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Contents 4 Apartments off campus that the BearLine crosses 6 Weirdest roommate stories from the editorial staff 8-9 Housing timeline: reapplication and when to sign the lease 10-11 Comparing Kentwood, Sunvilla and the Monroe 12 Transitioning from the Residence Halls to an apartment or house 13 The perks of being a sophomore living in a residence hall 16 What do you do with your stuff while studying abroad?
17 The basics of renting 18 Being roommates and teammates 19 Life for the Lady Bears and living in the Monroe Apartments 20 How to not tick off your neighbors 21 Roommate woes and whoas 22 Which apartments allow pets 23 Pros and cons of living with your significant other 24 When in enrollment increases, ResLife has to deal with student overflow
Standard staff Editorial staff Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief Emily McTavish Photo Editor Nicole Roberts News Editor Rebecca Biundo Design Editor Bart Anders Sports Editor Taylor Balleau Copy Editor Courtney Smith Copy Editor
Reporters/Photographers Courtney Cramer Reporter Maddy Cushman Photographer Ryan Day Reporter Danisha Hogue Reporter Jenna deJong Reporter Emily Joshu Reporter Eric Knifong Reporter Spencer Martin Columnist Trevor Martin Reporter Nathan Momper Movie Reviewer Sydni Moore Reporter Parker Padgett Reporter Miranda Roller Photographer Jessica Sheley Reporter
Cortlynn Stark Reporter Hanna Sumpter Reporter Sarah Teague Reporter Nina Todea Photographer Mike Ursery Reporter Bailey Vassalli Photographer Ryan Welch Photographer Wyatt Wheeler Reporter Brian Wright Reporter Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King ad manager
Housing Guide 2016 Cover design by Zach LaMarre
Advertising staff Lindsay Daggett sales Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Zach LaMarre design Christina Harper office assistant
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. The Standard 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 417-836-5272
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Apartments along the BearLine
Getting to school, one ride at a time
By Danisha Hogue, Staff Reporter, @Danisha_Queen
PURPLE ROUTE Beau Jardin
Hickman Apartments
ORANGE WEST ROUTE Beacon Commons and Suites
BLUE ROUTE
Sunvilla Tower
Kentwood Hall
Scholars House Cherry Street
GREEN ROUTE
Bear Village
Freudenberger House
Campus Villa
Blair-Shannon House
Brentwood Management Madison Park
Magers Management Monroe Palace Pad Madison South Ave.
Southwinds
St. Kimbrough Willow Walk
Wells House
Woods House
Hammons House Hutchens House
GOLD ROUTE The U
Sky Eleven
Boonville Apartments
File photo/ THE STANDARD
The Bearline stops at several apartments on and off campus.
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Living with others is not always an episode of ‘Friends’ Our editors share their weirdest roommate and suitemate stories I once had a couple of roommates get into a wrestling match that went from just good ‘ol fashion fun to a direct contest of masculinity. I let them sort that one out on their own, although I did tell them which one I thought won.
Once I had a suitemate, who partied all night, returned home and passed out in the bathroom after vomiting everywhere but inside the toilet bowl. This peachy person did not clean up the mess they had made.
My suitemate was notorious for waking me up just to Swiffer. Swiffer. And yes, I said ‘suitemate.’ This person would come into my room and want to clean it even though they did not occupy that immediate place.
I had a roommate who did not quite understand the refrigeration system, so he put frozen chicken underneath his clothes. Needless to say it started to stink and I had to have a chat to straighten things out.
My roommate slept and smelled bad more than going to class, but also found ways to sexile me from my own room, even though I was an RA. Somehow, my roommate always found ways to go home on the weekend and always left in the middle of the night, disturbing my sleep.
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Staying on Schedule:
A Housing Timeline
Decide whether it’s better to stay in the same place or if moving is the way to go. Browse through The Standard’s 2015 Housing Guide to get a better idea of the different places to live.
It’s time to go house, or apartment, hunting. Drive around and make appointments to view the listings that stand out.
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If you haven’t already, it’s time to sign the lease to your new home.
This school year is coming to an end and that means it’s time to move out of your current place.
Use the summer months to pack and get organized. Shop for fun decorations and furnishings to make your place your own.
Move-in day is finally here. Take a deep breath and settle into your new home. With school right around the corner, just relax, you’re all moved in.
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Upperclassmen By 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 as well as 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 upperclassmen has decided that they will live on-campus, the next question arises: Which building should I live in? The answer to this question can depend on each person’s individual preferences. To answer this question, though, a student must know what each option offers so they can see the similarities as well as the differences in order to decide what’s best for them. “Each are very unique and different and offer students different experiences,” said Angela Strider, interim assistant director for business services with Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services.
Features
coordinator who works with housing assignments for Residence Life Housing and Dining Services. Kentwood Hall has four different types of suites to offer: a private suite; a two-person suite which also can include a super double option which provides more space for its 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 mid-sized refrigerator, air conditioning, cable and Ethernet hook-ups and Wi-Fi. Aside from the amenities inside individual rooms, Kentwood Hall contains a dining hall, a community kitchen,a television lounge, a 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 Hall is located very close to downtown Springfield which is great for students who have classes in Brick City. “If you’re ready to have fun and to get to know a lot of people, then Kentwood is the place to be,” said Stephanie Heddinghaus, a senior anthropology major and a Kentwood Hall resident.
Sunvilla Tower is the most recently renovated residence hall on campus. The renovaKentwood Hall was renovated just two tions stretched into last semester and have years ago, during the summer of 2014 and of- now been mostly completed. fers students the opportunity to live in a suite Sunvilla offers apartment-style rooms for with modern amenities as well as the 1920’s students. Specific room options include 2-percharacter the building originally had back in son apartments with a shared bedroom, 3-perit’s days as a popular Springfield hotel. son apartments in which a student may choose “The rooms have that renovation feel, but to live in the private bedroom or the shared when you walk into the lobby there’s so much bedroom, and 4-person apartments with two character and charm,” said Allison Smith, a students sharing each bedroom. Apartments in Sunvilla Tower contain a smart TV for each living room, full-size 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 Tower also offers a File photo/THE STANDARD community kitchen, a televiAfter Kentwood’s recent remodeling, upperclassmen sion lounge, a 24-hour comnow have access to modern accessories such as mini puter lab, a secure, indoor refrigerators, microwaves, Wi-Fi and televisions.
Kentwood Hall
Sunvilla Tower
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housing options
full- or XL twin-sized beds, air conditioning, cable and Ethernet hook-ups, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour computer lab, and private parking. Monroe’s most notable feature is the building’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. This certification means that the building was designed and built to be more sustainable than most buildings which helps Missouri State University’s efforts to further its overall sustainability.
Costs
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 Hall is $7,808 for an entire year and would require that a student uses the ten meals per week meal plan and reside in a regular 2- or 3-person suite. Currently, the highest price for a single year would be $8,771 while a student uses an unlimited meal plan and stays in a private suite.
Kentwood Hall
File photo/THE STANDARD
Several upperclassmen are looking into housing at Sunvilla following its massive renovation. bicycle storage area, as well as trash and recycling pick-up. Sunvilla Tower is conveniently located near Bear Park North parking garage. A new special feature coming to Sunvilla Tower is the Global Community Living Learning Community. Sunvilla Tower, however, is mostly liked for the view the residences see while looking out of the large windows in each apartment. “It’s probably one of the best views on campus. It’s really, really pretty,” said Jordan Upchurch, a resident of Sunvilla Tower said. “The view is just stunning.”
Monroe Apartments are the final option upperclassmen have for on-campus housing. This building offers apartments which can hold one, two or four people. Each apartment gives a student their own bedroom and bathroom while still including a living area and kitchen. The kitchens in Monroe Apartments contain a full-size refrigerator, microwave, stove and dishwasher. Each apartment is also supplied with a washer and dryer. Other features offered in Monroe Apartments include XL
Monroe Apartments
Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments are priced a bit differently than all of the other residence halls. Living in these buildings requires that a student sign a 12-month lease. This also means that both, Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments, are open during the summer for students. Meal plans are not required to live in either of these building and, therefore, do not affect the price. The only factor which 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 for a four-person apartment. However, if a student would choose 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. Monroe Apartments is 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 $8,106 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 apart from the other options can help all students make the best decision for themselves about where they want to live.
Sunvilla Tower and Monroe Apartments
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Transitioning from residence halls to off-campus housing The Standard
By Emily Joshu Staff Reporter @EmilyJoshu
Living in the residence halls is a great way to enhance your college experience in the beginning. However, it’s easy to feel like you have outgrown them after a while. Many students choose to rent an apartment after living in a residence hall because of the similarities: convenience, countless neighbors right down the hall and low maintenance. Apartments may just seem like the more grown-up version of residence halls, but there are important differences to keep in mind as the search begins.
Rent
Residence halls have the added convenience of paying a set rate every semester rather than every month. When looking for an apartment, don’t only look at the monthly rate, but the reasons behind the price. The price for the apartment itself may be cheap, but it likely doesn’t come with furniture, water, electricity, cable or Internet. Read closely what is included and what is not so you have plenty of time to shop for utilities. However, some places may be more expensive because they are furnished or come with utilities. Weigh your options to see which one fits your financial situation before immediately focusing on the initial price.
Roommates
The majority of roommate horror stories come from living in residence halls, since everyone is in such close quarters. However, if you are going to fight with roommates about anything in a residence hall, it won’t be the price, since that is paid all at once. Make sure that when looking for an apartment, the roommates are going to responsible with not only their monthly payments, but with cooking, cleaning and overall maintenance. Roommates in residence halls do not have to cooperate as much in this regard. Also, random roommates are pretty much standard in residence halls, but not in apartments. Needless to say, there are creepy people out there, so do your homework on someone before you sign a lease with them.
Location
Residence halls are basically guaranteed to be close to everything. Though Springfield seems to be a city bursting with apartment complexes, not all of them are going to be within walking distance of campus. The location often determines the price, so make sure to decide how much convenience is really necessary. Apartments that require driving to campus will cost more in gas money and parking passes, but it can be nice to separate your home and school life by moving further away. Some apartments even have BearLine stops or are bikeable to campus for a more eco-friendly approach. Also, not all apartments are in the safest areas, so try to avoid places that seem sketchy.
Responsibility
Living off-campus is one of the real first steps to independence in college; while residence halls are reminiscent of apartments, they tend to coddle residents with their convenience. Renting an apartment means more than keeping your room clean and pretending to get along with your roommate. Landlords don’t care if you’re a student or not because regardless, the rent has to be paid every month. Set up a schedule with your roommates for paying bills, figure out who can cook on certain nights and hold yourself to a high standard. Landlords can kick you out if you don’t comply with their rules, and there isn’t an RA to keep you in line. You don’t have dining hall food to fall back on and campus events will not be as convenient. However, taking on the responsibility of moving into an apartment is so worth it.
Happy apartment hunting, and remember, don’t stress about it; enjoy it!
Living it up sophomore style
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Living on-campus as a sophomore doesn’t have to be all bad By Emily Joshu Staff Reporter @EmilyJoshu
To be honest, I was not all that thrilled to be living oncampus for my sophomore year. I was not looking forward to living with three random freshmen and putting up with neighbors who can sometimes act like screaming children. However, I was pleasantly surprised by dorm life and how much better it treats me this year.
On campus tours, none of the guides are going to tell you which residence halls have the best and worst reputations. They also won’t be able to tell you which one will fit your specific personality and lifestyle. The first year can be a matter of trial-and-error in many ways, and I definitely did not get what I expected in my first residence hall. My schedule did not mesh well with my neighbors’, and overall, it was not a good fit. However, as a sophomore you can take the knowledge gained as a freshman and rule out choices. Some sophomores keep the same room from the previous year while others look elsewhere, and that first year is a great opportunity to figure out what works best for you.
You know which Residence Halls are the best
The majority of incoming freshmen choose random roommates, which sometimes works out and sometimes doesn’t, as we all know. During that first year, you are likely going to meet people in your residence halls, classes or anywhere else on campus who could make good roommates. Many incoming freshmen don’t know anyone, but sophomores are much more likely to have made friends who also need somewhere to live. You may also get lucky with your freshman roommates and choose to live with them on campus sophomore year. The point is that you meet a lot of people in a year, which makes all the difference when looking for on-campus roommates.
Roommates
The RA can seem a little intimidating your freshman year, mainly since they are older and are in a position of authority. However, sophomores are more likely to have an RA who is their age. This means that you can relate to them better and will find them more accessible. Your RA truly is an asset, so forming a connection with him or her is a great advantage. Not only can they help you and provide valuable resources for living in a dorm, you may have more in common with them than you think. Being the same age is one of the best
Your Resident Assistant
similarities. Once I spent more time with my RA, we both realized that we shared the same struggles that come with being a sophomore. Things like that solidify a bond rather than simply an authoritative relationship.
Floors that are made just for upperclassmen are like hidden gems. They are like their own little islands within the residence life community because although they are still dorms, they operate under a different system. All the benefits of dorm life, without 50 freshmen causing chaos. These floors usually offer special programs tailored to upperclassmen students, such as programs on how to delve into your major or how to transition to off-campus living. Some of these floors offer more freedom than traditional residence hall communities, including later curfews or more lenient policies on sleepovers. Plus, you still get to use that meal plan, which is a winwin in itself. Residence halls are not all bad, especially when you know what to expect. Sometimes living on-campus as a sophomore can be a good transition into off-campus housing, while still being backed by the security of Residence Life.
Upperclassmen floors
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Where to live when you’re abroad
What are your housing options when you are going to college in another country? By Courtney Cramer Staff Reporter @courtneyrcramer
For many students, this time of year is when big decisions, including where to live in the very near future, are made. Students who decide to study away for a semester or even longer must also make decisions as to where they are going to stay. Alexander Antonopoulos, a senior majoring in political science, studied abroad in Amman, Jordan, for four months. “For my program, there were apartments available in downtown Amman about 20 minutes from the university,” he said. “I know other programs have options like homesteads that you can stay in, but mine just had the apartments.” Lisa Buck, a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health, went on three different study abroad adventures. The two short-term faculty directed programs were in Spain and El Salvador, she also had a semester-long stay in Heredia, Costa Rica. Buck stayed in a homestead during both the Spain and Costa Rica studies. “For anyone wanting to integrate into the culture or learn the language, living with a host family is the way to go,” she said. “Not only was I able to have three delicious, authentic home-cooked meals a day, I also gained a second family with whom I still keep close in-touch. I actually have been back to visit my Costa Rican host family twice. Deciding where you are going to stay early on can give you more time to plan other plans for the trip abroad.
“I loved the idea of hiking and ziplining through tropical rainforests, surfing on the coast, and improving my Spanish language skills with a host family,” Buck said. “In addition to traveling all around Costa Rica, I also visited Nicaragua and Panama during my time there.” Emily Wheeler, a junior majoring in international business administration, also studied abroad in Costa Rica and stayed in a homestead. “I got a second family out of it,” she said. “My family was always there for me. The first week was kind of tough, but after that I knew it was completely worth it.” Whether it’s apartment living, staying with a local family or housing with other students, many programs have several options for you to choose from. For students interesting in going abroad, the on-campus advising office for studying away is located in the Plaster Student Union, room 209.
Study abroad deadlines Departure date Program term May 1-31 June 1-Aug. 15
Spring Summer
Application deadline
Payment due date
March 1 April 1
April 1 May 1
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Everything you need to know about renting
By Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark
Is it necessary to steal a sarcophagus full of gold bricks to pay rent? Probably not. As scary as paying rent can be, you will never have to be Tyga. However, living off-campus and renting a house or apartment can be incredibly stressful for students, especially those who haven’t done it before. When living on-campus, all living expenses are paid in one lump sum. But living off campus means buying food, paying rent, gas, electric, cable and even internet separately, if they aren’t included in rent. In order to pay rent, students first have to find a place to rent. Springfield is a college town and is full of different apartment complexes and houses designed to be rented by students. “Shop early, that’s an important thing,” Les Butterfield, community director at Beacon Springfield said. “The stuff closer to campus is going to go away fast.” After finding a place you like, Danielle Stoll, assistant community director at Beacon Springfield, recommended getting a copy of the lease in advance, because the most important thing when renting is understanding the lease. “Review the rental agreement and make sure
$
that (you) do understand it so (you) know what to expect,” Stoll said. “Know what you’re signing before you sign it.” Thoroughly reading the lease will help students avoid hidden fees like late fees, maintenance fees or utilities. It is critically important to read every tiny word in fine print so students are prepared. Most rentals will require renters to have renter’s insurance. Generally, renters must have $100,000 worth of insurance coverage. This will cover personal belongings in the event of theft, loss or destruction. “Get three quotes to make sure that they are in-line and that you’re getting the best deal for yourself,” Stoll said. Additionally, there are often times special bundling discounts. If you already have auto insurance, many insurance companies will give you a deal to bundle. This means that the two policies will combine and you will end up paying less. Missouri also has a Landlord-Tenant Law, a basic set of rules for landlords and tenants, which can be found at: http://www.ago.mo.gov/divisions/consumer/landlord-tenant-law. Make sure you understand what you are allowed and are not allowed to do on the property. As long as you are informed, paying rent will never be as difficult as stealing a sarcophagus of gold bricks.
Seven renting tips
1. Plan a budget and stay within the set bounds 2. Compare positives and negatives with all options 3. Make a list of features you need and want 4. Do an extensive walk-through 5. Ask what amenities are included in the rent 6. Walk around the neighborhood 7. Get everything you receive and sign in writing 8. Do research (online and verbal)
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Teammates, roommates, brothers Seniors Camyn Boone and Dorrian Williams share what it is like to live and compete together
Ryan Welch/THE STANDARD
Boone attempts a free throw against Wichita State on Jan. 13.
By Eli Wohlenhaus Editor-in-Chief @eliwohlenhaus
There is no doubting that college athletes spend a lot of time together, whether it is through shared practice facilities or study halls. Especially those on the same team get more than enough time with their teammates. And what if you also live together? Two seniors on the men’s basketball team, guard Dorrian Williams and forward Camyn Boone, are only in their second season together as teammates, but they are also in their second year of living together. “He came in as a JuCo—I was living by myself,” Williams said. “He was one of my teammates, so I just said he could come stay with me if he needs to.” Williams has been a Bear the longest, stretching back to his arrival on campus in 2011. Each season and with changing team personnel, he has always considered his teammates his brothers, and he would never turn away a brother. Spending so much time together can be a great thing, something both guys have seen as a positive for them in life and on the court. “I think it helped me and Boone to work together,” Williams said.
Williams said that it really helps after practice that if either one of them was not in the right position they would go home and talk about it. “More towards the beginning of the year we talked about things we need to work on,” Boone said. “I mean, we still continue to talk about things we can build on.” Through 52 games played with MSU, Boone has recorded 17 steals. To Williams that is a deceiving statistic, noting that he has to hide his snacks from Boone because he will try to swipe them. Both enjoy their situation and try to help one another out as much as possible. The one place where they can’t? The kitchen. Williams says that Boone is not much for cooking, meaning the cooking and even cleaning falls to him. He has embraced that role, especially when he go to introduce the “West Coast” Boone to one of the region’s most famous and his personal best dish—fried pork chops. “It kind of balances itself out,” Boone said. “He’s more of the clean freak and I’m the dirty one.” Unless MSU finds a way to go on an unexpected run to the NCAA tournament or professional contracts find them, both of these guys’
Maddy Cushman/THE STANDARD
Williams looks to pass inside against Southern Illinois on Jan. 30.
days on the court are numbered. That feeling carries a lot of weight and it is something that they share together. “That started this last summer where we both were realizing it’s almost done,” Williams said. “I can’t remember the last day we haven’t talked about it.” “Having somebody there along the ride with you, especially with both of us being injured, just to give encouraging words...and to have each other in the same corner is great.” “Now it’s just more about enjoying the time we have left,” Boone said. Going from high school to college is tough enough, but going from high school to junior
college and then on to Division I university can be even tougher. For Boone, that transition has been easier because of what he has learned from Williams. “He’s got a really good understanding of the game,” Boone said. “My basketball IQ has increased more and more.” With Williams at the guard position and being a part of the program for five years and Boone being a forward and only being in his second year here, both are grateful for the opportunity to learn from one another and the unique perspective the other brings. With Williams averaging four assists per-game and Boone averaging 11 points per-game, it shows.
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Lady Bears: Eat, sleep, play and live together By Trevor Martin Staff Reporter @trevorsaur
Here at Missouri State, there are a plethora of places for students to live during their tenure. Freshmen are required to live in the dorms for their first year or until they reach 30 credit hours, but after that there are a bunch of places for students to live. There are apartments, like Bear Village, houses, lofts in downtown Springfield, apartments off campus, and fraternity and sorority houses. For some of our student athletes, they are actually required to live in certain housing areas for one reason or another. Our Missouri State Lady Bears basketball team is one of those teams, and the place they are required to live is in Monroe Apartments. Coach Kellie Harper and junior Forward Onye Osemenam took some time to talk about what it’s like for the team to live together from a coach’s perspective as well as a player’s perspective. We also got some insight as to why the coach chose for the players to live together. “It’s my decision. It’s part of our team rules. It has been part of our vision, and we have been trying to work toward this,” Harp-
er said. “I think it’s great for our team chemistry, I think it’s great to be on campus and to be more involved with what’s going on in other spaces rather than just being in the gym and in the classroom. It gives them the opportunity to make friends.” Not only does living together allow them to be social and make friends with each other and with the people around them, it also has an effect on team chemistry that is rare to find. “Well, they definitely know each other,” Harper said. “When you live with someone you know everything there is to know about them, both good and bad. It’s a sisterhood that teammates have.” Osemenam also relishes the opportunity she has to get to live with her teammates. “We definitely grow closer and learn everything there is to know about each other, and I think it does help build team chemistry,” Osemenam said. “I think the more you know someone the more you are able to trust them, and trust is really important when playing on a team.” There are a lot of different aspects that go into building a great team, but the chance to live together is what turned our Lady Bears basketball team into a family.
File photo/THE STANDARD
The Lady Bears are the only athletics team required to live in the Monroe Apartments. Junior Forward Onye Osemenam says living together has helped to build team chemistry.
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How not to tick off your neighbors By Nicole Roberts News Editor @NReneeRoberts
We all have had neighbors at some point, and I’m not talking about roommates or suitemates. When I say neighbors, I mean upstairs, downstairs, across-the-hall or across-the-street type of neighbors. We deal with them regardless of whether we lived in the dorms, apartments, townhomes or houses—whatever your living situation is. We are neighbors ourselves to other people. Having neighbors can be different than having room-
mates or suitemates. For some of you, you have never seen all of your neighbors. You might not even have realized you have them since you never see them leave that dorm or apartment. This is different compared to roommates since you usually see your roommates or suitemates on a regular basis. There’s also a different kind of relationship you have with your neighbors than the people you actually live with. When you live with someone, you set rules or guidelines so you don’t annoy each other (and even with those rules, you still can get on
Don’t be loud
We’re all told this for when we live with a roommate. The same rule applies for neighbors. You might not realize it, but that loud music you’re blaring from your new stereo is shaking the roof of your downstairs neighbor’s dorm. They don’t appreciate that if they’re trying to study or listen to their own music. So, turn down that music or use headphones. Don’t blare that James Bond action movie at 3 a.m., even though the best part of the movie is coming up. You also don’t have to scream at your friends who are only, like, 10 feet away from you.
each other’s nerves). With neighbors, though, a lot of us aren’t comfortable setting up rules since they have their property and you have yours. Just like roommates or suitemates, your neighbors can still get on your nerves, and you can get on your neighbor’s nerves without even realizing it. It’s part of living in close proximity with other people. Have no fear, because there are ways you guys can live around each other and not completely aggravate one another. Let’s take some lessons on “How Not To Annoy Your Neighbors.”
Don’t roll or drop heavy stuff
Even though you want to have fun and show off your skills to your roommate, dribbling that basketball sounds like a jackhammer to your neighbors. And seriously, what do upstairs neighbors roll on the floor in the middle of the night? It sounds like a massive bowling ball or millions of marbles. Obviously, sometimes you’re going to drop stuff. Something is going to roll across the floor and make loud noises. Every once in awhile, neighbors can understand that. If it turns into a nightly thing, then your neighbors probably won’t be too happy.
If you do something wrong or annoying, apologize
Don’t take each other’s stuff
This should be self-explanatory. Taking your neighbor’s dry erase board off his or her door or a flag from his or her yard might seem funny, but it’s also stealing. Don’t steal; if you want to use something, just ask.
There are going to be times that, no matter what you do, you will get on your neighbor’s nerves and they will get on yours. That’s just part of living in close proximity to other people. If something does happen, and you’re certain you have annoyed your neighbors, just apologize. It might not be fun, and it might even be embarrassing, but in the end, it’ll look better on your end if you apologize. Is it too late now to say sorry? Never.
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Roommate woes and whoas How to manage close-quarter living Courtney Cramer Staff Reporter @courtneyrcramer
As freshmen entering Missouri State University, we were all required to stay in a residence hall for the first year, unless a student had specific circumstances waiving that demand. That rule still stands for existing and future students. While some of us may have moved out of the residence halls once the year was over, we are often times still in small apartments or houses with a small number of people. Students living on and off campus have that in common. We are usually living with people that we may not know very well, and if we do, we may not always get along. Not surprisingly, with the pressure of living with a person in such close quarters for long periods of time, there are many instances when one roommate may do something that irritates other. In more extreme cases, a roommate may even do something so horrendous that they have to find another place to live. Keiven McGinnis, a sophomore journalism major, is a resident assistant, or RA, in Woods House and has to mediate issues between roommates as a part of his job. “Usually the roommate complaints are something like the other roommate doesn’t clean up a lot,” he said. “A roommate will also sometimes bring overnight guests without the roommate’s permission.” Though there are cases that are difficult to handle, RAs are trained to deal with the arguments. “As an RA, we’re supposed to mediate the situation,” he said. “We kind of bring the two together and have a talk about their problems with each other. It usually works.” Ashley Jelovic, an alumna of Missouri State University, had suitemates that just stopped showing up in their rooms. While the extra space may seem like a blessing, no one would tell Jelovic or her suitemates where their former roomies had
As an RA, we’re supposed to mediate the situation. We kind of bring the two together and have a talk about their problems with each other. It usually works. Keiven McGinnis Sophomore Resident Assistant
e, Pleas the share duty h s a r t
Take out trash!
Avoid being the passive aggressive Post-It note roommate.
gone. “When we came back from Easter break, she had cleaned everything out of the suite,” she said. “We had no idea what happened to her. We asked our RA, (and) she claimed she didn’t know anything. However, when we signed up to check us out of our rooms, her name was on the check-out sheet. She signed up for the last spot of the day and we never saw her again.” Kelli Wilams had a roommate in Sunvilla who believed that people were stealing her items, though they were still in her room. According to Wilams, she also “giggled manically constantly.” “In a joking attempt to seek advice about my roommate, I asked one of my favorite YouTubers about how to handle the situation,” she said. Though roommates can be a bit difficult to handle at times, most of us don’t have to worry about the extreme cases. If you live in a dorm, your RA is also a wonderful asset to seek remediation. If not, there’s always the good, old-fashioned, passive aggressive Post-It note technique.
The Roommate Agreement Don’t borrow your roommates’ personal belongings without asking. Don’t bring guests around if your roommates aren’t cool with it, especially overnight. Be clean and courteous in common areas like the kitchen or living space.
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Make your pet your roommate:
Pet-friendly apartments
By Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen
When looking to move into an apartment you may be considering getting a pet. Before you pack your furry friend and sign a lease, make sure to ask properties about their pet policy. Some require an extra lease and a one-time deposit, while others tack on extra toward rent every month. A few properties are cat or dog specific. There are special circumstances to every place, so double-check.
Here’s a list of apartments within five miles of Missouri State campus that allows pets: Gazebo Apartments Greenway Studios Kensington Park Apartments Kings Apartments Markwood Apartments Oakwood Townhomes Old Monterey Scenic Station Apartments Silver Springs Sky Eleven Southwinds Apartments Villa Park
File photo/THE STANDARD
The Abbey Cambridge Park Apartments Campus Court Cherry Plaza Coryell Court Apartments Cunning East Manor Apartments El Chaparral El Madrid Embassy Apartments Essex Apartments Frisco Lofts
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Pros and Cons: Living with your significant other while in college Bart Anders Sports Editor @BartAnders42
Emily McTavish Photo Editor @EmMcT
We both live with our respective significant others. It’s super adorable. Actually, we didn’t expect that we would be undergrads living with our partners. Yet, here we are, and it’s not always the easiest situation, but we’re still in love. We compiled a list of pros and cons for anyone considering moving in with their boyfriend/girlfriend.
Pro: You grow closer together
Con: The bathroom situation
Pro: Splitting bills and chores
Intimacy is definitely easier to achieve when you go to bed together every night. And we’re talking sleep here not necessarily the other nighttime activities.
Bart lives in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house. What this means is one toilet, one shower and one mirror. Navigating each other’s schedules for work and school on top of bathroom time can be a struggle.
Sometimes living with each other is an easier financial situation than living alone or with roommates. You can split the rent, the grocery bill and actual dates at actual restaurants.
Emily lives in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house. This is a huge difference. Sorry Bart.
Also, you can split the chores around the house such as taking out the trash, doing the laundry and washing the dishes.
You’re also becoming mature together. You can’t run away from your problems because there’s physically nowhere to go. Your option then is to figure it out or swallow your pride.
Con: You grow up faster
Pro: Everyday is hangout day
Con: Television and Netflix
Pro: Sharing is caring
To be honest, you totally skip the honeymoon phase. You’re reality is shared, along with your house. When you live together, you sometimes become the natural parents of your friend group. This happens because you’re in close-quarters all the time. You’re going to fight and you’re going to learn to manage your problems much quicker than your couple friends who don’t live together.
Planning dates is so much easier because it actually happens all the time. When you have the time to eat a meal together and watch a movie, it’s great. It can even be more spontaneous, such as realizing you both want Andy’s Frozen Custard.
You know what’s annoying? When you have a show that you normally watch together as a couple, but then because of scheduling reasons you can’t watch together. Then, your partner starts watching the most recent episodes while you try and catch-up. Avoiding spoilers is hard.
Maybe sharing clothes is only one-sided. Emily most definitely snatches comfy clothes from a dresser that is not hers.
In addition, cuddle time is anytime. No need to schedule it because you’re sleeping in the same bed every night.
Then, deciding what movie to watch can also be a challenge.
Sharing chargers, though, is really convenient. However, only if you use the same type of phone and computer. Sharing toiletries is also a money saver. You don’t need two tubes of toothpaste or shampoo.
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When enrollment goes up, residence halls have more bodies than beds
By Sydni Moore Staff Reporter @sydnimmoore
The 24,000 students who attend Missouri State University all help to make it the secondlargest university in the state, right behind the University of Missouri. Of those 24,000, there are 4,000 students who live in one of the eight residence halls: Blair-Shannon, Freudenberger, Hammons, Hutchens, Kentwood, Wells, Woods and Scholars House. That’s almost a sixth of the student body that lives on campus. Additionally, the Office of Admissions anticipates that the student body will continue to grow and grow. Over the past two years especially, there have been more students than there are available beds—an issue that may only continue to grow unless students have an additional option for where to sleep. “Some years we have expanded housing, some years we don’t,” Angela Strider a coordinator for Residence Life facilities, said. Last fall, expanded housing—ResLife’s phrase for the overflow of students out of residence hall rooms—did occur. Some of these makeshift rooms where the overflowing students stay, Strider explained, were actual dorm rooms in the first place, but after renovations, they came to be lounges or study rooms. As
students overflow, however, those rooms are given back their original purpose, at least for the time being. “This year was a little abnormal,” Strider said, “We had students in expanded housing for a majority of the fall semester. Fortunately, approximately 30 students were all moved into regular dorm rooms over last winter break. In the future, Residence Life acknowledges a new hall will be needed to allow Missouri State to continue to grow. It may sooner rather than later be added to Missouri State’s Master Plan Chart, a chart displaying MSU’s projects, whether they be underway or simply proposed. “I think we would love to build another hall,” Strider said. For future students, Strider suggests that they apply as soon as possible, preferably before March 1, so that they are not subject to the woes of expanded housing. Although, Strider expressed that some students have had difficulty in the past giving up their non-traditional dorms. “After the first week, I think they kind of get used to it,” Strider said, “And we’ve even had some students that, once they’ve been placed in expanded housing, they don’t want to move.”
File photo/THE STANDARD
In the fall 2014 semester, students had to move into converted study lounges before being able to move into designated rooms.
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A break up letter to my dorm
By Taylor Balleau Copy Editor @tballeauu
Taylor Balleau says goodbye the hall she has called home for two years Dear Hammons,
I guess you could say we tried our best, but as we hear often enough, it is all about timing. We just weren’t meant to be, Hammons House. Yes, you coddled me in your second floor my freshman year. Oh, 202B. Not only did you house my tears, but all of my pre-adult fears, misconceptions and awkward first-year college experiences. You taught me that although elevators are made to go up, people will judge you for
taking the elevator to the second floor. I learned that floors are not exactly sound-proof, and banging my broom on the ceiling as means of communications was, yes, a little passive-aggressive. On-campus housing, we tried our best. You seem to collect more dust than I have ever seen, and it just isn’t meshing with my incessant need to dust and my hatred for anything stuck to the bottom of my feet. We tried to make it work, but you simply house too many loud freshman
who get too wild without a strict bedtime. Though I tried to compromise by trying you again, room 812, you have disappointed me again, Hammons. Having to check my friends in, just to be told to send them home, all in an effort to avoid inebriated driving, does not tickle my fancy. Having bimonthly heart attacks thanks to the awful dinging and ear-ringing “Heyyy Hammons House” is not something I signed up for, especially at the astronomical price. (Check your bill and pre-
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pare to grip your chest in pain). I just can’t take one more moment of dorm life. No more surprise fire drills. Stop the awful, too-perfect relationshipbuilding activities and let me vegetate after my too-busy day. Cease the nightmares of the Naked Man. I can’t do it anymore. I really, really can’t, Hammons. I would love to say that it’s me, but I’m pretty sure it’s not me, it’s you, on-campus housing. Love, Taylor
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