092718 Housing Guide

HOUSING GUIDE FALL 2018 A PRODUCT OF THE DAILY TOREADOR

Lubbock Living

Roommate Relations

Money Moves

Distances from student-living apartment complexes to Texas Tech

Logistics of living with friends vs. strangers

Advice about budgeting for off-campus living

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Park East gives residents relaxing home environment What's the best way to describe life at Park East in one word? Perfect. If we had to use another word, it would be one of the following: 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 dayto-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.

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 his or her personal favorites, but a residence at Park East offers quite a few high-end

Sponsored Content perks. The complex features a gorgeous pool that is the epicenter for unwinding where you can enjoy lounging, studying for your next exam in one of the shaded reading areas surrounding the pool, or even watching your favorite movie at our unique Aquatheater.

Planning an all-night cram session? Grab a quick pick-me-up from our 24hour 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 friend to enjoy.

See why the one word description is so hard?

Stop by and visit us during our open house this Saturday, Sept. 29. You will have a chance to win awesome prizes, grab some free food and see why our residents love Park East so much.

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 ping-pong, air hockey or pool. You also can get together and enjoy a movie night at our unique Aquatheater.

Students, staff weigh in on importance of renters insurance 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 par-

ents 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 insurance 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 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.”

Emily Efferent, a senior electronic media and communications major from Austin, said her apartment does not require renters insurance.

“I live at 21Hundred and they don't require renters insurance,” she said. “I am not sure why, but personally I think it is foolish to not require it. Personally, I do have a renters insurance plan for my apartment. It is so important especially if you cannot afford the damage if something does happen to your place. Being a college student, it is a good idea to get renters insurance.”

Hays shared a similar sentiment about college students 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.”

Preparing to Move Pack clothes on hangers — Zip-tie hangers 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 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/9apartment-moving-hacks/

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The Scarlet provides boutique student club living

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 ceilingmounted TVs with your friends and roommates. If outdoor activities are more your style, check out The Scarlet’s outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.

Distances from student-living apartment complexes to Texas Tech

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-a-kind amenities and hotel-inspired 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 fullservice 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 ceiling-mounted TVs ready to catch every big game, and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts ready for

Sponsored Content 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 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

Raiders Walk

ULofts

The Holly

21Hundred at Overton Park

The Republic

The Scarlet

The Avenue

Park East Student Living

The Ranch

The Bloc

Capstone Cottages

University Pointe

University Trails

U Club at Overton Park

Raiders Pass

The Village at Overton Park

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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 beachentry 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 all-new 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 enhance the lifestyle of our residents. Along with

Sponsored Content 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

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.

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 fourbedroom 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 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.

Roommate Relations

Living with friends fun, presents unique challenges Column by Noah Miciotto The Daily Toreador

The living arrangements I had in my first year of college were a bit different than the typical college student.

I made the decision to live at home and commute to school, and two years later I still am unsure of whether I would make that same choice. Looking back, I wasn’t even at home all that often due to the extensive baseball schedule I had, so I suppose I spent more time in my truck than anywhere else.

The next year I made the decision to transfer to Tech, and I lived with my cousin along with two of our friends. Now when I say our friends, they were more of his than they were mine. I had met the guys a couple times and we knew of one another, but my cousin grew up and played sports with these boys, so those first couple of days I felt a little uncomfortable in my own home.

That uncomfortable feeling lasted about a whole four days before we all basically became best friends. These guys were fun to be around, respectful, like-minded and just good dudes. Well, eventually we all got so close that we shifted from a friend group to a brotherhood.

We shared food, drinks, kitchen supplies, you name it. We really turned into a small family.

This tight-knit dynamic often yielded great benefits; however, there were some not-so-beneficial traits too.

If one of us needed a ride to class, a forgotten textbook at home or any other can-you-help-me scenario, there often was no question whether someone would come through. However, as the year went on, some of those little annoying things a person does began to build up and not be so little anymore.

My cousin and I are both easy-going, laid-back dudes, so we didn’t ask for too much. If you picked up after yourself, asked before you used something and respected one another, we were all good. The other two were pretty low maintenance as well.

Much like all relationships, we had our ups and downs. Some days were better than others, but after a series of bad events, I could feel the tension rapidly escalating. The four of us had a group text, and it seemed as if every day a new issue would arise.

Even though we all got to be pretty good friends, there were still issues and challenges we had to deal with since we lived in such

Living with random roommates means less pressure

Column by Austin Watts close proximity to each The Daily Toreador other.

Despite contemplatAfter our leases were ing the option of roomup, the four of us deing with one of my high cided to part ways and school best friends when not live together anyI came to college, I ended more. While there were up living with randomly challenges, because I’ll assigned roommates for be honest there were, the first few years of I still have pretty good college. relationships with most To my surprise, it of my roommates. wasn’t as bad as I exFor the new semester, pected. we got an apartment My first roommate that holds five people wasn't a bad experience. and only two of us are We originally tenants of mutually kept the original Would you rather to ourselves home. A lifethroughout long friend live with random the year. This of mine I’ve roommates or was my first played basefriends? experience ball with living in close made the Vote in the poll our website, proximity to decision to www.dailytoreador.com. someone I transfer to didn’t know, Tech, so he and it originally took joined us as the third some getting used to roommate. The other being around someone two are total strangI barely knew. However, ers, but they are easythis had its benefits, going and fun guys to be because I also didn’t feel around. the need to go out of my I’m not sure if I’m just way to talk or hang out lucky or if I haven’t been with my first roommate, home enough due to a and it eventually felt as strenuous schedule, but if he wasn’t even there. my living arrangements My second experience have been a joy while was noticeably worse at Tech. Despite a few than my first. Against bumps in the road here my better judgment, I and there, I’m certain decided to continue to the memories I’ve made live on campus in the with my roommates will dorms while also moving last forever.

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.

Trash can Command Strips Bathroom: Trash bags Extension cord Plunger Power strip Towels Microwave Chargers Toilet paper Toaster Hand soap Hand mixer Batteries Coffee maker Light bulbs Toilet brush Dish towels Basic tool kit: Bedroom: Hammer Blanket Measuring cups Screwdriver Extra set of sheets Pots/pans Pillows Paper towels Nails Mirror Dish soap Tape measure Iron/ironing board Food-storage containers Pliers Cleaning: Medicine Hangers Broom First-aid kit Laundry hamper HDMI cable Kitchen: Dustpan Step stool Dishes Mop Utensils Disinfectant wipes Smoke detector Vacuum Umbrella Cups Miscellaneous: Fire extinguisher Pot holders/oven mitt Flashlight Can opener Tape

from a two-person room to a three-person hall with a same-sized room. This was less than ideal. I was the odd man out in my new room, so we butted heads some.

For my third year at Tech I decided to move off campus and the upgrade was immediately noticeable. Off campus I had my own room, so I did not have to share a personal space with anyone else, while I shared a larger living room and kitchen area with three other roommates. I lucked out and two of my roommates barely used the kitchen space, so I generally had free reign of the stove for cooking. This was a major improvement over the residence halls, where I had to eat on campus for every meal, which gets old after a while.

With the eight different roommates I’ve dealt with over the years at Tech, one thing was noticeable — I did not feel pressured to continually hang out and converse with them. The thing with guys is it’s so much easier just to go about your day and only converse with your roommates when necessary (very rarely) and overall not feel the need to talk and plan things out like you would with your friends.

When you live with people you barely know,

you have the freedom to do what you want without feeling obligated to make small talk. To me, this was relaxing. Although it can be awkward living with someone you barely know, it’s nice just to put on some headphones or kick back and relax and not feel pressured to worry about what the other person is doing.

Likewise, it’s so much easier to discuss problems with someone you have no outside ties to. If I had a discussion with my roommate about cleaning something up or changing something, I did so without fear of damaging our relationship or him taking it personally.

When I wanted some quiet time to work on school stuff or time to myself to play video games, I didn’t have to feel bad about saying something if someone was being too loud.

I think we all understood we wanted our living situation to be as comfortable as possible, so fixing small things was much easier than offending a friend by asking him to clean up his room.

I’ve heard the horror stories of random roommates, but so far I haven’t experienced that. As long as you respect the other person and their boundaries, it’s easy to get along and have a relatively positive experience.

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 will save a significant amount of money. 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: Snake a drain Change filter (A/C unit) Fill small holes in the wall Loosen and tighten door hinges Change ceiling fan Leaking washing machine Replace light switch Leaky faucet Scratched floorboards Minor toilet repairs Change a broken handle/ lever Unclog toilet Running toilet

Unclog garbage disposal Loosen a jammed window/door hinge Change door locks Install and replace smoke detector and CO2 alarm Loose showerhead/faucet Grout tiles Install new faucets Change light bulbs Clean out gutters Clean showerheads Stained bathtub/sinks Small dents in the wall Prepare water pipes for winter/cold weather

Wobbly tables and chairs Clean carpet stains Call someone: Broken toilet Large water leak Stove/oven issues Broken window Roof leaks, shingles, etc.

Large hole in the wall Clean the chimney Electrical issues Change a water heater Replace A/C unit Replace thermostat Replace garage door

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

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.

Photos courtesy of The Bloc

Sponsored Content 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 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.

Professionals share advice about budgeting for off-campus living Story by Akhila Reddy The Daily Toreador

As students make the transition from living in residence halls on campus to apartments and houses off campus, they must learn a wider array of budgeting skills.

Moving off campus brings significantly more complicated finances compared to living in the residence halls, Hunter Coday, a junior financial planning major from Royse City, said.

Coday is a financial coach at Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching.

One of the biggest challenges of moving off campus

comes from having to buy groceries, Coday said.

“Before I had the on-campus meal card and when you move off campus you have to manage how much money you’re spending on eating out and buying groceries and stuff and if you don’t keep that in mind you’re going to end up spending a lot more,” he said.

Cecilia Smith, a junior chemistry/English double major from Chicago, is beginning her second year living in St. Francis Village apartments, she said.

Managing meals and food was also her biggest challenge when moving off

campus, she said.

“I had to start planning out meals and thinking about how much everything cost and what I was actually going to eat and that definitely takes a little bit more time than you realize,” Smith said.

“And I just have to watch my account a lot more.

Sometimes I’ll go in and add up how much I spend on food every month and make sure I’m on top of everything.”

Ashley Arriaga, the community manager at Raiders Walk Apartments, said living off campus can be a cheaper option for students because they have more

flexibility in terms of paying for their meals.

“There’s certain things students have to pay for like the food voucher and stuff like that, and here (at Raiders Walk) you don’t have to do that,” she said.

Additionally, at Raiders Walk Apartments, students don’t have to pay for amenities such as parking, internet, cable and more, she said. Students do have to pay for utilities.

“It all depends on usage, so prices (of utilities) can range from $40 to $65 on the higher end but it just all depends on the students,” Arriaga said.

Utilities are one of the biggest costs students should watch out for, DeAndre Geels, a junior financial planning major from Sioux Center, Iowa, and Red to Black financial coach, said.

“One thing to make sure of is to look at your lease to see if it’s including utilities, kind of talk to people about average utility costs,” Geels said. “I lived in a house last year and I was actually very, very surprised at how expensive utilities were every month.”

Students can manage their utility bills by reducing their usage, he said.

“Be aware of turning

off lights, using less water, make sure you’re aware of electricity costs,” he said.

“It’s helpful with saving money.”

Smith said she wasn’t sure what to expect with utilities when she first moved into her apartment.

“It was weird at the beginning because I didn’t know how much (utilities) were going to be or what to expect, but it’s actually not that bad because you can set it up to where they can charge your account automatically,” Smith said.

Other costs to watch out for include parking costs, commuting costs and general expenses like cleaning and furnishing the apartment, she said.

She has been accumulating her apartment goods slowly over the years.

“Definitely for furniture check the thrift stores ’cause they have decent stuff that’s really cheap and there’s always constantly college kids getting rid of their old furniture so there’s new stuff all the time,” Smith said.

Students looking to manage their finances should come up with a spending plan, Geels said. They can do so using a number of apps or on paper with a budget planner.

If students have questions or need help with their plans, he said he recommends they visit Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching.

“A spending plan basically incorporates your income and it lists out each of your expenses, so you kind of tell your money where to go rather than just seeing it disappear and not really knowing where it’s going,” he said. “A spending plan can help you map out where every dollar is going, which is key.”

Signing 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 gover nmentissued photo ID • Proof of employment, pay stubs, bank statements or tax return • 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 • Renters insurance • Checkbook or money order to pay for deposits, first and last months 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

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ULofts offer living option close to campus

Photo courtesy of ULofts

Located across University Avenue from campus, ULofts Apartments offer a mix of convenient location and great amenities, including a beautiful pool, fitness center, movie theater and clubhouse with billiards and poker tables. 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

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-

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.

Attorney offers advice about signing lease

By Jeff Hays Attorney at Law Texas Tech Student Legal Services

Living off campus is part of the college experience. Here are some things to think about when considering your off-campus destination: Slow down. You may be excited about a new property, an outstanding model unit or your friends want you to sign immediately.

Take a deep breath before you sign a lease. Make an appointment with Student Legal Services for a lease review. We’ll go over the lease so you know what you are doing.

Lease contracts are almost impossible to cancel. A signed lease contract obligates you to thousands of dollars in payments. You

are expected to pay the entire lease amount even if you don’t have a guarantor.

Hays Talk to your parents about guaranteeing your lease before you sign.

Protect yourself. Take pictures and videos of your apartment’s condition before you move in. These pictures and videos help protect you from move-out charges.

Also, fill out the move-in inventory outlining the existing damage and return it within 24 hours so you don’t miss the deadline. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

Keep everything. Find a safe place to keep hard copies of every document

related to your lease. Also, all communication with the landlord must be in writing, e-mail, text or through the property’s online portal.

Deposit vs. fees. Knowing what you are paying for is important when you sign the lease. A fee is gone forever and will not be refunded.

A deposit can be refunded after you move out depending on the circumstances.

Be a good tenant.

Abide by all of the lease’s provisions and community rules. Correct your behavior when asked.

Visit www.depts.ttu. edu/sls/ for more information about living off campus and related legal issues.

Call (806) 742-3289 to set an appointment for your lease review before you sign that lease agreement.

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. 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 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 their own room. — The Etiquette Professionals • When your roommate requests some quiet time, give it to their. They 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 agree 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/campusroommate-etiquette-tips, Texas Tech University Student Housing, etiquette.about.com/od/RelationshipEtiquette/fl/12-Rules-ofRoommate-Etiquette.htm

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

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

SEPT. 27, 2018

11B

American Campus Communities provides numerous living options

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 maximum price to narrow your search. Toreador Housing

Sponsored Content 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).

GET YOUR NEWS ONLINE!

Visit www.dailytoreador.com and follow us on social media, @DailyToreador.

Map courtesy of American Campus Communities website

American Campus Communities operates seven apartment complexes near the Texas Tech campus.

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 each 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 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 • 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 available • 24-hour state-of-the-art

Sponsored Content 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.”

Pondering a pet?

Having a pet while in college seems to have more pros than cons. However, the downsides, such as the time and money necessary for successfully caring for a pet, often are overlooked.

In Lubbock, about 50 percent of animals acquired by local residents are given up Image courtesy of Duncan Stanley by their owners, according While pets can make wonderful companions, there are a number of to the City of Lubbock Animal important factors to consider before getting a pet while in college, Services website.

People dumping their especially while living in an apartment. pets at the end of the semespet policies ter or when they realize they • Consider how much time you have cannot take care of them is a significant issue • Understand the financial aspects of ownfor cities across the country, according to the ing a pet Humane Society website.

• Make sure you have space for a pet to use Before getting a new pet, here are a few the restroom and play things to consider: • See if the shelter/breeder will help with • Know the breed of dog: the costs of getting the pet’s shots and spayed/ • How big will it get? neutered • How long will the dog typically live?

• Think about who/where the pet will be • How much do they eat?

• How much physical activity do they need? with during vacations Having a pet is a long-term commitment, • Does your apartment have a weight limit with the average pet living about 12 years, for pets?

• Does your apartment have any breed Barbara White, a professor at Cal State Long Beach, said in a February 2016 blog posted restrictions?

• Know your apartment’s required pet in Dig Mag. But research shows that pets help relieve stress, anxiety and depression in deposits and fees • Double-check your lease for any specific college students.

Sources: www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets-housing-renter-tips.html; Humane Society recommended pet policies, www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2010/07/pets_at_college_072810.html; City of Lubbock Animal Services, digmagonline. com/blog/ask-the-expert/using-animals-to-improve-mental-health; Dig Mag

12B SEPT. 27, 2018

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM