-person apartments with two students sharing each bedroom.

Apartments in Sunvilla Tower contain a smart TV for each living room, full-sized beds and stainless steel appliances including a full-size refrigerator, microwave, electric stove and dishwasher.

Other amenities include a bathroom for each apartment, air conditioning, a laundry room with free-to-use washers and dryers, and laundry alert which allows students to see what is available in the laundry room without having to go to the room itself with all of their belongings.

Sunvilla also offers a community kitchen, television lounge, a 24-hour computer lab, a secure, indoor bicycle storage area, as well as trash and recycling pick-up. Sunvilla Tower is conveniently located near the Bear Park North parking garage. A new special feature coming to Sunvilla Tower is the Global Community Living Learning Commu-

Kentwood Hall

Kentwood Hall’s pricing is structured similarly to most of the other residence halls on campus; the total yearly cost is split in half by each semester so the charges aren’t made all at once. Prices are also determined by which required meal plan a student chooses.

The lowest currently available price for a student to live in Kentwood is $8,344 for a 9-month lease and would require that a student uses the 10 meals per week meal plan, $170 of BoomerMeals to spend each semester and reside in a regular two or three-person suite, according to MSU’s website. Currently, the highest price for a single year would be $9,752 if a student uses an unlimited meal plan, $280 in Boomer Meals, and stays in a private suite.

Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments

changes the costs is which style of apartment a student chooses to live in.

The lowest yearly price to live in Sunvilla Tower is $6,324 if a student lives in a four-person apartment. However, if a student chose to live in the private room of a three-person apartment, they would be charged the highest amount for living in Sunvilla Tower: $7,224, according to MSU’s website.

Monroe Apartments are a bit more costly for students.

The lowest price is $7,374 when a student would live in a four-person apartment, while the highest price is currently $8,104 if a student chooses to live in a private apartment.

It is important to be careful about what type of residence hall a student chooses when deciding to live on campus. All of the upperclassmen residence hall options have different price ranges and qualities which can give students a variety of experiences. Knowing what each building has in common and what each has to offer can help all students make the best decision about where they want to live.

Sunvilla Tower and Monroe are priced differently than all of the other residence halls.

Living in these buildings requires that a student sign a 12-month lease. This also File photo/THE STANDARD means that Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments are open Sunvilla Tower’s prices can range anywhere from during the summer for stuapproximately $6,300 to about $7,200 for one year. dents. Meal plans are not required to live in either of these nity. supplied with a washer and buildings and do not affect the Sunvilla Tower, however, dryer. Other features offered price. The only factor that is mostly liked for the view the in Monroe Hall include XL full residents see while looking out or twin-sized beds, air condiof the large windows in each tioning, cable and Ethernet apartment. hook-ups, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour computer lab and private parkMonroe Apartments ing.

Monroe Apartments is the Monroe Apartments’ most final option upperclassmen notable feature is the buildhave for on-campus housing. ing’s Leadership in Energy and This building offers apart- Environmental Design certifiments which can hold one, two cation. This certification or four people. Each apartment means the building was degives a student their own bed- signed and built to be more room and bathroom, while still sustainable than most buildincluding a living area and ings, which helps Missouri kitchen.

State University’s efforts to The kitchens in Monroe further its overall sustainabilFile photo/THE STANDARD Apartments contain a full-size ity.

The lowest price to live in Kentwood Hall is about refrigerator, microwave, stove $8,350 for a 9-month lease. and dishwasher. Each is also Costs

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Should I stay or should I go?

Should I stay in a dorm after my freshman year?

Alexander Ulrich Reporter Trainee Approximately 4,000 students live on Missouri State’s campus. Students with fewer than 30 credit hours are required to live in one of these buildings until they meet the requirements to move off campus, but some students decide to stay on campus for a second year.

Although college seems like a time to be independent and live alone, many students are returning to “their home away from home” on campus for their sophomore year because of the convenience.

Campus living requires only one bill that is charged to your student account. Students who live on campus don’t have to pay separately for food, utilities and other bills that are typically due every month off campus. This single bill for campus living expenses can be paid with a student’s awarded financial aid.

Housing on campus comes with a lot of amenities that usually don’t come free after moving off campus. Students in residence halls get free cable and internet service, free laundry service, and free computer labs inside of their buildings.

Contracts to live on campus are easy to renew and only require a $100 deposit, not a large security deposit like those required to rent off campus.

Living on campus means no commute and no stress of searching for a parking spot before class. A student can easily walk to any building on campus within 15 minutes because the campus is so compact. There is also the convenience of the BearLine for easy transportation across campus.

The choice to live on campus past freshman year helps students stay better connected with friends that they met and organizations that

they joined in their first year of college. It also allows students to meet new people and become more involved in all the events offered on campus.

“Students who live in the residence halls have higher GPAs than students who do not live in the residence halls, especially during your first and second year,” said Assistant Director of Residence Life- Student Success Initiatives Alisa Garbisch.

Campus is also a safe place to live. The Department of Safety and Transportation provides a safe environment on campus through policing and security methods.

Although there are many pros of living on campus sophomore year, there are also some disadvantages.

Students who live on campus believe they give up some independence because of campus policies and what seems like constant supervision from hall directors and resident assistants.

Most of the time students in residence halls are required to live with a roommate. This is another downside to campus living because there is no longer privacy and personal space.

The most recognizable disadvantage of living on campus is the cost of living. Per month, a shared dorm room for two students can cost double the price of an affordable apartment or house off campus.

There are clear advantages and disadvantages to living on campus past freshman year.

Students who stay on campus and immerse themselves in Missouri State’s culture enjoy the convenience, but pay more and don’t experience full independence and privacy that comes with living off campus.

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ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT A ROOMMATE FOR NEXT YEAR? A guide to choosing (or not choosing) a roommate Bailey Vassalli Staff Reporter @baileyvassalli Nearly all college students have had a roommate at some point — whether it was in the dorm, or an off-campus house or apartment.

One thing that most people can agree on is that there are both pros and cons to having a roommate, although the pros and cons may vary from household and roommate.

Pros

• It’s cheaper! Having a roommate (or roommates) means that your bills get split. With most places, is divided as well as utilities.

• There is someone there when you need someone to talk to.

• You don’t have to furnish the entire home (hopefully).

• You won’t have to pay for all of the necessities — toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning prod-

more. Their parents may have taught them things that your parents didn’t teach you, and you may pick up on them while sharing a living area.

• You and your roommate will make mistakes alongside each other and in turn learn from. Neither of you have everything figured out in your early 20s.

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ucts, milk, eggs, bread, etc. (once again, hopeful-

Cons

• You will most definitely ly). butt heads. Not everyone was • You’ll probably learn raised the same way that you

were, so they may do things in a way that you see as “wrong.”

• There’s almost always someone there whenever you least want to see someone.

• Almost every roommate you have will drive you absolutely insane at times. Their habits may drive you nuts.

• They may eat your food and use your things — ­ no matter how many times you’ve asked them not to.

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Picking roommates based on personality Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen Choosing a roommate is not a simple task. It is something most of us have to do at some point in our college career.

Some people have a perfect person in mind before registering for housing, but others rely on the draw of the cards. No matter your choice the right living partner for you may be linked to your personality type.

Close friends and roommates Micaela Wiehe, junior global studies major, and Hannah Grills, junior and speech language pathology major, took the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator test to compare their compatibility.

The two decided to live together based on their growing friendship.

“We got to know each other and became really good friends,” Wiehe said.

“I trusted her to be responsible … people said we should live together (and that) we were alike.”

Neither had a roommate prior to last Submitted by Micaela Wiehe and Hannah Grills fall.

The pair received similar test scores Hannah, left, and Micaela, right, pose outside of from the MBTI. While Grills’ results their apartment complex.

showed that she is extroverted, sensing, feeling, judging (ESFJ type), Wiehe’s test showed she is extroverted, intuitive, feeling, judging (ENFJ).

“I didn’t realize our test scores would be as similar as they were,” Wiehe said.

“You always hear people say you should be roommates with a friend you are really close with, but I feel like we have become close friends because we are living together.”

Personality types may influence the partner you seek. College of Arts and Letters Dean Dr. Gloria Galanes says, however, there is no perfect match.

“If you appreciate the differences and you see how they can add to your life (differences) can work perfectly fine,” Galanes said.

Grills and Wiehe said they see the differences and can compliment each other on them. According to the test, sensors are more interested in concrete facts, while intuitors focus on the big picture.

“When it comes to cleaning up, Hannah is better at seeing what’s right in front of us that needs to be done,” Wiehe said.

“She does a good job in balancing me out.”

Not everyone chooses his or her room-

mate. If you live on campus, you may have limited interest in taking part in the decision.

Director of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services Gary Stewart says Missouri State uses an online roommate matching application to pair compatibility.

“We’ve learned over the years that if we ask these particular questions that we get a good option of putting people together who are compatible,” Stewart said.

The matching application surveys the responses of students and pairs them with others who have answered the questions similarly.

The system seems to have a high success rate; not many students switch rooms during the semester.

“Out of 4,000 people that start out we might have 75-100 that want to move,” Stewart said.

These surveys and tests similar to Myers-Briggs may be beneficial before going into a new roommate assignment.

“Even if you know a person, you don’t know their little tendencies they have,” Grills said. “Who knew something could know so much about me just by asking a couple questions.”

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Dealing with a bad roomie Terry Chapman Staff Reporter There are many reasons to be excited about moving into your first dorm or apartment.

For most students, it’s their first time really being away from home. It’s a unique and unfamiliar turning point that young adults, all have to go through.

However, having a bad roommate can ruin that experience. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world, though.

Here are some tips to help avoid a bad roommate experience.

Make a roommate contract

Walsh said. “I kind of just rode it out though. I would say not to fight with your roommate. Don’t be confrontational.”

Both Olson and Walsh did admit that the resources to solve the problems were there, even though they didn’t take advantage of them.

Contact your RA (if all else fails)

In some cases, neither of the previously proposed solutions will work out. In these cases, talking to a RA would be the best option. A RA is prepared for almost any situation you could throw at them, and they’re ready to help.

Don’t worry about Talk to them annoying your RA, either.

One solution, if certain It’s his or her job to help lines haven’t already been solve problems like these. crossed, is to talk to your RAs wouldn’t have the job roommate. Communication if they didn’t have the ability is key here; calmly and to do it. respectfully explain what the Living with a bad issue is, and why you don’t roommate isn’t the end of appreciate what they’re the world. If boundaries are doing. This could solve a defined from the start and problem before it gets worse. you are able to successfully Sometimes, your roommate communicate with each might not realize they’re other, a bad situation could violating their contract or be avoided altogether. doing something that upsets you.

This is something that all Resident Advisor’s suggest you do shortly after you meet your roommate. While it may seem trivial and unnecessary, it’s something that really does come in handy. A contract helps to set boundaries and establish some do’s and don’ts. That way, if somebody violates the contract, there is written proof of previously established rules. This will be helpful if the problem persists.

However, some situations are ones that you think would obviously be pushing a boundary. Junior accounting major London Olson was met with a problem he never thought he would have to deal with.

“My first roommate would get on my computer when I was in the shower or in class,” Olson said. “I had to put passwords on all of my stuff. After that, we didn’t talk much.”

Samantha Walsh, a sophomore history major, also had to deal with a situation that she didn’t expect.

“I got a new roommate halfway through the semester. She would bring her friends over to gossip File Photo/THE STANDARD and stay up until, like, two If you have exhausted all possible ways to resolve o’clock in the morning,”

roommate conflicts, talk to your RA.

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You’re not in Mister Rogers’ neighborhood How to deal with and avoid apartment neighbor conflicts

Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen At some point in life, if you are fortunate enough, you will live in an apartment building and have many neighbors. The walls you share with each of them will determine the type of relationship you have with them and the type of neighbor you will be.

Unfortunately, no one is a perfect neighbor, except Fred Rogers from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Conflicts will arrive. Here are a few conflict situations and options on how to solve them.

Yelling When living in an apartment, noise is almost unavoidable. If neighbors are being too noisy during the day, you may choose to knock on their door and politely ask them to keep quiet.

Other times, the noise can create a lively environment.

“The neighbors above us were having an argument, and I actually just turned the TV off and listened because it was quite entertaining,” Mallory Durbin, senior professional writing major said. “It sounded like a Jerry Springer episode was happening right above me.”

If the yelling is intimidating, take a buddy with you to investigate.

Stomping and Music

“They banged right back,” Durbin said. “I’m more comfortable with banging on the ceiling every so often because I don’t like confrontations, especially if I think that could just make it worse.”

Many apartment complexes have quiet hours listed in the lease. If noises are consistent and violate this policy, you have the right to notify management.

“We called our landlord and she came over and listened,” Micaela Wiehe, junior global studies major, said. “She said we weren’t the only people who complained about those neighbors.”

Most find neighbors’ noises frustrating after hours. Loud music or heavy stomping can prevent someone from sleeping. A tip to getting your upstairs neighbor’s attention without goIf the facility allows pets, this could create ing up the stairs is probably not the most elegant. By using a broom and hitting the ceiling another level of noise or issues. An upset animal you could get your neighbor’s attention. This may bark or cry the minute the owner leaves is a universal symbol that you want them to the building. quiet down.

Durbin recalled a neighbor whose pet dis-

Pets

turbed her often and eventually moved out without her addressing the conflict.

Another solution method allows conflicts to be discussed without a face-to face encounter. Writing a letter to the neighbor and sliding it under their door may help. Be sure to include what the problem is and how it can be resolved.

The author may remain anonymous or give contact information.

If someone doesn’t feel comfortable addressing a situation, the Center for Dispute Resolution offers free services to students. Students may receive conflict coaching or mediation.

Someone will work with you step-by-step on proven ways to solve problems.

“It brings both parties together to talk through what the conflict is and brainstorm what the solution is,” said Center for Dispute Resolution Director Dr. Charlene Berquist.

Although handling conflict is unwanted, it is part of everyday life. It is important to know how to communicate with others when issues occur.

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WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF LIVING BY YOURSELF Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen For some, being alone is an essential part of the day. Depending on a person’s living situation, they may not get much alone time. There is nothing like going home and knowing everything is exactly where you left it. These are some of the major perks to living alone.

A positive aspect to living alone is having your own space.

Every room is decorated the way you like with no one to judge your style or poster obsession.

Nothing will appear without your permission.

You are in total control of what does and doesn’t get done.

There’s no questioning who didn’t flush the toilet or turn off the lights.

“I have my own space, so I’m able to live the way I want to live,” Jahmia Lujan, senior so-

ciology major, said.

Lujan went from living with a roommate to her own place.

“I don’t miss sharing,” Lujan laughed. “I just like to keep to myself and I like things done my way.”

Most people can appreciate the ability to roam freely and keep things the way you want.

There’s no one to clean up after, and every decision you make it totally up to you.

Kayla Minter, junior speech pathology major, agrees. She lives alone and says the peace and quiet helps her focus.

“I don’t have distractions or anybody bothering me when I’m trying to study,” Minter said.

Another bonus is the absence of conflict. There’s no one to argue with about shared responsibilities. Some people are conflict-avoidant or don’t want to risk their friendships by living with friends.

“Your friendship is not in a

tense state all the time,” Lujan said. “You don’t have to worry about ticking them off if you left dishes in the sink.”

Both women agree living alone does have its down side.

The absence of company gets lonely.

“I want somebody to talk to and hang out with and discuss my day,” Minter said.

She admits that sometimes she talks to her cat.

“If I have stories to tell about my day there’s no one to talk to, there’s no support when you go home after a long day,” Lujan said.

One aspect of living alone that can’t be shared is bills. Be sure to consider this before living on your own. If you can afford it and want complete control over your living circumstance, living alone may be perfect for you.

your You havece and own spa rate can decortment your apayou want. the way

You don’t h roommate ave a with about to argue sibilities. respon-

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Furnished Vs. NonFurnished: The Great Debate

Does the convenience of prefurnished housing outweigh the costs? Which is truly an amenity?

Casey A. Struble Staff Reporter @Casey_A_Struble

It also relieves the stress about what to do with the furniture if you’re moving away post-education.

Take a step off campus and you’ll see signs everywhere advertising for student housing. A common student amenity is “furnished apartments.” These spaces are already filled with couches, beds, and more—included in the rent.

Or you can decorate the place yourself.

No one else has that ketchup-stained couch Listed below are the top three arguments for from your uncle.

For much of this list, the pros of one option both furnished and unfurnished housing. will seem like the cons depending on what one wants in a house. There is something to be said about decorating your own house. The obscure, personalized accents can remind you that the place is your home. It will have its own character — for better or worse.

The furniture is nicer than that ketchup-stained couch from your uncle.

You get to own the furniture The preview photos don’t lie. Many furnished apartments—such as Beacon and Aspen – use fairly nice furniture. Commonly used Those personalized accents can give a fulbrands, like University Furniture Gallery, can filling sense of ownership. If you want to replace the pieces for renovation or repair, then give a high quality, modernly-designed feel. you’re free to do so. When you move out, you Moving is slightly less of a nightmare.

Some students can leave freshman year can donate, sell or keep your furniture. being able to fit all of their belongings into one sedan. Still, not having to carry a couch up three Cheaper, both in rent and flights of stairs will be a blessing both moving maintenance in and out. If you’re moving from somewhere outside of Springfield, this can drastically cut The most obvious difference between furmoving effort and costs. nished and unfurnished housing can be the price. Furnished apartments can save money Ideal for out-of-town/ on moving and initial costs, but they are geninternational students erally more expensive in rent. Furnished housing starts around $595 per room per month.

Pre-furnished housing is often marketed as The houses surrounding campus can be half an easy, all-encompassing package. This is that. Not to mention, on the way out, you won’t especially true for out-of-town and internation- have to pay for a designer ottoman your roomal students – who might still be collecting their mate broke when karaoke got too intense. bearings let alone furniture. Pre-furnished housing makes it easier to acclimate to Springfield.

The charm of unfurnished housing

The case for furnished housing

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Close community or suite life?

It’s time to fill out on-campus housing applications, so it’s time to pick: community style or suite style?

Emily Joshu News Editor @EmilyJoshu When it comes to living in a residence hall, there are two main types of living environments that could either make or break your on-campus living experience: community style and suitestyle. Though you are still going to have roommates and hate the people in your hall who keep setting their ramen on fire, there are a few differences between these two types of residence halls.

Bathrooms The term “community style” is taken to a whole new level when it comes to the bathroom situation in those residence halls. In community style residence halls, you share a few stalls and showers with the 30 or 40 other people in your hallway, so there isn’t always a ton of privacy. You have to make sure to wear a cheap pair of sandals in the showers because you never know when you’ll step on an old bandaid­ — or something more awkward. However, custodial services clean the bathroom every day, which saves you money on cleaning supplies. Also, it’s rare that all the showers are being used at once.

Suite-style bathrooms are just for your suite, so there are anywhere between two and six people sharing. This means there’s much more privacy, and you don’t have to wear shoes in the shower since there are fewer people sharing it compared to the community style showers.

Though there aren’t as many people using this bathroom, there’s a greater chance that one of your suitemates will be using it when you need it; make sure to establish a schedule in your suite. You and your roommates also have to clean the bathroom and buy your own toilet paper.

Roommates Speaking of roommates, the type of resi-

dence hall you choose determines how many roommates you have. Community-style rooms usually just have two people in them, which is ideal for people who don’t want to live with a handful of roommates. Things are usually quieter, but the space is limited to just one room, which means less personal space.

Suite-style rooms usually have anywhere from two to six people, and this means it’s less likely to have a quiet atmosphere. There’s a higher chance for roommate conflicts, but since suites have common areas, there’s more personal space in which to spread out. For people who want more of a social living environment, suites offer the chance to have more roommates.

Social atmosphere Though living in a residence hall is one of the easiest ways to socialize on campus, different living styles usually have different atmospheres. Your neighbors in a community-style residence hall are more likely to leave their doors open and hang out in the hallway, which is great for someone who is trying to make friends and stay social. For some people, however, this can be too loud if they prefer a quiet environment, especially when it comes to studying.

Since suites have bathrooms, kitchenettes or living rooms included, residents are less likely to leave their rooms as much. Doors aren’t left open as much as they are in community style hallways, and the general atmosphere is quieter. This is usually ideal for people who like to study in their rooms, as well as upperclassmen, but not as much for those who want to socialize with their neighbors.

As you begin filling out housing applications and evaluating your options, there are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to choosing a residence hall. Regardless of personal preference, follow the golden rule: don’t burn your ramen.

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Want pets in your new apartment or house?

Hanna Sumpter Staff Reporter @hannasumpter Having your own cuddly, furry friend while in college can be one of the most exciting new experiences for students. However, the long term costs of owning a cat or dog can easily be forgotten until students are attached to their beloved pets.

The costs of owning a pet do not end at buying food and replacing the litter in the litter box. Pet owners should also consider the costs of vaccinations and spaying neutering on top of the continual costs of buying food, toys, pet beds or litter.

You must also consider how you will be getting your dog or cat. While it is easy to pick up a free one at the back of a WalMart parking lot, there are many animals in the shelters waiting to find loving homes.

If you choose to adopt, the costs of picking out a pet from the shelters must be taken into consideration as well. Adopting from shelters also comes with some cost saving perks. When you adopt from a shelter, dogs and cats are usually already spayed or neutered and given shots they need for the next one to three years. Periodically, shelters are known to drop adoption prices,

but this is not always the case at the time you are looking for a pet.

Pets can be a fantastic addition to the college experience, but it is important that the costs are considered when finally deciding to add the responsibility of a pet into your life.

Below is a breakdown of what it would typically cost to own either a dog or a cat.

Not all of these

costs are continuous but should still be taken into consideration when owning a pet because they are often costs that occur very early in the lifespan of the pet. These costs include adoption fees or, if you already have a pet, the costs spaying, neutering and vaccinations.

All prices are estimates gathered from throughout the Springfield area.

File photo by Maddy Cushman/The Standard

Cat

Dog

Adoption Fees: $35 to $75

Adoption Fees: $100 to $150

Spay/Neuter: $50 to $200 Annual Vaccinations: $90 to $120 Food: $4 to $20 per package

Spay/Neuter: $50 to $175 Annual Vaccinations: $90 to $120 Food: $5 to $22 per package

Pet bed: $14 and up

Pet bed: $16 and up

Litter: $7 to $20 per package

Leash: $10

Litter box: $17

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Timeline of a college morning Nina Todea Staff Reporter @Todea_NinaM As the sun peeks into your room from between the blinds, you turn over once more and snuggle into the warm blankets protecting you from the chill of late winter. You smile and close your eyes, imagining puppies roaming in fields of sunflowers, ears flopping, their yips giddy. Content, you reach over to grab your phone off of your nightstand and look at the time, languidly. 9:10 am.

You have class at 9:30 am. This is bad.

Okay, let's be real. Time matters. The amount of time you have in the mornings can seriously affect the rest of your day. You know, when you get ready in five minutes, wearing your best ‘hobo-chic,’ and the rest of the day you either feel like conquering the world with spontaneity or watching it burn? Or when you have an hour to do your hair, makeup and eat breakfast, you feel like the adult we are all already expected to be by the age of 20.

But it's not just breakfast, making coffee, getting ready, or taking your dog out for a bathroom break that takes time. Honestly, that may take a total of five minutes if you’re male. No, it's the commute.

Whether you live five or ten minutes away from campus can make a difference. Take that scenario for example. You have 20 minutes max. This cuts down to 10 minutes after you haphazardly throw yourself together, which then cuts down to eight after finding your keys, which can cut down to six after remembering you might actually need your textbooks. What is normally a 10 minute drive now demands six minutes, and you wonder if your car will fall apart if you push it any harder.

Then, you get to National Avenue.

From eight to forever in the morning, National Avenue is a nightmare. Avoid it at all costs. Likewise, Chestnut Expressway and Grand Street are also chaotic. Unfortunately, at least one of these streets will be a necessary evil.

Tip number one: be patient. Tip number two: use your brakes.

By the time you enter a parking lot, class will have started, and you have approximately no time to find a parking space. Your fellow classmates all seem to be facing the same dilemma, and someone flips you the bird when you steal a spot inches away from their car. You park and look at the time. 9:40 am. Mission … unaccomplished.

Living farther away from campus can easily turn into a rationale for skipping class. If you’re consistently late or simply too lazy, you may find it easier to not go at all. A longer drive also means less sleep.

But for those who listen to music on the way to class, the commute is appreciated and can even boost your mood and prepare you for any hogwash you may encounter. A longer drive can also give you more coffee choices that don’t require standing in line for 30 minutes or getting a cold Tapingo order.

Likewise, living closer to campus has its own set of perks and disadvantages. A shorter drive means you can afford more sleep if you wish. Or if you are climbing onto the responsibility bandwagon, it clears up more time in the morning to have a breakfast that doesn’t consist of a granola bar and chocolate milk.

With a shorter distance, you can either choose to drive, bike or walk to class to bypass traffic.

However, since everyone in the area will be going to class or work, your morning can be more rowdy than what you bargained for. If mornings are your zen time, living right off of campus or even on campus, may not be for you.

Time matters when you wake up on schedule, and even more when you don’t. After all, time is money, and you lose money when you lose time.

freeimages.com/Alexsey Lisovosky

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Roads between us: commuter insight on campus life Katie Haynes Staff Reporter @MoodyMusician

Commuting to campus can be a tough experience. The early morning traffic, the trek from miles away, daily parking; it can be a bit overwhelming. As many benefits as there are to commuting, these obstacles can make it an extra challenge. Students from Missouri State University usually reside on campus and are heavily involved, but it can be a bit more challenging for students who live off campus.

for a nice escape.”

For students who are are just starting college and staying with their parents, this can be a great opportunity to cut university costs. It can also be a great opportunity for older students, such as graduate student Stephanie Cronin, speech-language pathology major, who have their own residency and other obligations.

“I’m commuting because I’m married and enjoy being able to ‘go home’ from school,” Cronin said. “I’ve lived on campus in the past ,and felt like I could never leave.”

Why do you commute?

Is involvement on campus hard?

When learning that someone commutes, there are a lot of questions as to why they don’t stay on campus. Sam Torbett, freshman studying history education, gives his insight.

“I’m commuting to save money,” he said.

“Living on campus costs as much as regular tuition cost, so it’s basically cutting our bill in half every year. Me and my parents did not really find it necessary to live on campus since we are a drivable distance away. It also provides

When it comes to student involvement, commuters face daily challenges getting to organizations on time and finding parking.

Nick Inman, a junior with a major in digital film production, gives his own experience on campus.

“I’m involved with CRU, an on campus ministry,” Inman said. “It doesn’t conflict with travel.”

Danielle Urban, a senior studying instrumental music education, gives insight on the

timeliness of organizations on campus.

“Being a part in different ensembles in the band program, especially Brass ’n Sass, it wasn’t too difficult for me to get involved,” Urban said. “However, if there's an event on campus that starts 8 p.m. or later, then I normally don't attend since I'm already home and driven plenty throughout the day.”

How can it be easier?

As much difficulty as commuters face, some focus on how it could be made easier for them.

Chloe Udell, junior psychology major, gives some input.

“It would be nice if there was a better way to find out about on campus activities besides flyers posted in buildings,” Udell said.

Logan Mercer, a junior studying communication studies, has a somewhat different approach.

“I think school is school and college organizations are organizations,” Mercer said.

“Some people can do it, some people can’t. It all depends on your schedule and how much motivation you have. Classes aren’t going to

give less homework, and organizations aren’t going to take up less time. You’ve gotta manage all that yourself.” When looking for an organization or event to get involved in, students can look at bulletins all over campus, or look online in the profile tab under student engagement, CampusLink.

Where can I get involved?

Being a part of an organization can be an exciting experience. Andrea Greer, assistant director of student engagement, gives information about what CampusLINK does.

“CampusLINK is Missouri State University’s ‘hub’ for student organizations,” Greer said.

“It’s the primary resource for students to get involved on campus and a great way to connect to student organization leaders.”

When looking for an organization or event to get involved in, students can look at bulletins all over campus, or look online in the profile tab under student engagement, CampusLINK.

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From across the sea to across the room Life with international students can be both a rewarding and challenging experience

Brenner Moore Staff Reporter @brennerm2 Picking out roommates is arguably one of the most important tasks of college. When a person is weighing the decision of who to live with for a year, a question tends to slip the mind of some: What would it be like to have an international roommate?

Very few students have the opportunity to study abroad in their four years at school. Having an international roommate is a strong alternative to doing that. While being able to experience another person’s culture and customs, there is no extra cost of travel or living expenses. Along with that, it is a very good way to gain a small snapshot of another country in the event someone doesn’t have the ability to travel.

Some students jump at the opportunity to live with an international roommate. They say it enriches their experience and offers a new way of learning outside the classroom.

“I was excited. I was going to get to know a new culture and figure out different religious beliefs he had,” Ryan Tomlin, a sophomore accounting major, said.

Tomlin, like many students, was cautious choosing his current roommates. When approached by an international student he had become acquainted with about living situations, he jumped at the idea.

“It gave me a new look. I’m not so narrow minded now,” he said.

Tomlin’s living experience was “greatly enriched” by living with an international student. He said he believes that everyone should give it a chance but also should be careful about it.

“I would recommend living with an international student, only if they knew them ahead of time though,” he said.

Living with an individual with a completely different culture can be very rewarding as Tomlin explained, but it can also have its drawbacks.

When living with international roommates, a person has a very unique set of challenges.

Probably the most obvious one is language.

“I didn’t feel comfortable with the language barrier,” Angela Hartman, a sophomore wildlife biology major, said.

Communication is the most important part of living with roommates. Communication is a hard thing to nail down even when all roommates can fluently speak the same language.

When a new language is introduced, it can be much more difficult.

In some cases, it can’t be helped by the pairing of students, so just try and make the best of it.

“I had no idea I would have international roommates. I wasn’t even consulted,” Hartman said.

In Hartman’s case, she is just trying to make the best with what she was dealt.

“It’s not my ideal situation, but I’m doing my best to make it as enjoyable as possible,” Hartman said.

Even though Hartman didn’t elect to have international roommates, she believes it can still be a good experience for some. “It just depends on how comfortable you are with being able to not understand them or if have foreign language under your belt. Obviously each situation isn’t the same,” she said.

Roommates are often a toss-up. Some students say that their roommates are their best friends. Others try and spend every waking moment apart from each other. However, if a person is open-minded enough and willing to work, becoming roommates with an international student could be a very rewarding and enlightening experience.

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Record enrollment affects on-campus housing Chloe Skaar Staff Reporter @chloeskaar Missouri State University’s record-breaking enrollment rates this year were exciting to students and staff but proved strenuous on campus resources to meet higher demands—mainly parking and student housing.

Angela Strider, assistant director for Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services, said that large increases in the number of incoming freshman students required residence halls to take quick action in order to accommodate all those who are required to live on campus.

“To accommodate the increasing enrollment, we used expanded housing for students in the fall,” Strider said. “We have had to do this in the past but more recently each year as enrollment increases. Students who were placed in expanded housing knew they would be when they applied towards the end of July. Only the students who applied very late in July and early August were assigned to expanded housing.”

Methods of expanding housing are assigning roommates to Resident Assistants, who typically are given a two-person room to them-

selves as a perk for taking the job, eliminating study rooms and utilizing common areas for bedrooms.

Strider said that another factor in filling residence halls is students that choose to return to live there for a second or third year in addition to the freshmen that are living there under policy.

“We have seen the number of returning students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) who want to live with us increase in the last couple of years,” Strider said. “I think it’s because of the acquisition and renovation of campus and apartment housing. It’s also close, convenient, costs are paid through the student’s university account, etc. Our returners account for roughly a quarter of our on-campus population. Beyond that, our demand for housing correlates to enrollment.”

Possible expansion of the residence halls on campus has been a topic of concern because of the necessary finances and space for addiFile photo by Erin Snider/The Standard tional housing. Strider said that these two facIn fall 2014, 128 students were living in overflow on-campus housing. tors do not prevent students from getting access to housing when they need it.

“Students who are required to live with us said. “According to our housing policy, we will and all students who are required to live with were not denied a spot in the halls,” Strider always make sure we fully accommodate any us.”

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Housing options for international students, on and off-campus Trinh Nguyen Staff Reporter When a new semester begins, students are busy not only with registering for classes but also with choosing a suitable place to live. For many international students, there are two housing options: on campus and off campus.

According to MSU Spring 2017 International Students Demographics Report, over 1,000 international students from at least 80 countries are attending MSU. The school has the International Services Office to take care of international students from admission process to semester preparation, includes housing arrangements.

According to the MSU website, requirements to live on and off campus for international students are similar to the ones for American students. Students who are under 21 years of age and have less than 30 credits have to live on campus, while students who are over 21 years of age and have more than 30 credits can live off campus.

Peng Zhang, a business instruction specialist, said each category has its pros and cons.

For junior students, especially Chinese juniors, they prefer living off campus because they have more independence.

“Chinese students love cooking, so they would like to live in an apartment or house with a kitchen, so that they are able to cook,” Zhang said.

He said that living off campus allowed students to share the rent with many others. Four students could live in one apartment.

“That’s a lot cheaper,” Zhang said. “Our Chinese students are pretty price-driven (considering) the houses.”

Students also have many options living in on-campus housing as well, such as Sunvilla, Hutchens House or Hammons House and many other residence halls that include suite or community style themes.

Zhang encouraged international students to live on campus because they will be able to emerge themselves better into the American college culture, and it might be helpful to their

academics.

Sabrina Rusli, a Malaysian marketing/sales management senior student who used to live on campus, talked about its perks.

“Living on campus was a great experience,” Rusli said. “I had easy access to (many) amenities. Also after a while of seeing the students in your building and floor, the sense of community started to build … which was a great way to make friends.”

She recommended freshmen live on campus because everything was taken care of and when they first started college, housing was one thing that they did not have to worry about.

Hung S. Nguyen, marketing/advertising freshman and a Vietnamese student, said living off campus gave more space and privacy — students could avoid sharing amenities with others.

“Living in the dorm on a laundry day would be such a pain for many students, when (most of the) residents of the building share only 10 washing machines and 10 dryers,” Nguyen said.

“Meanwhile in an apartment, they can have

File graphic by Rebecca Biundo/The Standard

their own (washer and dryer).”

Nguyen said security was an issue when students lived off campus, especially when students rented a place in a “sketchy” neighborhood.

“Their stuff can be stolen or their place can be broken into at night,” Nguyen said.

It is up to the students to decide a suitable place to live; housing on and off campus have pros and cons.

International students can contact the International Services for housing inquiries at http:// international.missouristate.edu/services/Springfield.htm>.

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Apartments along the BearLine Getting to school, one ride at a time

Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen

Magers Management

Green Route

Monroe Place Pad Madison

Freudenberger House

South Ave.

Wells House

Beau Jardin

Southwinds

Blair-Shannon House

Hickman Apartments

St. Kimbrough

Woods House

Willow Walk

Hammons House

Blue Route

Hutchens House

Purple Route

Orange West Route

Beacon Commons and Suites Bear Village Brentwood Management Campus Villa Madison Park

Gold Route Sunvilla Tower Kentwood Hall

The U

Scholars House

Sky Eleven

Cherry Street

Boonville Lofts

File photo/The Standard

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HOUSING GUIDE 2017 • 27

28 • HOUSING GUIDE 2017

THE STANDARD

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