2 Housing Guide February 2012
THE STANDARD
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Housing Guide February 2012
Table of Contents Living options...................................4 Are amenities necessary?.................6 Decorating your new place..............8 Organization can be simple.............9
Housing 2012 This is a publication of Missouri State
Furniture is an easy find..................10
University’s student-produced newspaper, The Standard. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its
Roommate cooperation...................12 Communication is key......................13
content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff.
Cover design by Mat Wilken
The Standard Clay Hall 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 417-836-5272/Editorial 417-836-5524/Advertising Standard@MissouriState.edu www.the-standard.org On Facebook: The Standard On Twitter: TheStandard_MSU On YouTube: MSUStandard
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4 Housing Guide February 2012
Housing for MSU students: the pros and cons Housing Type
Price per school year
Price per month
Room-style
$6,228-$6,394
$692-$710
$100 per semester or deferred
Meal plan included. On campus. Community bathrooms. If you do not have a Close community. All utilities, cable roommate chosen, you will have one assigned. and Internet are included. Community kitchen if you cook. Only fish as pets allowed.
RAs on every floor. Floor checks every night. Campus security driving around.
Suite-style
$6,578-$8,298
$730-$922
$100 per semester or deferred
Meal plan included. On campus. Own bathroom. All utilities, cable and Internet are included.
If you do not have a roommate chosen, you will receive one you may not know. No kitchen. Fish are the only pets allowed. Share a room.
RAs on every floor. Floor checks every night. Campus security driving around.
Apartment-style $3,658-$4,512
$406-$501
$100 per semester or deferred
More independence from regular dorms. All utilities, cable and Internet are included. Full kitchen.
If you do not have a roommate chosen, you will receive one you may not know. No kitchen. Fish are the only pets allowed. Share a room.
RAs and armed guards in buildings. Campus security.
Varies
Sororities: Chef. Free parking. Expensive depending on the house. Consider how Cleaning service. Fraternities: Free many people you will be living with. No pets. parking. Has a kitchen. Very close to campus.
Houses
Apartments
Greek housing
$3,000-$12,000 $333-$1333
Deposit amount
1 bedroom $3,600-$4,275
$400-$475
Same as rent
2 bedroom $4,950-$5,850
$550-$650
Same as rent
3 bedroom $6,975-$7,650
$775-$850
Same as rent
Pros
Security
Cons
Varies
Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Can call maintenance if something breaks. Apartment pays for upkeep.
Utilities might not be included. Cable and Internet might not be included. Must pay for groceries/food. Spend more on gas. Could be between 5-15 minutes off campus.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Oncall maintenance if something breaks. Splitting bills with your roommate(s).
Utilities might not be included. Cable and Internet might not be included. Must pay for groceries. Spend more on gas. Could be between 5-15 minutes off campus.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Oncall maintenance if something breaks. Apartment pays for upkeep. You pay less by splitting bills with your roommate(s).
Utilities might not be included. Cable and Internet might not be included. Must pay for groceries/food. Spend more on gas. Could be between 5-15 minutes off campus.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
No neighbors above or below you. Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Utilities can be cheaper than an apartment.
Utilities (cable and Internet) might not be included. Must pay for groceries. Might have to repair problems within the house yourself or hire someone to fix them if the landlord is not responsible for maintenance. Gas money.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
1 bedroom $3,600-$4,500
$400-$500
Same as rent
2 bedroom $5,400-$6,300
$600-$700
Same as rent
No neighbors above or below you. Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Utilities can be cheaper. You pay less by splitting bills with roommate(s).
Utilities (cable and Internet) might not be included. Must pay for groceries/food. Might have to repair problems within the house yourself or hire someone to fix them if the landlord is not responsible for maintenance. gas money.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
3 bedroom $7200-$8100
$800-$900
Same as rent
No neighbors above or below you. Most places allow pets if you pay a deposit. Have your own room. Utilities can be cheaper. You pay less by splitting bills with roommate(s).
Utilities (cable and Internet) might not be included. Must pay for groceries. Might have to repair problems within the house yourself or hire someone to fix them if the landlord is not responsible for maintenance. Gas money.
Varies. Some have security vehicles that patrol. Some have security on call from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Sources: RHA website, Andrea Weber, Haselhorst Properties LTD and Brentwood Management
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Are extra amenities necessary? Pools and other perks can be a bonus, but they could go unused By Brandon Corrigan The Standard
Expensive apartment amenities such as swimming pools and workout facilities, while certainly luxurious, may not necessarily serve as a top priority for students when searching for the perfect place to call their home away from home. In fact, the only amenity that senior graphic and design major Danny Logush can think of at his Colonial Court complex is a laundry room. While Colonial Court may not be the most opulent apartment complex in Springfield, it suits Logush well. Logush said that location was the most influential factor in his decision to live at Colonial Court.
“Sometimes, I wish it had more amenities but the rent is cheap for a one-person apartment and the location is great,” Logush said. “It’s a short walk to campus and a short bike ride to downtown.” Those students who do live in apartments with elaborate amenities don’t always have the time or availability to use them. Senior media production major Chad Thomas estimates he’s only used the swimming pool at his Town and Campus residence twice. “I like having a pool but I don’t stay in Springfield during the summer so I rarely get a chance to use it,” Thomas said. “It’s hardly open during the school year, plus with all my classes it’s hard to find spare time.” Junior art history major Becca Steiner, who’s lived in both Wilholt Plaza and Walnut Place, said that lavish items like pools and rec centers aren’t important to her as long as she’s in a safe and secure location. “I liked living in Walnut Place the best,” Steiner said. “The building is gated access Megg Roth/THE STANDARD only and residents have a punch-in key code. The landlords have also been very easy to Some apartment complexes that offer extra amenities, such as pools and clubhouses, may be a bit pricier than ones without them. deal with and quick to solve problems.”
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Furniture is an easy find in Springfield By Kelsey Berry The Standard
Are you or a roommate searching for affordable furniture that isn’t falling apart or spotted with ominous stains? Many college students who are looking to furnish their living spaces are also searching for ways to stretch their dollar as far as possible. Here are five great places in Springfield to do just that.
DAV Thrift Store - 1711 N. Glenstone Ave.
at 68,000 square feet and was voted “Best in the Ozarks” for two years in a row by the Springfield News-Leader. Although the prices are slightly higher than the Salvation Army and the DAV Thrift Store, they are still excellent for the value of the furniture that is available for purchase and the selection is vastly greater. “Our furniture is all consignment furniture. It’s owned by our vendors and they take offers every day,” Vendor Representative Gary Camp said. “We get a lot of college students in here, especially during the fall when they move in.” While a smaller consignment shop might not have larger items such as washers and dryers, Vendor’s Mart has the space to showcase these bigger items and still sell them at low prices that college students can afford. This flea market is also unique because inside the store there is a telephone number listed that customers can call to have their furniture delivered to their home if it is needed. Price for delivery varies depending on the size of the piece and mileage. Vendor’s Mart is eight minutes from the MSU campus and is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
There are several different locations around Springfield, but this thrift store has some great furniture for college students who are looking for a deal. Like any second hand store, bargain hunting takes some searching in order to find the higher quality pieces but students are bound to find what they are looking for at one of these locations. DAV Thrift Stores have a decent sized variety of dressers and computer desks priced from $10-$60, chairs, sofas and recliners anywhere from $39-$50, televisions of varying sizes $10-$50 and table lamps starting at just $3. Some of the smaller furnishing items such as couch pillows, picture frames and shelving can all be found for $10 or less. The Glenstone location is 10 minutes from the Mis- Springfield Flea Market and Gifts - 1325 E. souri State University campus and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Trafficway St. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. If you are looking for more uniquely styled furniture to make your living space your own, then definitely go here. Salvation Army - 1737 S. Campbell Ave. This particular Salvation Army is clean, organized and This flea market has very distinctive furniture that you has a large selection of furniture to choose from. This is a would not be likely to find at another store for the same great place to find pieces such as sofas, end tables and low price. The market is very clean and organized with a wooden cabinets for as low as $20. Many of the pieces are great deal of accessory items such as candle holders, wall only lightly used, and when compared to prices at stores clocks, jewelry boxes, photo frames, floor mats and much such as Target or even Walmart, you may be paying half more. Springfield Flea Market and Gifts also provides lay(if not less) of the regular price and still walk away with a away options for any furniture that is priced over $100. The purchaser can then pay it off in thirds with up to three solid piece of furniture. Evangel University students junior Geneva Rockeman, months to repay the full amount. This unique market is senior Jonathan Faggart and recent Evangel grad Andrew only three minutes from the MSU campus and is open Miller said they recommend this Salvation Army for any seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, fellow college students’ furnishing needs. The Campbell and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. location is a mere five minutes from the MSU campus and is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 Urban Market - 1315 E Trafficway St. Urban Market (formerly known as Charlies) is a great p.m. Saturday. find. It is a very large shop with clean, barely used, affordable furniture. This market has 20,000 square feet of furVendor’s Mart - 1933 N. Glenstone Ave. Vendor’s Mart is the largest flea market in Springfield niture, so lack of selection is not an issue. Different vendors sell various items ranging in price and are willing to
Josh Campbell/THE STANDARD
Flea markets, such as Vendor’s Mart, offer a variety of furniture at low prices that students can also have transported to their new home for a fee.
barter. “A lot of college students buy couches, chairs, tables, beds and bookcases from us,” Urban Market employee Kevin Blankenship said. This market also has a telephone number posted for buyers to call if they need assistance transporting any large items that they may purchase. Shipping charges are anywhere from $25-$40 depending on mileage. Urban Market is located three minutes from the MSU campus and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Cooperation with roommates is crucial By Anna Thomas The Standard
Whether you are living with someone you do or do not know, issues can arise, but as Erin Sullivan says, communication is key. “If something is bothering you, the best thing to do is try and talk it out yourselves,” said Sullivan, a senior marketing management major and resident assistant. “It’s best to tell each other what you like to do and how you are from the beginning — like if you study with music or are really messy. That way you lay out the groundwork.” Stephen Hoffmeister, sophomore mathematics major, knows this all too well. Hoffmeister had hung a pair of muddy shorts up to dry but they became mildewy and stinky. “My roommate was very neat and tidy. I was not,” Hoffmeister said. “So he brought it up to me one day saying that he couldn’t stand them anymore. I didn’t even realize how bad they were until he pointed them out.” Hoffmeister describes that he hand-washed them every day, soaked them and his roommate even gave him suggestions to clean them. It all worked out OK because they were able to bring up the issue without getting upset. Laurie Lowther, a junior digital film production major, said being calm when trying to
bring up an issue in the room is very important. “Talking, not yelling, is a good way to handle it. When you yell, people get defensive,” Lowther said. “Also, actually listen when someone is talking that way they will listen to you too.” Erin McGrath, a freshman dietetics major, thinks that communication in the beginning is a simple way to avoid issues and steer away from awkward conversations. “Make sure to let your roommate know when you are coming home and where you are so that you can always get into your room and not worry about bothering them,” McGrath said. Thao Bui, a freshman finance major, agrees. She thinks that if you communicate well and be friends then problems won’t arise. “It’s helpful to build a good relationship with your roommate because it makes confrontations less awkward and uncomfortable,” Bui said. “It’s good to set some guidelines and rules that you both should follow.” However, if issues do elevate and students think they cannot handle a conversation on their own, resident assistants are there to help. “We’re trained on how to resolve issues and can be a mediator in a conversation between you and your roommate,” Sullivan said.
Photo Illustration by Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD
Communication and offering help to each other is a good way to make sure you get along well with your roommate. Erin Sullivan, a resident assistant at Missouri State, said RAs can be useful resources if you live in the dorms and are having problems with your roommate(s).
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Communication is key to ending fights Center for Dispute Resolution provides mediation services for Missouri State students By Kris Collins The Standard
Spring is around the corner and “For Rent” signs are popping up in front yards. Soon enough college students will be braving the unfavorable, sweat-demanding process of moving. Along with the arduous task comes the opportunity to live with new friends and meet new neighbors. Some of those new relationships will unfortunately result in conflict. The Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR) faculty and student volunteers work to make their resources readily available for anyone experiencing such problems. Heather Blades, associate director of the CDR, said that some conflict resolution is now part of the curriculum in freshmen introduction courses. The information given in the class is only a small portion of the help that CDR offers to students. If you ever find yourself slipping into a conflict, there are three simple steps to follow to resolve the problem: communicate, ask questions and remain calm. According to Blades, communication is paramount. The ability to clearly communicate is key in conflict resolution. The second tip is to ask questions in order to get to the core of the problem and get an understanding of the situation. The last step is to remain calm to address the problem. On top of offering quick suggestions for conflict res-
The Center for Dispute Resolution What is the CDR? “The CDR provides services and supports programs that help people take control of their lives. In a world where conflict often dictates distrust, stifles communication and leads to costly and contentious legal remedies, we support alternatives,” according to the CDR website. Services • Basic and advanced mediation training • Presentations, workshops and consultations • Facilitation services • Certificate programs in conflict and dispute resolution • Mediation referrals and services • Victim-Offender mediation programs • Education/research services • Community Programs
olution such as the aforementioned, the CDR also provides mediation and conflict coaching. The CDR works with students who volunteer to teach them about conflict resolution, mediation and conflict coaching. Denea Malone, a senior sociology student at Missouri State, said she has been volunteering at the CDR for about a year. Malone works as the coordinator for the Conflict Resolution for College Students Program and cofacilitator through the Girls Circle Program since September. Malone said she feels that students currently underutilize the CDR. “I think the services are underutilized for numerous
reasons including confusion about what the mediation process looks like, nervousness concerning formality and just lack of knowledge about the existence of the program,” Malone said. “Conflict resolution is a very creative process,” she said. “I think there are misconceptions about conflict coaching, mediation, and the mediation process, which often times concern formality or forced solutions.” The CDR program offers quick, private, successful and free options to help students manage conflicts. To seek help in conflict resolution, contact them at 417-836-8831 or via email at conflict@missouristate.edu.
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