College Times Housing Guide July 2021 by Times Media Group

MOVING DAY YOUR UNIVERSITY HOUSING GUIDE

JULY 2021

EST. 2002

BREAKING THE ICE How to win over your new roommates

Best Dorm Room Games

housing guide

contents HOUSING GUIDE 4

11 Things

You need to know for your ﬁrst apartment

Balancing Act

Pros and cons of having a roommate

The Big Hunt

Finding apartments isn't the easiest thing

I Wish I Had Known:

Quick Eats

All Fun and Games

Things to consider before moving into an apartment or dorm Easy dorm room meals on a budget Keep these handy to relieve stressors

Breaking the Ice How to win over new roommates

10 Missing Home

Five ways to combat homesickness

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housing guide

11 THINGS YOU NEED IN YOUR FIRST APARTMENT ANNIKA TOMLIN • COLLEGE TIMES

oving into your first apartment is a huge rite of passage for any young adult. Making sure that you have all the essentials is also important to starting this next chapter of your life. Here are 11 things you might not realize you’ll need in your first apartment.

11. SWIFFER/MOP Brooms and vacuums do not properly clean hardwood and tile floors nearly as well as a Swiffer or mop. Cleaning can be an arduous task but that feeling of having a really clean space that you call your own is unmatched. Plus, who doesn’t love the sweet smell of pine or lemon that comes from having a clean floor?

10. VACUUM/BROOM For all the surfaces that aren’t hardwood or tile, a vacuum is a must. A broom is a great first point of cleaning on hard surfaces but

should be followed by some sort of wet clean to really scrub the gunk away. You can’t sweep up spilled milk.

and your complex has a recycling system, make sure you have a separate bin solely for recyclable goods

9. BOOKSHELF

7. COFFEE TABLE/ STORAGE OTTOMAN

Bookshelves can be utilized in many ways. Shelf books, movies, CDs, vinyl, random knickknacks from trips of your past, along with trophies and plants. The options are endless. Create a shelfscape where you take the concept of a tablescape and put it on a bookshelf. Change it according to your mood or by the changing seasons and upcoming holidays.

8. TRASHCAN/ RECYCLE BIN Some apartments provide a single trashcan, buy your own. Rule of thumb: if you are likely to create trash or need a place to dispose of something in any room, make sure there is a trashcan in there. If you are looking out for the environment

Everyone needs a place to literally kick up their feet at the end of the day—whether it’s a coffee table or storage ottoman with a tray on top. Both can provide storage space, a place to put your feet up, a place to put your drink and additional seating if it comes down to it.

6. FIRE EXTINGUISHER Fire extinguishers are required by law. If you don’t have one, get one. If there is one (as there should be) make sure it is up to date and has been recently certified by the local fire department (there should be a tag that shows the last time it was checked).

5. FIRST AID KIT Your parent or school nurse is not going to take care of your boo boo when you are home alone. Make sure you have the basics (bandages, gauze, various pain medication, etc.) and some of the more specific items as well (burn cream, heating pad, anti-gas medication, etc.). You should have enough in your firstaid kit to avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care. (If it is an emergency, please go to urgent care or the emergency room.)

4. MINI BAR Not everyone has the cupboard space to store a plethora of wine or liquor bottles. A portable or stationary mini bar to show off your collection to guests, who can create conversation about it. Make sure the mini bar has a place for proper glassware that goes with all of the types of alcohol that is offered, for

4 ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021

example, wine glasss, beer mugs and shot glasses.

3. COMFY COUCH One of the most important items outside of the basics like a bed, refrigerator and TV is a comfy couch. This couch will be where you watch TV, entertain, fall asleep after a drunk night out and a handful of other uses. As your possible first couch outside of your family home, don’t go for the most expensive thing. This piece of furniture will go through a lot of spills and the last thing you want is to ruin an expensive couch. Rule of thumb: Make sure you can fully and comfortably recline on the couch, but more importantly make sure that it fits within your space.

2. CLEANING SUPPLIES Outside of brooms, vacuums and Swiffers, you should have cleaning supplies. Window cleaner, laundry detergent, toilet brush, disinfectant wipes, dishwasher pods and everything else. Make a list of all the things that you will need to clean daily, weekly or monthly basis. Make sure you are well stocked on supplies to keep up with it.

1. TOOL KIT That Ikea bookshelf is not going to build itself. Sometimes the Allen wrench doesn’t always get the bolt tight enough. A power drill might be needed. Apartment complexes normally have a maintenance crew that will repair all the doors, cupboards, air filters and all structural things that came with the apartment. Your bedframe that has a loose bolt or dining chair with a wobbly leg is your problem to fix. Make sure you have a good set of basic tools to make those repairs (hammer, nails, screws, batteries, light bulbs, etc.). CT

housing guide

BALANCING ACT

PROS AND CONS OF HAVING A ROOMMATE ALLISON BROWN • COLLEGE TIMES

hether you’re an incoming freshman or senior year, deciding to live off campus can be daunting. Depending on the school, you

might get a much better deal paying rent for an apartment as opposed to paying housing fees on campus. What sweetens that deal even more? Having a roommate.

It’s a tough call, towing the line between having independence and saving money. Here are some other pros and cons that you may have not considered.

You can effectively cut your cost in half, a third or even a quarter by living with others. The only downside is, well, having to live with others.

A GOOD TRANSITION

CONFLICTING SCHEDULES

Having a roommate in an apartment is a great transition from home or dorm life to adult life. You have a taste of the independence that comes with having your own place, but without the full responsibility of taking care of everything yourself. You and your roommate can both contribute to furnishing the apartment, so you will have a few things of your own when it’s time to leave, but you won’t have to pay for everything right off the bat.

Whether you’re a morning person and your roommate is a night owl or vice versa, having different schedules can affect your sleep, productivity hours and is honestly just annoying for everyone involved. You’re either waking up to someone else’s alarm when you were trying to sleep in or being kept up at night by a noisy roommate.

CLEANLINESS

Assuming you are able to select your own roommate or are able to be matched with someone based on your preferences, your roommate may become your best friend. When homesick, lonely or just generally upset, sometimes it’s nice to have someone there, even if they don’t say anything.

Having different standards of cleanliness or organization can be a nightmare. The one with the worst part of the deal would be the neat freak, having to either clean up after someone else or having to consistently ask them to do it. But it’s also uncomfortable for the other person. You may just have a different standard of what’s clean, but your roommate keeps bugging you about picking things up.

FAVORS

BOUNDARIES

A roommate can be a designated driver, study partner, pet sitter, etc. Going grocery shopping? Carpool together! Going out of town for the weekend? No need to board your pet or let your plants wither, just ask your roommate to help out. Have a big exam coming up? They can help quiz you or even compare notes if you’re in the same class.

Everyone has their own line of what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to privacy. Your roommate may find nothing wrong with walking in the bathroom while you’re showering to go pee. Or maybe it’s the other way around, you really have to pee but your roommate is taking a 45-minute shower. Less extreme, but still annoying, maybe you’re studying for a big exam or even in a Zoom lecture and your roommate comes right in without knocking.

FRIENDSHIP

LIFE LESSONS When living with another person, you learn a lot about them. Maybe they’re vegan, a different religion, a different race or just from another state. Instead of this being a division between you, use it to cultivate your relationship and learn from one another. Swap recipes, try an activity you’ve never done before, have that 3 a.m. conversation about the universe or our purpose in life — a roommate can provide insight and ideas you may have never considered. By listening and learning, this can really influence your thought process and help you grow as an individual.

SPACE Even if you are able to have a two-bed, two-bath apartment, there are central areas that can get cramped, like the kitchen or living room. Two-bed, two-bath apartments don’t come with two-sized kitchens (you’re lucky if you get a few extra square feet), and things like counter or fridge space get filled up quickly. In the living room, you may have a bit more space, but what if you have boho, hippie decor and your roommate has minimal, urban decor? Do you try to put up both, sacrifice one or go with none?

SAVING MONEY

INDEPENDENCE

Let’s be real, this is what it really comes down to. According to reports by Apartment Guide completed in January 2021, the average monthly cost of a onebedroom apartment in the Valley is $1,380, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,736. After splitting that between you and your roommate, your monthly payment is about $868. Is having privacy really worth around $512 more a month? Also, if you’re really on a tight budget, there are three- and four-bedroom apartments as well.

In a way, this encompasses all the previously listed cons. Part of going off to college is gaining independence, becoming an adult and finding your true self. That can be hard to do when you are influenced by someone else’s routines and attitudes. Even if your roommate is your best friend, there’s a big difference between just hanging out together and living together. Your roommate could be your identical twin and there would still be differences in your routine and how you like things to be. There’s a certain level of compromise that comes with any roommate, and as much as you negotiate on accent pillows, wall decor or kitchen space, the space will never truly feel “yours.”

ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021 5

housing guide

THE BIG HUNT

FINDING APARTMENTS ISN’T THE EASIEST THING MADELINE LEWIS • COLLEGE TIMES

partment hunting in a college city can be stressful. From finding roommates to deciphering the amenities at various locations, there is a lot to keep in mind. While everyone values different things in their apartment search, here are some tips to ensure you choose the perfect home for you.

READ THE LEASE CAREFULLY Each apartment will have different aspects to their leases, which can have a big impact on your decision. For example, do you want to lease for a whole year, or just a part of the year? Check if the complex has different options, or if they allow subletting. If you have pets, make sure that they are allowed and check if fees apply.

CHECK THE ONLINE REVIEWS Online reviews are a potential resource for a real insight into an apartment complex. Instead of looking at vague reviews, though, try to only take into account descriptive reviews. If the reviews talk about things like bugs, bad communication from management, or difficulties with amenities, then those may be red flags. Reviews complaining about noise or neighbors, on the other hand, are more subjective and commonplace.

PRIORITIZE PROXIMITY Before or during your apartment hunt, consider what you want to prioritize in regard to location. You can also consider the pros and cons of each of them. If you want to be within walking distance to campus, it might be more expensive. If you want to be close to nightlife, it might be louder at all hours of the day. If you want to be closer to your job, your commute to campus might be longer than usual. Choosing an apartment is all about deciding what matters most to you.

TOUR THE APARTMENT If possible, it is worth the effort to go tour the apartment in person. This provides the opportunity to meet the management and see how well they maintain the apartments. If you are able to tour the exact unit you are looking to lease, then be sure to really inspect it. Check the light switches and outlets, and make sure all the faucets are working. In addition, look under sinks or in corners to look for evidence of bug infestations.

FIND YOUR ROOMMATES Roommates are a huge part of apartment living. If you do not

6 ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021

already know who your roommates will be, check with the apartment management to see if they can help. Some complexes have roommate matching systems based on surveys, similar to college housing. Or you may be required to find your own roommate to sign a lease with. Take a look at the complex’s social media pages or community Facebook groups to find other people in the same situation.

REMEMBER YOUR FURNITURE Furniture can be a big deciding factor in which apartment you choose. There are apartments that come furnished or unfurnished. Those that are furnished might

cost more per month but consider the cost of furnishing an entire apartment. Also remember that you will need to transport the furniture to the apartment and move it in. Keep the length of the lease in mind when thinking about which to go with.

FIND HIDDEN FEES When shopping for an apartment, the advertised rent price might not be the most accurate one. Some additional fees might include WiFi or parking. Don’t forget about utilities. Even if a complex says that utilities are included, check what the capped allowance is. If it is a small allowance, you will likely be paying overcharge fees each month. CT

housing guide

I WISH I HAD KNOWN: THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING INTO AN APARTMENT OR DORM ALEX GALLAGHER • COLLEGE TIMES

Celeste Sepessy, Tempe “Don’t take everything personally!” Marc Rosenfeld, Tempe “Don’t go for the cheapest things on the market. You may save a little money but when everything breaks, you’ll get annoyed.” Rio Wiley Stinger, Phoenix “Have a weekly routine of chores and errands for a clean and productive space.” Jacob Coleman, Tempe “Do not move in with people you’ve never met.” Jacob Umbower, San Diego “I wish I would have picked a better roommate.” Lori Silance, Rochester Hills, Michigan “I wish I would have known how

expensive the costs of everyday living are. I was completely unaware when I first moved out.” Ale Velvick, Monterey, California “Don’t live on the top floor if you make too much noise or walk heavily and don’t live on the bottom floor if you’re a light sleeper. Your experience will also depend on the type of person the manager of your apartment is. If they are bad, it’ll be awful.” Myrian Ochoa, Scottsdale “Save up for emergencies and/or big spends.” Kayla Livingston, NAU McConnell Dorms “Make sure that your apartment has enough room for you and your roommates to have personal space.” Jacob Blackburn, Tempe “Take notes about every flaw that is evident in the apartment or dorm. It helps with your deposit.” Emi Larkin, Athens, Georgia “Rugs are super expensive!” Abigail Anderson, St. Louis “Have a plan to split your utilities among your roommates. Also check the surrounding area to see what kind of stores are nearby and what things there are to do in the area.”

Most people see a watering can.

here is plenty to be anxious about when moving out for the first time — like finances or roommates. With that in mind, here is some advice before you embark on your journey into what is called “the real world.” • Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s calling a repairman for a fridge or a friend to fix furniture. Be prepared as well for things to break or to not work right, items can always be replaced but you cannot. • Manage your mental health. Life can get stressful but make sure to save time for yourself. • Balance your social, work and academic lives. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the pressures to maintain a social life all while attending school and holding down a job. • Lastly, make sure to choose a reliable roommate as this can make or break your friendship and or living situation. Motivated, neat and reliable people are best. Below are some more tips from people who left home to attend college or to make their own path.

Cierra Storbeck, Grand Forks, North Dakota “I wish I had known my rights as a tenant. I had so many landlords take advantage of the fact that I was going and didn’t know my rights and I thought I had to put up with a lot of unnecessary things from them.” Chase Sigman, Summerville, South Carolina “Have a plan when you move out. Moving from the bedroom of your parents’ house to an apartment takes a few cars, meanwhile moving from one apartment to another will take a U-Haul truck.” CT

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housing guide

QUICK EATS

EASY DORM ROOM MEALS ON A BUDGET TYLER WEGLEITNER COLLEGE TIMES

ransitioning to college life is challenging. From moving to a new city, starting new classes and meeting new people, college can present itself with many obstacles. Coming up with meal ideas shouldn’t be one of them. Here is a list of 10 budget-friendly meal ideas you can make from the comfort of your own dorm room.

1. PASTA One essential food item in any dorm room is pasta. A great source of carbs, this is one staple that you can vary significantly to your liking. By adding cheese, vegetables, seasonings, sauces or protein, you’re sure to find something you like. Microwave pasta cookers are available online and in stores, usually for less than $20. These pasta cookers make it easy and quick to make a meal without a stovetop, perfect for any busy college student.

2. RICE Another staple for any dorm room is rice. Not only is it extremely versatile, but it’s easy to make. It can be paired with vegetables and protein for a quick and easy meal. Be sure to purchase instant rice, which can be made quickly in the microwave, along with a large microwave-safe container.

3. SOUP Not only are cans of soup cheap, but they’re easy to store and have a long shelf life. Within minutes, you can have a hot dinner ready. You can even make them your own by adding vegetables, cheese, herbs and spices. Make sure to purchase a microwave-safe container prior

to the start of the semester. There are plenty available for purchase in stores and online for relatively cheap.

adding vegetables such as bell peppers and tomatoes, along with protein or herbs to make it your own.

4. POTATOES

6. SANDWICHES

Potatoes are so well-loved for their versatility. Just because you’re in a dorm room doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of them. Both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes can be cooked in the microwave, as long as they are pierced multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape. You can also add a wide variety of toppings to suit your taste. There are many recipes online for microwave potato chips, scalloped potatoes and even mashed potatoes.

Sandwich ingredients are also great to keep in your dorm room. Not only are sandwiches cheap and easy to make, but extremely variable, perfect for anyone’s diet. By changing the bread or ingredients inside, this is one quick meal idea great for any occasion.

5. QUESADILLAS Quesadillas are another great snack or meal that you can make using a microwave. Place shredded cheese between two tortillas before microwaving. You can consider

9. EGGS IN A MUG Maybe you’re in the mood for a hot breakfast. You can make eggs quickly using only a microwave and

7. WRAPS Wraps are another quick, great way to add variety to your weekly meals. There are so many ways to customize them, from different types of tortillas or bread, proteins, vegetables and sauces, there is surely something for everyone and every diet.

8. OVERNIGHT OATS Overnight oats are a simple breakfast that you can make ahead of time. You can add any ingredients you might like and can therefore accommodate many different diets. By making them the night before, you can have breakfast ready by the time you wake up. To begin, you can add oats along with any type of milk to a container. Then you can consider adding other ingredients such as chia seeds, syrup or peanut butter. Then let the container sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning you can add fresh fruit 8 ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021

such as bananas, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries.

a microwave-safe mug, along with butter and milk. There are many recipes and variations online that allow you to add cheese, spices or herbs of your choice.

10. MUG CAKES One dessert you can make easily from your room is a mug cake. These are perfect for those busy evenings, between classes or during a study break. For mug cakes, all you really need is a microwave and a microwave-safe mug, along with the appropriate ingredients. Whether you like peanut butter, angel food, chocolate or vanilla, there are plenty of different recipes to choose from online. CT

housing guide

BREAKING THE ICE

HOW TO WIN OVER NEW ROOMMATES GRANT GREABELL • COLLEGE TIMES

oving into a dorm sometimes means living with a complete stranger. However, this person could become your new best friend. Or, you can live in a cloud of awkwardness for the entire school year. While a first impression doesn’t dictate a friendship, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a good one. Take these suggestions into consideration to break the ice and avoid a room filled with awkwardness.

TALK ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE FROM This is a common ice breaker for any two people meeting each other for the first time. It’s basic but important. You never know what you might have in common with a roommate and where the conversation will lead just by

talking about you or your family’s hometown.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW? Having a favorite TV show in common is a great commonality. They are easy and fun to talk about. If not, try watching your roommate’s favorites and vice versa.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE This game works better with more than two people. So, gather your dorm neighbors and get to know them with Two Truths and a Lie. The name speaks for itself, you come up with two truths and a lie about yourself, and the rest of the players have to guess what the lie is. You get to know a little bit of trivia about everyone you are playing with and have fun coming up with a couple lies at the same time.

TALK ABOUT YOUR MAJOR Roommates should always talk about their majors. Your major says a lot about you. Also, if you have the same or a similar majors, you can take some of the same classes, so you always have a study buddy you can trust.

WOULD YOU RATHER? Would You Rather is a classic game where you give two options to someone, and they must choose one of them. Usually, the options are goofy and silly. This game makes the conversation flow and while you may not learn a whole lot about your roommate as a person, you’ll get a

good idea of their sense of humor and become comfortable talking to your roommate while playing.

GOALS FOR THEIR TIME AT SCHOOL Getting a sense of what your roommates’ goals for the semester will help you determine the time you should spend with them, and the activities you should engage in. If they tell you, I don’t care about graduating all I want to do is party, you may not want to have study sessions with your roommate too often. Although, you probably would want to go to one of their parties occasionally, when you got the time. CT

ALL FUN AND GAMES

KEEP THESE HANDY TO RELIEVE STRESSORS GRANT GREABELL • COLLEGE TIMES

ollege can be a daunting time for a young person, especially if this is a student’s first time living on their own. Homework, labs, internships and exams are challenging and stressful for college students. To relieve stress — even if for just a few minutes — keep a few games handy. More so, games can help roommates bond.

SPIKEBALL Spikeball is a game that can be played with two to four people. It can be stashed away behind a cabinet or under a bed, making it an easy game to keep in a dorm. While it can’t be played within the confines

of a dorm room, as it is almost like a miniature version of volleyball, you don’t need that much space when taken outside. Players need just enough room, so the ball doesn’t hit anyone or anything. It can be played on a basketball court, courtyard or pretty much any space where you are out in the open. Not to mention, being up to a four-person game, it will help you get to know some of your dorm neighbors.

CHESS Chess is the most prolific game of strategy there is. Travel-sized boards can neatly fit in a backpack. This classic is the perfect game for

a study break when you don’t want your brain to be completely turned off yet. You don’t have to be as serious as “The Queen’s Gambit,” but it certainly requires the player to tap into their minds in the midst of a game. As an added bonus, if you’re able to become proficient at chess, people will assume that you are an intellectual.

MINI BASKETBALL HOOP This isn’t merely a suggestion. If you didn’t pack your mini hoop, pack it. If you do not have a mini hoop, buy one. This item is truly a college dorm room staple. Have you ever seen any college-related movie that didn’t have one hanging on the door? Didn’t think so. There is no better feeling than submitting that paper you have been working tirelessly on or acing that quiz and

then sinking a one-handed shot from your desk. A dorm is not a dorm without a mini-basketball hoop.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? This is a game that can bring the dorm floor together. A card game is based on being as funny as possible, What Do You Meme has a judge who shows a picture at the beginning of every round, and the players use their “caption” cards to come up with the funniest caption for the picture. It is a somewhat more appropriate version of Cards Against Humanity, which is another game that is based on humor. It helps bring people together and is definitely a must-have for a dorm, as a couple hours can go by quickly. That is of course if you have already finished all your homework! CT ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021 9

housing guide

MISSING HOME FIVE WAYS TO COMBAT HOMESICKNESS JOE MCHUGH • COLLEGE TIMES

omesickness can be one of the hardest things for anyone, let alone a college student who is leaving home for the first time. It is something that is new and unknown, which can be scary to tackle without friends and family. Making new friends and experiencing new things can be a daunting task, but with enough confidence it gets a little easier. Here are some ways to remember home and kick that homesickness to the side.

the first bit of your new situation a lot easier.

2. MAKE A HOMECOOKED MEAL There is nothing better than having a dish that you have had for as long as you can remember. So why not cook it yourself? Call whoever makes the best dish and ask for the recipe. Whether it’s grandma’s famous meatloaf, or your neighbor’s cornbread, cooking that

1. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

making the time that you have full of activities, studying and other things will keep your mind busy and away from longing home. Like the last point, the possibilities are endless, and it is a great opportunity for you to express yourself in your new area. Go for a walk around campus and find cool new places to study or read a book. Walk around your area to find interesting places to eat or places to go out with your new friends. Think of anything and there will be something to keep you busy.

This is the No. 1 way to avoid homesickness. Talking to family and friends from home is the best way to break out of the funk from switching places. Call family and tell them all about this new experience. Family love to hear about what is going on and how things are going, so keep them in the loop. They can help and make things easier during the transition. If you have the capability, find a way to Facetime or video chat with family and show them your new dorm and the new place you will be living. It will feel like they are right there with you. Playing games with friends from home can be a way to ease into leaving and help with being bored. If they are also transitioning to college, then talk to them about it. See how their experience is going and compare it to what you are going through, so you won’t feel alone and can make

5. FIND THINGS THAT REMIND YOU OF HOME

meal is sure to remind you of home. It will keep you busy and making the meal will turn out hopefully just as good as whomever makes it.

3. PLAN SOME ACTIVITIES WITH NEW FRIENDS Another way to beat homesickness is to plan some activities with new friends or classmates. People who have been to college often say, “I met some of my best friends in college.” Why can’t you? Homesickness works because of the memory of all the friends you had at home, and you miss them. That is alright! College is a time to make new friends and emerge from the cocoon into a social butterfly. Plan a time to study or find a cool place to hang out — the options are endless.

4. KEEP BUSY It sounds like a simple concept but 10 ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | JULY 2021

Finding things that remind you of home can be difficult, however finding things that make your new place feel more like home can be very effective at getting rid of homesickness. If you have a particular family activity, like game night, plan that with your new friends and make that a weekly thing. If you have a specific night where you have a certain food, such as pizza on Fridays, do that as well. This will scratch the itch of being away from home and put you right back into that feeling of comfort. Overall, homesickness is not task to overcome. There will always be that part of you that misses where you came from. But the other part of you should be more than eager to hop right into this new situation and make the most of it. CT

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