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Table of Contents
Standard staff
Advertising staff
Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Hailey Gilbreath sales Tessa Phongsavath graphic design
Editorial staff
Alec McChesney editor-in-chief Emily Joshu managing editor Cortlynn Stark news editor Sarah Teague life editor Brenner Moore sports editor Megan Burke photo editor Sarah Hollstrom copy editor Chloe Skaar copy editor/senior reporter Sarah Shepard copy editor
Reporters/Photographers
Matt Campanelli reporter Shelby Dowler reporter Hanna Flanagan reporter Mary Kay Gagnepain reporter
Maddie Knapp reporter Katie Haynes columnist Collin O’Connell photographer Jonathan Petesch columnist Ali Spies columnist Hanna Sumpter senior reporter Nina Todea reporter/photographer Cole Trumble reviewer Blaine Wheeler reporter Aly Weitkamp reporter Kaitlyn Stratman photographer
Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King advertising manager
before you lease 16 Rights as tennants 17 Party vs. pj’s 18 Pantry essentials 19 Cooking in your dorm 20 Moving hacks 21 Roommate compatibility HOUSING GUIDE 2018
is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff.
Cover design by Tessa Phongsavath
4 Living on campus 6 New apartment 8 Decorating 10 Houses vs. apartments 11 Living in a Greek house 14 Leasing requirements 15 What to know
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First-Year Retention by Residence
2.90 2.53
56.85%
ON-CAMPUS
44.8%
3.22 3.01
3.16
3.36
S0PHOMORES
JUNIORS
ON-CAMPUS
OFF-CAMPUS
SENIORS
44.8%
OFF-CAMPUS
53.7%
2.95
FRESHMEN
2015-2016
Undergraduate Six-Year Graduation Rates by Residence
2014-2015
3.19
72.5%
OFF-CAMPUS
ON-CAMPUS
2014-2015
ON-CAMPUS
Monthly rates for apartments and houses may be cheaper than the semesterly or yearly rates of residence halls. However, the cost of buying groceries and gas for your car can put a strain on your funds. Allison Smith, coordinator, housing assignments coordinator for Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services, said there is also no money down, no credit checks and no new deposits when reapplying or utility
Living on campus also gives you the opportunity to do and experience more. “Not only are you closer to all of your classes, but you’re also more likely to get involved,” Raveill said. “You know everything that is going on around campus if you’re right here in the center of everything.” She especially likes walking a short distance from Wells to go to events and movies in Plaster Student Union. Sarah McCoy, a sophomore religious studies major living in Woods House, shares the same sentiment. “I love how close I am to everything and I really enjoy the community of Woods,” she said. Jake Miles, a sophomore actuarial math major, lived Scholars House in the 2016-17 school year and returned this year. “I really liked being on campus the entire day,” he said. “I felt like it helped contribute to my identity as a Bear, and I wanted it to stay that way.” Like McCoy, Miles likes the community in his residence hall. “The group of people in Scholars are willing to be fellow academics but also are willing to be friends, and it is a great mix,” Miles said.
OFF-CAMPUS
Money
Experiences
ON-CAMPUS
Statistics gathered over the last 15 years by Missouri State Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services show students living on campus have higher average GPAs, are more likely to return to school after their first year and are more likely to graduate within six years. Freshmen students living on campus have a 2.90 average GPA compared to the 2.52 of their off-campus counterparts. Sophomores on campus have a 3.19 average GPA compared to 2.95 for off-campus students. On-campus juniors have a 3.22 compared to 3.01. On-campus seniors boast an average 3.36 GPA compared to 3.16. This could make the difference when applying for scholarships, graduation or employment. In the 2015-2016 school year, 80.2 percent of students who lived on campus returned to school while 72.5 percent who lived off campus returned. Undergraduate six-year graduation rates between 2010 and 2016 show 56.8 percent of students living on campus graduated while only 44.8 percent of students living off campus graduated.
Living on campus can also give you more free time or, more importantly, time to sleep. Commuting to campus from a house or apartment always means having to wake up earlier, getting in your car and hunting for a parking spot. Ashley Raveill is a senior special education major and has been living in Wells House for four years. “I remember two years ago when I was in one of my classes, one of the girls had to get up and get (to campus) two hours early to find parking,” Raveill said. “Meanwhile, I rolled out of bed 40 minutes before my class and just got up and went to class.” Raveill also said she had an 8 a.m. class in Siceluff Hall one semester. She could wake up 10 minutes before it started and be on time.
Smith said one of most common reasons why people do not like living on campus is because most on-campus housing arrangements require living with a roommate. Raveill enjoys living with her roommate but even they reach breaking points. “You are in very, very close proximity with other people so you have to handle being in close proximity,” she said. Residence halls are also not as nice as brand new apartments. McCoy said Woods could use some renovation. Additionally, parking is still a headache for on-campus residents. Raveill said she had a practicum one semester which went from 8 a.m. to noon. She coordinated with a friend who usually left the parking lot at the same time she returned, so that she could be guaranteed a spot. One day her friend did not leave and she found herself searching for another spot. “Even for on campus residents, parking is a hassle,” she said. “If you leave for any reason during the day, you’re going to be on the third level of Bear Park North.” Whichever you choose, housing and its related aspect have the potential to make or break a semester or school year. There are multiple factors which should be considered in making your housing decision including your budget, roommates, transportation and your daily schedule. Find out what is best for you.
OFF-CAMPUS
Grades and Graduation
Time
Cons
ON-CAMPUS
Off-campus housing can have the allure of increased space, more privacy and greater independence compared to residence halls on Missouri State’s campus. However, your wallet, grades and free time may take a hit when you decide to move away from campus after your freshman year.
expenses when living in a dorm.
OFF-CAMPUS
SHELBY DOWLER Staff Reporter @ShelbyTheTall
80.2%
ON-CAMPUS
Better for your wallet, GPA and schedule
74.8%
OFF-CAMPUS
78.9%
OFF-CAMPUS
Living on campus
ON-CAMPUS
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2015-2016
Fall 2016 Average GPA by Class and Location
Submitted by Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services
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Submitted photo
The apartment complex, designed for students, will be worth $20 million.
New student living apartment complex in the works, worth $20 million SHELBY DOWLER Staff Reporter @ShelbyTheTall
Missouri State students will have a new upscale student living complex on the list of housing options for the 2019-20 school year. The complex will be built near the intersection of Walnut Street and Jefferson Avenue, an easy walk to campus or downtown. The building will be designed to have an address both at 430 E. Walnut and 426 S. Jefferson. Once completed, the $20 million project will include a host of amenities for residents to enjoy, comparable to Bear Village or Aspen apartments. Features will include a secure, enclosed parking area on ground level. A swimming pool, clubhouse and indoor yoga studio will be on the second floor. The building will also include private study rooms and an outdoor yoga area. Apartments will come fully furnished including beds and desks. Sam Chimento is one of the three co-owners and principals in charge of the development of the building. The other two principals
are Mike Burkhart of VE Design Group and John Rooney. Chimento said he is excited to get the project underway. “We think Springfield is a great area and a growing part of Missouri,” he said. “Missouri State is growing as well and we think it’ll continue.” Food options will be plentiful, since the apartment will be within short walking distance from Jimmy John’s, Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe, Qdoba, Firehouse Subs, Insomnia Cookies and a host of other downtown eateries located on or near Walnut Street. Developers will be tearing down an office building in March to start construction soon after. The new complex is expected to be ready in August 2019 and will start taking leases in August 2018. Prices will be similar to Bear Village, which ranges from $625 to $925 a month, depending on the number of beds in the apartment. “Missouri State is a good school with good majors and all sorts of good things,” Chimento said. “It's going to be a very high quality, secure and with a great environment.”
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Decorating on a college budget There are several ways to furnish at a fraction of the price MADISON RUSSELL Staff Reporter @Maddie636 So you’ve snagged a new place, and it has everything you’ve ever wanted ... except for the blank walls. An apartment, house or dorm is perfectly liveable with bare walls, but it can get a bit boring to look at. Decorating can also be expensive if you’re looking to completely revamp and refurnish the entire place. There are many alternatives to find some cheap items rather than buying out your local Pier 1 Imports.
Coupons
Some of the best ways to save on decorations or furniture is to always look for coupons. Why pay full price when you can get it for a steal? “One of the best ways I get really
cute decorations without spending a fortune is never paying full price for anything,” sophomore recreation sport and park administration major Kathleen Burton said. “Always wait for a sale, or buy second-hand from thrift stores or online markets like Facebook or eBay.” Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer 40 percent off any regular priced item coupons on their mobile apps; perfect for any newcomer or frequent customer.
DIY
Art or decor isn’t always cheap, so see if you can make it yourself. Try your hand at creating a one-of-a-kind piece from scratch or paint something that’s unique to you. “I would say the best way to decorate your room or any space in general
Buy as you go
on a budget is to find ideas on Pinterest,” junior interior design major Breann Sommer said. “Make the idea When furnishing an apartment or something of your own.” dorm, buying everything at once can really take a toll on your bank account. Instead of bulk buying, try to space out Maybe someone else didn’t want your purchases. it, but you might. Thrift stores and ga“My tip to save money would be to rage sales are the perfect way to score not get everything for your apartment some high quality items for a low price. at once,” senior fashion merchandising “My favorite things in my room are major Audrey Krutsinger said. “I have my plants,” Sommer said. “I bought things in my house that I’ve had since them super cheap from the Missouri high school and other things that I got State Agriculture Department when just last week. By taking the time to they came to the Plaster Student Union collect things, you will get items that during the springtime. I went to thrift are really important to you and you stores to buy cheap antique pots to put don’t break the bank.” Although your walls may be blank them in.” Whether you’re decorating a whole when you move in, filling them over apartment or a small space, even thrift- time instead of all at once gives you ing a handful of items can keep some something to look forward to for the money in your pocket. following year.
Thrifting
Shop at budgetfriendly Stores Pier 1 Imports and boutiques can have amazing pieces but at a hefty price. Instead of just being able to buy one item at an overpriced store, shop at smaller or budget friendly shops. “Some stores I recommend for people balling on a budget include IKEA, TJ Maxx, Target and Wayfair,” Krutsinger said. “All places have amazing products for super cheap and they are all on trend.” Shopping online is also a great way to get some great cyber deals not offered anywhere else in stores. “I have a giant world map tapestry on one wall because I love to explore, and I got it on eBay for only $10,” Burton said.
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House vs. apartment-style living While houses may have less policies to follow by landlords, they may also come with more responsibilities than apartment style livng MEG ALEXANDER Staff Reporter To most college students, the start of a new year and the beginning of the spring semester brings excitement and energy, but with it comes the stress and burden of finding a place to live for the next school year. From managing classes, social lives, jobs and extracurricular activities, most students are eager to find the easiest and most affordable living option, and with this comes the decision of whether or not to live in a house or an apartment. “Around this time of the year, I always get worried and start questioning where I’m going to live or who I will live with the next fall,” Tyler Pursley, senior at studying geography and sustainability, said. Making the decision between living in a
house or an apartment is hard to make and a lot of students fail to assess the pros and cons of each living arrangement before commiting. Tessa Bulger, senior studying math education, said she felt living in a house has provided her with the best college experience. Whereas McKenzie Tennyson, a senior studying marketing research and data analytics, said an apartment was the best fit for her. “I like living in a house because it allows me to have an open-door policy, there is no locked building preventing me from inviting others in,” Bulger said, sitting in the living room of her quaint, cozy, house, just walking distance from campus. Bulger also said finding furniture is a lot easier than it’s made out to be with internet sites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Furthermore, Bulger said that, un-
like what students might think, most landlords take care of things such as mowing, plumbing and maintenance. Bulger, who got married in fall 2017, said Brian Bulger, her husband and a senior studying english education at Missouri State, is a musician and that living in a house allows him to play music freely without disturbing the neighbors. On the other hand, Tennyson, current resident of Founders Park Apartments in downtown Springfield, explains the benefits of having lived in various apartments over the past three years. “I feel safer living in a apartment,” Tennyson explains. The locked building aspect of an apartment building creates an extra aspect of safety that most students appreciate. Tennyson said that at apartments you
might get small maintenance issues, but most landlords are extremely receptive to the issues, whereas at a house you might get deeper, more complex issues and less receptive landlords. Tennyson said that in her experience, a lot of the houses in Springfield are pretty rundown and the apartments are well kept up with or have had recent renovations. As Tennyson was explaining the pros, Erin Holt, Tennyson’s roommate and alumni of MSU yelled out, “Ya get more bang for your buck!” Overall, students have had different experiences in each of the living arrangements. Not all houses are the same and vise versa for apartments. That is why it is important to assess the pros and cons of each and what it might look like for you, as a student, to live in either.
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The pros and cons of living in a Greek house BATOOL ALZUABI Staff Reporter @Albatoolz Choosing a place to live is one of the most difficult choices to make. Every place has its own benefits and downsides that you might find hard to adjust to. Just like any housing, fraternity and sorority houses have their own advantages and disadvantages, so here is a list of the pros and cons you need to consider before deciding to move into your sorority or fraternity house. PRO: You will be close to campus. “The great thing is that it is really close to campus,” said Caroline Lundy said, a freshman majoring in speech and theatre education, who is also a member of Gamma Phi Beta,“and the Bear Line comes
straight there.” So living in a Greek house means you do not needto provide your own transportation to get to your classes, you can walk or just take the Bear Line. CON: It is on the expensive side, when it comes to a student’s budget. According to Missouri State website, the cost of joining a Panhellenic Sorority ranges between $680-$1,109 for the first semester, not including the rent. New members are also expected to pay $415-$975 in their second semester. Zachary Cull, a junior socio-political communications major who lives in Pi Kappa Phi, said the average cost of living in a fraternity house is almost $500 per month. Many students will find this amount of money a lot to pay for. There are more affordable places if
you are on a lower budget. PRO: It is like the dorms, but it is much more homey and you are less likely to have a random roommate. Preston Padgett, a junior majoring in marketing and a member of Phi Gamma Delta, said. CON: You will have limited personal space. Most of your time you will be surrounded by a lot of people. “You do not always get your personal space,” Drew Roedder, a junior majoring in organizational communication, said who is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “Most of the time, you will be sharing your personal space with everyone.” PRO: You will always find someone if you need help. “I love the support system I get from living in the house,” Lundy said. “ If you ever need anything you will always find women who love you and
File photo by SARAH HIATT/THE STANDARD
willing to help in whatever you need.” CON: You do not always find a parking spot, Padgett said. People will sometimes come and hang out at the house, and they usually park in our parking spots, Padgett said. PRO: It helps you get out of your comfort zone, and socialize with other people. “The fraternity house is the heart of the chapter, the heart of our orga-
nization,” Cull said. “Something is always going on there, there is always someone to talk to, someone to hang out with.” CON: Do not expect it to be quiet all the time. It is a house full of people, so you will hear a lot of sounds and yells. It is hard to take a nap when you are living with a lot of people, so expect to get woken up by a yell or loud noise, Cull said.
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Know the requirements of your lease before you sign anything.
Requirements for leasing an apartment CARISSA ALFORD Staff Reporter @carissabalford As the 2017-18 school year advances to the spring semester, apartment hunting is on the rise. Since freshmen at Missouri State are required to live on campus their first year, leasing an apartment or house could be a new and intimidating experience. Leasing anything may seem like an impossible task. Luckily, it is much easier than one would have originally thought. According to a Pugh Properties’ rental application, you must fill out an application if you are 18 years or older and have sufficient income or resources. Any false information is “grounds for denial.” Pugh Properties “works with neighbors and other landlords” to conserve the quality of the neighborhoods they lease. The same is true for KRK Properties, a 5-year-old Springfield-based company. Kelly Kirkpatrick, managing member of KRK Properties, said a big focus is making sure the property doesn’t get damaged. “When we are looking for tenants, we want someone who won’t party or affect the property,” Kirkpatrick said. Kirkpatrick suggests that when students are making the decision for a home, they should keep certain factors in mind.
“How many people are you going to have living with you? What is going to be your form of transportation? Are you within walking or biking distance of where you want to go?” Kirkpatrick said. “Check out your surroundings.” Kirkpatrick’s final piece of advice is to check the energy disclosure on the home to be sure you aren’t paying for more than the living space is worth. “Talk to previous tenants and find a place that’s not run-down,” Kirkpatrick said. Natalee Spotswood, a junior hospitality major with a minor in French, said leasing an apartment isn’t hard at all. “I had to go to the leasing office and sign a few legal documents,” Spotswood said. “The actual lease is online and you read it through and sign it electronically. I also saw my apartment beforehand but it wasn’t required.” Spotswood has lived in her apartment for seven months. “I suggest seeking out all of your options and making a pro and con list of each place,” Spotswood said. “Also, know how much you’re willing to spend and stick to that. Do your research on the area you’re looking for.” The important piece of information you should remember is to always research the company you are leasing through and be sure you aren’t paying for more than the property is worth.
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Before signing a lease, ask!
Questions unanswered by potential landlords can cause conflict or confusion down the road MADDIE KNAPP Staff Reporter @mapp_ Living on your own for the first time can be scary. There’s a lot to think about before signing a lease to make sure your new living space is the right one for you. Asking the right questions is the best way to feel comfortable about choosing your next home. Two Springfield apartment complexes and two students living off campus weighed in on the most important questions they think someone should ask before signing a lease. Danielle Stoll, the assistant community manager at Beacon Springfield Apartments, said the most important questions to ask are about lease term and cost, and she said all residents should ask for their own copy of the lease. Although asking about lease term and cost may is the most important, Stoll said that reviewing a copy of the lease is the most informative way to learn about a potential new home. “As a leasing professional, once I’ve helped someone narrow down what they’re looking for in an apartment and help them to select the home that’s best for them, I love to review the contract with that person,” Stoll said. “This, above all else, establishes transparency, lays out policies and expectations and answers any questions that may not have previously come to mind.” Sofia Caito, leasing and marketing manager at Aspen Springfield, also said that cost is the most important question to ask. She includes asking about pet policies and amenities because these two aspects can be crucial in one’s decision about a new home. “If you have a furry friend, you'll want to make sure the property accommodates pets and if there are any restrictions on the type of pet,” Caito said. Some homes and apartments have rules about the breed and size of the pet you may want to bring. Asking about extras or amenities included with a lease is important, too. Some residents are just looking for an included washer and dryer, while others may be interested in having a pool or free tanning beds. Junior communication and science disorders major Joni Fielder has lived on her own for the past two years in an apartment off campus. She wanted to be able to decorate how she wanted
and wanted to know about any extra fees that may popup. “I wanted to know what are the fees given for late rent if it happens,” Fielder said. Being proactive about asking about extra fees can save stress and money in the future. Although the extra expenses may be included in the contract, they can be easy to skip over. After living in a fraternity house his sophomore year, junior modern languages major Drew Sigler knew asking about how busy and loud his complex is would be important to him before signing his first lease. “[Ask] if it is busy or loud on weekends, or are there enforced hours when tenants are expected to be quiet,” Sigler said. Depending on the type of living space you are looking for and your own personal preferences, asking questions is the smartest way to ensure you will have the best experience in your first home.
Top Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease: 1. What will the cost be? 2. How long is the leasing term? 3. Can I have a copy of the lease? 4. Will you review the lease with me? 5. What are the included amenities? 6. Are pets allowed? 7. What are the fees for late rent? 8. How am I allowed to decorate? 9. Are there enforced quiet hours? 10. What is the environment like on weekdays and weekends?
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Do You Know Your Rights? File graphic/THE STANDARD
The landlord might be in charge, but renting gives you rights. specific laws governing counties, cities and states. For example, in some states, landlords cannot raise your rent during the first year, and You have the right to remain silent; anything after the first year they must give at least 90 you say can and will be used against you in a days notice. At the very least, a renter should court of law. You have the right to a lawyer know the following, according to the U.S. Deand have them with you. … partment of Housing and Urban Development: We all know these rights. 1. What are your maintenance responsibilities? We have heard them on “Law and Order” 2. How are hazardous situations handled? so many times. But, as college students, do we 3. Under what conditions can you be evicted know our rights as tenants and renters? and what is the legal process? “I have been a tenant for a few years now, 4. Under what conditions can you legally break and I still don’t know all of my rights,” Katie your lease without incurring penalties? Brown, senior child and family development major, said. “I think a lot of times students just Most importantly, tenants should read the overlook that kind of stuff.” lease very carefully. There are some basic rights that all students “A lot of times landlords will just give you should know when finding a new place to live (the lease) to sign, and you can read it if you want to,” Catherine Beasley, sophomore comand signing a lease: munication major, said. “But our landlord sat 1. The right to not be discriminated against: The down and took every document and read out Fair Housing Act declares that no landlord can what the contract said. It took about 45 minrefuse housing to a potential renter based on utes.” race, nationality, sex, familial status, region or Occasionally, after reading the lease, tenants disability. may discover restrictions and specific procedures that are not what they originally thought, 2. The right to a habitable home: This includes working plumbing, electricity and heating. which is why reading it so carefully is vital. “We can potentially get kicked out for cer3. The right to not be charged more for a tain things,” Beasley said. “Like not checking security deposit than is allowed by the state the fire alarms and then something going law. wrong, or if we leave and don’t pay rent then 4. You must pay your rent: A landlord has the they can take it to trial and at that point we right to evict when they stop receiving rent, have to pay for the legal fees.” regardless of the reason. Landlords add a high level of detail to leases to protect both parties. Always read your However, there isn’t a single resource entire lease. for new renters to look at when it comes to It can be hard to know exactly what your rights as a tenant are, but at least you can know their rights. The rights of tenants and where to start. landlords vary based on their location, with MARY KAY GAGNEPAIN Staff Reporter @MKay4545
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PARTY or NOAH STANDISH Staff Reporter @NoahjStandish 11:30 p.m. The straps of your backpack dig at your shoulders as you step outside into the crisp air. Another study session at the library ended with your stomach reminding you how long it’s been since you last ate. You’re ready to recharge for your 8 a.m. lecture tomorrow, but the sound of reverberating bass and laughter can be heard outside of the door to your apartment. It’s your roommate’s third party this week – on Wednesday. Living with other students can lead to socializing opportunities, but sometimes, tension between roommates can seem inevitable. Living alone can lead to a greater sense of independence and control, but sometimes, an empty apartment can feel lonely. The decision of whether to live alone or with roommates often comes with the move away from traditional dorm life. But for some students, it’s one of the first questions presented to them after choosing a major. The question becomes more about whether to choose between an empty apartment or living with potential new friends. Is 11:30 p.m. on a Wednesday time for a party, or time for the pj’s?
Julia Morrow, junior English education major, found a balance of the two living off campus. She said her experience has been beneficial because of clear communication with her three roommates. “I don't consider myself to be a naturally extroverted person, but living with friends has made me much more sociable and outgoing,” Morrow said. “It’s important to have roommates who double as friends. It's always so nice to have someone there to rant to and have fun with.” Despite saying she’s open to living alone in the future, Morrow said her experience living with other students has been valuable, and her new friendships have made being away from campus more than worth it. Daniel Nguyen, senior economics major, lives in a private room in Monroe Apartments as a resident assistant. Before taking the position, he lived with three roommates in Scholars House as a freshman. He said he appreciates the quiet and privacy that came with living alone, but he also said his personality is a major factor in his preference to live with others. “My introverted side enjoys an empty apartment, but being around friends tends to bring the extrovert out of me,” Nguyen said. “I made some of my best friends liv-
ing in the residence halls during my first year of college.” Isabel Serna, junior public relations major, said the most important factor of living with someone is to be upfront about expectations and schedules. After living off campus for two years, she said she’s grown close with her only roommate. “I can see the pros and cons of living alone and living with roommates,” Serna said. “Having a roommate is nice because you can always count on someone to be there to help with school work, personal problems and just someone to talk to in general.” Moving away from the mandatory year of dorm life can create an opportunity for independence. Living with roommates can bring a sociable personality out of an introverted person, but living alone can help an introverted person recharge. “Living off campus is completely different, though,” Serna said. “There’s definitely more space so you don't feel like you’re constantly being forced together, but it’s important to be upfront with what you’re okay and not okay with.” Whether your personality is more introverted or extroverted, the question needs to be answered. Is 11:30 p.m. time for the party, or time for the pj’s?
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Packing the pantry full VICTORIA DAVIDSON Staff Reporter @V__Davidson Do you ever have those days when you come home and all you want is a nice home-cooked meal, but you are out of food? Balancing classes, work and relationships is hard, but stocking up the pantry doesn’t have to be. When asking students, both living on and off campus, what their tricks are to keeping the food stocked in the house, many responses were, “ummm” and “I just eat out a lot.” While the occasional Panera Bread Co. is good for the soul, eating out can get expensive after a while, which is why buying in bulk when grocery shopping is the first step you’ll want to take.
“I eat oatmeal often, because you can buy those massive containers,” junior nursing major Kaitlyn Boal said. “I try to buy in bulk so I don’t have to go (grocery shopping) as much.” Many common food products are available to buy in bulk at Sam’s Club or even at Aldi. When buying food in bulk, or buying in general, be conscious of the expiration dates. Yes, finding a five pound tub of peanut butter is a steal, but it won’t help much if it expires in one week. “I would buy canned foods, rice and beans in bulk, because those are usually cheaper,” freshman cell and molecular biology major Faith Wellborn said. “And I buy the more expensive foods a little each time, like dairy, bread
and snacks.” As for bulking on snacks, Clif Bars are packed full of protein and don’t expire until over a year after you buy them. After buying the necessities in bulk, adding extras that you like is the next step. Food items that would normally wilt quickly, such as fruit, can be placed in baggies in the freezer, or you can purchase prepared bags of fruit that are freezer-ready. “I have a lot of frozen fruit and veggies, so it doesn’t go bad, and I have frozen chicken breasts I thaw out when I cook,” Boal said. “I also buy almond milk, because it lasts longer than regular milk.” Buying dairy products can be tricky when buying ahead of time. Liquid coffee creamer has a year long shelf life in your File graphic/THE STANDARD
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fridge, but milk doesn’t do the same. Make sure when buying dairy ahead of time you know exactly how much you’ll use before the next trip to the store. One thing to remember is don’t always go for the simple-fix ingredients, like Kraft Mac and Cheese, but instead stock up on starches and proteins, like Wellborn does with rice and beans. Find basic ingredients that can serve in different meals, adding more diversity to dinner. If you’re planning to have rice in the cabinet for a while, a good tip is to put the rice into a Tupperware container, to ensure you don’t attract insects or mice. If all else fails, Hamburger Helper is a good backup source for dinner, and if shopping for groceries gives you a hard time, Walmart carries emergency food buckets that hold up to 55 servings of food in them and packs a full punch of nutritional value.
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Dining hall closed? Cooking in dorms can be easy, cost-efficient TERRY CHAPMAN Staff Reporter @turreh
It’s late on a Friday night, and you’re up late studying. You’d rather be out with your friends, but like a good student, you’ve stuck to your academic priorities. Before you know it, your stomach starts to rumble. You check the time to see that the dining halls are closed for the day. You’re on your own, now. It’s just you, a microwave, and the frozen food and ingredients you’ve got in your dorm. What do you do? For some students on campus, cooking in the dorms has become an alternative to the dining halls. For others, the extent of their cooking is just heating up a midnight snack before bed. Some students, like freshman computer information systems major Jackson Elliff, stick to the basics when it comes to dorm cooking. Elliff, a freshman who lives in Hutchens, said it can be very difficult to make anything particularly extraordinary in the dorms. “In Hutchens, you’re kind of limited with what you can do,” Elliff said. “You’ve got a microwave, a full fridge, and a freezer, but you’re sharing that with three other guys so you can’t keep much in there. Plus, what you do keep in there is stuff that you have to microwave.” Elliff explained that he usually only makes ramen or pizza rolls.
“I’m getting pretty tired of pizza rolls,” Elliff said. “I never thought I’d ever be saying that.” Christian Shelton, biology major and freshman in Hutchens, explained that he sticks to microwaved food because of the distance between his room and the kitchen. “I live all the way up on the eighth floor,” Shelton said. “For me, it really doesn’t make sense to go all the way to the basement just to cook some food when I can just microwave it in my room.” Nathan Staats, sophomore physical education major and resident of Hutchens, said he sometimes cooks cheese quesadillas in the microwave because it’s so convenient, and an alternative to the dining halls. Chaz Palumbo, a freshman general business major and freshman from Hutchens, said that it’s hard to cook anything other than the basics, and that the dining halls all but eliminate the need for him to cook very much on his own. There are some alternatives that can make you a microwave magician if you’ve got the ingredients and a couple minutes of free time. Sara Herdman, a freshman marketing management major from Hammons has perfected her own dorm delicacies that she says are easy to cook and fairly inexpensive to make. She said that it all stemmed from from an the popular app, Pinterest. “The first week I was here, I made a Pinterest account, and
I found some really neat things you can cook in the microwave,” Herdman said. “That’s all we get in our personal rooms, so I thought I ought to make the best out of it.” One of the recipes that really stood out to Herdman was a mug cake. Mug cakes are cupcakes that can be made inside of a mug. The ingredients can be heated inside of a microwave fairly quickly to make a treat that tastes like and resembles the tiny dishes we all know and love. All you need is a mug, flour, sugar, baking powder, canola oil, water and vanilla extract. This can cost less than $15 at your local Walmart, assuming that you already have a mug on hand. “It’s literally making a small cake inside of your microwave,” Herdman said. “At first it was just funny that we could make such things in our dorm, but then it became an every other Tuesday night ritual.” The cost-effectiveness of the ingredients and the lack of wait time makes this dish very popular among college students. “It’s incredibly unhealthy, but it tastes pretty good,” Herdman said. “One of the most positive things about it is that it doesn’t blow up in the microwave and that can be incredibly useful when inside of a community living area. Additionally, it only takes about two minutes in the microwave before you can eat it right out of the mug.”
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Looking to move soon? Better start planning Missouri. She lives in Freudenberger House. Her advice for moving is to pack ahead of time and to not pack too much. “I bought stuff little by little, months at a time, When it comes to moving into a new home, the and just kept it in a room in our basement, and then, when it was time to move, I just put all of that in best thing anyone can do is to plan ahead. This is common advice whether you’re moving my car,” Goetz said. “I was really prepared to go whenever it was time to move. But, when you do to a dorm, apartment or house. Lauren Tenenbaum, a junior majoring in musi- pack ahead of time, it kind of makes you more nercal theatre, moved from her dorm to Bear Village. vous and more excited to move.” She loaded all her stuff up in her car and her parents’ Goetz plans on moving into an apartment this car. After she got to her new apartment, someone summer and a house this fall. She said she’ll start showed her where her room was, gave her a luggage packing a few weeks before classes end and start cart and helped with one load. moving her stuff slowly into her apartment. When “It was super easy,” she said. “But, bring storage. Goetz moves into the house, she’ll do the same thing. It’s really important, and you won’t realize how “Just take it little by little,” Goetz said. little of it you have until you run out of it.” U-Haul store manager Amanda Perkins said that Paige Goetz is a freshman majoring in nursing pickup trucks, other than a U-haul, are the best transwho moved to Missouri State from Higginsville, portation option for moving. Her advice for moving LAYNE STRACENER Staff Reporter @LayneAlison1
is to not wait until the last minute to do everything. “Plan ahead,” Perkins said. “Make reservations for whatever you need, whether that be storage or a moving truck, ahead of time instead of at the last minute.” Zac McClintic, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, rented a U-Haul to move to his apartment from two and a half hours away. He said deciding on transportation was the biggest struggle he had while moving but would recommend renting a U-Haul. U-Haul provides some boxes, but some grocery and retail stores also often give away boxes for free. He said he would recommend planning a whole day to move. “Plan your time,” McClintic said. “It’s a whole day, and it’s a long day, so don’t try and rush it. Make sure you leave early and get there on time so you can just take your time and avoid stressing yourself out.”
Graphic by Kaitlyn Stratman
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Roommate compatibility A key part of dorm life KAITLYN STRATMAN Staff Reporter @KaitlynStratman Sharing 225 square feet? No big deal. Living with someone for a whole semester? So what? Starting and ending the day with this person? Easy. Think again. Whether you’ve lived with siblings or had a room to yourself your entire life, living with someone new for a year is not always an easy decision or adjustment. The key to a smooth transition from your parents’ home to school is finding the right person to live with. It’s inevitable that roommates will have their issues and differences, but there are a number of options provided by Missouri State to help prevent this. These include compatibility surveys, roommate finder and much more. “Twenty roommate matching questions that we use whenever you’re filling out the housing application itself,” Angela Strider, assistant director for business services, said. “Things like, you stay up late, you get up early, you’re OK with visitors, you’re not OK with visitors. Those are the questions we just revamped with our students in the last year and a half or so to try to hone in on what students are really looking for.” It’s important to take the questions seriously, as it will lead to you finding a better roommate. “I would say to follow the suggestions of the university and be authentic with describing who you are as a person because it will lead to better and stronger roommate situations,” junior elementary education major Allison Cruts said. After filling out these surveys and matching with someone similar to you, it is still important to work with your roommate to assure everything goes smoothly. “We weren’t afraid to just say when things were bothering us and when things were going okay,” Cruts said. “I feel like any time there
was anything that really set someone off we would just be like, ‘Hey this is really bothering me, can we please not do this’... so communication was definitely a big step.” On the other hand, some roommate pairings end poorly which can really have a negative effect on the year, especially as a freshman. “When we came back from Thanksgiving break she brought a pet mouse into our room without ever asking me,” freshman interior design major Victoria Epple said, discussing her previous roommate. “When I told her to get rid of it she begged me to let her keep it until Christmas break, so I did. Then when I came back from break she brought it back. The mouse smelled up the entire room and when she would clean the cage, she would clean it in our shower.” Epple ended up having to tell the resident assistant to solve the problem, and eventually worked it out. “Honestly, it kind of helped me to get outside of my room because I never stayed in my room … it helped me get involved on campus and stuff,” Epple said. Conflicts happen, but it’s best to be upfront about it. “I would definitely say the first step, if you’re having any issues or roommate conflicts at all, touch base with your RAs,” Strider said. “Those RAs have gone through extensive training on how to like to walk students through conflict mediation and really talk on what those core issues really are, and hopefully how to communicate and resolve those issues.” The relationship you have with the person you share a room or house with can be a deciding factor on how your year goes and can make or break your first college experience. No matter who it is, try to give them a chance and see if you can work out your differences before switching rooms. “I think it led to really fun awesome freshman year,” Cruts said. “I know there are some people who come to college and really dread freshman year and I think a lot of it has to do if they have crappy roommates, so the fact that I had really good roommates and we all got along and hung out regularly, it really helped my freshman year.”
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