Fall 2021 Housing Guide by The Daily Toreador

Fall 2021 Housing Guide

Designing for any space, big or small Page 4

Examining benefits of renters insurance Page 2

What to know about emotional support animals, pets Page 11

Graphic by Téa Mcgilvray

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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, after-hours oncall staffs, individual leases and roommate matching. As the exclusive Off-Campus Student Housing Partner of Tech Athletics, ACC offers students the perfect environment to support academic and personal success. An overview of each of ACC’s housing options follows: 21Hundred at Overton Park Two-, four- and five-bedroom apartments located in the center of the Overton Park community. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully equipped kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances • Private balconies available

Sponsored Content • 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. • Fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops • Walk-in closets available

Map courtesy of American Campus Communities website

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

• Covered patios • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Lap-style pool with hot tub and deck • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) U Club at Overton Park Four-bedroom townhomes with unique, threestory floor plans. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Extra half-bath for guests

• Walk-in closets • Fully equipped kitchens • Covered patios • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Gated community with limited access • Bike storage 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 • Recreation center with billiards • Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Two pools with hot tubs, sun decks • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court University Pointe A gated community offering two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. • 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 • 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.

Renters insurance protects residence, belongings in case of damages Story by Khloe Scott The Daily Toreador

Renters insurance is a topic that comes up when students move to a dorm, apartment or house. Some might think it is not needed, but it could end

up saving money. Renters insurance is required by most apartment complexes and strongly encouraged when renting a house or living in a residence hall. “It’s just too cheap not to have,” said attorney Jeff

Hays in the Tech Student Legal Services office. Renters insurance does not come into play often, but when it does it can be helpful. “It covers contents in your apartment such as the bed, TV and sofas from theft or damages,” Farmers Insurance agent Beau Sutton said. For Boston Creek Apartments, renters must sign a contract stating they have renters insurance with a minimum of $10,000 for liability. “Most people bundle their renter’s insurance with an insurance policy they already have,” said Vanessa Garcia, a leasing agent for Boston Creek. “A typical coverage plan covers $100,000 liability and $25,000 for renters insurance,” Sutton said. “The liability covers things like

your dog biting someone and renters insurance covers the contents of your home and the loss of use. Insurance policies last 12 months and come into play the most because of break-ins.” Most college students rent an apartment or a house with two to three other students, but only the policyholder is covered. People living together are not covered under

one policy unless they are the spouse or child of the policyholder, Sutton said. “While there are many different policies to choose from, buying local is the most convenient option. You don’t want to have to pick up the phone and call an 800 number,” Sutton said. There are many insurance agencies in the Lubbock area. Garcia said one of the most

popular plans used at her complex is Lemonade. Sutton said he is biased toward Farmers Insurance, and Hays said Tech partners with gradguard.com. If living in a residence hall or renting a house and trying to decide if the insurance is necessary, do an inventory of the contents inside the residence and decide if it is feasible to replace those contents. “Sometimes claiming something on your insurance isn’t worth it because your deductible is close to the price of the item,” Hays said. Renters insurance has many perks, but some people are not sure why apartment complexes require policies. “The owners want to make sure that in case of building mishaps, they will be paid to fix it,” Sutton said.

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Designing comfortable space doesn’t have to be complicated Story by Kaitlyn Salazar The Daily Toreador

When someone lives on their own for the first time, there are many new responsibilities they take on, both big and small. Interior design is one of those new responsibilities. Most people affiliate interior design with the idea of decorating, and while they may be extremely similar, they have their differences. Ashley Rose Marino, a program manager for Texas Tech’s RISE organization, described the distinction between the two. “Interior design is much more scientific and precise than decorating,” she said. “Interior design includes training in things like how different materials wear, how different kinds of lighting are better or required for different kinds of spaces,

etc. Decorating is much more focused only on aesthetics whereas interior design is more focused on the science behind the materials you use, the science behind the psychology of spaces, and incorporates a lot of training to make sure that everything is up to local and state codes.” Marino described decorating as the fun part interior designers get to do at the end. College students can use these skills to make their dorm room or apartment cater to their personality, making it feel a little more like home. Interior designing and decorating also play a part in affecting mental health. “One of the main things that is impactful for mental health, specifically regarding interiors, is access to

Citywide Recycling locations available Living off campus and interested in cost-free recycling? The City of Lubbock operates four recycling centers open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, according to the city’s solid waste management website: • Southside — 1631 84th St. • Northside — 208 Municipal Drive • South Milwaukee — 7308 Milwaukee Ave. • North Quaker — 4307 Adrian St. Acceptable recyclables include plastics (Types 1, 2; clear, color, opaque only); tin; aluminum; newspaper; computer paper; and cardboard. Items should be rinsed out, if applicable, and sorted. Cardboard boxes should be broken down. Satellite locations, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: • United Supermarkets at 2630 Parkway Drive and 8010 Frankford Ave. • United Market Streets at 4425 19th St. and 3405 50th St. • LP&L McCullough Substation, 2901 Elgin Ave. Acceptable at satellite locations are plastics (Types 1, 2; clear, color, opaque only); tin; aluminum; newspaper; and computer paper. Rinse, if applicable, and sort. Source: ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/solid-waste-management/recyclingsolutions/recycling-locations

natural light and access to greenery,” Marino said. “There’s a lot of research in different areas, mostly in education settings, that suggest that incorporating these two into spaces has a positive healthcare effect on mental health.” To incorporate greenery into living space, many invest in artificial plants to add a sense of life. The greenery does not necessarily need to be inside the building, Marino said, but could be trees or grass outside a window. When it comes to lighting, natural light allows light, warmth and beauty in the living space, according to an article by American Window Productions. “They make us feel less confined, even in a small room,” the article states. “A window is like a small por-

tal to the outside world that allows light, air, sound and beauty to pass through.” Some students even make the decision to hang fairy lights in their rooms. Dorm lighting sometimes is not enough, so additional lights allow rooms to feel more like home. Sydney Smith, a freshman from Dallas, said she and her roommate take part in this trend. “My roommate and I like the fairy lights because they are a warmer color than the bright white dorm lights,” she said. There is one problem, however. As college students, money can be tight. Stevie Bradbury, a freshman interior design major from Saginaw, said she managed to do it all while on a budget. “I’m a big Facebook Mar-

Make your space feel bigger Make the most of your small space with these tips from Apartments.com: • Declutter & organize every room • Add small furniture pieces with built-in storage • Use folding table, chairs for entertaining • Avoid big area rugs and heavy draperies • Hang lots of mirrors • Add containers for under-bed storage • Utilize hooks, over-the-door racks • Keep kitchen counters clutter-free • Use bottles, baskets & bins (kitchen & bath) Source:www.apartments.com/blog/five-tricks-to-make-your-small-space-feel-bigger

ketplace-er,” she said. “I love Facebook Marketplace; I think it’s not necessary to buy so many name brands. I also DIY a lot of my stuff just so that I stay in my budget. I’ve revamped a chair before, and I painted a big Guns Up mural for my dorm room using an old Taco Bell canvas.”

Marino said students can stay within their budgets. “Personally, I have done a lot of DIY projects,” she said. “Personalization is definitely something that college students can do on a budget to make their space feel much more like a home.”

Keep track of finances by preparing budget Story by Erin DiGiacamo The Daily Toreador

Budgeting helps young adults learn money-management skills and is a life skill that can carry through adulthood. Students who have not planned for an unexpected situation regarding their money should, Olamide Olajide, a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the School of Financial Planning and a financial coach with Red to Black, a peer-to-peer financial coaching program, said. “When it comes to budget, you first need to know what your income is, what you probably earned in the last year or the last month and what you expect to earn in the next period as well. So, your income is very important,” Olajide said. Some college students

may not have jobs but may have an allowance or another income such as financial aid that could be used for budgeting. Jennifer Wilson, the assistant director and lecturer for the personal finance program, said these forms of income may not seem as necessary or as big, but they are forms of income. “Some college students, they may not be working or maybe they have some form of allowance or they have some additional funds coming in that doesn’t really seem like an employment income,” Wilson said. “However, you can still classify that all as income and then just kind of getting used to what that looks like, but then also getting in the habit now of seeing where your money is going.” Different ways for students to manage their money

include spreadsheets, apps or the old-fashioned way with pencil and paper. “I just use an app and then like I kind of like cover the four walls of, like, housing, food, clothing, transportation, unexpected, expected expenses and then sometimes if I’m planning an expense, like, say, I’m going to buy like a laptop, I plan that at a time in the month and I use app for that,” Andrew George, a fourth-year finance major from Forney, said. George said he follows financial planner Dave Ramsey’s money principles. That is how he learned about the app that he uses — EveryDollar. Students can research different apps to determine which one is best for their lifestyle. Depending on a student’s bank provider, companies

may have a budgeting system through their app, Wilson said. Tech has on-campus resources to help with budgeting and other financial needs. One resource is Red to Black, which offers one-on-one sessions along with presentations students can learn from. “Campus resources such as the Texas Tech Red to Black peer financial coaching program can set up an appointment with them, and they can work with you on kind of identifying how to create that budget,” Wilson said. “If you have time in your schedule you can take a personal finance course, and we have a current course called PFI 2301 Personal Financial Literacy, and that will get you through the whole thing of it. You’ll become financially literate once in one semester.”

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The Scarlet reimagines student living, focuses on amenities 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 access to an elite JIM fitness center featuring resistance equipment, free weights, state-ofthe-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 ceil-

Photos courtesy of The Scarlet

Located a block away from campus, The Scarlet features fully furnished apartments with full-sized kitchens, hardwood-style flooring, 50-inch flat-screen TVs and private washers and dryers. The property also features the Red Raiders War Room, a space perfect for watching a game with friends. Residents also can enjoy the beautiful and comfortable lobby, a coffee bar and shuttle service to campus. Prospective community members can choose from one-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans.

ing-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.

Our beautiful, fully furnished apartments come complete with full-sized kitchens, walk-in closets and their own private washers and dryers. As a resident of The Scarlet, you’ll be treated as a VIP with our

guest services and vibrant social community that encourages you to live life the way you want. Each unique living space comes outfitted with a 50-inch flat-screen TV, hardwood-style flooring and private bedrooms and

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

to succeed. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 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.

Parents Association Housing Fair provides chance for students to explore potential living arrangements for future semesters Story by Mateo Rosiles The Daily Toreador

The Texas Tech Parents Association is partnering with The Daily Toreador to host the 2021 Housing Fair on Friday, Oct. 22, as a part of the university’s Family Weekend activities. Joyce Zachman, chief executive officer of TTPA, said the organization invites off-campus housing complexes to showcase their properties to parents and students for the 2022-2023 academic year. “It’s just an opportunity where families can go from apartment communities to apartment community in

one room and just visit with them,” Zachman said. “And then if they want to make an appointment to go and see them, maybe the next day.” The reason for hosting the fair s o e a r l y, Zachman said, is due to various housing deadlines. In addition, many properties begin offering pre-leasing specials in November, said Andrea Watson, sales, marketing and design manager

for Toreador Media. The housing fair is designed to help alleviate some pressure and anxiety, Zachman said, for students when deciding where to live. “ W e also invite Housing and Hospitality to attend this housing fair,” Zachman said. “We also invite Student Legal Services to come, so that students and their families can talk with Student Legal Services, in order

to get a better sense of what does this lease look like and what does it mean.” This year’s housing fair will feature the following complexes and resources, according to The Daily Toreador’s Advertising Department: • American Campus • Park East • Raiders Walk • Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching • Texas Tech Student Legal Services • Texas Tech University Student Housing • The Carlton House • The Holly • The One

• The Scarlet • ULofts Students and parents do not need to be registered for Family Weekend events to attend the housing fair, Watson said. “We hope this event will be a great resource for any student who wants to get in-person information about what various properties have to offer for their residents,” she said. TTPA not only hosts the housing fair, Zachman said, but also provides resources to parents of Red Raiders. “We walk the journey with parents, through the collegiate experience of their

students, and our purpose is to support families and support the ultimate success of their students,” Zachman said. Through webinars and community-based events, Zachman said, TTPA has parent ambassadors across Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and California to help connect parents with other members of the Red Raider family. “If there’s any students on campus whose, you know, families might not even be able to attend we would just, we would encourage them to come over to the housing fair anyway,” Zachman said.

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The Holly offers luxurious amenities throughout 30-acre property 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 resortstyle 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 up students 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 management offices, residents can enjoy our JIM Fitness Center complete with an array of equipment, free weights, state-of-theart cardio machine and free tanning to give you a sunkissed glow all year long. If a pick-me-up is in order, residents can swing by our

Photos courtesy of The Holly

From its luxurious lobby to the spectacular library space that’s perfect for studying, The Holly is the hottest spot for students to call home. The property features its own lake stocked with fish and beach-front areas. There are also two pools, outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts and a picnic area complete with grills. The Holly also offers a fitness center, a library and social spaces. The living spaces feature private bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as full-sized kitchens and patios or balconies.

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 fullsized kitchen. Enjoy a private patio or balcony and take in the views right from home. We are happy to accommodate your unique liv-

ing preferences and offer individual leases for each of our two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments. When it’s time for class, our shuttle service to and from Texas Tech ensures you don’t have to settle when it comes to resort-style living and an active student lifestyle. Our Guest Services team is here to support your every need as a thriving student. Contact us today to secure

Toreador Housing website allows users to find best places to live based on variety of search 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-run news outlet at Tech, Toreador Housing is a quick and easy-to-use online tool that enables users to explore local apartment complexes with specifics in mind: distance from campus, number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms, and minimum/ maximum price. Through the search function, a Toreador Housing user can generate a customized list of apartments that best fit his or her wish list. Need something within

walking distance to Tech? Sort apartments by distance (in one-mile increments) from campus. Have a specific budget in mind? Set a minimum and maximum price to narrow the search. Toreador Housing is a one-stop source for updated information on Lubbock’s rental market. Search results provide addresses, prices and the types of rental units available, all updated by the apartment complexes, as well as a detailed map that denotes locations in relation to the Tech campus. Users can click on an apartment photo for more information, including additional photos, floor plans, amenities and contact information. Users also may choose to browse all participating apartment complexes with-

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.

out 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, market-

ing & design manager for The Daily Toreador. “The site makes it really easy to compare the complexes you’re interested in. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for an apartment.” Housing complexes currently profiled include The Bloc, University Trails, 25Twenty, The One, Anatole at City View, University Pointe, The Village at Overton Park, Raiders Pass, Raiders Walk Apartments, U Club at Overton Park, The Holly, 21 Hundred at Overton Park, The Scarlet, ULofts Apartments, Capstone Cottages, The Republic of Lubbock, and The Carlton House. To view the site, go to www.dailytoreador.com and click on Toreador Housing (look for the black bar near the top of the page).

your space. Hurry, spaces are filling up fast. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contacted at (806) 744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@ clsliving.com. Visit our website at LiveTheHolly.com for more information.

Save energy & money Here are five easy steps to take to save money on utility bills while doing your part in protecting the environment: • Unplug small appliances and devices when not in use. • Use the dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand. • Use the microwave & smaller appliances to reheat or cook rather than the oven. • Defrost in the refrigerator, not the microwave. • Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs. Prioritize in most-used rooms/areas. Source: www.marketwatch.com/story/ this-earth-day-5-ways-to-cut-yourhome-energy-bill-to-protect-theenvironment-and-save-during-thecoronavirus-pandemic-2020-04-22

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The Carlton House set to be Lubbock’s newest student living option Sponsored Content Finally, Lubbock has a community that sets a new standard for student housing — The Carlton House, located at 303 Detroit Ave. Ditch cramped, outdated dorms and upgrade to brand-new, contemporary apartments. Our spacious studio apartments, onebedroom apartments, twobedroom apartments and four-bedroom apartments near Texas Tech come with modern features that suit your lifestyle, including 50inch TVs, nine-foot ceilings, a full-sized washers and dryers, private bedrooms and bathrooms, walk-in closets, optional balconies,

quartz countertops, hardwood-style flooring, modern furniture packages, stainless steel appliances and soaking tubs in select units. Penthouse upgrades also are available and include a living room chandelier, 10-foot ceilings, upgraded pendant lighting, underand upper-cabinet lighting, a 60-inch TV, a double-door water- and ice-dispensing refrigerator, a mini-fridge in the entertainment center and an LED bathroom mirror. Contact us today to learn more. Visit our website at livecarltonhouse.com, call us at (806) 747-2255 or stop by our leasing office at 803 University Ave.

Renderings courtesy of The Carlton House

The Carlton House, located at 303 Detroit Ave., will set a new standard in student housing when it opens its doors in August 2022. The apartments will feature high ceilings, washers and dryers, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and other high-end options. Penthouse upgrades also are available.

Choosing your first apartment

Changing your address

Moving into your first apartment can be a big step full of excitement but also many unknowns. Doing a little planning before signing anything can help make the experience less stressful. • Budget wisely — Apartments.com recommends budgeting no more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent. • Determine needs — Consider access to public transportation if you don’t have a vehicle. If you have a pet, focus on finding a place that will welcome your fur baby. Remember, there’s a difference in needs and wants (a pool or in-unit washer and dryer, for example). • Who pays utilities? — Does the property you’re considering pay all utility bills, some of them or none at all? Make sure you know and factor in these costs (including deposits and/or set-up fees) into your monthly budget. • Parking availability — Will you have an assigned parking space? Is there plenty of parking available for guests or visitors? For more tips, www.apartments.com/blog/first-time-apartment-renter-tips.

Remember to change your address when you relocate to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery. According to the U.S. Postal Service, this task can be accomplished in one of two ways: • Visit USPS.com/move — Fastest, simMail sent to your old address will be forplest option; requires a credit or debit warded for only a specific amount of time, card to cover the $1.10 identity verifica- depending on the type of mail. tion fee, as well as a valid email address. If you fail to file a change of address, the • Go to a local post office — Request a mail carrier for your old address will pick up any Mover’s Guide packet, fill out the PS accumulated mail and leave a notice advising Form 3575 inside and drop it in the mail that your mail is available for pick up at the post slot at the post office or give it to the office, according to the USPS website. There, postal employee behind the counter. your mail will be held for up to 10 calendar Some companies offer to change addresses days. After that date, most mail will be returned for fees of up to $40 or more, according to the to sender. Any items that cannot be forwarded USPS; however, this is a financial scam. or returned will be discarded.

Source: www.apartments.com/blog/first-time-apartment-renter-tips

Source: www.usa.gov/post-office#item-211562

Students assess benefits of choosing to live with friends or strangers Story by Toluwani Osibamowo The Daily Toreador

Whether it is on- or offcampus, oftentimes the most affordable option for students is to live with at least one roommate. Deciding who to live with comes down to either living with friends, strangers or people somewhere in between. Claire Steen, a secondyear music education student from Rowlett, said she has experience living with both a friend and a stranger. Steen currently lives with a friend she met last spring, but in her first year, she lived in Hulen Hall with a woman she had never met. “It was a lot to get used to because I’m just not used to, like, sharing that small of a space with another person, but my roommate was really sweet so it was, it was good,” Steen said. The key to maintaining a good relationship with a new person, she said, is finding time in the day to get to know one another. Steen said she and her roommate would chat between Zoom classes, have movie marathons together and share streaming service accounts. As for off-campus living, Steen said her apartment of-

fered a roommate-matching service that allowed residents to input preferences to pair them with a similar person. Steen will use it again once her roommate, who is in her final year of college, graduates. “It’s a lot, like, it’s really helpful because I know a lot of people who go to apartments want to bring their pets from home, and it’s easier to be like, ‘Hey, I’m allergic to those pets’ or like, ‘Hey, I don’t want a pet in the apartment,’” Steen said. “It’s easy to set those boundaries, like, in the beginning, than figuring out, like, ‘Oh, you’re my roommate, and, oh, you brought your dog.’” Katie Gray, a third-year nursing student from Gail, lives in a house with her sister and her friend. She attended Abilene Christian University in her first year of college and said she had a great experience in the dorm living with a roommate she had known since childhood. Gray said the social aspect of living with her sister and friend is much easier because of their comfort with each other. “I don’t have to worry about, like, drama, because I’ve known my sister obvi-

ously my whole life, and I’ve known my friend since we were 9,” Gray said. “So, yeah, we don’t have any, like, awkward run-ins and I can talk to them about anything, don’t have to be nervous to talk to them about any issues with the house or anything like that.” In any living situation, Gray said it is important to keep an open mind in terms of others’ backgrounds and beliefs. Doing so can make the roommate experience more enjoyable. John Briggs, a secondyear computer science student from El Paso, lived in Gordon Hall during his first year in a suite with three strangers, but Briggs said he lucked out with the roommates he had. Briggs now lives with his cousin off campus. He said he would advise people to start the apartment hunting process early and to live with people they already know. “Try to go with somebody you know, but it’s not that big a deal if you don’t get someone that you know because you can always, you know, try to change them, you know, submit like a request to change or roommates or something,” Briggs said.

Preparing to move No one enjoys the process of relocating, but Apartments.com offers a few simple ideas that might make the change a bit easier: • Avoid paying for boxes — Check with • Color code boxes — Think about friends and family members who might where each item will go in the new recently have moved (also, watch social place and pack boxes accordingly. Use media). Local grocery or liquor stores duct tape of different colors and assign can be good sources for boxes. one color per room (blue=bedroom, • Before you start packing — Purge red=kitchen, for example) to make items you no longer need/use/want. it easy to determine where each box Trash, give away, sell or donate things should go. you decide you don’t want to move. • Pack with purpose — Remember to • Snap a photo — Before you break pack a box with moving-day essendown electronics, use your phone to tials (box cutter, phone charger, soap, snap a photo as a reminder of how paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries, pieces are connected. bedding, medication, etc.). Source: www.apartments.com/blog/5-quick-easy-moving-tips-v2

WWW.DAILYTOREADOR.COM

HOUSING GUIDE

OCT. 21, 2021

11B

Park East provides blend of luxury, style, comfort close to campus

Photos courtesy of Park East

Park East prides itself on being a perfect spot for student living, with a relaxed environment that feels like home. Each apartment is fully furnished with comfortable furniture designed to maximize space and practicality. The property features a variety of high-end amenities including a gorgeous pool with space for lounging and swimming. There also are shaded areas perfect for enjoying some outdoor time even while studying. There also are areas for relaxing with friends and enjoying a nice West Texas evening. Or, for indoor fun, check out the resident lounge complete with a variety of games.

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

Students, professionals discuss role of emotional support animals, pets Story by Tana Thompson The Daily Toreador

Owning a pet as a companion is popular among college students. Students often find themselves taking care of an animal, whether it be an emotional support animal or a pet. However, not many students realize the amount of time and effort that goes into owning a pet while balancing college classes and a social life.

“I think a lot of students don’t understand when they get a pet, just how much goes into caring for that animal,” Sydney Pierce, the practice manager at the Veterinary Clinic of Lubbock, said. “That can be a huge setback for them. As a practice manager, I can say that typically it is not having the knowledge base of what to do and how to properly care for their pets. Whether that be with keeping up with vaccines or recognizing the signs of when to take your pet to the vet.” Pierce said she used to work in housing and switched over to veterinary medicine. There can be downsides to having pets on campus that affect a student’s social life. “Some cons are just working with other people who are allergic or not a fan of animals,” Ariel Henson, a third-year speech language and hearing sciences major from Amarillo, said. “Since

the animal is not supposed to leave your room, it is hard to have people over if they can’t be around animals. Another thing is just keeping things clean. Animals are just messy so trying to keep everything in good shape can be a struggle. Also, trying to take care of them because we have such busy schedules as college students and not a whole lot of money to pay for stuff for them.” Leigh Donaldson, a Texas Tech University Student Housing unit manager, said there is a process when getting an animal approved as an ESA to live on campus. The student must start by going through Student Disability Services, and the final approval for the animal is determined by Housing. “We get with the student and there’s a set of paperwork they have to fill out and a contract they have to sign saying they understand the rules and regulations of having an emotional support animal on campus,” Donaldson said. “They have to submit health records from their veterinarian, up to date. Shot records and a rabies vaccine record and proof that the animal is spayed or neutered.” An ESA also must be approved by the student’s roommates, Donaldson said. Despite the struggles of the approval process and trying to balance life while having a pet, there are many upsides to having an ESA, Henson said. An ESA can help ground a student and help sustain positive mental health during the school year. “I also know for me that sometimes it is hard to get

motivated to do things some days, but having that little critter with you that you need to take care of, it is all the motivation you need,” Henson said. “They really are just good for stress. If you have a test that is stressing you out, they can really help calm you down a lot of the time, or at least they do me.” One of the first, and most important, things a student should do when living in an apartment complex is read the lease, Pierce said. “Make sure that pets are allowed and what kind of pets and weight limits and all of that good jazz,” Pierce said. “Second thing is to keep your pets vaccinated. Keep them healthy and make sure that you go to the vet regularly to make sure that they are up on their wellness checks and then there’s nothing wrong with them, even though it seems costly. When you go in for a wellness check or routine vaccines, it is a lot less costly than having your pet get sick and having to spend the extra money to take care of them and mediate that sickness. It’s always more cost effective and better to go with prevention rather than the alternative.” Living on campus may not be the best living situation for an animal because of the rules of having to keep the animal on a leash when it is outside the room, there is limited space in a residence hall, and the large time commitment, Donaldson said. “Since you may be gone for classes, they need something to do to keep them healthy and moving,” Henson said. “Another thing is just knowing an ESA won’t solve everything but it can help. An ESA can help with mental health but sometimes you need to go to a therapist.”

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 Aqua-Theater. Planning an all-night cram session? Grab a quick pick-me-up from our 24-hour coffee and espresso bar. Want to let

off some steam? Our resident lounge can be the perfect outlet as you challenge your roommates to a friendly game of pingpong, air hockey or pool. The community is also extremely pet-friendly and features two private pet parks for your furry friend to enjoy. See why the one word thing was so hard? We’ll be giving away a

$300 gift card to one winner next week, so follow us @LiveATParkEastTX on Instagram and DM us your name, phone number and email along with the words “$300 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.

12B

OCT. 21, 2021

HOUSING GUIDE