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Park East gives residents relaxing environment to call home Sponsored Content What's the best way to describe life at Park East in one word? Perfect. But if we have to use another word, it would be: exciting, comfortable, convenient, homey, luxurious, accommodating, fun and peaceful. Basically, you've got to see it to believe it. Park East prides itself in offering a relaxing home environment where students can unwind from the day-to-day college experience. The community is a private complex comprised of fully furnished and beautifully styled two- and four-bedroom homes. The interiors are extremely thoughtful and designed to be both spacious and practical, with abundant natural and artificial lighting. On top of this, the common areas, and most amenities, are available 24 hours, and our highly accessible and friendly management staff is always eager to assist you with anything you may need. Everyone has their personal favorites, but a residence at Park East offers quite a few high-end perks. The complex features a gorgeous pool that is the epicenter for unwinding. There, you can enjoy lounging, studying for your next exam in one of the shaded reading areas surrounding the pool, or even watching
Photos courtesy of Park East
Park East offers its residents a variety of amenities perfect for students to come home to and unwind after a long day of classes. The fully furnished rooms are designed to make you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. Residents can take advantage of numerous amenities, including a luxurious pool, 24-hour coffee and espresso bar, and two pet parks. The resident lounge is the perfect place to hang out and compete in a friendly game of pingpong, air hockey or pool. You also can get together and enjoy a movie night at the unique Aquatheater.
your favorite movie at our unique Aquatheater. Planning an all-night cram session? Grab a quick pick-me-up from our 24-hour coffee and espresso bar. Want to let
off some steam? Our resident lounge can be the perfect outlet as you challenge your roommates to a friendly game of pingpong, air hockey or pool. The community is also
extremely pet-friendly and features two private pet parks for your furry friends to enjoy. See why the one-word thing was so hard? Stop by and visit us
during our Battle of the Bands Event from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday. Six bands will face off for $1,000 in prizes and guests will be welcome to free food, beverages and prizes provided by Hooked,
Main Event, Chick-fil-A, Insomnia Cookies, Smoothie King, Firehouse Subs and Jersey Mike's. Stop by and see why our residents love Park East so much.
Home Sweet Home
Finding best fit key to living on campus after first year Column by Akhila Reddy The Daily Toreador
As I sat down to figure out my housing situation for next year sometime in the fall semester, I remember distinctly thinking ‘It’s time. I have to move off campus for my senior year.’ Two hours later, I was back on the Texas Tech housing website, telling myself ‘Well, West Village is kind of like being off campus.’ So here I am, looking at potentially spending all four of my years in the residence halls, a choice that has worked out amazingly well for me, despite what popular opinion might dictate. Before I begin to make my case about living on campus, let my preface my argument by saying I have been extraordinarily lucky: I never had to deal with a public restroom, I have lived in Murray for the majority of my time on campus and therefore have had my own room, and I never had a problematic roommate. I am in all likelihood living the best-case scenario for on-campus living. The most beneficial part of living on campus is how convenient it is in so many different ways. I can sleep through my alarm, wake up 30 minutes before a class starts and still have enough time to get there on time, maybe even time to spare. And for the many times I
have left an assignment or laptop charger at home? Not really a problem for me living in the dorms. Another benefit of living in the residence halls, admittedly one I didn’t expect, is roommates. I have lived with people I didn’t know as roommates all three years, and every year, these people I never would have met otherwise have turned out to be wonderful. While we weren’t ever best friends, we have had scattered moments where it seems like we could be. Moments like my freshman year, when one freezing cold Sunday we all watched a series of John Hughes movie and ate pizza on the floor. Sophomore year, nights where I would come in past midnight and end up in a conversation for two hours with one of my roommates I had barely even talked to before. This year, coming in one day and being able to vent all my stress to my roommate who is a very good listener. These experiences, these people, are a consequence of on-campus living, one that I am so appreciative of. Despite all these benefits, I will admit the most contentious part of living on campus is the food. I would love a home-cooked meal every day, which is almost impossible in the residence halls without a kitchen. However, I also know myself and what
Moving off campus helps establish sense of home
Column by Ciara Perozzi would happen if I moved The Daily Toreador off campus: scrambled As a student, the deeggs for two meals a day cision to live on campus with maybe a frozen meal or off campus presents for dinner. various advantages I get to my room every and disadvantages that day at around 7 p.m., make deciding what to starving. If I didn’t have do difficult. a dining plan, it’s more By the time sopholikely I would stop for fast more year approaches, food or something premany students find made on the way home themselves in the pothan actually cook. sition to decide which These reasons, as route works best for important as they are, them. Personally, at contradict what I have the end of my freshman to admit is my reasoning year, when it for being in was time for the residence Would you rather me to make halls: It enthat choice, I ables me to be live on or off wanted to get lazy. campus? as far away I don’t from campus have to worry Vote in the poll our website, as possible. about finding www.dailytoreador.com. In my past roommates. two years I don’t have at Texas Tech I have to worry about how belived in an apartment ing roommates with my off campus as well as friends might drive us all where I currently reside up the wall. I have seen it in a house located in happen more than once. I west Lubbock. Living don’t have to worry about in an apartment was a cooking. I don’t have to beneficial experience, worry about what to do but after my lease ended if something breaks. my roommates and I After I pay that housdecided to try living in ing charge at the start of a house. the semester, I don’t have The most favorable to think about my housaspect of living off caming situation ever again. pus has been the freeWith the many other dom that was automatithings I have to worry cally granted as I left about in my time here at the Tech housing bubble. Tech, it’s nice to be able Community advisers to let this one thing slide.
What do I need? There are some items you may want to keep easily accessible on moving day. After a long day, no one wants to unpack 15 boxes just to find some light bulbs, a fork or a roll of toilet paper. Bathroom: Pot holders/oven mitts Disinfectant wipes Plunger Can opener Vacuum Towels Trash can Miscellaneous: Toilet paper Trash bags Tape Hand soap Microwave Command Strips Toilet brush Toaster Extension cord Bedroom: Hand mixer Power strip Blanket Coffee maker Chargers Extra set of sheets Dish towels Batteries Pillows Measuring cups Light bulbs Mirror Pots/pans Basic tool kit Iron/ironing board Paper towels Medicine Hangers Dish soap First-aid kit Laundry hamper Food-storage containers HDMI cable Kitchen: Cleaning: Step stool Dishes Broom Smoke detector Utensils Dustpan Umbrella Cups Mop Flashlight
aren’t knocking on my door at 10:30 p.m. as “quiet hours” approach, much like there is no one keeping tabs of whom I invite in my home to wait and tell me if they are allowed to be there. Living off campus also adds a much larger sense of responsibility and true adulthood because I am the one in control of the decisions to be made in my living area. Another benefit is the addition of space combined with the ability to have more privacy. Unlike my freshman year residence hall in Horn Hall, there isn’t a bed suspended over my desk with a tiny mini fridge wedged in the corner. I understand there is oncampus housing available that grants more space than a traditional residence hall, but the square footage granted off campus is unlimited. When I moved, I was fully in charge of how big I wanted my home to be and how I wanted to arrange that space. When arriving to college, the premise coming into freshman year for most people is a sense of excitement to be on your own. Yet, when living on campus, a lot of that is stripped away. Living in a house has forced me to be responsible for every individual bill to be paid on time and to
maintain a nice home. In my opinion, coming to college and not experiencing the responsibility of those duties before graduating is a disservice to the student. College is meant to prepare people to be launched into the real world, and that might be a little difficult if one doesn’t know how to pay a water bill. My personal living situation’s pros have outweighed the cons, but there are still disadvantages to living off campus. Places and resources that were once a five-minute walk away from me have become a 20-minute drive through Lubbock. Now, this depends on how far away one’s home is from campus, but normally the ability to wake up 15 minutes before class and make it on time is no longer a reality. After all things considered and looking at every possible disadvantage, living off campus is still a more attractive situation than shuffling down a long hallway in flip-flops and a robe to use the community shower. Overall, I would advise any student who has the ability and financial means to live off campus to do so. Living in my own house has granted me more independence, privacy, space, experience and true sense of home.
Being handy around the house Moving into a new home or apartment comes with a lot of expenses. From decorating to rent, money can be spent quickly. Knowing how to do some basic repairs can save a significant amount. However, knowing when it’s time to call a professional can be key to avoiding larger issues. Here are some home repairs that can be done easily (if you have the right skills) versus some that may require a professional to step in: Do-it-yourself repairs: dow/door hinge Clean carpet stains Snake a drain Change door locks Change filter (A/C unit) Install and replace smoke Call someone: Fill small holes in the wall detector and CO2 alarm Broken toilet Tighten door hinges Loose showerhead/faucet Large water leak Change ceiling fan Install new faucets Stove/oven issues Replace light switch Change light bulbs Broken window Leaky faucet Clean out gutters Roof leaks, shingles, etc. Scratched floorboards Clean showerheads Large hole in the wall Minor toilet repairs Stained bathtub/sinks Clean the chimney Change a broken handle Small dents in the wall Electrical issues Unclog toilet Prepare water pipes for Change a water heater Unclog garbage disposal winter/cold weather Replace A/C unit Loosen a jammed winWobbly tables and chairs Replace thermostat If you want to save some money, invest in some WD40 and duct tape. You’ll be amazed.
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Rooms with a View
The Bloc also features a state-of-the-art fitness center open to residents 24 hours a day. Group and individual fitness-on-demand rooms also are available. The Bloc offers a resort-style pool complete with a sun deck and cabanas, as well as tanning rooms. Residents of The Bloc community have access to the only rooftop lounge in Lubbock. Other community amenities
Photos courtesy of The Bloc
Sponsored Content include interior courtyards; barbecue areas with covered grills; fire pits; bocce and horseshoes; a free Starbucks coffee bar; and resident life events. The Bloc is located just east of campus.
At The Bloc, bedrooms are fully furnished and private and each features its own private bathroom. The community’s three- and four-bedroom apartments are townhome-style or garden-style flats. Located in the Overton District, The Bloc is the preferred living choice for Texas Tech students.
Preparing to Move
Roommate Etiquette 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. 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 in the room 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. • Avoid doing things in your residence hall 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/12-Rules-of-Roommate-Etiquette.htm
Find free boxes — Go to grocery stores or ask friends where they’ve had luck finding boxes Pack clothes on hangers — Zip-tie them together to make carrying easier Use furniture drawers — Fill empty drawers with things you want to move Color-code boxes — Mark packed boxes to specify destination room Wrap & pack vertically — In the kitchen, wrap and pack plates vertically so they’re less likely to break Wrap & pack breakables — Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap mirrors and pictures and secure with tape. Place in a box and fill empty spaces with crumpled paper. Use towels & sheets — Save money on packing materials by using your towels and sheets to help pack breakables Scrub it with soap — Use a bar of white soap to help fill small nail holes left in walls. Just rub the hole with the bar of soap until filled. Source: blog.apartmentguide. com/9-apartment-moving-hacks/
Apartment Shopping Preparing to strike out on your own and experience apartment living? Here are a few tips from the Texas Apartment Association that might help streamline the experience of planning for and finding that first apartment: • Set a budget you can afford. Remember you may be required to pay for utilities and other related household expenses not included in your rent. • Check your credit and clear up any problems/mistakes prior to filling out rental applications. • If you are under 18, a student or you don’t have enough income to qualify, you may be asked to secure a guarantor. A guarantor is often a parent, relative or someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to do so. • Make a list of features you’d like to have — a pool or a workout room, for example — and use your checklist when reviewing apartments you’re considering. • Vi s i t p ro p e r t i e s you’re considering to see how well they’re maintained. • Visit potential properties at night to see if they’re well lit. • Talk to existing residents about their experiences. How satisfied are they with the property? How efficiently were repairs or other problems handled? Would they recommend the property to friends? • Ask the leasing agent/property manager how emergencies are handled and how crime/ safety concerns are communicated to residents. Source: http://www.taa.org/renterinfo/rentingbasics
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The Holly offers residents luxury living on 30-acre complex 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 beach-entry lake stocked with almost 2,500 fish waiting to be caught by our outdoor loving residents. Lakeside fun also includes a dock with paddle boats, our own floating island to visit and a lighted jogging track perfect for twilight runs. Our residents can even host a barbecue under the stars at our community picnic area with grills or swim laps at The Holly Swim Club, made up of two large resort-style pools with lounges and complimentary towel and lotion service. And, if there is still 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. 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 of the clubhouse is remarkably beautiful and serves a purpose to en-
Sponsored Content hance the lifestyle of our residents. Along with our on-site management offices, residents can enjoy our JIM Fitness Center complete with an array of equipment, free weights, state-of-the-art cardio machine and free tanning to give you a sun-kissed 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 are happy to 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 resortstyle 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 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contacted at 806-744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@clsliving.com. Please visit our website at LiveTheHolly.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of The Holly
The Holly features a variety of amenities for its residents including a library, which is perfect for study sessions or group meetings. The complex also features a state-of-the-art JIM Fitness Center and each luxurious suite features beautiful furnishings in both public areas and the bedrooms. The beauty extends to the outdoor spaces as well, with a lake stocked with fish; a floating island; and two resort-style pools just waiting for summer fun.
Professionals stress importance of renters insurance when moving Story By Emma Sipple The Daily Toreador
As students move into apartments, the topic of renters insurance comes up with parents and students alike. Renters insurance covers a variety of personal property. “Coverage depends on the insurance policy,” Jeff Hays, attorney at law at Student Legal Services, said. “Students and parents should shop online and speak with their own insurance agent to buy the correct policy.” Renters insurance covers damage to personal property from fire, theft, flooding and other situations. It also covers cases of negligence. “If you accidentally
leave the kitchen sink on and it overflows into your neighbor’s apartment, you could be found liable for that damage — and required to pay for repairs, medical bills related to the accident, as well as defense costs if they bring a suit against you,” according to an article by Kristen Cox, who writes on budget-related topics for The Muse website. “Renters insurance would cover those costs.” Cox also advises to plan for how much coverage you might need. “Many landlords require their tenants to have a minimum of $100K in liability coverage,” she said in the article. “If your landlord doesn’t have this guideline, talk to an insur-
RENTERS INSURANCE Is it worth it? Renters insurance provides homeowners financial reimbursement to cover lost or damaged items from a fire, theft or natural disaster.
ance agent to determine how much coverage you need.” Knowing how much belongings are worth also helps determine cost of coverage, according to Cox’s article. “For property damage coverage, one of the first questions the agent will ask you is how much your stuff is worth,” according to the article. “While that seems like a simple question, when you really start to think through what it would cost to replace everything in your home, it can get tricky. But a good rule of thumb, and what basic policies cover, is $30,000 to $50,000 for apartments and around $100,000 for home.” Tech facilities do not
COvers: • personal belongings lost or ruined in the case of theft, fire, flooding, etc. • The house or apartment itself in case of damage • liability
Time to Sign a Lease In addition to making sure you can afford the rent and other expenses that come with renting an apartment or house, there are certain documents you’ll want to have with you when it comes time to sign your lease. Make sure you ask what specific documents your future landlord might require beforehand so you can be prepared. • Social Security number and government-issued photo ID • Proof of employment, pay stubs, bank statements or tax return (especially if you’re self-employed) • Rental history and/or a list of previous addresses. Include the complex name, property management company or landlord, address and phone number. • Co-signer information if your credit history isn’t sufficient on its own • Personal references or letters of reference, if needed • Criminal history • Proof of renters insurance — More complexes are requiring residents to carry renters insurance to protect your belongings • Checkbook or money order to pay for deposits, first and last month’s rent, etc. • Vehicle registration, especially if you’re paying extra for reserved parking or the complex has limited parking availability Sources: Apartments.com and BestColleges.com’s Student Renter’s Guide
require renters insurance. “Off-campus housing/ apartments sometimes require a renters insurance policy, but all of them recommend getting a policy,” Hays said. “Landlords and TTU will not pay for damage to personal property.
That is a separate paragraph in lease contracts.” Hays said there are few cons to having renters insurance. “There aren’t really disadvantages to renters insurance,” Hays said. “It’s too cheap not to have a
policy. Most policies are from $15 to $20 per month with a low deductible for each claim. Having renters insurance, even if it is never used, provides peace of mind if something ever happens.”
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The Scarlet brings students boutique, club living style 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, 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 24-hour 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
Photos courtesy of The Scarlet
Living areas in each apartment at The Scarlet come loaded with comfortable furniture sure to make you feel at home whether you’re entertaining friends or just looking for a cozy spot to study. Each living space also comes equipped with a 50-inch flat-screen TV and private bedrooms and bathrooms. The Scarlet also features the Red Raiders War Room, a great place to hang out and watch the latest sporting event. Settle in to watch a variety of ceiling-mounted TVs with your friends and roommates. If outdoor activities are more your style, check out The Scarlet’s outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
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 ceiling-mounted 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 resort-style pool and hot tub
with towel and lotion service. 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
Distances from student-living apartment complexes to Texas Tech
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.-5:30 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 to learn more. Visit our website at www.livethescarlet. com. Hurry, limited spaces are available.
TTU Housing
21Hundred at Overton Park
ULofts
Park East Student Living
The Scarlet
U Club at Overton Park
The Bloc
The Village at Overton Park
University Pointe
The Republic
The Avenue
Capstone Cottages
The Ranch
The Cottages of Lubbock
Raiders Walk
The Heritage
25Twenty
Raiders Pass
University Trails
The Holly
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ULofts provides close-to-campus living
Photo courtesy of ULofts
Located across University Avenue from campus, ULofts Apartments offers a mix of convenient location and great amenities. The complex offers one- and two-bedroom units that are fully furnished with leather couches and full-sized washers and dryers. The rent includes utilities, internet and cable.
At ULofts Apartments, location is key. Have everything you ever wanted in one place while taking advantage of our great amenities and convenient location. As a resident, you can simply relax in your home away from home right across the street from Texas Tech. Your next apartment is located on University Avenue — the shortest walk to campus from any offcampus community. We offer spacious oneand two-bedroom floor plans. ULofts is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy their personal space. Each apartment
fessional on-site staff is dedicated to serving your needs and arranging resident events to help you get the most out of your college experience. Stop by for a tour today with one of our friendly leasing agents. Don’t wait — apartments are going fast. In the meantime, www.uloftsapartments. com is always open and a great way to view available floorplans and property details and to submit your application. We know you will find ULofts Apartments is the perfect place to call home while studying at Texas Tech.
Sponsored Content is fully furnished with a leather couch, all-inclusive designer kitchen, private bathrooms and a full-sized washer and dryer. All utilities plus cable and internet are included in your rent and there are no caps. That means one check a month — that’s it. Enjoy a workout on your own schedule in our 24-hour fitness center or hang out by one of our resort-style swimming pools. ULofts residents also have access to a free stand-up tanning bed, movie theater and clubhouse with billiards and poker tables. Our pro-
Photo courtesy of ULofts
ULofts Apartments offers a variety of amenities to its residents, including a beautiful pool, fitness center, movie theater and clubhouse with billiards and poker tables.
Toreador Housing website gives users opportunity to find place to live through selected search criteria
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.
Toreador Housing is a tool 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 publication at Tech, Toreador Housing is a free resource that enables users to review 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 apartments that best fit their 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 maxi-
Sponsored Content mum price to narrow your search. Toreador Housing is your one-stop source for updated information on Lubbock’s rental market. Search results provide addresses, prices and the types of rental units available, 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 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,
and 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.” Complexes currently profiled on the site include 21 Hundred at Overton Park, 25Twenty, Anatole at City View, Raiders Walk Apartments, Raiders Pass, The Holly, The Ranch, The Scarlet, The Village at Overton Park, U Club Townhomes at Overton Park, ULofts Apartments, University Pointe and University Trails. To visit the site, go to www.dailytoreador.com and click on Toreador Housing (in the black bar near the top of the page).
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FEB. 11, 2019
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American Campus Communities offer numerous student living options Find your new home at one of American Campus Community’s seven communities, each located just steps away from the Texas Tech campus. The communities are modern and affordable, offering fully furnished apartments with hardwood-style flooring. Every community is pet friendly. All are located on Tech shuttle bus routes and offer on-site maintenance and management, a courtesy patrol officer, after-hours oncall staffs, individual leases and roommate matching. As the exclusive Off-Campus Student Housing Partner of Tech Athletics, ACC offers students the perfect environment to support academic and personal success. An overview of ACC’s housing options follows: 21Hundred at Overton Park Two-, four- and five-bedroom apartments located in the center of the Overton Park community. Pricing starts at $529 per installment per person. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully equipped kitchens • Private balconies available • State-of-the-art fitness
Sponsored Content center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Recreation center (billiards, ping-pong, arcade games) • Two pools, including hot tubs, sun decks, poolside cabanas, outdoor gaming area • Limited access community • Bike storage 25Twenty One-, two- and four-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens available. Pricing begins at $529 per installment per person. • Walkway to campus • Flat-screen HD TVs • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Movie theater room • Pool with sun deck • Sand volleyball court The Village at Overton Park Two- and four-bedroom flats and townhomes across the street from Jones AT&T Stadium. Starting at $499 per installment per person. • Fully equipped kitchens
Map courtesy of American Campus Communities website
American Campus Communities operates seven apartment complexes near the Texas Tech campus.
• Walk-in closets available • Covered patios • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Lap-style pool with hot tub and deck • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) U Club at Overton Park Four-bedroom townhomes with large, threestory floor plans starting at $529 per installment person. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Extra half-bath for
guests • Walk-in closets • Fully equipped kitchens • Covered patios • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Gated community • Bike storage University Trails One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Starting at $429 per installment per person. • Walk-in closets avail-
able • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center • Recreation center with billiards • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court • Gated community • Bike storage Raiders Pass Two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments within walking distance to Jones AT&T Stadium. Pricing starts at $399 per person per installment. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms
• Fully equipped kitchens • Private balconies • State-of-the-art fitness center • Recreation center • Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Two pools with hot tubs, sun decks • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court University Pointe A gated community offering two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Starting at $469 per installment per person. • Penthouse apartments available • Walk-in closets available • Fully equipped kitchens • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (PCs, free printing) • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court • Bike storage • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) The ACC communities are filling fast. To secure a spot today visit AmericanCampus.com/Lubbock. You’ll see why we say, “You’re going to love it here.”
Searching for new house, apartment prompts security considerations Story By Adán Rubio The Daily Toreador
When looking for an apartment, one may consider proximity to work, space or rent. Quality safety and security features are other considerations people may miss while searching for a place. For some people, safety could be a top priority. There may be a variety of steps one takes when trying to find an apartment that is secure. Tiffany Taylor, public information officer for the Lubbock Police Department, said research is the first step for people choosing apartments. “Don’t just trust a picture or what you see online,” she said. For people concerned about crime in a certain neighborhood, Taylor said they could utilize LPD resources. “We have a crime map on our Lubbock Police Department website,” Taylor said. “You can look at different types of crimes in those areas.” Regarding break-ins at apartment complexes compared to houses, Taylor said vehicles can be targets in large parking lots. “We do tend to see vehicle break-ins,” she said regarding areas, such as apartment complexes or hotels, with a lot of vehicles. “Make sure you’re not leaving any type of valuables in
your vehicle.” Despite the crime that might occur at an apartment, certain precautions can be taken by people who want a secure living environment. With the different access points an apartment complex could have, Taylor said residents should make sure all door and window locks are stable. Lighting in the apartment’s parking lot and stairwells, controlled access into the building and the amount of security are other considerations she said people need to look for when selecting an apartment. “You just need to be thorough when going through your apartment,” she said. “Make sure the security features are working properly.” Small safety features could be the first factors to consider when determining if an apartment space is secure. Kody Folsom, project manager and systems integrator at Firetrol Protection Systems, said peepholes and interior deadbolt locks are the first security measures he would want if looking for an apartment. “Everything is up to code, and everything works,” he said regarding the condition of the apartment’s security measures. “You want cameras watching those entry and exit points.”
Cameras, complete control over the doors and access to the gates securing the complex are security features Folsom said he would want if searching for an apartment. When a student is moving out of the residence halls and into an apartment, he or she could encounter differences in the amount and quality of safety features. For college students, Folsom said most live in residence halls that are required to have certain safety and security measures. “All your dorms have that,” Folsom said regarding security and even fire safety features. “When you’re not in a dorm, you should want the same things, plus a little added security.” When looking for apartment, some renters may look to see if these features are already in place. But for some people, that may be the only action they take. Renters should also know how to work security systems and point out if they are not working properly so they can be fixed. Gloria Quinton, sales representative of FPS, said issues occur when people only look for security features in an apartment and do not continually preserve the quality of the systems. “Most of the apartments have security in place,” she said. “It’s just keeping up with them.” Despite college students
Security measures to consider when apartment shopping Make sure parking lots and walkways are well lit Test window and door locks to make sure they’re secure Ensure there is controlled access to the building Find the fire escapes See if there’s a peephole on the door Ask about a security system
Graphic by Tyler Arnold / Source: SafeWise.com
making the choice to move out of the residence halls and into an apartment, one’s parents could also play a role in a person’s access to home security. When renting apartments, Quinton said parents want to make sure they provide their child with an apartment space that is well secured. “Mom and dad want to make sure that if they’re
sending their kid away and they’re paying X amount of dollars, that they’re secure,” she said. “Once they get the students in there and they got this security, this security and this security, they pay for these systems. When they go down, they’re not as apt to keep them up.” Up-to-date security and fire safety systems are a few necessities Quinton said
parents are more likely to acknowledge. “I know my kid is not going to stay in the dorm. He’s going to be out as soon as he can,” Quinton said. For people looking for an apartment, Quinton said it is important for a complex to already have security measures intact and maintained, especially for a college student moving out of the residence halls.
12B FEB. 11, 2019
HOUSING GUIDE
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