020322 Spring Housing Guide

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Apartment Living Deciding to move off campus involves a number of factors, including price and location Page 2B

Buying on a Budget Getting groceries and eating healthy on a budget can be a juggling act for many students Page 9B

Shopping Safety Using online marketplaces comes with bargains but also safety concerns Page 12B

2B FEB. 3, 2022

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Students share advice on apartment living, factors to consider

“But I wish I would’ve spent more time looking around and kind of seeing what more of my options were because I kind of rushed into it.”

Story by Melanie Escalante The Daily Toreador

Making the leap from living in a dorm to living in an apartment off-campus can be challenging for college students.

Daelan Andrews, a second-year pre-nursing student, said living in an apartment was a good shift that resulted in learning how to live by himself and be more independent.

“The big deal, the big shift, was — food wise — cooking for myself,” Andrews said. “I’ll be honest, I did not know how to cook at all. Like I could barely make eggs at home but now I’m pretty decent.”

Andrews, originally from Katy, said he has a budget just for groceries and a budget for other necessities. He said he tries to remember how to allocate his funds now that he can’t mindlessly shop.

From living in Murray to living in an off-campus apartment, Andrews said roommate-wise, the structure has not changed significantly but now he has obligations to pay rent and utilities and to purchase other necessities.

“One thing is probably, like, I think it comes with cleaning the apartment and everything,” Andrews said. “Make sure to buy all your supplies and stuff before you get into the apartment or understand what you want to decorate.”

Jewel Borie, a junior nursing major, said the biggest adjustment she faced when moving from living in a residence hall to living in an apartment off campus is the commute to class.

“The biggest thing is remembering I have to leave my apartment on time to get to class,” Borie said, laughing. “Before, it

— Logan Klepac Sophomore mechanical engineering major from Aztec, New Mexico

Graphic by Carlos Gonzalez Source: www.apartments.com/blog/apartment-rental-checklist

When moving into a new apartment, it’s important to consider the amenities that are a priority for you, as well as the condition of the property and the apartment itself. Consider the checklist above when apartment shopping and officially moving in. Having notes or photos to refer back to can help when making final decisions since it’s easy to forget which property offered specific features.

was so easy, you know, you just walk and like you’re there in 10 minutes but now it’s like ‘OK, I have to get in the car, I have to

drive, find a place to park,’ so it just takes a little bit of extra time but overall I mean I really like it.”

Borie, a San Antonio

native, said she’s also been learning how to cook and make sure she gets her laundry done around her roommate’s schedule.

“I feel like when you’re in the dorms you have a lot more structure of how you’re going to do things but when you live in an apartment you really get to see how people live on their own,” Borie said.

When Borie moved in with some of her sorority sisters she said she only knew the names. Although they get along, not knowing anything about them beforehand could have gone awry.

“I feel like everyone is really in a rush to sign their lease in the fall, and the apartments make it seem like they’re going to fill up but honestly, it’s OK to take your time doing that,” Borie said.

Apartment Wi-Fi and Zoom meetings don’t always cooperate with one another, Borie said. Her apartment complex requires tenants to provide their own internet and the connection is not the most efficient.

“Zoom classes is a big deal living in an apartment because you have to make sure the Wi-Fi is good and, like, my Wi-Fi is so bad, I have to go sit downstairs,” Borie said.

“When I’m sitting downstairs my roommates are walking by and it’s a lot more distracting.”

Sophomore mechanical engineering major Logan Klepac said he wishes he had explored his options when apartment hunting.

“If I could do it over again I would look around more because I like it here for sure, but I mean I kind of just fell into it — this was kind of the first place and I was like ‘yeah, you know, the rate seems fair and the room is fine so I’ll take it,’” Klepac said. “But I wish I would’ve spent more time looking around and kind of seeing what more of my options were because I kind of rushed into it.”

The biggest challenge in moving from a residence hall into an apartment off campus has been maintaining the same focus on academics, the Aztec, New Mexico, native said.

“I don’t know if it’s just like a mindset but I feel like in a dorm you’re kind of more focused on school,” Klepac said. “Whereas, an apartment it’s more like you get home and you can kind of sort of go off on a tangent.”

In terms of personal growth found in the process of moving into an apartment, Klepac said it’s good to mature.

“I don’t feel like an adult and I probably never will, or at least not for a long time but I feel like having to cook for yourself, having to manage your own schedule more so, rather than just being in a dorm — it’s kind of a different level of responsibility,” Klepac said.

Apartment essentials key to successfully living off campus Story by Jonathan Kath The Daily Toreador

The transition from hometown to college can be challenging for students beginning to live on their own, and the transition from a residence hall to an apartment is another loop on an emotional rollercoaster.

Kani Willis, a secondyear architecture student from Arlington, said the most important aspect of an apartment is decór.

“I am not a very decorative guy, but coming home to a place with no decorations, nothing on the walls or in your room, can be very disheartening,” Willis said.

“On the days that I struggle most in school, it is nice to walk through the front door and be greeted with a nice looking apartment.”

Willis also said one of the most notable differences in moving out of a dorm is adjusting to the extra space, but it’s important to remember that

less is more.

“A little can go a long way,” Willis said. “But at the end of the day you at least need something on the walls. Maybe even throw up a simple picture or painting.”

Duane Threatt, a fourthyear music major from Mesquite, said another aspect of apartment living that doesn’t get thought about is the possibility of having to fix issues by yourself.

“Always carry a toolbox with you. Sometimes you need slight repairs that you don’t really think about,” Threatt said. “For example, when … my refrigerator door came apart and I didn’t want to wait for maintenance to fix it. I had a couple tools to take care of that for myself.”

Apartment maintenance can be inconvenient, especially when the needs are urgent, and simple tools from the average toolbox can help save time and stress.

Aside from proper tools and the right decorations, another necessary aspect of a well-kept apartment is efficient organization.

“Organization is the most important thing for me. I like to put extra storage under my bed, like cubes, as well as in my closet for shoes and big jackets,” Michaela Decker, a second year English major from Lubbock, said. “Command Strips have helped me a lot with organization. I use them for literally everything. If you have an apartment, you need Command Strips.”

Moving from a residence hall to an apartment can allow students to better decorate and organize their living space. A lot of preparation goes into transferring living spaces, and it can be helpful to be aware of ways to personalize a space to help it feel more like home.

Photo by Olivia Raymond

Cleaning and laundry products are some of the essential items students need when moving out on their own, whether into a residence hall or an apartment.

Kitchen Essentials Settling into an apartment and setting up your first kitchen? Here’s a list of some of the must-have cooking essentials to purchase for the new place, according to apartments.com: • Saucepan tongs) • Mixing bowls • Small and large frying • Cutting board • Colander pans • Hand mixer • Baking sheet/pizza pan • Cooking utensils • Measuring cups, • Oven mitts (spoons, spatulas, spoons • Can opener Source: www.apartments.com/blog/must-have-kitchen-essentials-for-every-apartment

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Close to campus, The Edge offers spacious floor plans, modern finishes

Sponsored Content Lively, updated, convenient, pet friendly — The Edge is your off-campus home in Lubbock, Texas.

The Edge Apartments is a charming community, located directly across the street from Texas Tech, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and

University Medical Center.

Upon entrance into your home, you will notice the spacious floor plans and modern finishes. Granite countertops and stainlesssteel appliances complete the look of your fully furnished new home.

Step outside of your home to enjoy the social lounge or work on your

fitness in the professional cardio center. Relax by our resort-style pool and take in the sun on the expansive sunbathing deck or enjoy a meal at the outdoor kitchen and entertainment island.

We offer outstanding customer service that puts you first. Our amenities are designed with your success in mind and are equipped

with everything you need and more.

When you live at The Edge, you choose an experience that will allow you to embrace your highest potential throughout and beyond your college years.

This professionally managed student-lifestyle residence offers everything you need and more.

Photos courtesy of The Edge

Apartments at The Edge offer spacious floor plans with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The property also features a variety of social spaces and a beautiful pool.

Both excitement, stress can accompany impending parental visits Story by Chris Williams The Daily Toreador

For many students, college means living on their own for the first time. Many find the experience stressful for various reasons, including the responsibility of keeping their place clean.

When it’s time for parents to visit their child at college for the first time, the pressure on the student can be overwhelming. It is important to understand the misconceptions that come with parent visits and how to ease concerns when preparing for them.

A student’s relationship with their parents is different for each person, and this directly affects how they react to their parents’ pending visit. Many students are overwhelmed by this situation and don’t realize they are piling on to the stress of college life.

According to a 2020 Stress in America report published by the American Psychological Association, 87 percent of students identify their education as a significant source of stress.

Being a full-time student already is demanding, so having parents come to visit mid-semester can amplify school-induced stress.

Calan Johnson, a secondyear broadcast journalism major from Houston, said much of the stress stems from the notion that the house or apartment must be spotless but a little cleaning in the right areas goes a long way.

“I usually get small things, maybe a couple of candles to make it smell nice.

Parents’ noses are always different,” Johnson said.

“Then you do some cosmetic cleaning. Nothing major, just clean the kitchen and wipe down some tables. I don’t

Parent Preparations You’ve moved into your dream apartment and are enjoying the new space. Now your parents are coming to visit. Here are some tips as to how to make the best impression: • Clean and declutter — A few days some fresh produce — they’re less likebefore, deep clean the bathroom. Pick ly to fret. One more thing — will they up and put away items that have piled be hanging out much at your place? up. Sort any mail that has stacked up.

You might need to have some basic Hang up or fold any laundry that’s beverages and snack foods available. sitting around.

• Last-minute suggestions — On the • Eyeball your security — If your day of their arrival, dust everything, parents are worrywarts (and many wash any dirty dishes, wipe down are), make sure your door locks are in the kitchen counters, pick up dirty working order. If you have a security clothes, vacuum or sweep the floors, system, make sure it’s functional. and recheck the bathroom. Empty • Stock the fridge — Parents want to all trashcans and take out the trash. know you’re eating well. If your kitchen Consider opening a window for fresh is stocked with the basics — a dozen air or using an essential oil diffuser or eggs, a loaf of bread and maybe even an air freshener spray if needed.

Source: theroadtodomestication.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-visit-from-your-parents/

think deep cleaning is necessary all the time.”

While some students panic while anticipating their parents’ visit, others experience

the exact opposite. Johnson, for example, looks forward to his parents visiting.

“I usually go months at a time without seeing my

parents, so if all it takes for them to see me is just cleaning up my house. I would do that every day of the week,” Johnson said. “It’s more ex-

citing than anything.”

Alyssa Hollins, a secondyear human development and family studies major from La Vernia, said she has expectations she faced when living with her parents.

“Sometimes I do it because I feel like whenever I’m at home, I have to have everything a certain way,” Hollins said. “Before my mom comes, I feel like I always have to deep clean my apartment.”

While initially the idea of parents coming may seem daunting, this concern is often self-imposed. Hollins said accepting yourself and the life you’ve made on your own can help ease this stress.

“I like to remind myself that I’m an adult now and my mom knows that,” Hollins said. “She knows that I’m not going to be exactly how I was in high school and living at home.”

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The ONE strives to create home-away-from-home atmosphere Sponsored Content When you find The ONE, college living is both attractive and affordable.

The ONE at Lubbock will feel like your home away from home with our friendly staff available to assist you during office hours and on-call maintenance 24/7 for any emergencies in your unit.

We have seven different floor plans ready to be tailored just for you. Need your own space with no roommates? We’ve got you.

Want to move in with three of your best friends? We’ve got you. Want to move into a four-bedroom and have roommates matched to you?

We’ve got you.

With a shuttle to Texas Tech, The ONE at Lubbock provides student living with high quality and low prices.

The ONE at Lubbock values students and provides them with a beautiful living space in an ideal location for a desirable college experience.

The gorgeous woodplank flooring and new stainless-steel appliances are just a couple of upgrades that will immediate-

ly catch your eye. The ONE at Lubbock is also fully furnished, and each unit contains an in-unit washer and dryer. On top of that, our kitchen appliances include an electric stove with four burners, a full-sized fridge-freezer, dishwasher and a microwave.

Our spacious living areas include a 55-inch smart TV as well as a smart home package for each resident, which includes an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot and a wireless charging station. Our bedrooms have a built-in desk and a full-sized XL bed that allow you to both study in your space but also have a lazy day in bed should you choose. The underbed storage and wide closets are perfect for all your storage necessities.

When living at The ONE you will be able to take part in weekly community events that not only reward you with food and prizes but also gain you points that can be redeemed for gift cards to your favorite places. Our community has a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court and a dog park.

The ONE at Lubbock’s fan-

tastic fitness center is fully equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, yoga equipment, medicine balls, Stairmasters, resistance equipment, a free-weight station and a tanning bed … in other words, cancel that gym and tanning membership.

If you’re in the mood for relaxing, we have a stunning lounge pool with a Red Raider-themed grilling area, a pool table, a pingpong table, study rooms, hammock gardens and a community living area where you can bring friends or classmates to hang out or study.

The community at The ONE is like no other, with amazing food options nearby, shopping centers just around the corner and a bus route to Texas Tech.

Follow us on Instagram at @TheONELBK to see what living with us is like, and feel free to reach out via DM, email (theONElubbock@assetliving.com) or a phone call (806-785-4088).

We are open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays from noon-5 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Come find out — we’re The ONE for you!

Photos courtesy of The ONE

The ONE has beautiful amenities for residents to enjoy including a Texas Tech-themed grilling area and a gym fully equipped with a variety of fitness machines, weight machines, resistance equipment and a tanning bed. The outdoor spaces also include several sport courts and a dog park. The apartments include 55-inch smart TVs and a smart home package for each resident.

The bedrooms feature large beds and a built-in desk to provide ample study space. The property has a shuttle to campus and is located close to a wide range of restaurants and shopping centers.

Caring for Carpet in Homes with Pets Having a pet can be great fun — but it also can be challenging, especially on that carpet in your new place. Follow these tips from Apartments.com to counteract accidents: • For a fresh accident, use a dustpan and plastic or dull knife to pick up what you can, then layer lots of paper towels over the spot (resist the urge to scrub at this point). Weight down paper towels with a heavy object. Once the spot is dry, clean with warm water and dish soap.

• To address an hours-old stain, use a • solution of one cup of vinegar and two cups of cold water to eliminate

the odor, followed by a good scrubbing with carpet cleaner.

Sprinkle baking soda across the entire carpet, then wait a few minutes and vacuum to eliminate

Source: www.apartments.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-carpets-clean-when-you-have-pets

•

general pet odors.

Professional carpet cleaning can be a feasible solution; however, avoid steam cleaning (it sets the stain and heightens the odor).

Protect Your Stuff Moving out of the residence halls and into your first rental? There are a few things you should know, according to the Texas Department of Insurance: • Renters insurance typically covers personal property (even items stolen from renter’s car or when renter is traveling); loss of use (pays some living expenses if renter has to move out temporarily because of damages from a covered loss); and personal liability (protects renter if someone is injured in his/her home; pays legal costs if renter is liable and taken to court).

• Most policies cover losses due to fire/smoke, theft or vandalism, as well as certain types of water damage. Losses due to floods typically are not covered.

• Policies replace or repair belongings up to a dollar limit, even if the cost of replacement or repair is higher.

Source: www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/renters-insurance.html

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5B

The Holly provides 30-acre community, most amenities in Lubbock Sponsored Content Home to the most amenities in Lubbock and the only beach in West Texas, The Holly is the hottest spot for Texas Tech students to call home.

Our beautiful community stretches more than 30 acres with its own beachentry lake stocked with almost 2,500 fish waiting to be caught by our outdoorloving residents. Lakeside fun also includes our own floating island and a lighted jogging track perfect for twilight runs.

Our residents can use our grills to host a barbecue under the stars at our community picnic area or swim laps at The Holly Swim Club made up of two large resort-style pools with lounges. And, if there is time in the day for more, residents can enjoy our outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts or take a pet for play time at our fenced-in pet park.

The Holly also has a Citibus campus shuttle that picks students up every 15 minutes in front of The Holly clubhouse.

Inside, our clubhouse is loaded with must-see amenities second to none.

Designed by the renowned New York City interior designer Jon Call, every inch is beautiful and created to enhance the lifestyle of our residents.

Photos courtesy of The Holly

The Holly features a number of amenities for its residents including a library, which is perfect for study sessions or group meetings. Each luxurious suite features beautiful furnishings in both the public areas and bedrooms. The beauty extends to the common spaces, such as the JIM Fitness Center and clubhouse and the outdoors spaces. Residents also have access to a lake stocked with fish, a floating island and two resort-style swimming pools.

Along with our onsite management offices, residents can enjoy our JIM Fitness Center complete with an array of equipment, free weights, state-of-theart cardio machine and free tanning to give you a sunkissed glow all year long.

If a pick-me-up is in order, residents can swing by our JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with all the finishes for the perfect cup before or after class.

At The Holly, there are many social and study

lounge areas too. In the main clubhouse, residents can sit amongst the black, white and gold accents while cramming for a test or hit the books in our library overlooking the gorgeous Swim Club. For those needing a quiet spot or looking to host a group study session, two private conference rooms are also available.

At The Holly, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club

living. Whether you’re sunning along the private beachfront lake, hosting friends in the library or enjoying a workout at the JIM fitness center, you’ll be able to nurture your creativity and live like an icon.

As a member of the Campus Life and Style Autograph Collection, The Holly apartments are in a league of their own. Each fully furnished suite offers private bedrooms, private bathrooms and a full-sized

kitchen. Enjoy a private patio or balcony and take in the views right from home.

We a r e h a p p y t o accommodate your unique living preferences and offer individual leases for each of our two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments.

When it’s time for class, our shuttle service to and from Texas Tech ensures you don’t have to settle when it comes to resort-style living and an active student lifestyle.

Our Guest Services team

is here to support your every need as a thriving student. Contact us today to secure your space. Hurry, spaces are filling up fast.

Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contacted at (806) 744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@ clsliving.com.

Visit our website at LiveTheHolly.com for more information.

Whether living with friends or strangers, communication, boundaries are key Story by Stephanie Ghandour The Daily Toreador

Choosing a roommate or roommates is an experience most college students experience at some point in their academic careers.

In some instances, students could meet friends through this experience.

Other times the experience can be damaging to some relationships.

“With friends, I think that if y’all set up boundaries first and those boundaries are clear, and y’all know what you’re supposed to be doing and what you’re not supposed to be doing and what you’re OK with and you’re not OK with and how y’all are going to be comfortable together, as long as that’s there, I think everything would be good,” Yasmin Tadrous, a third-year biology major from Dallas, said.

For others, however, moving in with friends often can lead to unexpected issues that couldn’t have been foreseen.

Joshua Adamek, a second-year political science major from Boerne, and Blake Taylor, a secondyear finance major from Boerne, said for them, moving in with friends they already knew from home created issues that have damaged some of their friendships.

“Something important going into it is communication,” Taylor said. “You need to all gather up, lay it all out there, say what y’all want, what y’all are cool with, when you want people to do the dishes when you don’t want people to do the dishes, just like common courtesy things to all agree on.”

Adamek said it is crucial to remember if some-

Roommate Relations

Photo by Erin DiGiacamo

Katlin Jones, a fourth-year psychology major from Tularosa, New Mexico, (left) and Brittany Crain, a third-year agricultural communications major from Crane, hang out in their house. Getting along with roommates involves good communication and setting clear boundaries. It also can be helpful to split responsibilities such as cleaning and cooking.

one has habits that may not be ideal before moving in together, these habits most likely will remain in the process of becoming roommates.

Like with any relationships, however, problems are bound to arise between roommates. What is important is handling them maturely, Tadrous said.

“You just got to be direct,” Adamek said. “Don’t be passive aggressive with each other. Being like, OK, this bothers me. I don’t like it when you do this.

So please respect my space kind of deal.”

When bringing up conflicts Tadrous said it’s important not to make your roommate feel singled out.

By using words like ‘we’ instead of ‘you’ or ‘I’ and addressing all roommates makes it easier when dealing with people.

For students like

Tadrous, there is a process for finding roommates when they may not already have a friend or group of people in mind to move in with.

“There are Facebook pages that are made for like Lubbock students that are looking for roommates. So usually the post something like, hey, we’re looking for a fourth roommate, these are the qualifications that we’re looking for, and you can just hit them up and see if y’all bond or not,” Tadrous said.

“Social media would be the key components of finding other roommates. Having a random roommate is always an option. You just get to pick that with the apartments.”

Being a good roommate is just as important as finding roommates who you are compatible with, she said.

Adamek said by doing things like cleaning up after yourself, being understanding and being able to chip in when necessary are things students can do to be good roommates.

“Just being thoughtful, being considerate that you have three other people you’re sharing of space with,” Taylor said.

The process of choosing roommates is not something that should be rushed, Taylor said.

“I think, everybody’s going to have to accommodate at some point,” Ta d r o u s s a i d . “ Yo u ’ r e not going to find that perfect roommate where you’re not going to have to change anything. Take into consideration that you’re not living alone.

You have to learn to live with others, be respectful of others and not always put yourself first.”

You may be sharing space with a stranger. Your best friend. Or someone you’ve been acquainted with for a while but really don’t know too well. Whatever the case, what’s the best way to get along?

Follow these simple rules of roommate etiquette to avoid some of the stress that living with roommates can bring: • Establish ground rules regarding class and work schedules, sleep schedules, etc. Try to iron out potential conflicts before they arise.

• Keep the noise to a minimum and invest in a good pair of headphones. Whether it’s the TV, video games, a repetitive snooze alarm or an audio rehash of this morning’s chemistry lecture, remember you’re not the only person who can hear what’s going on. — Cengage Brainiac • Decide what items will or won’t be shared (laptop, refrigerator, TV, etc.).

• Agree that no clothing, food, technology or any other items will be borrowed or shared without permission and stick to the agreement.

• Be respectful of the space. Keep your area picked up and don’t be lazy about shared cleaning responsibilities (taking out the trash, cleaning out the shared refrigerator, etc.).

• Discuss in advance how situations involving visitors and overnight guests (particularly a boyfriend or girlfriend) should be handled. Avoid making your roommate feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in his/her own room. — The Etiquette Professionals • When your roommate requests some quiet time, give it to him/her. He/she will more than likely return the favor when you’re ready to study for that big exam.

• Avoid doing things in your dorm space that could make your roommate uncomfortable. You may feel completely comfortable lounging around in your birthday suit; however, your roommate may not share your enthusiasm. — Campus Personality • When conflict arises, talk directly to your roommate, then involve a community adviser or apartment staff member if necessary.

• Take care of your own pet. If you and your roommates have agreed to allow a pet in the apartment, you should still take responsibility for its care. Feeding, walking and cleaning up messes are what make you a responsible pet owner and it’s crucial in a shared living space.

• Don’t gossip about your roommate. Remember, shared spaces mean neither of you really has any secrets so the other person has gossip fodder, too.

• Don’t get your feelings hurt if your roommate makes plans without you. Just because you are sharing living space doesn’t mean you will necessarily be best friends.

Plus, it’s good to have a diverse friend group.

Sources: www.cengagebrain.com, www.etiquetteprofessionals.com, m.facebook. com/notes/campus-personality/campus-roommate-etiquette-tips, Texas Tech University Student Housing, etiquette.about.com/od/RelationshipEtiquette/fl/12Rules-of-Roommate-Etiquette.htm

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7B

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The Scarlet offers unique, affordable living options for students Sponsored Content Which community has the most school spirit in Lubbock? The Scarlet student apartments.

Only a block away from Texas Tech, situated in the heart of the Overton District, The Scarlet has a premier location, all new one-of-akind amenities and hotelinspired service that cannot be found elsewhere in town.

The Scarlet even has its own Citibus campus shuttle station picking students up every six minutes.

We’ve re-envisioned traditional student living to bring you an experience that is truly in a league of its own. With access to an elite JIM fitness center featuring resistance equipment, free weights, state-of-the-art cardio machines, a spin room and free tanning, plus our full-service business center with HPs and free printing and private study rooms, residents can take care of what’s most important whenever their schedule calls for it.

At The Scarlet, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club living.

Our must-see amenities also include our signature JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with a variety of creamers and sugars to customize your cup, a Red Raiders War Room loaded with plush lounging furniture and ceilingmounted TVs ready to catch every big game, and outdoor

basketball and volleyball courts ready for any pick-up game. Residents love coming home to a stunning resortstyle pool and hot tub.

Our beautiful, fully furnished apartments come complete with full-sized kitchens, walk-in closets and their own private washers and dryers. As a resident of The Scarlet, you’ll be treated as a VIP with our guest services and vibrant social community that encourages you to live life the way you want. Each unique living space comes outfitted with a 50-inch flat-screen TV, hardwood-style flooring and private bedrooms and bathrooms.

With one-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans available, individual leases and our roommate matching service, we are happy to accommodate your unique living preferences. Plus, our pet-friendly living, allinclusive rent and exceptional customer service make this the best choice for any student wanting to have everything at their fingertips to succeed.

Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. We are located at 2202 Mac Davis Lane and can be contacted at TheScarlet@ clsliving.com or by phone at 806-747-2340.

Contact us or stop by today to learn more. Hurry, limited spaces are available. www.livethescarlet.com

Photos courtesy of The Scarlet

The Scarlet offers many amenities including fully furnished living spaces featuring a variety of comfortable furniture, an in-house gym, coffee bar and a Red Raiders War Room packed with lounge chairs and mounted televisions, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and watch TV. There are one-, three- and four- bedroom units available. To get more information, visit www.livethescarlet.com or call 806-747-2340.

New or new to you?

Quality, price important when deciding to purchase new or secondhand items Story by Sydney Banovic The Daily Toreador

When moving into a new apartment there are many decisions to make, whether it is about where to buy furniture, decór or appliances or how to choose the corr e c t things a n d c o n cerning a space.

Kimry Francis Luna, a month-anda-half resident of Lubbock from Artesia, New Mexico, said when deciding whether to buy new or older items, there must be a consideration about the accessibility of these items, whether it’s the cost, how they can be incorporated into a space, the idea on how to decorate or wanting to find unique pieces that can determine whether to buy an old or new item.

“When buying new I’d definitely recommend bigticket items like a bed frame, mattress, a table or a dresser. When buying old I’d say decorations, miscellaneous items such as chairs, lamps and blankets,” Luna said. “As long as the old items are stripped properly in a

Photo by Sydney Banovic

When purchasing secondhand furniture, you can look for tags verifying the item has been sanitized. Secondhand furniture can be more budgetfriendly than new items.

bathtub several times and washed after …, they are good to be used and incorporated.”

Luna said she prefers to buy pieces for her apartment that are old, or from secondhand thrift stores such as Goodwill, that fit her individuality.

“I decided to thrift rather than buy new because you find more creative items that fit my individual preference, as well as my budget,” Luna said.

“There is a large benefit to buying older items because some things I bought were retailed for over $100, while I’ve gotten them for almost half the price. Being significantly cheaper

and almost the same quality as new, these are just some of the benefits of buying older items.”

Luna said there are ways to repurpose furniture, such as making a bed into a couch and a coffee table into a TV stand.

These are just a few ways she repurposed her furniture so there was no need to purchase new items for a space.

Ashley Elkins, a fourthyear psychology major from Houston, said there is an advantage to buying secondhand items for an apartment rather than new ones.

“I think most things bought for a student hous-

ing apartment should be used because it’s a temporary home and a temporary place,” Elkins said.

“In apartments, I know that everything will be worn down and damaged throughout the semester and in the process of moving out, so I rather spend my money wisely by purchasing used items.”

The only things she bought were new, more valuable items she knew she would take care of such as a TV, Elkins said.

“Through buying secondhand items instead of new retail items, it makes me less anxious if something happens to them during a move,” Elkins said. “There are many more beneficial factors to buying older items because it’s less money spent on something just as good as new.”

If she were to give any advice to anyone looking for pieces in their new apartment, Elkins said not to get something new unless there is a plan for a permanent home.

She said it will get worn down over time; therefore, buying an old item prevents having to watch a new item get ruined.

Noisy Neighbors Noise complaints — whether you’re the subject of one or need to file one of your own — happen. Need to know more about what constitutes a noise violation in Lubbock or how to avoid generating one? Read on for details: What is ‘excessive noise?’

According to the Lubbock Code of Ordinances, the city’s noise policy was designed to “minimize the exposure of citizens to excessive noise and to … control the level of noise in a manner which promotes commerce and promotes the use value and enjoyment of property … that protects the sleep, peace, comfort and response of citizens … .” View the entirety of the noise ordinance at www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/ordinances/Lubbock,%20Texas.pdf.

How to deal with a noisy neighbor There are several options, according to apartments. com, www.apartments.com/blog/what-to-do-aboutloud-neighbors. Knock a couple of times on the adjoining wall to let your neighbor know the noise is excessive. If that doesn’t work, politely talk to the neighbor.

Ongoing problems should be reported to the landlord or the city.

How to mask noises Apartments.com suggests installing thick, soundproof curtains on windows. A white noise machine or phone app can be used to further mask disturbances — and earplugs are always an option.

How to report a complaint Report a noise complaint by calling 311 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays; you’ll be connected with a City of Lubbock representative trained to assist in such calls. Visit ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/ code-enforcement/services for more details. Do not call 911 or any emergency number regarding a general noise complaint.

How to avoid complaints against you To avoid becoming the subject of a noise complaint, home improvement site Homelyville suggests building connections with neighbors and giving them your phone number to contact you in the event of excessive noise; notifying neighbors in advance when a party or other potentially loud gathering is planned; and apologizing if you’re wrong. For details, visit homelyville.com/ how-to-defend-against-noise-complaints.

What’s the penalty?

The city’s noise ordinance states that code violations can result in misdemeanor charges, and convictions of such could be punishable by fines up to $500; multiple or ongoing violations are punishable as separate offenses.

Sources: City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances, ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/codeenforcement/code-of-ordinances; Apartments.com, www.apartments.com/blog/ what-to-do-about-loud-neighbors; City of Lubbock Code Enforcement, ci.lubbock. tx.us/departments/code-enforcement/services; Homelyville.com, homelyville.com/ how-to-defend-against-noise-complaints

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9B

Local stores offer inexpensive options for students on limited budgets Story by Michael Alvarez The Daily Toreador

College is a learning experience that prepares students for their careers, but the lessons learned living independently extend well beyond what’s taught in a lecture. One of the biggest problems students face is maintaining a healthy diet without overspending.

Joseph O’Donnell, a second-year psychology major from Round Rock, said living on his own has made him realize there are certain things he has to sacrifice in his daily life.

“You know, this is different from relying on my parents to get certain things for me,” O’Donnell said. “I know I will have to get things I didn’t grow up getting. I still stick to getting things that will

fill me up and have nutritional value, I love eggs.

They provide really good sustenance and it’s cheap.

I get bananas, dollar loafs of bread, Walmart-brand peanut butter and rice.”

O’Donnell said he stays away from wasting gas to get to campus, exercising options such as friends, Uber or his own legs.

“I don’t live on campus but that doesn’t mean I have to drive everywhere,” O’Donnell said. “I live close enough where I can take the bus and when I get to campus I can just walk everywhere, so I don’t really need to use my own gas.

I also look at it as great exercise and, you know, it helps to save money and stay healthy.”

O’Donnell said Walmart provides a wide variety of

undergarments and basic hygiene products at an affordable price, and that’s where he often shops.

“You know, for things like bathroom

needs I get a lot of it at Walmart,” O’Donnell said. “For things like toilet paper and shampoo and stuff is where I would spend the highest amount of money on for the com-

Column: Continuing to live on campus beneficial While it may not seem like a desirable situation, living on campus after the first year has a lot of perks.

The rush to live off campus is tempting as one has the freedom to do so; however, the responsibilities slow down while being on campus an additional year.

Living on campus after the first year of college does not mean you have stay in a dorm. Texas Tech offers apartment-style suites on the outskirts of campus. An example being Carpenter/Wells, Gordon or West Village. These apartment-style living accommodations allow students to live as if they were off campus, but their classes are a five-minute walk away.

For those who do not have a car, staying on campus is a smart decision to make it on time for classes, student organization meetings or any oncampus events. Campus life always has something going on, and without the commute, it is easier to stay a part of those moments.

In addition to as being near to campus life, the hassle of commuting to and parking on campus does not exist when one stays on campus an additional year. The only commuting one would have to worry about is the commuting to and from classes, which be solved by walking, using a scooter or busing.

With commuting being less of a worry when staying on campus, one’s attention and focus can be put in other places for school, whether that be wanting to put more time in a student organization or working on campus.

That all comes with ease as one’s home or less than 10-minute walk away.

As someone who has decided to stay on campus an additional year after my required one, I have had an easier time with balancing my school life and social life. Whenever I feel like I need a break from classes or work, I simply walk a few minutes and can breathe for a moment in my own home.

When most of your life is on campus

fort, but Walmart really provides just great prices for that. Like hand soap and detergent, I get it all there and that’s just what I do. Walmart also has the best stock

for socks and underwear that I’ll use for a long time, and that’s just great.”

Xavier Perez, a firstyear business major from Austin, said he has had to adjust to living on his own

and buying everything for himself.

“I have learned about all the best places to go to get everything I need,” Perez said. “For my clothes I do a lot of shopping at Ross, I mean it is called Ross Dress for Less for a reason. They just have a good selection of men’s clothes. I’ve also gotten a good amount of my shoes there because they are cheap and honestly, just really quality.”

Perez said his largest life lesson so far in college has been how to balance his eating schedule and where he eats every day.

“It all really depends on how I am feeling in that moment,” Perez said. “Like, if I want to go get breakfast

in the commons I will, or I’ll just eat some cereal in my dorm. Other times maybe once a day I’ll go get something to eat off campus, so I don’t use a lot of my meal plan money. It is all really just a schedule that I will change up but really stay the same.”

Perez said it’s been easiest for him to address grocery-shopping the same way he has his entire life — with the best interest of his wallet in mind.

“I have the H-E-B app because we get SNAP benefits,” Perez said. “When I go into the store, I get the cheapest version of everything there. Water-wise and for food I just get what I have been getting my whole life, and I know the cheapest and best versions of that and I just stick to it.”

Toreador Housing website allows users to find best places to live based on searchable criteria

Chyna Vargas is a secondyear journalism major from San Antonio.

and you are involved with a lot of things pertaining to Tech, living on campus is easier and makes sense.

Resources are all around you when you stay on campus.

The library is open until 2 a.m. most days. If one had to do a latenight study session, it would be so convenient that you don’t live that far away after using the library.

As well as late-night snacking or meals, Sam’s Place West and at Murray stay as late at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.

Anything one would find at a convenience store could be found there and easy to get when you still have an on-campus dining plan. If you stay on campus, you would need to purchase a dining plan. That may seem more like a financial burden, but most of your snacks and meals are only a quick walk away.

Deciding to stay on campus comes with a little more simplicity. Oncampus apartments and other housing accommodations are fully furnished, your rent is through your tuition and you are able to take full advantage of the resources offered on campus.

These options do not completely go away for students who choose to live off campus, it just may not come as easy for them. Maybe the decision to leave campus housing is better for them.

Being on campus another year is not frowned upon, and especially if you are not ready to manage rent, renters’ insurance or commuting.

Those options be available throughout your college career.

What is most important is choosing a living situation that best suits you and helps you achieve your best academic self.

Image courtesy of ToreadorHousing.com

The Toreador Housing website is a free resource that allows users to search for places to live by a variety of criteria, including price, number of bedrooms and distance from campus.

Sponsored Content Toreador Housing is a free resource available to help people in the Texas Tech community find the perfect place to live.

Available through the website of The Daily Toreador, the student-run news outlet at Tech, Toreador Housing is a quick and easy-to-use online tool that enables users to explore local apartment complexes with specifics in mind: distance from campus, number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms, and minimum/ maximum price.

Through the search function, a Toreador Housing user can generate a customized list of apartment that best fit his or her wish list.

Need something within walking distance to Tech?

Sort apartments by distance (in one-mile increments) from campus. Have a specific budget in mind?

Set a minimum and maximum price to narrow the search. Toreador Housing is a one-stop source for updated information on Lubbock’s rental market.

Search results provide addresses, prices and the types of rental units available, all updated by the apartment complexes, as well as a detailed map that denotes locations in relation to the Tech campus. Users can click on an apartment photo for more information, including additional photos, floor plans, amenities and contact information.

Users also may choose to browse all participating apartment complexes without the use of the search function.

“It can be difficult to know where to start when you first begin looking for an apartment, whether it’s your first time or you’re just ready for a change.

Toreador Housing can help

you narrow down what’s most important to you,” said Andrea Watson, sales, marketing & design manager for The Daily Toreador. “The site makes it really easy to compare the complexes you’re interested in. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for an apartment.”

Housing complexes currently profiled include The Bloc, University Trails, 25Twenty, The One, Anatole at City View, University Pointe, The Village at Overton Park, Raiders Pass, Raiders Walk Apartments, U Club at Overton Park, The Holly, 21 Hundred at Overton Park, The Scarlet, U Lofts Apartments, Capstone Cottages, The Republic of Lubbock, The Centre Suites, and The Carlton House.

To view the site, go to www.dailytoreador.com and click on Toreador Housing (look for the black bar near the top of the page).

10B

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FEB. 3, 2022

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Plants add color, life to space but need care to survive, thrive Story by Olivia Raymond The Daily Toreador

Students having plants in their living space creates another responsibility for them. For plants to survive, they require regular watering, maintenance and care.

To most students, taking care of plants seems complicated. However, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants to choose from that will thrive in any space.

Alicia Thomas, a horticulture lecturer in the Plant and Soil Science department at Texas Tech, provides her knowledge on low-maintenance plants and how to take care of them.

“Especially for the dorms you’re going to want to choose interior-type plants,” Thomas said.

Low-maintenance plants do not require constant watering and soil and pot changes. Many of these plants Thomas discussed require low lighting, weekly watering and a little cleaning.

Thomas said students can go to hardware stores or big-box stores, which have labeled areas of low-light plants that are inexpensive. Some plants to look out for are snake plants, succulents and pothos, also known as devil’s ivy.

Picking Plants

Photo by Olivia Raymond

The plants that Jessica Dominguez, a second-year biology major from Vernon, collects and takes care of in her apartment vary from spider plants to bamboo. For many college students, finding low-maintenance plants like snake plants and succulents is a good way to introduce greenery into their homes.

“Succulents and such are very popular right now, but I would make sure if you are in a dorm area that they are getting plenty of sunlight,” Thomas said.

The best thing to do to make sure one is not overwatering or underwatering their plants is to keep an eye on the plant’s soil, Thomas said. If the soil feels too moist, do not water it. If it feels too dry,

consider watering it. Also, making sure the plant pot has holes is essential for proper drainage and can help prevent overwatering.

“It’ll start pulling away from the sides of the pot, and that’s generally a sign that you need to repot it, or the plant will start outgrowing the pot, and so you need to repot it,” Thomas said.

Plants grow and thrive differently throughout the

four seasons of the year.

During the winter season, there is less sunlight in the day and colder nights.

Placing your plant on a windowsill during the day is ideal, but do not forget to move it at night if your window is poorly insulated.

“Probably what I would suggest at night is that students pull their plants back from the window so they can get a little bit of

Want your plants to do double duty? Growing your own herbs provides the benefits of house plants — color, variety, liveliness — and also add some spice to your cooking. Here are some of the best herbs to grow in your space: Basil — Because basil thrives in warm temperatures. place it next to a window, possibly south facing, that provides a lot of direct sunlight. Water it regularly because basil prefers moist soil. Basil also will add fragrance to your space.

Lavender ­— Another fragrant option, lavender also likes bright sunlight but will do well with artificial light.

Let the soil for this plant dry out a bit between waterings.

Thyme ­— Thyme often is called one of the easiest herbs to grow. It also needs a lot of sunlight and welldraining soil.

Oregano — This herb needs six to eight hours of sun per day, so consider a south-facing window. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

Cilantro — Make sure the pot has adequate drainage and the plant can get four to five hours of sun each day.

Allow to dry out between waterings.

Source: Apartments.com, www.apartments.com/blog/best-indoor-plants-forapartments

warmth, and then as the sun comes out during the day, they can put it back near the window,” Thomas said.

Essential tools for keeping up with plant care are everyday objects like scissors for trimming, spray bottles to keep them hydrated and any cup or pot with holes.

Having plants is like having a pet; having something to take care of and watch grow can uplift many

people. Amateur plant parents must not forget that taking care of plants is as important as taking care of any relationship.

“Plants are like a relationship … if you don’t take care of the plant it’s going to eventually die out, and if you pay a little bit of attention to it and take care of it every now and then, you are going to be successful,” Thomas said.

Finding healthy food choices on budget unique challenge for students Story by Carlos Gonzalez The Daily Toreador

For many students this is the first time they have spent time away from their families and they do not have a lot of experience

choosing the best options for food. Having a healthy diet is important because it is the foundation of a healthy life.

Allison Childress, assistant professor at the

Department of Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech, said there are many ways for students to stay healthy.

“Proper nutrition is good for proper brain function,” Childress said. “When you are in college that is our primary purpose for being here, so proper nutrition helps with that, of course helps performance in the classroom and academically, but it also helps with energy levels that we sometimes seem to run low on.”

Childress said pre-portioned meals are a good way for students to have a well-balanced diet and still stay on budget.

“I think that for college students those are easy ways, they might not be always the cheapest but those are easy ways to ensure that you are eating a good balance,” Childress said.

Sometimes students try to cook on their own and end up making three or four servings, and it is hard for them to tell what a good portion is. Most of the time they end up overeating because they do not know proper portion sizes, Childress said.

Another way students can ensure they eat right is getting food from campus with a commuter dining plan, Childress said. While students are on campus there are different graphics that show the calories from

every item on the menu.

This is a simple way for someone to keep their diet more controlled because they are seeing the number of calories consumed in a day.

“Don’t be afraid to rely on frozen and canned food,” Childress said when asked about frozen options.

While canned food may tend to be a little higher in sodium it will last longer than buying everything fresh. Same thing with frozen food, Childress said.

The benefit is that it can stay longer in the freezer, and students don’t have to be stressed about using all of it before it spoils.

“Think about foods that have good portability, which means what can you take with you, granola bars, fruit bars, pieces of whole fruit like bananas, apples and oranges are pretty easy to take with you,” Childress said.

This is a good way to know that students always have something with them, and they don’t have to be cooking all the time.

Childress said many people believe they should avoid some types of food.

“There is not really food to avoid completely, there is not bad food unless the food is poison, but there are foods to limit,” she said.

Students tend to eat a lot of fast food to avoid cooking. In the long run, buying

BALANCING YOUR DIET STAY HYDRATED LIMIT FAST FOOD KNOW YOUR PORTIONS FROZEN FOOD IS NOT BAD

protein

carbs

Water is the most

important part to maintaining health for a college student.

Frozen foods are OK to have when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

veggies

Graphic by Abbey Douglass - Source/https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/ns/childress.php

takeout all the time is not cost effective compared to cooking at home or eating on campus.

“Another thing to limit is energy drinks and a lot of caffeine, because those can disrupt sleep and when we disrupt sleep that can affect our appetite and it can affect our food choices and our intake in the following days,” she said.

It is common for college students to drink a lot of caf-

feine during the day, this is all because of bad sleep and food choices, Childress said.

“Let’s limit alcohol.

First, it’s dehydrating and college students have a difficult enough time being well hydrated because they are busy, they are on the go,” she said.

“They don’t think about it and also it can impair mental functions which can disrupt your short-term memory,” she said.

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11B

Red Raider Plaza

Find your (study) spot Raider Red Plaza, just west of the Student Union Building, offers a great space to study, play games or hang out with friends when the weather is nice. Currently, the space is closed for a winter renovation, but it is scheduled to reopen this spring. In the fall, first-year students Rilan Butts and Korah Lennon utilized the outdoor couches to catch up on some work.

The Library

Moving off campus means trying to make the most of your time on campus when school is in session and that means finding the best places to study and do homework without having to navigate parking lots. Here are some options you may not know about.

English/Philosophy Building

The Library offers a variety of areas to study or work on a laptop or desktop computer. Typically most of these spaces are quieter than other study areas on campus for those students who prefer less background noise and distraction.

Student Union Building

Photos by Khloe Scott

Just east of the English/Philosophy building is a quiet spot with tables and chairs and when the weather warms up, there’s plenty of shade to make it a nice place to spend some time. Molie Ferguson, a fourth-year psychology major from Houston, enjoyed her favorite spot during the fall semester.

Know how to report repair issues, whether living on campus or off

Photo by Olivia Raymond

Jocelyne Tran, a second-year creative media industries major from Dallas, browses through the Texas Tech FixIT website to file a report for a broken AC unit in her room. Before moving into a new place, whether on campus or off, it is important to know how to report a problem in the apartment or on the property.

Story by Ashley To The Daily Toreador

For many students, attending college is the first time for encountering numerous things. One of these firsts might be the need to combat various mechanical issues within their place of residence.

Most places of residence have a maintenance crew that is on-call and can fix nearly any issue tenants may face. Accessing this assistance can be simple and is included with the rent of most apartment complexes and residence halls. “ I t ’s a p r e t t y e a s y process,” said Samantha Overly, a first-year pre-nursing major from Sanger. “I just search TTU Housing online, and then up in the top you do ‘maintenance request’ and you put in your TTU email and your room number and such. Then, what problem you have.”

For the Texas Tech residence halls, students have

access to FixIT, a portal made specifically for those living in halls who need to request maintenance.

Off-campus apartments also have maintenance request portals specifically made for their residents and that complex.

JaMarcus Washington, a fifth-year media strategies major from Houston, said he lives at The Holly, and its residents go to the complex’s website to submit apartment issues.

“It’s pretty straightforward to be honest,” he said.

“All I have to do is just log in to my apartments website and then (the website will) pop up with a thing that says, ‘submit a work order ’ and all you do is just put your apartment number and the (room) and then list the problem and what issue it is.”

When reporting an issue, Washington said, his apartment also asks for specific things such as whether a resident has an

animal and if the maintenance workers must be let into the apartment by a tenant or if they may enter with their own keys.

Good maintenance staff is important in terms of choosing where to live.

When an apartment complex’s maintenance team is on top of its work and can help residents efficiently, Washington said, it encourages him to speak highly of the complex when asked by others.

“I’ve probably done about five (maintenance issue) requests overall, because we had a problem with our shower not getting hot, then our sink wasn’t getting hot, then our sink was leaking, then it was leaking again,” Overly said. “But they’ve been pretty consistent about, like, I put (a maintenance request) in on a Tuesday, then (the maintenance worker) comes on a Wednesday. It’s been pretty good.”

The Student Union Building offers many spots to study or hang out, such as the campus bookstore. Studying in the SUB comes with the added benefit of easy access to books, supplies and a wide range of food options.

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FEB. 3, 2022

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Online marketplaces offer secondhand bargains, safety concerns Story by Kaitlyn Salazar The Daily Toreador

While shopping online may seem like a smart choice, that doesn’t mean it is harmless. It is important for college students, most of whom are living on their own for the first time, to be mindful of the dangers that go along with online shopping.

Websites such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist require faceto-face meetings in order to acquire items purchased.

However, this involves a lot of risks.

Capt. Amy Ivey, administrative captain of the Texas Tech Police Department, said the first tips to shopping through these websites are to meet the seller in a public place and share as little personal information as possible.

“Even if you’re in the city or on campus, you can always meet in the police parking lot,” Ivey said.

“Just do it in a public place where a lot of people are walking around that you can see, and always have somebody with you. Definitely don’t invite them to your dorm room or to your house. Don’t give them your contact information, just give the minimum that you need.”

Another mistake people who are inexperienced with online shopping often make is paying through apps such as Venmo or PayPal before they’ve received their items.

Ivey said paying in person reduces the chances of the buyer getting scammed.

“Don’t ever pay until

you’re right there on site,” Ivey said. “There are a lot of scams going around right now. (Scammers) are saying they have your information or pictures that they’ll share if you don’t send them X amount of dollars. Don’t ever send anybody money that you don’t know, and always report to the police if you feel like it is a scam or fraud.”

Scammers are far from the only risk when shopping online. In some extreme cases, buyers have shown up to acquire their purchased items and were threatened with a weapon by the supposed seller in the process.

Ivey said it’s important for buyers to take a second party along during these meet-ups in case of a worstcase scenario.

“That’s when you want to have a second party with you, whether it’s a friend or a sibling, just so they can get on that phone and call 911 if they need to,” Ivey said. “They’re just a second-hand witness.

In a public place, a lot of things are less apt to happen than if you meet by yourself in some deserted parking lot. We have seen it, unfortunately.”

Ivey said there was a rise in scams last semester involving Tech students, who would receive a message online telling them to send different amounts of money, gift cards, etc.

Scammers would threaten a buyer’s family or send out inappropriate photos if they didn’t do as told, and most buyers felt either too ashamed or embarrassed to

Swapping Safely

Photos by Shelby Foster

The Lubbock Police Department has set up four “safe exchange zones” for the Lubbock community to safely exchange secondhand items from sources such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The safe zones are marked by signs and are well-lit and monitored by 24-hour surveillance.

Buying the perfect lamp from a Lubbock resident but don’t feel comfortable going to his/her home to pick it up? Selling a high-end camera but don’t really want the buyer coming to your apartment? There are options: • The Safe Exchange Zone, located at 10th Street and Texas Avenue, is provided by the Lubbock Police Community Engagement Unit. The four marked parking spots are “well-lit and under 24-hour surveillance, giving the public a safe place to purchase or exchange property,” according to the department’s website, ci.lubbock.tx.us/ departments/police-department/ crime-safety.

• Buyers/sellers unable to use the zone

go to the police.

Ivey said the cause of this rise was simply due to social media.

“Everybody’s on social media now and these hackers get into your phone or computer so they can look

on your social media sites,” Ivey said. “They can find out all kinds of information about you or your friends and use that against you.

That’s why it’s really important to not put your personal information out

•

should use well-lit public parking lots that are under surveillance; take along a friend or family member to make the exchange; avoid home meetings; and avoid nighttime exchanges, according to the LPD website.

SafeExchangePoint, safeexchangepoint.com/buying-safely, suggests using cash for transactions (avoid checks for more than the price of the item, gift cards and other forms of payment) and trusting your instincts ­— if someone refuses to meet in a public place or changes the meeting spot at the last minute, find another buyer/seller.

on social media, because we do have hackers that are very smart and know how to get information, money or whatever they want out of it.”

While online shopping seems like the more stress-

free option when purchasing items, students should make sure they are aware of the dangers that may come along with it, as well as what to do if they are ever met with an unsafe situation.

For more information on the properties featured in the Spring Housing Guide, visit www.toreadorhousing.com