021020 Housing Guide

SPRING 2020 HOUSING GUIDE A PRODUCT OF THE DAILY TOREADOR

Buying vs. renting

Working well with your landlord

Page 2

Page 14

2B FEB. 10, 2020

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

American Campus Communities offers several 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, afterhours on-call 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.

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully equipped kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appli-

• Recreation center with billiards • Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Two pools with hot tubs, sun decks • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court

Sponsored Content ances • 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.

• 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.

Map courtesy of American Campus Communities website

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

• Fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops • 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)

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 with limited access • Bike storage

U Club at Overton Park Four-bedroom townhomes with unique, threestory floor plans.

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Extra half-bath for

University Trails One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Walk-in closets available • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center

• 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, PCs and free printing) • Recreation center • 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.

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully furnished • Fully equipped kitchens • Private balconies • State-of-the-art fitness center

University Pointe A gated community offering two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Penthouse apartments available • Walk-in closets available • Fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, 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.

PICK YOUR PARK

Urbanovsky Park, pictured above, is a popular location for on-campus students to go for a walk, run, picnic and more. If you’re looking for a new park after having moved off campus, Tech Terrace Park and Pioneer Park both provide AUDREY KERR/The Daily Toreador close options for students living off campus but still near the university.

Buying, renting house options for students living off campus Story by Emma Sipple The Daily Toreador

When preparing for the next school year, students can consider renting a house or owning a house to live in.

Pierce Williams, a junior sports management major from Dallas, said his father had the idea to buy a house in Lubbock.

“When I’m off for Christmas and the summer, he uses the house as an Airbnb,” he said. “I’d say it was easier (than renting) because we

have total control over it so it’s easier to pay the bills.”

In most cases, the parent will buy the house and have their child and their friends live there, Colin Calderon, a junior personal financial planning major and financial advocate for Red to Black from New Braunfels, said.

“Typically, when someone does buy a home, they’ll take out a mortgage for that home if they don’t plan to sell it very soon,” Calderon said. “However, that would be held responsible to the

parents as their child would just pay rent, and any other friends that live there would pay rent and also sign a contract with the homeowner.”

It is generally easier for students to rent a house rather than to buy one, he said.

“When you buy a home, there are a bunch of backend costs associated with it, such as appraisals and inspection fees. That’s for owning a home,” Calderon said. “Then closing costs, it’s usually like 2 to 5 per-

cent of the actual mortgage value. All of those payments will be made by whoever purchases, which might be reflected in the rent.

“For a student who might not have too much too many assets to their name and is focusing a lot on school and perhaps work, it’s definitely easier to rent.”

There are different ways to structure a home for tax purposes, how soon one can sell it and how to write off monetary value to any assets added to the house once it

has been purchased, he said.

Mortgages also have to be factored into the process of buying a home, Calderon said.

“Typically, mortgages only come in two packages,” he said. “There’s a 30-year mortgage in where you pay a principal on the amount owed for the mortgage. And as you make payments on that, the remaining balance generates interest over time. And 30 years is popular because people live in their home for that long.”

He said parents see their kids grow up in the house during those 30 years and they typically pay off the house before retirement.

“There’s also a 15-year fixed mortgage, which incurs a lower interest rate, and an overall lower amount paid for the home compared to the 30 years,” Calderon said. “But since you’re paying that higher rate, less money can go to other things, say like paying for tuition, or putting it into savings.”

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

3B

4B FEB. 10, 2020

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

ULofts features modern amenities, quick access to campus Sponsored Content Photos courtesy of ULofts

ULofts offer spacious one- and twobedroom floor plans. ULofts is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy their personal space. Each apartment 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 the 24-hour fitness center or hang out by one of the 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. The professional 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 the 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.

Joinour team

WE ARE

HIRING

Apply online today at www.DailyToreador.com

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

FEB. 10, 2020

5B

Students discuss owning pets while in college Story By Mallory Rosetta The Daily Toreador

When people think of owning a pet in college, they often think of what it will be like to have a four-legged companion to snuggle with at night.

However, they may not consider just how much time and money really goes into owning a pet.

Kaitlyn Shivers, a junior animal science and psychology major from Frisco, said she got two dogs within a month of each other halfway through her sophomore year. She wanted to wait until she was out of the residence halls and adjusted to living by herself.

“My first was a birthday present that I rescued at the Dallas Animal Shelter and the second was too cute not to have. I got my second dog from a girl that I knew that was fostering him,” she said.

“His mother had been killed when he was only 3 weeks old, so a Wisconsinbased shelter adopted him and had someone foster him until he could be shipped there. I ended up finding out about him only a couple days before he was supposed to be shipped and jumped on adopting him.”

Shivers has been surrounded by dogs her entire life, but said her favorite was a German shepherd named Ranger. After having to put him down the December of her sophomore year, she said she was depressed and lonely at the thought of not having a dog around. However, she said her girlfriend surprised her by taking her to the shelter on her birthday to get a new dog of her own.

Although her dogs are crazy and hectic, Shivers said they help a lot with de-stressing and relaxing, mostly with their cuddles and company.

“It’s a huge adjustment of caring for yourself to adding two babies that depend on you for everything,” she said. “It is hard having dogs in college but if you learn how to add them to your balanced life, they can be more than worth it.”

Shivers said she likes

to make sure her dogs stay active. She usually takes them to a dog park every weekend, even if only for an hour or two, so that they can get out all of their energy. Going to the dog park helps wear the dogs out so they do not run through the house.

Shivers lives in Dallas and drives home at least once a month, she said, so she bought a car seat cover for them that makes traveling easy.

“They both do well in the car, so it does not ever bother me bringing them back,” she said.

Caitlin Hureau, a sophomore from Dallas on the pre-nursing track, said she got her dog from the animal shelter in Lubbock during her second semester of college. She has had her for a little over a year.

When it comes to money, Hureau said it is not hard taking care of her dog because she adopted the dog with her roommate, making it easier to budget for food and other essentials because they share the expenses.

However, it gets harder to manage a pet when finals come around, Hureau said. “(Balancing) grades and a social life and taking care of a pet … gets very hectic in the end of the semester,” she said.

However, if you feel like you can find that joy in other aspects of your life, don’t go get a pet.

ANSLEIGH BRISTER SOPHOMORE

As far as exercise goes, Hureau said both she and her roommate take the dog on walks around their apartment complex. Sometimes they take her to the park so they can let her off the leash and run around.

A n s l e i g h B r i s t e r, a sophomore personal financial planning major and a financial advocate

for Red to Black, said she understands having a pet in college because students are on their own for the first time, so they get to decide whether they can have a pet rather than their parents.

However, she said she feels she would not be able to properly take care of that animal because she does not have the time.

“I’m fairly involved within my major and I also have classes, so I feel that unless it was it was a therapeutic animal, I wouldn’t be able to give it the proper care it needs to feel loved and a part of a home,” she said.

When a student takes adopting a pet into consideration, they do not always consider exactly how much it will cost, Brister said. If one is trying to budget to save money, having a pet in college can be an unnecessary expense.

Both unexpected and regular veterinary costs vary depending on the pet, but still can add up, as can other expenses like food and things like when pets tear up furniture or other items around an apartment, she said. Not only are monetary expenses a cause for concern, but time expenses also can take a toll on students when owning a pet.

“You need to care for that animal, properly train them, and doing those sorts of things can take up time that could be spent doing something more important while you’re in college like studying or doing homework,” Brister said. “If you have the time to delegate time to both studying and for pets, then good on you.”

Ultimately, having a pet in college is all based on one’s mindset, Brister said.

“Sure, pets can be expensive and high-maintenance, but if you feel like having that companion, especially in college when things are constantly changing, outweigh the cost of maintaining that animal, go get yourself a pet,” she said. “However, if you feel like you can find that joy in other aspects of your life, don’t go get a pet.”

Create decorations with Student Activities Board Story By Trey McHazlett The Daily Toreador

The Student Activity Board hosts multiple events a year where students can create decorations for free to help improve their living space.

“The main objective of the Student Activities Board is to enrich the student life,” Noah Reyes, coordinator of SAB and junior biology major from San Antonio, said. “Obviously a lot of us are on bud-

gets. So just bringing simple or free events to the students on campus lets them know that not everything is as expensive.”

The Student Activities Board will host a Reediculous Aromas event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb.12, in the Student Union Building Courtyard. During the event, students can create a reed diffuser to make sure the their rooms smell nice.

Reed diffusers will be

available to the first 200 students with a valid ID. The Etch the Sketch event will allow students to create their own etched glassware.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 10 in the SUB Courtyard.

The SAB also will host an Arbor Day event during which students can come plant their own jellyfish plant, Reyes said.

This event will start at 11 a.m. on Arbor Day, April 24.

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 — basic level Change filter (A/C unit) Fill holes in the wall Loose/tight door hinges Change ceiling fan Leaky washing machine Dent in the wall Replace light switch Leaky sink Scratched floorboards Minor toilet repairs

Unclog toilet Change a broken lever/ handle Running toilet Unclog the garbage disposal Loosen a jammed window/ door hinge Change door locks Replace fire alarms and CO2 alarms

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 Heating/AC issues

If you want to save some money, invest in some WD40 and duct tape. You’ll be amazed.

Audrey Kerr/The Daily Toreador

So you’ve considered the pros and cons and decided it’s time to get a new pet. Drop by the Lubbock Animal Shelter Adoption Center, 3323 Southeast Loop 289, during the month of February to find your match — maybe one like the puppy pictured above. In observance of Valentine’s Day, anyone wearing red or pink clothing or clothes featuring a heart design or the word “love” when visiting the shelter will have adoption fees waived, according to the center’s Facebook page. The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information about adoptions through the LAS, visit https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/animal-services.

Should I get a pet?

Students on their own for the first time often decide to get a pet.

While pets provide companionship and can provide a mental health boost, they also come with their own challenges.

First of all, pets can be expensive. Food, toys, grooming supplies and veterinary care can be a major hit to the typical college student’s budget, according to the article “Should Students Have Pets? The Pros and Cons of Owning Animals in College” on the Community for Accredited Online Schools website.

First-year costs for a cat can be close to $1,200, while costs to care for a medium-sized dog can

be closer to $1,800, according to the article. That means caring for a cat with an average lifespan of 16 years could cost more than $13,000 over its lifetime.

There’s also a significant time commitment, according to the article. To be healthy an animal requires attention, exercise and play time regardless of the student’s other time demands. Pets also tend to limit where students can live and may interfere with last-minute plans.

These are some of the questions that should be considered prior to adopting a furry friend, according to the article: • Are you allowed to have a pet

where you live? Do you have enough space?

• Can you afford to care for a pet?

• Do you have enough time to care for a pet?

• Have you considered how a pet would fit into your living situation with current or future roommates?

• Who will care for your pet on holiday breaks, long weekends or during the summer?

• What type of animal would fit best in your situation?

• Are you prepared for years of commitment to a pet?

For more resources on prospective pet ownership visit https:// www.accreditedschoolsonline. org/resources/pets-in-college/.

6B FEB. 10, 2020

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

University Student Housing provides quickest access to classes Sponsored Content Living on campus will be one of your most memorable college experiences. You will develop life-long friendships and many fond memories of your time living in the residence halls. University Student Housing strives to make your time living on campus fun, enjoyable and convenient so you can concentrate on school.

University Student Housing works to make sure the residence halls stay clean, comfortable and a place that is easy to call home. Residence Life staff members are available 24/7 to assist you.

Programs and activities are planned in each hall throughout the year. There are opportunities to get involved in student organizations like the Residence Halls Association, Social Justice Committee and much more. All of the residence halls have free WiFi throughout the buildings.

Residents also have free basic

Photos courtesy of University Student Housing The Honors Hall, located close to the Rawls College of Business, has many ammenities including a Starbucks inside of it. With residence halls located across campus, picking a room that fits your needs and schedule never has been easier.

Residence hall options range from single rooms to double- and triple-roommate options. Students who live on campus have higher GPAs than students who live off campus, and Learning Communities are available to all students.

cable plus Showtime. Limitless laundry rooms make it easy to do laundry without the hassle of coins.

Living on campus makes going to school much easier.

Research shows that students who live on campus have higher GPAs than those who

live off campus. Residents on campus have access to free tutoring in the residence halls.

Study areas in the halls make it easy to form study groups.

Visit housing.ttu.edu for a complete list of subjects, times and locations.

Learning Communities

are a great way to get more involved in your field of study or interest. University Student Housing offers a variety of Learning Communities for special interests and studies.

As a student living in a Learning Community, you have vast opportunities for growth and

networking in your field of study or interest. Visit housing.ttu.edu/learningcommunities for a complete list of the Learning Communities offered.

Now is a great time to sign up to live on campus for 20202021. And great news: There

will be no rate increase for 2020-2021. Still have some questions? Come to the University Student Housing Welcome Center and take a tour today. Take a look at the pictures online at housing.ttu. edu and sign up to live on campus for 2020-2021.

Roommates should set boundaries to avoid conflicts Story By Maria Barrera The Daily Toreador

Boundaries need to be set and voiced when living with roommates. The sooner boundaries are set, the less conflict there will be in one’s new space and the more enjoyable your time will be in your new home.

The process of finding and moving into an apartment can be stressful, as can living with friends or others in a new space.

Knowing what boundaries need to be set and establishing them early on with new roommates is a crucial part of living in a new apartment or living space and having a good experience for the year.

Miriam Hernandez, the leasing manager at The Holly apartments, said the lease agreement tenants sign at the property includes sections regarding cleanliness, sharing common areas with roommates, and quiet hours that let tenants know what they are getting into and what expectations there are for respect among those living together.

“Really, put down what you’re looking for in a roommate characteristicwise, if you’re OK with living with pets,” she said. “Just really look out for those things ahead of time versus having it become an issue later on because it avoids issues

in the future.”

She said she has noticed most problems can be resolved privately between roommates, but The Holly offers mediation sessions with management present to help resolve an issue, and come to a resolution in case of boundaries being broken.

Everyone’s boundaries can be different, and that is why it is recommended to voice any concerns and wishes clearly and early when living with new people.

Frank Balaszi, an experience team member at The Republic at Lubbock townhome complex, said being open and honest about likes and dislikes is

key to getting along in the home. He recommended new roommates set up common household rules and boundaries amongst each other and discuss who will use what storage spaces in the house. “ We d o r o o m m a t e matching to make it easier to fill a unit without any to no conflict,” Balaszi said. “But if they do start having problems and if it gets out of hand, our managers will do their best to find a different unit to place them in.”

The most common boundary issues Balaszi said he has experienced when dealing with tenants at the property are roommates having minor conflicts with one

another.

Another conflict Balaszi said he sees is a roommate bringing an animal that the other roommate doesn’t like.

The steps Dawson Madlena, a sophomore business major from Dallas, has taken to set boundaries for himself and his roommates are scheduling things and putting rules in place.

“That includes like, you know, having a list for dishes, making a rule for when the trash gets full take it out and replace the bag,” Madlena said. “We have a group chat set up to where if someone has a complaint or they want to go to bed and we’re being too loud,

they can just put it in the group chat and we’ll shut it down.”

Setting the boundaries someone prefers right away is a tip Madlena gives to those who will be moving into a household in the future.

“One thing we really could’ve done when we first started living together is set guidelines and rules for when we first moved into the house, because I felt like as we started living here and we started to try to implement rules later, it wasn’t as effective as it could’ve been if we did it initially,” Madlena said, regarding his experience living with three other roommates since the fall.

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

FEB. 10, 2020

7B

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 over 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 designed to enhance the lifestyle of our residents.

Along with our on-site management offices, residents can enjoy our JIM

Photos courtesy of The Holly

The Holly features a number of amenities including a beach-entry lake stocked with approximately 2,500 fish, along with a lakeside lighted jogging track and floating island. Additionally, The Holly has outdoor and sand volleyball courts, a fenced-in pet park, a fitness center, a coffee bar and more.

Fitness Center complete with an array of equipment, free weights, stateof-the-art cardio machine and free tanning to give you a sun-kissed glow all year long. If a pick-meup 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, resi-

dents 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 balco-

ny 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 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 Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contact at (806) 744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@clsliving.com.

Visit our website at LiveTheHolly.com for more information.

Pros, cons of choosing to live with roommates Story by Isaac Ortega The Daily Toreador

When one lives with a roommate, conflicts and miscommunication could arise if he or she is not careful.

If a person is looking for a roommate or currently living with one, there may be different factors they need to consider to improve their interactions with the other.

D’aun Green, senior associate managing director, said she helps students living on campus.

“Having a roommate is a rite of passage for college,” Green said. “It works for a lot of people and doesn’t for some.”

If someone has a good relationship with their roommate, Green said it can change their overall experience at college.

It is better to live with someone than to live alone, Green said. Doing so could show someone how to share, compromise and communicate with others. This also would teach someone how to deal with conflicts.

Having a roommate gives one a friend to do things with, someone to talk to and someone to exchange resources with.

“There’s comfort in having someone to go do stuff

with, you know, go to the games with or go to events with,” Green said.

Students do not get many opportunities to interact with people if they live alone, Green said.

“Now, there are some people that come into this world and they are better off living by themselves if it doesn’t work with the other person,” she said.

People can struggle if they have lived a certain way at home and now are living with someone who acts differently.

Everyone has their own rules and everyone was raised differently.

TANAKA CHIMBANE RED TO BLACK

“You’re going to grow as an individual if you have the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone,” Green said.

Ta n a k a C h i m b a n e , Red to Black intern and second-year personal financial planning doctoral student from Zimbabwe, said having cheaper rent is one benefit of living with people. If one shares a room with several oth-

ers, the rent is usually lower than living with one or two people.

Buying groceries is easier when one lives with roommates, Chimbane said. It also is cheaper to travel and do activities together as a group rather than alone.

One downside is drama arising between roommates.

“Everyone has their own rules and everyone was raised differently,” Chimbane said.

It can be overwhelming at first living with a lot of people and trying to find comfort in differences, she said. A remedy could be to room with people from the same culture or similar values.

One benefit of having roommates is being able to network and make different connections, Chimbane said. She has made some of her best friends who started off as roommates.

Axel Alvarez, a freshman computer science major from Palmview, said he is in his first year living with a roommate.

Alvarez said he would like to be in an apartment next year with multiple roommates as it would help financially because the bills will be split among multiple people.

Tips on being a good neighbor Here are some common tips to follow to ensure you get along with your neighbors:

4) Have realistic expectations about your neighbors. Know that sometimes they, too, might host a loud party or play the TV particularly loud.

8) Pay attention when parking your vehicle. No one likes a space hog who parks in two spaces when one will do.

1) Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Be sociable.

5) Participate in neighborhood/apartment complex activities.

9) Keep the area outside your apartment unobstructed and clean.

2) Give your neighbors advance notice of special events you might be planning (a potentially loud party or a study group that might require additional parking).

6) Be proactive about potential pet problems. If your dog barks at night, for example, talk to your neighbors and let them know you’re working on a solution.

10) Offer to keep an eye on your neighbor’s place if they clue you in on plans to be out of town.

7) Be direct with questions, concerns or problems that may occur. Address disputes in person and not in texts or social media.

Sources: Apartment Therapy https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/good-newneighbor-tips-etiquette-257611

3) Use common sense when it comes to playing loud music, TVs, etc.

8B FEB. 10, 2020

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

9B

10B

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

The Scarlet provides 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-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 full-service business center with HPs and free printing and private study rooms, resi-

dents 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 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 flatscreen TV, hardwood-style flooring and private bedrooms and bathrooms.

With one-, three- and fourbedroom floor plans available, individual leases and our roommate matching service, we are happy to accommodate your unique living preferences. Plus, our pet-friendly living, all-inclusive 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 today to learn more. Hurry, limited spaces are available. www.livethescarlet.com

Photos courtesy of The Scarlet

The Scarlet offers many amenities including a Red Raiders War Room packed with lounging chairs and mounted televisions, an in-house gym and fully furnished living spaces. There are one-, three- and four- bedroom units currently available. To get more information, visit www.livethescarlet.com or call 806-747-2340.

Toreador Housing allows users to find best housing by criteria Sponsored Content 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 his/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 onestop source for updated information on Lubbock’s rental market.

Search results provide addresses, prices and types of rental units available, as well as a detailed map that denotes locations in relation to 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 Hous-

ing 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 Toreador Housing include The Scarlet, U Lofts Apartments, The Ranch, Raiders Pass, University Pointe, U Club at Overton Park, 21 Hundred at Overton Park, The Holly, Anatole at City View, The Village at Overton Park, Raiders Walk Apartments, University Trails, and 25Twenty.

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).

Image courtesy of housing.dailytoreador.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.

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

IT’S TIME TO VOTE! Be sure to cast a vote for your Lubbock favorites in this year’s Raiders’ Choice.

Scan here to vote!

RAIDERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2020

11B

12B

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

Park East offers comfortable, convenient living style Sponsored Content What’s the best way to describe life at Park East in one word? Perfect. But if we had to use another word, it would be one of these: 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 twoand 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. It 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 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 ping-pong, 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 thing was so hard?

Stop by and visit us during our Open House any time from Tuesday, Feb. 11, through Friday, Feb. 14, from noon to 6 p.m. There will be free food and beverages and we’ll be giving away $20 gift cards to all new tours. We’ll

also give away $500 to one big winner every day during our Open House. Entries carry over, so the earlier you stop by, the better your chances to win.

Call 806-500-2555 or email info@parkeastliving.com to schedule your tour today and find out 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 table tennis, air hockey or pool. You also can enjoy a movie night at our unique Aquatheater.

Budgeting tools provide help in on-, off-campus decisions

By ISAAC ORTEGA Staff Writer

Whether one is living on or off campus, budgeting is a skill students may need to know.

Vickie Hampton, chair of the Texas Tech Personal Financial Planning Department, said budgeting is a spending plan.

Budgeting helps people use the money they have in the way they want to use it, Hampton said. Budgeting helps people see the resources they have while also helping them meet their financial goals.

When living on campus, there is a unified tuition and meal expense, fewer travel expenses and less financial responsibility, which helps students to not have to budget as much, Hampton said. When budgeting off campus, more responsibility is needed.

There is a greater number of smaller expenses, such as gas used to get to campus, cable, electricity, water and internet, Hampton said. It’s smart for a student to find an apartment that best suites their needs financially to

help them budget better.

“You can’t just do away with things you like, but think about what it is you really want to do with your money and let that guide you,” Hampton said.

One should keep track of their budget, then adjust, and eventually habits will be made, Hampton said. When anything in a student’s life changes, like getting a new car, moving or getting a new job, it’s a great time to budget.

“Successful budgeting is unique to everyone. For some people budgeting apps make it more fun,” Hampton said.

Colin Calderon, a junior personal financial planning major from New Braunfels and Red to Black financial planning advocate, said the biggest thing with living on campus is that Tech structures it nicely so a student pays for their meal plan, living and other amenities through Student Business Services.

In other words, a student does not have to section out all their expenses through the school individually, Calderon said. This pay structure helps freshmen and

sophomores handle their expenses in one big chunk.

When a student is living off campus, their rent becomes totally different, Calderon said. Other factors that play into the overall cost of living are maybe gas for a vehicle, any other charges people incur, food, utilities and entertainment.

“There are very different cultures compared to freshman year and say, my junior year,” Calderon said.

Moving out gives people a sense of freedom, Calderon said. Along with this, people also have roommates to influence them to spend.

“It’s important to really focus on what you do throughout your day-to-day life,” Calderon said.

It’s good for someone to track their spending habits, Calderon said. Students can use budgeting tools, apps or self goals.

“I’m only going to go to Starbucks X amount of days of the week,” Calderon said.

Joshua Benjamin, a senior business management major from Austin, said he has been budgeting since high school.

Benjamin’s father is an accountant and taught him to use budgeting as a tool, he said. He now uses Excel to track all of his expenses.

Excel helps him to punch in revenues and shows him his projected expenses.

The school’s pay system is simple to use and helps him track his expenses

around his tuition dues, Benjamin said.

“It makes it easier in my opinion, instead of having a bunch of numbers, but it can also be overwhelming to see one big number,” Benjamin said.

Living off campus comes with more responsibility, but Benjamin said he likes to

have more independent expenses, as it helps him stay in control, he said. Budgeting has become an important aspect of his life.

“Find a fun system that works for you and plan ahead,” Benjamin said. “Always under-plan rather than over estimate and you will remain ahead.”

Things to consider when choosing friends as roommates Column By Max Hengst The Daily Toreador As Texas Tech students have experienced what life is like away from home after their first year in college, now they need to decide their living arrangements next year.

When deciding where they want to live, some students may room with the person they lived with the previous year, but others will start looking for new roommates. Two options students have is to room with friends or randomly get assigned roommates if they decide not to get a one-bedroom apartment/ dorm room.

One mistake some stu-

dents make when making living arrangements is rooming with their best friends.

While it sounds like a good idea, sometimes it can ruin a friendship. In my four years at Tech, I have heard multiple stories of best friends moving in with each other and splitting apart because of a pet peeve or disrespectful habit one of the two had, causing frustration and conflict. Just because someone is a good friend does not always mean he or she will be a good roommate.

In other cases, living with someone you know is not necessarily a bad idea.

Living with a friend and knowing you already have a relationship with your

roommate can be comforting.

With someone you know, it is easier to communicate and plan out who is bringing essentials such as kitchenware and furniture.

While many students want to have the perfect roommate to spend the academic year with, they may not think about the specific qualities they should embrace to be a quality roommate themselves.

One of the most important traits of being a good roommate is simply just being a respectful person.

I like to think about it like living with a parent. If you would not be loud and blaring music at midnight when you know your parents have

work in the morning, do not do the same when you know your roommate has to be up early. Being respectful and aware of your roommate’s schedule is one easy way to be a good roommate.

Another way to be a favorable roommate is to be clean. One of the complaints I hear the most from my colleagues is that they are frustrated with their roommates who refuse to clean up after themselves. For me, when I cook or do anything that leaves a mess I typically clean up after myself immediately. When you deal with your mess immediately, it cancels out the chance of you saying “I will get to it later” and leaving it for your

roommate to deal with.

Along with being considerate of noise and cleaning up after yourself, another trait of being a quality roommate is to respect other’s space. Over the years, I have heard about people’s roommates taking things out of their rooms without asking. This kind of falls under being a respectful roommate, but it is honestly one of the easiest complaints to fix. Simply ask your roommate when you need to borrow something. More than likely, he or she would not mind if you borrowed something as long as you ask for permission.

These are just three of the biggest issues regard-

some renters. Others, however, may not need these amenities (they plan to take advantage of the on-campus Rec Center or campus technology, for example).

students to get to and from classes without having to worry about driving and parking their vehicles.

limited and your maintenance skills are non-existent, an apartment is the choice for you. Most apartment complexes have maintenance personnel on site or on call, which can mean immediate attention. Maintenance in a house is not necessarily problematic but may take longer to schedule, depending on the property management process.

ing roommate conflicts in my time as a student.

Other small things — taking out the trash when needed, asking if your roommate is OK with people coming over, and not annoying your roommate — are other things that could help make you an exceptional roommate.

College rooming is something that, in most cases, lasts an academic year, so make sure you find a roommate who has a similar personality and schedule.

I also recommend that if there is something bugging you with your roommate, try to communicate and resolve the problem before it escalates.

Apartment vs. House: Things to consider Thinking of moving off campus but unsure as to whether you want to try apartment living or living in a house?

Here are a few things to consider, according to an article published on apartmentsearch.com:

won’t have the expense of watering and caring for a yard. However, if you need a larger space and your budget allows, you might be better off in a house. A rented house with a fenced-in yard is a must for some pet owners.

• Cost — Go with an apartment if your budget is tight. Sure, your square footage may be smaller, but your utility bills likely will be as well. Also, you

• Amenities — Many apartment complexes offer an assortment of amenities, including on-site gyms, pools and computer centers, that are attractive to

• Transportation — If you’re in need of public transportation to and from the Texas Tech campus, apartments might be the best choice. Many of the complexes near campus are serviced regularly by Citibus, allowing

• Privacy — Apartments generally cannot offer the privacy that a house can. If a quieter home experience is a must, the house option may be the best choice.

• Maintenance — If your time is

• Lifestyle — Apartments typically are located in areas of convenience, with restaurants, entertainment and, in some cases, the campus itself in close proximity. Single-family housing, however, tends to be located closer to schools and shopping areas.

Source: https://www.apartmentsearch.com/resources/apartment-vshouse-which-should-i-rent

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

13B

14B

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

Professionals stress importance of having renters insurance Story by Adán Rubio The Daily Toreador

Renters insurance is a form of protection that some people may disregard; however, this insurance could be impactful in multiple ways.

Renters insurance covers replacement costs for one’s personal belongings that were destroyed, damaged or stolen, according to the Policy Genius website.

These policies cover items typically affected by 16 events, which include certain weather events, utility malfunctions and crime.

Rob Tuckfield, a junior personal financial planning major from Austin and financial advocate for Texas Tech Red to Black, said renters insurance focuses more on one’s personal property.

“Renters insurance covers all the stuff in your house, everything that you own,” he said. “It covers it including when you’re not in your house.”

A landlord’s homeowner policy does not cover an individual’s personal

property, Tuckfield said.

The homeowner policy only covers the structure and property, unlike renters insurance.

“Usually, people don’t realize it covers as much as it does rather than thinking it covers something and it doesn’t,” he said regarding renters insurance. “You have to check the policies when you get it.”

Most policies cover everything except floods and earthquakes, Tuckfield said.

Regardless, it is rare for a person to not want to get renters insurance.

Policies cost around $12 to $15 a month, Tuckfield said. Before making any decisions on which policy to get, a student needs to consider how their personal property is valued.

“You need to know what your deductible is,” he said regarding other considerations. “Because you can get a cheaper policy if you have a higher deductible. But then that higher deductible means you’re responsible for more of the stuff before

the insurance kicks in.”

Talking to an agent to make sure what is covered in an apartment and knowing the deductible, premium and limits of certain renters insurance policies are the first few steps Tuckfield said people should take.

Sean Duggan, managing director for Tech University Student Housing, said one can fall back on renters insurance during unfortunate, last-minute situations.

“You just never know what could happen,” he said. “That’s kind of what insurance does. Getting you some protection or a safety net in case something unforeseen happens.”

It is not expensive to cover one’s belongings, Duggan said. Since Housing is not responsible for a student’s belongings, renters insurance is beneficial for most students.

“That’s where the renters insurance comes into play,” he said.

Connor Reed, a junior information technology major

RENTERS INSURANCE Is it worth it?

Renters insurance provides renters financial reimbursement to cover lost or damaged items from a fire, theft or natural disaster.

COvers: • personal belongings lost or ruined in the case of theft, fire, flooding, etc.

• The house or apartment itself in case of damage • liability

Graphic by Tyler Arnold / Source: iii.org

from Houston, said he lives in a student apartment near campus and has renters insurance. He did not originally have renters insurance until he heard stories about people’s houses getting broken into and items being broken.

Regarding getting rent-

ers insurance, Reed said he uses the Lemonade mobile app, which is an app dedicated to helping people manage insurance coverage.

“You can actually get a lot of coverage for your stuff,” he said. “I had that for about a year now.”

With all the resources

available, Reed said getting renters insurance is important.

“As a college student, money is already tight enough as it is. If you get your stuff gets stolen, it will be a long road ahead of you to get that back,” he said.

“It’s a big deal.”

Choosing on-, off-campus housing prompts security considerations Story By Emma Sipple The Daily Toreador

In addition to figuring out roommates, if and where one will live off campus, rent, food and all the other responsibilities of housing, prioritizing safety should be included when planning for next year.

“When we picked The Avenue, we looked at the location,” Elizabeth Buell, a sophomore biology major from New Braunfels, said. “We looked at the distance from campus, and the distance from

other things like the WalMart. And we made sure it wasn’t in a sort of sketchy area.”

Checking crime in the area is an important part in apartment security, Gloria Quinton, marketing and sales representative for Firetrol Protection Systems, said.

When looking for an apartment, she said to make sure to look for a good security system to protect access inside the complex like fingerprintactivated entrances or card access.

“Make sure there is

access control to get in and if there are any workout areas or public study areas where you may be at night,” Quinton said. “It ensures whoever gets in or out has clearance and are on paper. You have to have a lease to be in the system. If not, then perfect strangers and potentially harmful people can get in.”

Paying attention to one’s surroundings is important in both personal and apartment safety, she said.

“Always be aware of

lighting and cameras around the complex,” Quinton said. “Be sure to park by cameras and in well-lit areas. Be sure that where you live has access control and security.”

Buell and her roommate always make sure to have their doors locked, she said.

“We also always lock the doors. Even if we’re in the room, we always make sure to lock the doors,” she said. “The Avenue is good about keeping the lights on all the time. They also apparently have security

officers roaming around, too.”

Like the security officers at various complexes, Lt. Amy Ivey and officers at the Texas Tech Police Department work to keep students safe on campus, she said.

“Our officers patrol campus 24/7,” Ivey said. “We also patrol the dorms and make sure students are safe.

We work hand-in-hand with the (community advisers) and (resident advisers). We also give talks about alcohol and drug safety, dorm safety

and active shooter safety to students.”

Being aware of one’s surroundings is important, she said.

“Be sure to shut and lock the door whenever you leave the room,” Ivey said. “Don’t prop the door open even if you’re going to get a package downstairs. If there is a knock on the door, look through the peephole to make sure you know who it is. If you don’t feel safe (and you’re on campus) call us so we can come and check things out.”

What do I need?

When you move into a new place, there are some things you need to pack or keep easily accessible. Here are a few items to make sure you take with you as you move: Bathroom: Plunger Towels Toilet paper Toiletries Hand soap Shower rod Shower curtain Bathroom cleaning supplies Bedroom: Blanket Extra set of sheets Pillows Mirror Iron/ironing board Hangers Kitchen: Bowls Plates Utensils Cups/glasses Measuring cups, spoons Pot holders/oven mitt Can opener

Microwave Toaster Hand mixer Coffee maker Dish towels Pots/pans Paper towels Dish soap, dishwasher detergent Foil, plastic wrap, zipper bags Ice trays (for homes without icemakers) Cleaning: Broom Mop Disinfectant wipes Vacuum and vacuum bags Cleaning supplies Trash cans Trash bags Miscellaneous: Tape Command Strips Extension cord

Power strip Chargers Extra wall plugs Lightbulbs Basic tool kit: Hammer, screwdriver, nails, tape measure Bandages Anti-bacterial ointment, spray Pain reliever First aid kit HDMI cable Smoke detector Batteries (9V for smoke detectors) Stepstool Sewing kit Umbrella Fire extinguisher Flashlight Air freshener Pen/paper Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, etc.

Tips on working well with a landlord Moving into a new house or apartment requires a good relationship between you and your landlord. Here are a few tips to make sure you maintain that relationship throughout your lease:

1) Read the lease before you sign it. Make sure you understand what you’re about to sign and ask any questions you might have before you do so.

2) Know how and when to contact your property manager/landlord regarding questions or needed repairs. Do they want to be texted? Receive emails? Called? During what hours?

3) Be reasonable and patient. Remember, you’re probably one of many residents with whom your landlord/property manager is working.

4) Treat the property as if it’s your own. That is, take good care of the space you’re paying to live in.

5) Keep your space clean.

6) Let the landlord/property manager know immediately about maintenance problems.

These sorts of issues can get worse if left unchecked.

7) Don’t sneak in a new pet. Get permission in writing and pay any required deposits/fees and pet rent in the event you decide to add a furry family member.

8) Buy renters insurance. Most lease agreements require the purchase of such insurance; even if it’s not required, you should have this sort of coverage.

9) Pay your rent on time — every time. If you find yourself unable to do so, don’t dodge the property manager/landlord. Communicate with them about what’s going on and when you’ll be able to pay.

10) Leave your space in the same state as you found it, if not better. Clean the space thoroughly when moving out.

Sources: Zillow, https://www.zillow.com/blog/10-tips-in-communicating-with-your-landlord-52493/ and Money Crashers https://www.moneycrashers.com/tips-tenant-landlords-findapartment/

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

FEB. 10, 2020

15B

The Bloc features rooftop lounge, designer furnishings Sponsored Content The Bloc is the premier student housing property in the Overton District for Texas Tech students.

Choose between a townhome or a manor flat; threeand four-bedroom apartment homes are available.

Regardless of which style you choose you’ll enjoy a fully furnished private bedroom and bathroom.

Enjoy blazing-fast Wi-Fi, large HD TVs, valet trash service and Amazon Echoes in every unit and utilities are included.

Our community amenities include Lubbock’s only rooftop lounge; a resort-style pool waterfall and barbecue areas with three covered grills; a large social pavilion space; a technology center with free printing, four Macs and four PCs; a Starbucks coffee bar; a 24-hour fitness center; large dog park; and private study rooms. We’re located just a few minutes from Tech on the campus bus route.

Amenities include premium designer-furnished bedrooms and living rooms; bedroom ceiling fans; premium cable TV (included); loft beds with pillow-top mattresses and storage space; fully furnished stainless-steel appliance packages; and washers and dryers.

Technology at The Bloc includes 1 GB wired and wireless service throughout the

property; electronic key access; video intercom with iOS- and Android-compatible apps; front entrance touch screens; and an on-demand fitness center.

The Bloc also offers individual liability leasing, allinclusive rental packages and roommate matching.

For more details or to apply now, visit http://livethebloc. com/about-us.

Photos courtesy of The Bloc

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 just east of campus, The Bloc is the preferred living choice for Texas Tech students. 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; and a free Starbucks coffee bar.

Roommate etiquette Want to be a good roommate? Follow these bits of common sense from the January 2019 Apartmentguide article “Roommate Etiquette 101,” and you’ll be well on your way: • Pay your full portion of the rent/utilities on time.

Always.

• Never assume you can just borrow something that

isn’t yours. Ask for permission, then return or replace it as soon as possible.

• Buy your own food and beverages. Even if your roommate buys the same thing, avoid sharing.

• Don’t throw a party unless every roommate is OK with it. Get permission and be considerate. Don’t be too loud or go so long as to dis-

rupt your roommate’s sleep/ studying. Clean up after your guests. (And don’t forget to invite your roommate.)

• Your “significant other” is not another roommate and never should be in your apartment alone. He/she should not stay too often or too long.

He/she is not paying rent.

• Share common chores equally and do them well

when it’s your turn. Clean up after yourself.

• Be aware of your volume (and the volume of your TV, music, etc.).

• Keep the bathroom — countertop, toilet and shower drain — clean (even if it’s not shared). No one likes a smelly bathroom.

• Everyone’s safety is your concern. Be sure to close and

lock all windows and doors when you’re leaving. Don’t leave the apartment open because you’re “going to be right back.”

• If you get sick, avoid your roommates. Stay in your room and away from common areas. Wipe down or spray surfaces you touch with antibacterial wipes or spray.

“Follow the Golden Room-

mate Rule — do unto your roommate as you would have your roommate do unto you,” the article states. “How would you want to be treated? Do that to your roommate and they will show you the same consideration in return.”

Source: https://w w w. apartmentguide.com/blog/ roommate-etiquette-101/

16B

FEB. 10, 2020

HOUSING GUIDE

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM