Housing Guide Spring 2021 Thursday, March 4
Living safely on your own Page 2
Decorating on a student budget Page 10
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Students reflect on finding perfect plants for apartments, residence halls Story By Natalee Gomez The Daily Toreador Plants might seem difficult to take care of, but for a college lifestyle, there are many different ways students can incorporate them into their daily life. Alora Sutton, a sophomore undecided major from San Antonio, said her first plant was given to her by her roommate. She has tried in the past but recently decided she wanted to start collecting. “In the future, I possibly (want) different plants then the one I have now, something specifically for indoor because it’s easier that way with dorm and apartment living,” Sutton said. “It is just something I need to do more research on.” Sutton said her mom provided her with lots of information regarding the plant before getting one. Part of the reason she thinks there is a plant movement going on is due to health benefits and the fact that certain plants are known to remove toxins in
the air. “I would recommend other college students get plants,” Sutton said. “It definitely is a big responsibility. It might not seem like it, but it’s like a dog or a cat, you have to remember to water them, you have to remember to give it sun … things like that.” Getting a plant is a good way to start learning to take care of something harder such as an animal, she said. College students are at the age where they should learn how to have some responsibility, Sutton said and while an animal is harder, it is good to start with plants because if they stay alive that is a good sign that you are on the right track. Macy Everidge, a junior journalism major from Rankin, said her love for plants came from wanting to pick up an extra hobby and decorations for her residence hall. “It is a really good hobby to have to keep you busy throughout the day,”
Everidge said. “It just lifts your spirits when you come home and see plants everywhere.” Everidge and her roommate, K’Lee Pace, have 24 plants and counting. Some of their plants have come from propagating an existing plant in their residence hall, Everidge said. “Ever since COVID started we’ve noticed a lot more people getting plants. It’s hard to find gardening equipment now,” Pace, a junior pre-nursing major from Rankin, said. Pace and Everidge said they frequent Lowe’s and try to find cute plants all the time. Often, they have sales and it is easy to get amazing ones for a low cost, Pace said. All students should get plants, Everidge said. Mainly because they are cute, but also many of them are easy to take care of, she said. She said they are like little ice breakers when they had people come by. “I feel like it is a point of conversation also,” Pace
said. “Any time someone comes over to our dorm, the first thing they talk about is our plants.” Unlike Sutton, Everidge and Pace said keeping plants alive has come easy to them. Everidge said it
is possibly because she is a farm kid, but Pace and Sutton have similarities as both of them say their moms have green thumbs. Everidge also heard of an old wives’ tale that plants can absorb bad en-
ergy and stress, she said. The ones by their desk seem to thrive, so it could possibly be true. “If they can absorb stress, the ones by our desk definitely can sense it,” Pace said.
Meal prepping, cooking proven to be successful Column By Toluwani Osibamowo The Daily Toreador Most of your knowledge about food in college might come from whispered warnings about the Freshman 15, dining hall disasters and ramen noodles. While some of this cautionary advice is worth heeding, not every meal has to be a struggle meal for you to save money and be healthy. Here are a few reliable cooking, meal prep and grocery-shopping tips to learn so you can avoid calling home every week asking your mom how to cook … well, everything. To get an old adage out of the way: Stop eating
out all the time. While grabbing lunch from the Chick-fil-A on campus every day might be convenient, these $7 or $8 meals quickly can rack up your weekly expenses. These prices are even steeper when you order food for delivery on apps like Grubhub or DoorDash. Fees from delivery services can nearly double the original cost of your food. Try limiting outside meals to once a week, and when you do eat out, be conscious. When crafting a grocery list, start off with the basics from each food group: grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat (if you eat it). Snacks like
chips, candy and other junk food are always best in moderation. You might try to list your groceries by a recipe and go from there. This way, instead of buying random ingredients you don’t know how to incorporate into your meals, you’re only buying what you know you’ll use. Frozen foods are also cheap and convenient, especially if you live in a residence hall. Frozen fruit is great for smoothies, and you can microwave frozen vegetables to make a great side for any dish. The key to avoiding overspending at the store
is to have a budget. Having a set amount of money you can afford to spend on groceries each month will force you to shop smarter. To keep it simple, sit down every month and list your most common expenses (food, gas, rent, books, etc.) and how much you can afford monthly for each. There are plenty of great budgeting websites and apps like Mint that can help you track your spending. Another common tip is not to shop while hungry, as you might end up overspending and splurge on unhealthy foods. If you can, go shopping with your friends or roommates so they can keep you in check and split the bill on grocery items you all have in common. Also, figure out what your favorite off-brand foods are. Maybe the off-
brand version of your favorite cereal is a little too reminiscent of cardboard, but there’s a good chance the cheaper versions of other foods taste exactly like the name brand. Start your collection of cooking appliances with the things that suit your personal needs. For example, if you frequent Starbucks or other coffee shops, invest in a coffee machine or tea kettle. Most popular drink recipes are available online, so you can cut down on spending and make your drinks exactly to your liking. Other appliances worth investing in for an apartment are a toaster, blender, rice cooker, frying pan and saucepan. If you live with roommates, you all can pitch in to buy the more expensive appliances to share — just be sure to split the cleaning and maintenance
responsibilities equally. So you have the food, you have the tools — what can you cook? Build a good rotation of your favorite foods and perfect those recipes. Pasta, one-pot soups, sandwiches — start experimenting. Pinterest is a great place to find and keep recipes. If you hate spending a lot of time in the kitchen, save your cooking for the weekends, make your meals in bulk, then dish them out in containers to eat from throughout the week. Meal preparation doesn’t have to mean rubbery grilled chicken and asparagus for dinner every night. As college students, food is sometimes the last thing we want to worry about. Remember to follow these tips to stay prepared and have fun.
Apartment vs. House: What 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: • 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 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. • Amenities — Many apartment complexes offer an assortment of amenities, including on-site
gyms, pools and computer centers, attractive to 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). • 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 are in walking distance of campus and are serviced regularly by Citibus, allowing students to get to and from classes without having to worry about driving and parking vehicles. • Privacy — Apar tments generally cannot offer the privacy a house can. If a quieter home experience is a must, the
house option may be your best choice. • Maintenance — If your time is limited or your maintenance skills are nonexistent, an apartment is the choice for you. Most apartment complexes have maintenance personnel on site or on call, which can mean prompt attention. Maintenance in a house is not necessarily problematic but may take longer to schedule, depending on the property management process. • Lifestyle — Apartments typically are located in areas of convenience, with restaurants, entertainment and, in some cases, the campus itself in close proximity. Singlefamily housing, however, tends to be located closer to schools and shopping areas.
Source: https://www.apartmentsearch.com/resources/apartment-vs-house-which-should-i-rent
Preparing to move Find free boxes — Go to grocery stores or ask friends where they’ve had luck finding boxes. Pay it forward by passing your boxes along to others who might need them after you 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 — M a r k p a c k e d b oxe s to specify destination room Wrap & pack vertically
— In the kitchen, wrap and pack plates vertically so they’re less likely to break Wrap & pack breakables — Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap mirrors and pictures and secure with tape. Place in a box and fill empty spaces with crumpled paper. Use towels & sheets — Save money on packing materials by using your towels and sheets to help pack breakables Scrub it with soap — Use a bar of white soap to help fill small nail holes left in walls. Just rub the
hole with the bar of soap until filled. Take photos — Grab quick pictures of complicated electronics setups or anything you want to set up in the same way in your new place. Set a deadline — Unpacking can be a pain, but without a deadline it can be easy to keep procrastinating and never get all those boxes put away. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself though. Doing a little bit at a time will make the process a bit less painful.
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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 private bathroom. Enjoy blazing-fast Wi-Fi, large HD TVs, valet trash service and Amazon Echoes in every unit. 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; a large dog park; and private study rooms. We’re located just a few minutes from Tech on the campus bus route. Apartment 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 manor-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; and a free Starbucks coffee bar.
Be A Good Neighbor A dozen ways you can be a good neighbor: 1) Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Be sociable. 2) Be helpful. See a neighbor struggling to unload a heavy piece of furniture or having trouble carrying the groceries up the stairs? Offer to lend a hand. 3) 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). 4) Use common sense when it comes to playing loud music, TVs, etc. 5) Have realistic expectations about your neighbors. Know that sometimes they, too, might host a loud party or play the TV particularly loud. 6) Par ticipate in neighborhood/apar tment complex activities. 7) Be proactive about potential pet problems. I f yo u r d o g b a r k s at night, for example, talk to your neighbors and let them know you’re working on a solution. 8) Be direct with questions, concerns or problems that may occur. Address disputes in person and not in texts or social media. Be polite. Be respectful. 9) Pay attention when parking your vehicle (or when your guests are parking). No one likes a space hog who parks in two spaces when one will do. 10) Keep the area outside your area unobstructed and clean. If your dog leaves a deposit, be responsible and clean it up. 11) Abide by community/complex rules. 12) Offer to keep an eye on your neighbor’s place if they clue you in on plans to be out of town. Sources: Apartment Therapy, https://www.apartmenttherapy. com/good-new-neighbor-tipsetiquette-257611; The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/want-tobe-a-great-neighbor-heres-howto-start/2018/10/01/77939c08c0cd-11e8-90c9-23f963eea204_ story.html
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Living in an apartment, house poses security risks, concerns Story By Amanda Hampton The Daily Toreador When considering moving into an apartment or house, there are security considerations students should think about to ensure they remain safe while living on their own. Allison Matherly, Lubbock Police Department public information officer, said the first security measure people should consider is to make sure they feel comfortable in the area. “You want to pay attention to crime rates in areas,” Matherly said. “Know what kind of crime that they routinely deal with.” The LPD has a map on its website, which allows people to look up specific dates and see what types of crime have taken place in specific areas, Matherly said. The map consists of both person crimes and property crimes, Matherly said. Property crimes are more common and take place all over Lubbock, not in just one specific area. “Your chances of being the victim of a random violent crime are fairly low,” Matherly said. “You’re typically going to be looking at more of the property crimes.” Some of the most common property crimes are car breakins or stolen vehicles, Matherly said. Other property crimes include damage, vandalism, break-ins and burglary. There are simple ways to avoid property crimes, Matherly said. Students should lock their cars and keep valuable
items out of sight. Students also can reach out to people already living at the apartment comlpex or neighborhood they are looking at because they will be familiar with the types of crimes occurring there, Matherly said. “Whether that’s an apartment or a house, you want to know if at an apartment complex if cars are being stolen with some kind of regularity,” Matherly said. A security measure to check for when looking for an apartment is whether the apartment complex is gated, Matherly said. Students also should check for secure locks and deadbolts on the doors. “Make sure you’re locking your apartment, your house, your car, anything you don’t want someone to have access to,” Matherly said. “Don’t leave your keys in accessible places.” Matherly said some people like to leave keys hidden in front of their doors, which results in easy access for people to break in. Some people will go door to door looking for hidden keys to see if they can get inside. Students also should pay attention when driving to make sure they are not followed home, Matherly said. If someone thinks they are being followed, they should call the LPD and avoid driving directly to their house. The trash piled up outside can also be attractive to burglars, Matherly said. “If you get a brand new
TV, you have a giant TV box. That TV box can be a sign to someone that your residence would be a good one to break in to,” Matherly said. “Even if it’s tearing down a box and putting it in a garbage bag before you take it out just so people don’t see that high-dollar item or the packaging from it.” Lt. Amy Ivey of the Texas Tech Police Department, said students looking at apartments should ask what the complex does to ensure their residents’ safety and to see if they have on-site security personnel. One way some college students choose to ensure their safety is by using a Ring doorbell. Libbie Uttley, a junior early childhood education major from Paradise, said she and her roommates use a Ring doorbell to ensure they have some protection from crimes in their neighborhood. “We decided if anything was to ever get stolen off our front porch or someone was to break in or if our cars were broken into, we could potentially have the footage of that,” Uttley said. Owning a Ring doorbell allows her to check the house when a package is delivered, she said. She also can look at a safety report to see what crimes have taken place recently within a five-mile radius of her house. “I feel like we have a good idea of what’s going on in the neighborhood instead of just living in our little bubble,” Uttley said.
Making small spaces, apartments feel like home Column By Chyna Vargas The Daily Toreador A 13-feet by 15-feet space was the blank canvas I was given when coming to Texas Tech. I already was aware adjusting was needed, but I had to transform from having my entire house into a residence hall. It is doable and if any-
thing, has taught that minimalistic living is not such a bad idea. The key is to have your essentials and interior accents to make it homey. It needs to be said, but it is OK to underpack. You are going to go through a year of collecting free items from your
university. By not bringing your entire closet, you get a chance to essentially start over, which is the whole idea when you are leaving home. The excitement for college comes into full effect when you are the one to make the decisions on what to buy for your new home.
For example, you need to buy a mini kitchen. Relying only on oncampus dining is a mistake. I learned from my first semester that I am fully capable of making my own meals. When you accept that fact, you will be saying, “There is food at home.” Having just a minifridge and a microwave can save money and time in the long run. On days you do not want to leave your bed, you will be grateful you did the grocery shopping that week. Additionally, having foods stocked and having that full pantry helps with the idea that your room is your home. Having a few sets of dishes is not only environmentally smart but allows you to rely on yourself for a fork when the dining hall forgets. Your kitchenette may be a part of your home, but there is more to be done. After having sectioned off in your room, having a carpet or rug adds so much comfort. Having warmth beneath your feet instead of cold tiles adds to the idea that you are in a bigger space than you are. The rug can be a neutral color that you or your roommate agree on, so there is no color clashing. Ditch the color coordi-
nating theme. I am not saying to not match colors but don’t base your side of the room on what your roommate is doing or limit yourself to only whites and blacks. Have your personality show through the décor. My roommate and I technically do not have a theme. While our sides do not clash, there is a natural blend of colors. Pictures are plastered on our walls of not just people but quotes, and landscapes that are meaningful to us. Our interest goes beyond our sides of the wall. We have magnets on our mini-fridge, a whiteboard that welcomes us into the room with drawings we make on it, even notes of affirmations on sticky notes on our mirror. The room feels more than a place I just sleep in. As for bedding, make sure it is the comfiest it can be. Having a twin XL is a wake-up call that not everything in college is fun. While there is a mattress pad underneath my sheets (do not cheap out on these), getting comfortable on those beds is a task. I recommend bringing many blankets with your comforter and even those stuffed animals or plushes you thought you were too old for.
Not only do my stuffed animals add character to my plain bedspread, but they are also great for cuddling. Having your bed made makes a whole room feel clean or complete. Everything else centers around your bed. After all, it is probably the biggest piece of furniture in your room. Ultimately, the key to making a small space doable and likable is to organize. Manipulate the space you have. If you do not have much floor space, use the wall and hang up things. If you do not have much wall space, use the ceiling. It may sound crazy, but I have seen people transform the same rooms into different interiors. Purchase those bins, shelves and carts because they will help you now and later when organizing your stuff. The idea is to not let the clutter drown you. Once you have mastered where you put food, clothes and textbooks, you have created little rooms for your items, and your room is a house. The room naturally will come together if you want it to. As soon as you can organize your room, do it. The longer you wait to set up your space, it will never feel like your home.
Working with your Landlord Twelve tips on working well with your landlord: 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) Be truthful. Be honest. Be respectful. 3) Follow the neighborhood/complex rules. All of them. They apply to everyone. 4) 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? 5) Be reasonable and patient. Remember, you’re probably one of many residents with whom your landlord/property manager is working. 6) Treat the property as if it’s your own. 7 ) K e e p yo u r s p a c e clean. 8) Let the landlord/ property manager know immediately about maintenance problems. Some issues can get worse if left unchecked. 9) Don’t sneak in a 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. 10) 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. 11) Pay your rent on time — every time. If you find yourself unable to do so, don’t dodge the proper ty manager/landlord. Communicate with them about what’s going on and when you’ll be able to pay. 12) Leave your space in the same state as your found it, if not better. Clean the space thoroughly when moving out.
Sources: RentersWarehouse, https://renterswarehouse.com/education/things-landlords-wish-their-tenants-knew; Zillow, https:// www.zillow.com/blog/10-tips-in-communicating-with-your-landlord-52493/ and Money Crashers https://www.moneycrashers. com/tips-tenant-landlords-find-apartment/
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The Scarlet offers unique, affordable living options for students 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 access to an elite JIM fitness center featuring resistance equipment, free weights, state-of-the-art cardio machines, a spin room and free tanning, plus our full-service business center with HPs and free printing and private study rooms, residents can take care of what’s most important whenever their schedule calls for it. At The Scarlet, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club living. Our must-see amenities also include our signature JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with a variety of creamers and sugars to customize your cup, a Red Raiders War Room loaded with plush lounging furniture and ceiling-mounted TVs ready to catch every big game, and outdoor basketball and vol-
Sponsored Content leyball courts ready for any pick-up game. Residents love coming home to a stunning resort-style pool and hot tub. Our beautiful, fully furnished apartments come complete with full-sized kitchens, walk-in closets and their own private washers and dryers. As a resident of The Scarlet, you’ll be treated as a VIP with our guest services and vibrant social community that encourages you to live life the way you want. Each unique living space comes outfitted with a 50-inch flat-screen TV, hardwood-style flooring and private bedrooms and bathrooms. With one-, three- and 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.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. We are located at 2202 Mac Davis Lane and can be contacted at TheScarlet@clsliving.com or by phone at 806-747-2340. Contact us or stop by today to learn more. Hurry, limited spaces are available. www.livethescarlet.com
Photos courtesy of The Scarlet
The Scarlet offers many amenities including fully furnished living spaces featuring a variety of comfortable furniture, an in-house gym and coffee bar, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and watch TV. There are one-, three- and four- bedroom units available. To get more information, visit www.livethescarlet.com or call 806-747-2340.
Buying, renting present benefits for students living off campus Story By Javier Baca The Daily Toreador There are a lot of things to consider when finding a place to live off campus. Some undergraduate students will want to buy their residence and others may want to rent it. However, most students may not know what to look for when finding a place to live. Tiffany Murray, program director of Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching at Texas Tech, talked about the benefits of buying a house even if most students leave after four years. “Buying really depends on your financial situation,” Murray said. If a student buys a residence, the student who owns the house has the option of finding other roommates and charging them rent that can then be used to pay the mortgage, Murray said. Another option that comes with buying is being able to rent out the property after graduation, to current students who have an interest in the home, Murray said.
“There are pros and there are cons,” Murray said. “You also want to think about the upkeep, maintenance and fixing property that you may not be prepared for financially.” When it comes to renting and moving to a different complex every year, it really depends on the person and their comfort level, Murray said. If a student is not comfortable living in the current space or if they want to try something new, that is up to the student to decide the most comfortable and financially affordable. Jeff Hays, attorney for Student Legal Services, explained what students should look for in a lease when considering renting a residence. “Most leases will have a special provisions section,” Hays said. “That is where incentives are located, but all the promises need to be done in writing and every fee that you are going to be charged needs to be done in writing as well.” Hays said students need to make sure all the ques-
tions or concerns are answered within the lease before signing that way they can’t change move-in day or rent. “I love to do lease reviews for students, and that is free,” Hays said. “If they are confused or have any questions or just want me to go over it with them, I know where to look and it can be efficient, in and out within 15 minutes.” A student should make sure what they are agreeing upon is within the lease and look at the special provisions part of the lease, Hays said. The lease itself usually is not the issue when renting, Hays said. The issue can come from the people who are enforcing the rules on the property. There really is not any mischievous intent with the properties. Joseph Barrowman, a junior supply chain management major and peer coach for Red to Black from Schertz, gave his recommendation to students who are thinking about renting or buying a residence.
“In most situations you probably want to rent,” Barrowman said. “There is a lot of uncertainty with your future, and many students don’t know where they are going after college.”
Barrowman said that if a student is certain they are going to stay in Lubbock, they should consider buying a place to live, but that can become expensive with the down payment and
additional expenses from homeowner’s insurance. Though there are benefits to buying and renting as a student, all three sources agree that renting is the preferred option for a student.
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The Holly provides 30-acre community, most amenities in Lubbock Sponsored Content Home to the most amenities in Lubbock and the only beach in West Texas, The Holly is the hottest spot for Texas Tech students to call home. Our beautiful community stretches more than 30 acres with its own beach-entry lake stocked with almost 2,500 fish waiting to be caught by our outdoor-loving residents. Lakeside fun also includes our own floating island and a lighted jogging track perfect for twilight runs. Our residents can use our grills to host a barbecue under the stars at our community picnic area or swim laps at The Holly Swim Club made up of two large resort-style pools with lounges. And, if there is time in the day for more, residents can enjoy our outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts or take a pet for play time at our fenced-in pet park. The Holly also has a Citibus campus shuttle that picks students up every 15 minutes in front of The Holly clubhouse. Inside, our clubhouse is loaded with must-see amenities second to none. Designed by the renowned New York City interior designer Jon Call, every inch is beautiful and created to enhance the lifestyle of our residents. Along with our on-site
Photos courtesy of The Holly
The Holly features a number of amenities for its residents including a library, which is perfect for study sessions or group meetings. Each luxurious suite features beautiful furnishings in both the public areas and bedrooms. The beauty extends to the common spaces, such as the JIM Fitness Center and clubhouse, and the outdoors spaces. Residents also have access to a lake stocked with fish, a floating island and two resort-style swimming pools.
management offices, residents can enjoy our JIM 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-me-up is in order, residents can swing by our JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with all the finishes for the perfect cup before or after class. At The Holly, there are many social and study
lounge areas too. In the main clubhouse, residents can sit amongst the black, white and gold accents while cramming for a test or hit the books in our library overlooking the gorgeous Swim Club. For those needing a quiet spot or looking to host a group study session, two private conference rooms are also available. At The Holly, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club living. Whether you’re
sunning along the private beachfront lake, hosting friends in the library or enjoying a workout at the JIM fitness center, you’ll be able to nurture your creativity and live like an icon. As a member of the Campus Life and Style Autograph Collection, The Holly apartments are in a league of their own. Each fully furnished suite offers private bedrooms, private bathrooms and a full-sized kitchen. Enjoy
a private patio or balcony and take in the views right from home. We are happy to accommodate your unique living preferences and offer individual leases for each of our two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. When it’s time for class, our shuttle service to and from Texas Tech ensures you don’t have to settle when it comes to resortstyle living and an active student lifestyle. Our Guest Services team
is here to support your every need as a thriving student. Contact us today to secure your space. Hurry, spaces are filling up fast. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contacted at (806) 744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@clsliving.com. Visit our website at L i v e T h e H o l l y. c o m f o r more information.
Toreador Housing allows users to find best housing by criteria Sponsored Content Toreador Housing is a free resource available to help people in the Texas Tech community find the perfect place to live. Available through the website of The Daily Toreador, the student publication at Tech, Toreador Housing is an online tool 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 apartment 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 one-stop 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 infor-
mation, including additional photos, floor plans, amenities and contact information. Users also may choose to browse all participating apartment complexes without the use of the search function. “It can be difficult to know where to start when you first begin looking for an apartment, whether it’s your first time or you’re just ready for a change. Toreador Housing can help you narrow down what’s most important to you,” said Andrea Watson, sales, marketing & design manager for The Daily Toreador. “The site makes it really easy to compare the complexes you’re
interested in. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for an apartment.” Housing complexes currently profiled include The Bloc, University Trails, 25Twenty, The Ranch, Anatole at City View, University Pointe, The Village at Overton Park, Raiders Pass, Raiders Walk Apartments, U Club at Overton Park, The Holly, 21 Hundred at Overton Park, The Scarlet, and U Lofts Apartments. 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).
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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.
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Roommate communication integral to living situations
Story By Mallory Rosetta The Daily Toreador Whether it be over unwashed dishes or trash left out too long, roommate conflict is inevitable in any household. Jenna LaFreniere, a professor of communication and relationships in the Texas Tech College of Media and Communication, said no matter how close roommates are, there is going to be conflict. “So, I think part of this is just knowing that conflict is OK,” she said. “I always tell my students we’re kind of brought up to think that conflict is this bad thing, like it’s bad when it happens, it means something’s bad, and I don’t believe that.” LaFreniere defined conflict as expressing struggles between people with two different goals who are able to think about and communicate in a way that focuses on the different goals rather than getting swept up in the emotions. This helps to neutralize the conversation. Reframing what conflict is helps take the personal problems out of the argument, LaFreniere said.
Beyond that, roommates need to do a better job about clarifying their expectations with each other. “A lot of times, I think we’re upset because someone’s violated an expectation and it might not even be something we’ve ever told them, and then we’re sad because they somehow broke this expectation that we had,” she said. “And so, I think working to express those expectations and communicate about them better is kind of a good way to deal with problems.” When there is an issue, LaFreniere said it is OK to hit the pause button, suggest a break time and come back after cooling off. Even if it is only 15 or 20 minutes, it is good to go to separate rooms to gather thoughts, shake off some of the negative emotions and then return back to the conversation in a better headspace. The expectations roommates set when moving in together are crucial, and LaFreniere said it is important all parties feel heard and like their thoughts are being viewed.
“I think it’s really easy for people to, like, notice issues and then kind of bag them up, put them on the side,” she said. “But, you know, sometimes people do that, and then once they get into one big argument with somebody, they dump all of those frustrations and complaints out at one time and then that person is overwhelmed and they’re like, ‘I didn’t even know that you felt this way. Where is this coming from?’” Issues should be addressed head-on rather than hoping the person is going to get tired of fighting eventually, LaFreniere said. Meeting for coffee or taking some time together after a class and expressing the importance of the relationship can ease the discussion into the issue and how to work through it. “Because you value that person and you want to solve this, and then aim for collaboration or compromise to solve that issue so that one person doesn’t feel like they’re giving up everything to meet the others wishes,” she said.
Optimizing Storage in Small Spaces 1) Minimize items to bring to campus How much or how little every student brings to college is personal. However, there are small ways almost every student can try to reduce how much they bring to their new living space. - Switch out clothes seasonally. Leave the big coats and winter clothes at home until they are needed. - Bring clothes or products actually used. Consider leaving behind things rarely worn or used such as shoes, formal wear or bulky items. 2) Take advantage of or seek out built-in furniture - Residence halls are built with storage in mind and have built-in furniture or movable furniture items specifically designed for that space. - Student apartments are also a good option
because they often include furniture and storage basics. 3) Take advantage of vertical space However small the space, there is almost always a way to store up rather than out. Rather than having items take up floor space, storing things vertically can make the space look larger and less cluttered. - Vertical closet organizers, shelving units, wall hangers and hanging organizers all can help store things vertically. - Command hooks can reduce the risk of wall damage, but if students have to hang something in a space they are renting, small nails cause minimal damage and the holes usually can be covered up when moving out. 4) Use shelves on top of existing furniture - Shelves with drawers can hide clutter and help
Source: Daizy Duede, Texas Tech University Student Housing interior designer
maintain the aesthetic of the room. - Students also can place larger items such as TVs, gaming systems or other things they may want to display on top of shelving units to utilize vertical space and help with the functionality of the space. 5) Be creative with what is on hand - Jars, bottles, vases, or cups can be used to store small items and add some decoration to the space. - Find ways to recycle old items into DIY projects. - Search Instagram, Pinterest and retail websites for inspiration. 6) Display decor while storing it efficiently If students have items such as music equipment, art supplies, jewelry or books they want to display, they could incorporate them into the design of the room instead of hiding everything in drawers.
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Professionals discuss pros, cons of living on, off campus Story By Gabi Senato The Daily Toreador As the end of the school year quickly approaches, students must figure out where they want to live next year. There are many options for student living both on and off campus that can be beneficial for students. Deciding what residence hall a student may want to live in can be a tough choice. Texas Tech University Student Housing provides 20 resident halls, 19 of those allotted for undergraduate and honor students, according to Tech Housing’s website. At Tech, there are two main types of residence halls, according to Tech Housing’s website. One type is the traditional-style hall, with a communal bathroom on all floors and sharing the room with at least one person. The second type is the apartments and suites. The apartment and suite-style residence halls have private rooms and private bathrooms for each room. They also include a kitchen for cooking. Additionally, Tech has the Honors Hall for honor students, according to Tech Housing’s website. The Honors Hall is a pod-style residence hall with a communal bathroom and one private bathroom on each floor. According to Tech Housing’s website, on-campus living puts students within walking distance from everything on campus. Students can walk to class or take the bus. Bus routes run during
school hours for all students to make it easier and quicker to get to class. While living on campus is fun, it is also safe. According to Tech Housing’s website, all residence halls are locked, and students only can get into their specific hall using their student ID card. However, it should be noted that just because the residence halls are locked, it does not always keep out visitors. Students need to be mindful of the people they hold the door open for. “The police department will always tell the students; I know you want to be nice and hold the door open for people, just be mindful, especially behind a keyed area, and who you are letting into that area because they may or may not be a student,” Amy Ivey, Lt. at the Tech Police Department, said. Before COVID-19, community advisers or resident advisers would ask the Tech Police Department to speak to the residents in the residence halls about safety precautions, Ivey said. These safety meetings remind students always to check their surroundings and make sure they leave their room or residence hall doors closed and always locked. Additionally, Ivey said students looking for apartments should look at the crime map of Lubbock to see how much crime happens in areas they are looking at living. Like the residence halls, there is a variety of off-campus student living apart-
ments. Some of these apartment complexes are within walking distance of the Tech campus, according to Tech Housing’s website. “With the dorms, it can be a little closer, but for us at Park East, we have a bus that comes every five minutes. If you were to walk to class, we are a half-mile from campus,” Anthony Frazier, the marketing manager of Park East Living, said. There are other benefits to living off campus, Frazier said, like having a personal room and bathroom, and a kitchen. Some off-campus apartments, like Wildwood, have move-out dates for the summer, so a student could stay over the summer if they have a job or any other obligation in Lubbock, Jenea Houston, marketing manager of Wildwood Lubbock, said. “Wildwood has two police officers that live here, they are courtesy officers. One is in the front of the property, and the other in the back,” Houston said. “We take pride in that just because they are on-site, and the residence can get ahold of them after hours.” Safety is a big part of where a person lives, Houston said. Wildwood and other apartment complexes further out from campus do not get the noise or problems around campus, which is a big focal point. Students can examine these points and research more information to figure out the best living situation for them, whether that is on or off-campus.
Decorating apartments, residence halls on student budget Column By Mateo Rosiles The Daily Toreador When coming to college we lose the room and home that we have grown up in, and instead, trade it for either a dull residence hall room or student living apartment. This can make you dread coming home from a long day of class or work, but
there are ways to make an apartment or room feel cozy and inviting. Before giving you hacks to decorate your new home, I must preface that you should check with University Student Housing about what you can and can not do while decorating your door and what you are allowed to have
in your room. The same goes with apartments. See if you can have holes in the walls and if you can paint. Most may say yes but have certain requirements for you to do so such as painting the wall back to its original color or fixing the holes. First, decide on what aesthetic you are going for. If you
want a warm and inviting feel to your room, stick to your whites and cream color story. Personally, I love this color story because it makes a room feel clean and spacious and you can add gold accent pieces. However, if you like dark colors, then I might suggest a black and white color story. This classic combo can make any room high end and mature. Also, anyone can use this color story and add their favorite color as accent pieces. If you have having trouble figuring out what you want, then get some inspiration from Google or Pinterest. Now that you picked your color story or aesthetic, start looking for pieces that will fit. Personally, I love going to garage or estate sales for find vintage pieces. You get the pieces like crystal champagne glasses or silver tea sets really cheap, and they make a great conversation piece whenever you have friends
over after COVID-19. If you can’t find anything that you like, then try going into local businesses that sell antiques or vintage items. You will be pleasantly surprised by what they sell, and if they don’t have what you are looking for then they can recommend another store right down the street. If all else fails, then Amazon or Target might have what you are looking for. Next, warm up the place. Candles (not allowed in residence halls) can work wonders for a room. They can make the room feel as if it’s Thanksgiving Day or a nice warm spring day. If candles are not your thing, then there are wall plugins and other aromatic options to choose from. I might also suggest that you invest in an essential oil diffuser especially if you are in Lubbock during our dryer months. They are a great way to put moisture back into the air while also giving off a pleasant aroma and stop a
room from becoming stuffy. If you can, try rearranging your room furniture to fit your needs. Rearrange your room to make your desk look out a window, so you can have natural light while studying or face it against a wall if you get distracted too easily. Lastly, don’t forget you walls. Dedicate a wall to pictures of you and your friends or add some artwork to elevate your room. Be bold and paint an accent wall. Paint will transform a room and can be the thing that you need to pull a room together. Ultimately, have fun and be bold. Make your room an extension of you and your personality. Don’t be afraid to try out an aesthetic and change it in the middle of the year. We learned from quarantine how much our rooms and apartments matter when we have to stay home. So turn it into a retreat to get away from life, school and work.
Renters insurance offers coverage for personal belongings, liability Story By Hannah Isom The Daily Toreador As students prepare to sign new leases or move off campus for the first time, it can be important to explore the benefits and importance of renters insurance. Jeff Hays, attorney for students within Student Legal Services at Texas Tech, said renters insurance should be required at both on and off-campus living entities because it protects the student’s items in the case of a disaster, such as a flood or fire. When considering all the items a student may have, it is beneficial to have insurance, and it is usually under $20, Hays said. “It’s too cheap not too have,” Hays said. Doing online research and discussing the matter with parents or guardians is the best way to figure out which insurance is best for an individual, Hays said. Additionally, he recommends going through a third-party insurance company. When a student goes through the insurance company provided by the
apartment complex, as most off-campus student living requires renters insurance, Hays said sometimes it only covers liability, not a student’s belongings. The insurance through the complex is usually around $14 a month and is typically added on to rent each month, Hays said, which could be more convenient, but it is important to make sure what it covers. “Basically, the landlord wants you to insure them,” Hays said. In his experience, when it is student caused damage, Hays said when the student has insurance the damage has been paid for along with their items. Most commonly, Hays said when students come to see him regarding tenant and landlord issues it is damage caused by busted pipes or cars getting broken into. If an individual does not have renters insurance, the items within their car are not covered either. “If they break a window on your car, the auto insurance company will pay for the window,” Hays
said, “but they won’t pay for the backpack that was stolen.” Tiffany Murray, program director of Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching, said she recommends doing research before settling on an insurance company. Additionally, she recommended Allstate, State Farm, Geico and Progressive as a starting point for students researching renters insurance options. “Be sure to research every company,” Murray said. Bundling is also an option if the student has the opportunity available, Murray said. If parents are willing to bundle their auto insurance with renters insurance, it could come out cheaper. Joseph Barrowman, a Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching consultant and junior supply chain management major from Schertz, said it is important to get renters insurance for the same reason an individual gets any type of insurance. “It insures you against uncertainty,” Barrowman said.
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Park East offers comfortable, convenient living
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 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 the Aquatheater.
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 it-
self in offering a relaxing home environment where students can unwind from the day-to-day college experience. The community is a private complex comprised of fully furnished and beautifully styled two- and four-bedroom homes. The interiors are extremely thoughtful and designed to be both spacious and practical, with abundant natural and
artificial lighting. On top of this, the common areas, and most amenities, are available 24 hours, and our highly accessible and friendly management staff is always eager to assist you with anything you may need. Everyone has their personal favorites, but a residence at Park East offers quite a few high-end perks. 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 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 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? We’ll be giving away $500 to one big winner
next week, so follow us @LiveATParkEastTX on Instagram and D M us your name, phone number and email along with the words “$500 Giveaway” to be entered. In the meantime, call 806-500-2555 or email info@parkeastliving.com to schedule your tour or info session today and find out why our residents love Park East so much.
Diligence, patience needed while apartment shopping
Story By Bao Pham The Daily Toreador Renting always has been an issue for students who wish to have more freedom outside of the campus residence halls. A lot of factors come into play when it is time to choose a new place to live: pricing, facilities, amenities are some of the various things to keep in mind when choosing a residence. This means that there could be issues, both visible and hidden, that students need to keep an eye on before signing the contract. Tiffany Murray, program director at Texas Tech’s Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching, said students should take note of several important points before signing the contract. “I think the first thing is to ensure that it is a contract, not just something on a piece of paper or something that doesn’t look professional,” Murray said. “That would be helpful to ensure that you will get into a good situation.” Reading through the documentation will take time, but making sure the document is valid and clear is very important. Murray said as long as the documents are proper and students get receipts for any financial resources they need, it should not be a concern. “Your good feeling may be the first thing to consider. If it looks shady or sketchy, definitely rethink about it,” Murray said. “If they ask you for a ton of cash up front before even signing on, that is something sketchy that you might need to think about. A lot of apartments ask for your credit score to determine your ability to pay the rent, so if they don’t ask for that, that might provide a bit of concern. If they don’t give you the quality time that you need to feel confident about your choice, that might not be the best situation for you.” Living in an apartment complex is a popular choice for many people. However, the apartment may be dam-
aged over time due to previous tenants, similarly in the residence halls. Murray said if this occurs, students should contact the complex for them to fix the issue instead of trying to fix it themselves. “The complex management should take care of the issue, unless it is not included in the documentation,” Murray said. “It depends on what type of rental situation you are in, because if it is not an apartment complex, then maybe there is a potential that you need to pay for certain things that need to be fixed.” Jared Harrell, a professor at Rawls College of Business Administration, said that there are things students should notice of before deciding to rent a property in addition to the lease. “First it’s about the property,” Harrell said. “Is it a wellkept, well-managed property? Does it appear to be something that the landlord takes pride in, and wants the tenants to take pride in? Next would be the landlord themselves — is it a large corporate entity that you can do research on? Do they have a track record? Or is it an individual that you can search the judgment records for? You may find a lot of lawsuits just with a simple Google search.” There are a lot of landlords who run criminal background checks on their tenants, and there is nothing that says tenants cannot do the same, Harrell said. The name of a trustworthy industry or organization on the form could significantly increase credibility, Harrell said. It is important to check if the lease is a formal form and is not a quick contract made by the landlord, and students should look into who the form preparer is, Harrell said. “There are a lot of industries or organizations that will provide certain types of forms to landowners, brokers and the like as part of their
membership,” Harrell said. “An example would be the Texas Apartment Association or the Texas Real Estate Commission, which provides forms that will suffice as a lease agreement. Ninety percent of the lease contracts out there will be one kind of those forms.” This does not mean that these forms cannot be changed, but having an indicator like this will make it a safer choice for students to consider most of the time, Harrell said. In addition, a one-page document for a lease could be a bad sign that the lease is not in the student’s favor. “A standard lease agreement would be about eight pages long. If the lease is very short and provided by the landlord, there is a good chance that the document will be strongly in their favor, or it will lack detail and certainty, which would turn out bad if interpreted,” Harrell said. “Those are big red flags for tenants without even reading the lease itself.” It is very important that students remember to read their lease before signing it and make sure the basic information like name and locations are correctly written down. The amount of rent, usually monthly, and the term of the lease agreement should be included in the lease, Harrell said. A security deposit also should be listed, stating how much it will be, and how much additional money will be required for facilities and services. “Insurance is an important provision, but it gets overlooked a lot in residential leases,” Harrell said. “I recommend all tenants carry renters insurance. You also need to know what insurance the landlord is carrying.” Any bolded or underlined points in the lease should be read carefully before signing. Harrell said these points are important, and they need to be highlighted to assure clear understanding from the tenants.
“Make sure all of them are provided, make informal calls to your landlord to request,” Harrell said. “If it doesn’t give any result, put it into writing. An email or a letter documenting the situation, preferably a picture, is one thing, the other is to show your effort in trying to inform the landlord of the situation, to trigger their duty and fix the problem.” Regarding this, Giang Trinh, a Tech graduate with five years of experience in renting, said it is a major concern if the landlord does not
respond to a request after the tenant has contacted them for a few days. “There are times when they will not immediately respond to your request, so give them some time to sort it out,” Trinh said. “If after three days and they are still not responding, call or text them again with evidence of the damage.” It is not the tenant’s duty to fix the unwanted issues at their apartment, Trinh said. Generally, the contract will note the landlord as the decision-maker in how to resolve the problem.
Neglecting declining conditions upon a tenant’s request is a violation of the lease and could hold the landlord liable. Trinh said if the landlord ignores their duty, students should seek help from lawyers or the police to help resolve the problem. In case of any violations of the lease or unwanted situations, students are advised to talk to Student Legal Services on campus. Tenants should never keep silent about the situation and accept losing money to live in bad conditions.
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