UNC HOUSING GUIDE
2 - The Mirror
Spring 2014
APARTMENT LIVING? UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS and UNC HOUSES
FLORIO HOUSE
WARREN HOUSE
KIEL HOUSE
MARTIN HOUSE
Flexible leases on two-bedroom furnished and unfurnished apartments " Includes utilities, local phone and extended basic cable " Free laundry " Fitness room Community room " High speed internet " Free wireless in courtyards and the community room " Current rates start at $342 per month*
* Rates are subject to change
1 ĂŠ "1- ĂŠ 1
Spring 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
The Mirror Asks | ĂŠĂ€iÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒiÀÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠ >ĂƒÂŽi`ĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠ>Ă€ÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂŠV>Â“ÂŤĂ•ĂƒĂŠĂœÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠLiĂƒĂŒĂŠÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒĂŠ ÂœvĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂŒĂŠÂ?ÂˆĂ›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ“iĂŠÂˆĂƒÂ°
15
Column | ĂŠĂ€iÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒiÀÊ>˜`ĂŠVÂœÂ?Ă•Â“Â˜ÂˆĂƒĂŒĂŠĂ€iyiVĂŒĂƒĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ ĂœÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂƒÂ…iÂ˝ĂƒĂŠÂ?i>Ă€Â˜i`ĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠÂ…iÀʍ>ĂƒĂŒĂŠÂ?ÂˆĂ›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂƒÂˆĂŒĂ•>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠ LÂœĂŒÂ…ĂŠÂœÂ˜Â‡ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂœvv‡V>Â“ÂŤĂ•ĂƒÂ°ĂŠ
6
Roommates | /Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠ ĂƒÂ…>Ă€iĂƒĂŠ ĂŒÂˆÂŤĂƒĂŠ ĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ ĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠĂœÂ…ÂœĂŠÂ“>ÞÊLiĂŠĂƒÂ…>Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>ĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠwĂ€ĂƒĂŒĂŠ ĂŒÂˆÂ“i°Ê
17
Eating Well | 7iĂŠiĂ?>“ˆ˜iĂŠĂœÂ…ÂˆVÂ…ĂŠvœœ`ĂƒĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠLiĂƒĂŒĂŠ vÂœĂ€ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠLĂ•`}iĂŒ]ĂŠÂŤ>Â˜ĂŒĂ€ĂžĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂœiÂ?Â?‡Liˆ˜}°
8
Pets | Ă€iĂŠV>ĂŒĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ`Âœ}ĂƒĂŠÂ?Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂŒĂŠÂŤÂœĂƒĂƒÂˆLÂ?iĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ Â?ÂˆĂ›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂƒÂˆĂŒĂ•>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ÂśĂŠ7iĂŠÂœvviÀÊ>Â?ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠÂŤiĂŒĂƒĂŠwĂŒĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ĂŠ VÂœÂ?Â?i}iĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒÂ°
19
University Flats | /Â…iĂ€iĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠÂ˜iĂœĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ>ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠVœ“ˆ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂžĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ Ă•}Ă•ĂƒĂŒ]ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠ Â…>ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂƒVÂœÂœÂŤÂ°
10
Central vs. West Campus | /Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠÂ…Âˆ}Â…Â?ˆ}Â…ĂŒĂƒĂŠ>Â?Â?ĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠLÂœĂŒÂ…ĂŠĂƒÂˆ`iĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠV>Â“ÂŤĂ•ĂƒĂŠÂ…>Ă›iĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠÂœvviÀÊ >˜`ĂŠÂ?iĂŒĂƒĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠ`iVˆ`iĂŠĂœÂ…ÂˆVÂ…ĂŠĂƒÂˆ`iĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠÂŤĂ€iviÀÀi`°
20
Budget Decor | ĂŠĂƒĂŒ>vvʓi“LiÀÊ>ĂŒĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠ ĂƒÂ…>Ă€iĂƒĂŠ`iVÂœĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂˆ`i>ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂœÂœÂ˜Â˝ĂŒĂŠLĂ€i>ÂŽĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠL>˜Ž°
13
Off-campus Advice | ĂŠĂ€iÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒiÀÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ă€ÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ĂƒÂŽi`ĂŠ>ĂŠvÂœĂ€Â“iÀÊ Ă€iiÂ?iÞÊÀi>Â?ĂŒÂœĂ€ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂƒÂˆ}Â…ĂŒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂœĂŠ ĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂœĂ•ĂŒĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠÂ?ÂˆĂ›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂœvvĂŠV>Â“ÂŤĂ•ĂƒÂ°
21
Sports Cave | Ă€iĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ>ĂŠĂƒiÂ?v‡ˆ`iÂ˜ĂŒÂˆwi`ĂŠĂƒÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂƒĂŠ vĂ€i>ŽœÊ Â˜ĂŒiÀÊ >ĂŠ ÂŤÂ?>ViĂŠ ĂœÂ…iĂ€iĂŠ >ĂŠ ˆVÂ…>iÂ?ĂŠ ÂœĂ€`>Â˜ĂŠ ÂŤÂœĂƒĂŒiĂ€ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂ“ÂœĂƒĂŒĂŠÂˆÂ“ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>Â˜ĂŒĂŠĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜}°Ê
2014 HOUSING GUIDE ADVERTISING DIRECTORY 2
UNC Student Housing Tobey-Kendel 199 ™ÇäŽÊÎx£‡ÓÇÓ£ÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Ă•Â˜Vϡi`Ă•Ă‰Â…ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ
4
Dependable Property Management ÂŁxĂ“Ă“ĂŠÂ™ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iÞÊ Â™Ç䎇ÎÎä‡ÎxäÇÊU
7
UNC Student Housing Tobey-Kendel 199 ™ÇäŽÊÎx£‡ÓÇÓ£ÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Ă•Â˜Vϡi`Ă•Ă‰Â…ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ
9
*Ă€ÂœÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂžĂŠ/iV…˜ˆV> ÂŁĂ‡ÂŁÂ™ĂŠÂ™ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎxӇә™nĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°ÂŤĂ€ÂœÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂžĂŒiV…˜ˆV>°Vœ“
14
Reed College Rentals Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎÎä‡nĂ“Ă“ĂŽĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Ă€ii`VÂœÂ?Â?i}iĂ€iÂ˜ĂŒ>Â?ĂƒÂ°VÂœ
The Mirror - 3
THE MIRROR -/ ÊÓä£Î‡£{
Matt Lubich | i˜iĂ€>Â?ĂŠ >˜>}iĂ€ mlubich@uncmirror.com Steven Josephson | `ÂˆĂŒÂœĂ€Â‡ÂˆÂ˜Â‡V…ˆiv editor@uncmirror.com Alexandria Adair Vasquez | iĂœĂƒĂŠ `ÂˆĂŒÂœĂ€ news@uncmirror.com Michael Nowels | -ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂƒĂŠ `ÂˆĂŒÂœĂ€ sports@uncmirror.com Biz Gilmore | E ĂŠ `ÂˆĂŒÂœĂ€ arts@uncmirror.com Ben Stivers | *Â…ÂœĂŒÂœĂŠ `ÂˆĂŒÂœĂ€ photo@uncmirror.com Manuel Perez | `ĂŠ*Ă€Âœ`Ă•VĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ >˜>}iĂ€ adproduction@uncmirror.com Anthony Nguyen | `Ă›iĂ€ĂŒÂˆĂƒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ >˜>}iĂ€ ads@uncmirror.com Joelle Romero Katie Mucci Visual Editor Marketing Manager Suzanne Evans Copy Editor
Contact Us
16
7œœ`ÞÊ Â˜Ă›iĂƒĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ nÂŁxĂŠÂŁĂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎÎä‡Ç{ÓÇÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°ĂœÂœÂœ`ĂžÂˆÂ˜Ă›iĂƒĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒÂ°Vœ“
18
TRI Property Management ÂŁ{Ă“Ă“ĂŠnĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎxӇ£äÓxĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°ĂŒĂ€ÂˆÂŤÂ?>ViĂƒĂŒÂœÂ?ÂˆĂ›i°Vœ“
22
Ă€Â?ˆ˜}ĂŒÂœÂ˜ĂŠ*>ÀŽÊ-ĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ Ă“ĂŽÂŁxĂŠÂ™ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎxĂˆÂ‡Ă‡Ă“Ă‡xĂŠUĂŠĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Ă•Â˜Vϡi`Ă•Ă‰Â…ÂœĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}
24
1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ Â?>ĂŒĂƒ £ÇxĂ¤ĂŠĂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ Ă€iiÂ?iĂž ™ÇäŽÊÎx·ÎÎääÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Ă•Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂžy>ĂŒĂƒĂ•Â˜V°Vœ“
Fax Newstip Line 970-392-9025 970-392-9270 General Manager 970-392-9286 Mission Statement
The Mirror’s mission is to educate, inform and entertain the students, staff and faculty of the UNC community, and to train the staff on the business of journalism in a college-newspaper environment.
About Us
The Mirror produces a print newspaper every Monday during the academic year as well as main tains a current Web page. The student-operated newspaper is advised by the non-profit Studen Media Corporation and is printed by the Greeley Tribune.
Serving the University of Northern Colorado Since 1919
THE MIRROR
4 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
The Mirror asks:
What’s the best part of living in the dorms instead of at home?
Kayla Morris undeclared freshman “I like it because I am around a whole bunch of people. Dorm living gives you an opportunity to be around people and to make friends.”
Nick Hart freshman, environmental sustainability
Sandie Gould undeclared freshman
“I don’t have to clean my own bathroom. There is always people around and always something going on.”
“I like the social aspect of it. It makes it easier to make friends, and you can find a roommate for next year.”
Shelby Arthur freshman, music performance “Being around different, diverse people. It’s always a flow of change. You get to take what you see from them, and then learn it and apply it, versus the same old same old you get at home.”
Spring 2014
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 5
6 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
A O O M R M TES
Ben Stivers | The Mirror
Five tips for surviving with any roommate
Shadae Mallory
news@uncmirror.com
Whether you’re living on or off campus there is one common situation you are likely to run into: roommates. Depending on how you handle them you can have a good year or a bad year.
1. The roommate contract: An important part of living with your roommates is the collaborative construction of a “roommate contract.” This essential piece of paper will help you avoid fore problems arise. “They’re very important,” said fresh-
man design and tech major, Naomi Gold. “If you and your roommate don’t establish one at the very beginning, the two of you won’t know what guidelines to go by.” When setting up your roommate contract, make sure you actually sit down and do it together. Don’t just skim over what
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014 the other person wrote. If there is something on the contract you are not sure You don’t want to be three weeks into the semester before you encounter a problem you thought you addressed. Things on the roommate contract that shouldn’t be overlooked include: who is in charge of what chores, who buys what groceries (and if you are sharing them) and when visitors are allowed over (and where they are allowed to be). 2. Communication: One of the biggest factors in roommate disputes is a simple lack of communication. If you do not approach your roommate when something is bothering you, you allow these issues to pile up and cause a bigger problem. If you are non-confrontational or are not comfortable talking to your roommate on your own, you have another option: mediation. When living on campus in a dorm you are more likely to have a bit of guidance— your resident assistant (RA) is there to step ally just a result of a lack of communication—whether it’s over who is supposed to
take out the trash or when someone needs a quiet environment to study,” said Alex Cummings, a junior theatre education major and resident assistant in Wiebking Hall. “That is why communication is essential.” 3. Dividing the chores: Living off campus can bring forth a space which means more messes. “The hardest part, I believe, is cleaning,” said Kayla Pierce, a senior environmental sustainability major. “Some people get to things quicker than others, and living with someone else’s mess can be incredibly irritating. On campus you just had to worry about the bedroom you shared, and in the case of some dorms, the bathroom. Houses slash apartments have way more to worry about: kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, et cetera. It’s kind of a pain sometimes.” Setting a chore chart at the beginning of the semester is a good way to combat the mess, as long as everyone can come to an agreement. Pierce said she has found this to be relatively effect for her household. “We have a chore list and cycle who does what, so everyone has to take the trash out and unload the dishwasher, and no one can get out of it since we keep track
The Mirror - 7
of whose turn it is,” Pierce said. 4. Be respectful and courteous It can be hard to adjust to living with someone else, especially when you are not used to it. It is important to keep each other’s living habits in mind and to be respectful of each other’s space. “I think the hardest thing for me about living with someone is the schedules. Either sleeping schedules or other schedules they keep to,” said Megan Billington, a freshman human services major. Part of learning to share a room or house with someone is also learning their schedule. If you have to wake up earlier than your roommate, try to turn your alarm off as soon as possible. If you make a mess, clean it up. Most importantly: if it isn’t yours, don’t touch it. 5. You don’t have to be best friends Just because you live with someone doesn’t mean you have to be two peas in a pod; you just have to be two peas in a happy living situation. As long as you keep the rest of these tips in mind you should be able to get along just turn out to be one of your closest friends by the end of the semester.
customized Campus Living 2014-15
WWW.UNCO.EDU/HOUSING
CHOOSE FROM
on-campus or off-campus living, with residence halls, university houses and apartments .
Check out our new housing and dining options!
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
8 - The Mirror
He’s sweet and all, but...
Spring 2014
While they may be cute and cuddly, dogs and cats can require high maintenance and higher rents Brennen Karl
news@uncmirror.com
From going to class, studying and doing homework, to jobs and extracurricular accollege life to be busy from morning to night. Adding the responsibility required to take care of a dog or a cat can be too much to handle for many people. owning a pet in college, and there are alternative pet options that can be more manageable for students. Owning a pet can help reduce stress and loneliness, as well as teach responsibility. According to a PetSmart employee, the most popular pets that college students tend to buy and adopt are nd dogs for students out of the dorms.” Some low-maintenance pet alternatives to dogs and cats On-campus residents are tank in their room. People who live off campus have more options for pets. Sophomore recreation, tourism and hospitality major, named Monty. Gomez said that the only complication is that there are many more ben-
Courtesy of Elissa Stautner
“Having Monty has been wonderful for me because he is great to look at when I need to calm down and de-stress. . . Monty
Spring 2014 has the ability to mimic my feelings,” Gomez said. “I have type 1 diabetes with bad nerve pain, and whenever my sugar is too high he lays on his side. Every time he does that and I’ve checked my sugars [and] they have been too high.” Fish have personalities too, and a dog. There are people who manage the responsibility of a dog in school. Freshman acting major, Julia Bye owns a dog. One of the complications she says she has run to coordinate a full-time student schedule with time for her dog. “I don’t want Sam to be alone in my dorm all day, so I schedule little times during the day—apart from his walks—to take him outside so he can get some fresh air,” Bye said. “It gets a little hard to do sometimes with my schedule and extra obligations like rehearsals and meetings, but I make it work.”
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 9
Another complication that comes hand in hand with owning a dog on campus is that according to the student housing guide, other dorms. Bye said she ran into another problem because of this: “It was a very long process working with disability support services to be able to have Sam cleared to be with me,” Bye said. “It’s an extremely new policy that UNC allows emotional support animals.”
Maeve Widmann | The Mirror
simply having an adorable Chihuahua waiting for her when she comes home, having a dog to take care of is comforting and helps with her anxiety disorder. “He takes the edge off and helps alleviate the stress that college builds up,” Bye said. Owning a pet in college takes time and effort, but many students worth the work. Courtesy of Roderick Santos
10 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
West vs. Central: which campus is superior? Suzanne Evans
news@uncmirror.com
Michaela Cross | The Mirror
Spring 2014
Wilson Hall is very similar to Wiebking Hall in that it houses 282 students on four levels of double rooms with private vanities and community bathrooms. There is a lounge, a laundry facility and a community kitchen downstairs. The Central Coalition is made up of ford, Gordon, Sabin and Snyder Hall. All students living in Central Coalition guse the front desk services of Hansen-Willis Hall. Hansen-Willis, built in 1999 and therefore the newest hall on central campus, features four-person suite-style rooms with two double bedrooms, a living area and a private bathroom. There are also standalone single rooms. Hansen-Willis has multiple lounges and a community kitchen. es 52 students in double and single rooms with private vanity areas. It has community bathrooms, public lounges and a community kitchen. Sabin Hall was renovated in the same year and houses 33 students in double rooms with private vanity. There are community bathrooms and a kitchen, as well as multiple lounges. Gordon Hall was built in conjuncmany similarities. Gordon Hall houses 28 students in double rooms with community bathrooms, and has relaxing lounges and a community kitchen. Snyder Hall houses over 100 students in standalone bedrooms that can hold one, two or three students. Each room has a sink and vanity. Each nity bathrooms and its own lounge, and there is one community kitchen downstairs. It was built in
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 11
1936 in conjunction with Sabin Hall and was also renovated in 1999. “While the community bathrooms in these central campus residence halls may be a turn-off to prospective residents, some students love the tight-knit community feel of the area,” said Administrative Assistant for Housing Services Carol Marston. Presidents Row is made up of four small residence halls built in Englishmer president of the university, and evRow front desk operations go through Wilson Hall. and two-person suites with private bathrooms. It has two lounges, and the community kitchen for all of Presidents Row in similar suites. renovated Presidents Row building, houses 51 students in oneto six-person suites.
most
associated with the College of Performing and Visual Arts are always located on central campus. “We do have a lot of the performing and visual arts students that are on central campus, and they really love it and they love the environment that they’re in because they’re with (similar) students,” Marston said. “Some people just like the atmosphere of the central campus better as far as the buildings being a little more quaint and that type of thing.” on central campus. Classes are located in historic buildings like Guggenheim, Frasier, Crabbe and Gunter Hall – where Central campus also has newly renovated buildings like the Monfort College of tral campus. Central and west campus are different as night and day but come together to
recently
communities like the one
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
12 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
Spring 2014
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 13
“Dos” and “Don’ts” of living off-campus Alexandria Adair Vasquez news@uncmirror.com
Moving into the dorms and away from parents may be an exciting time for most time is just as momentous. It’s a stepping stone on the way to true adulthood, which is what college is all about for most people (next on the list is learning how to prepare a meal that isn’t based around Top Ramen). Bill Jerke, a former state legislator and county commissioner, knows a thing or two about the ins and outs of renting. He has over 40 years of experience as a realtor in Greeley, and he recently shared some advice with The Mirror for students time this year. DO: Know your roommates ple they will be renting with. His reasoning was that when students rent an apartment with a group of people, they’re only as strong as thier weakest link. All parties are typically jointly and singly reliable for the entire rent when they sign a lease together. “How well do you know the people you’re renting with? Are they really reliable? Are they on probation already? Are Jerke said. “The point is that you don’t on to another party that isn’t going to pull Jerke said over the years he’s noticed college students want to have what he go-lucky living situation with all of their best friends under one roof. What people the number of roommates rises. “It puts up the ability to discern who is for real and who isn’t, and whether or not they can follow through with what they People have to learn that lesson on their own a lot of the time, and what better time to learn than when you’re 19 or 20? Rather than in a business relationship at DON’T: Wait until the last minute As easy as it may be to put off house
Ben Stivers | The Mirror
Don’t wait until the last minute to find a place to live—it could put you in a position to travel farther to class each day. Be proactive so you are at least a bike ride away from your classes on campus.
hunting until later in the semester, Jerke said that determining a plan early on is paramount. In addition to knowing who their roommates will be, students should summer. Jerke said it’s important to know if a lease starting in May rather than August is preferred or if a nine month lease will work better than a 1-year lease. “Students can start looking right away at the big facilities that are professionally managed and have staff there on hand all ments. Those places are simply so nice If students are more interested in renting a place elsewhere in Greeley, Jerke suggests to start looking for places right after Spring Break. Having a plan also means having conversations with future roommates about what seems to be the number one deal “I would caution people to be as careful about bringing other things with them that are really killers in rental situations. “They cause so much damage and can put a person in violation of their lease immediately. He continued to say that pets can cause thousands of dollars in damage
everyone involved – landlord and roommates, alike – to be on the same page. DO: Be honest The last piece of advice that Jerke im-
of renting on a lease is the power of telling the truth; he said he couldn’t stress it enough. “What a great time to learn that number one thing that you really need to have in life to be successful, and that’s just
He pointed out that the crux of a show jinks ensue. The difference is that it’s not usually as funny in real life. Jerke also said that forming a healthy relationship with landlords is important for college students. “As a tenant who wants to someday move out with that relationship, you should want nothing more than to get your security deposit, get a rental reference, and have someone in the town who is older than you know who actually said. As someone who has received calls from the FBI about the trustworthiness and reliability of previous tenants who are applying for jobs, Jerke would know all about that.
14 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
Nine characters you see in every dorm and apartment Pranav Trewn Uwire
Dorms, apartments, high rises or anything in between, no matter where you live it always seems like the same nine people move along with you. 1. The impossibly loud one Whenever you are trying to get some reading done in your self asking the same question: “How does someone laugh at that high of a frequency?” The Impossibly Loud Floormate always seems to be yelling in the halls and never fails to pick up the most annoying hobbies, whether that be playing the accordion or popping balloons. 2. The one that is always high Their door is never open,
but the smell always seems to get more pungent as you walk past. You wonder how this guy has not been busted yet; he isn’t exactly trying very hard to conceal it. 3. The mystery Who lives in that room at the end of the hall? How come you never see them? How come no one else has ever met them? Are they students? Do they ever come out for air? Are they even alive? That’s the mystery. 4. The overly friendly one who keep to themselves can be disappointing, their lack of presence is usually preferable to the constant contact you are forced into with the Overly Friendly Floormate. It begins with a few friendly requests to grab some lunch but may
soon escalate into invitations to attend family gatherings. Sure it is nice having someone who enjoys your company, but even the best of intentions can not make this friendship worth the effort. 5. The study bug There is always that one roommate who no matter what time or day of the week, will respond to a “what’s up?” text message with “studying.” 6. The one who never showers…or washes their clothes We know dorm showers can get kind of gross, but there is who seems to refuses to step in the shower more than once a month. Or they refuse to pay the high cost of laundry and will consequently go months without washing anything. 7. The one who is always
drinking Some characters on your tendees of tequila Tuesday, wine Wednesdays and thirsty Thursdays. 8. The one who is never there If their bed is made every day, it’s probably because he or she is not sleeping in there. There are always those kids who seem to disappear after to be seen once every few months to pick up something from their room. 9. The one who doesn’t actually live there those kids who you thought lived with you because they spend so much time in your building. It turns out, they were just unwilling to walk back to their dorms.
Spring 2014
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 15
Finding the housing option that’s right for you Words on Words By Suzanne Evans
After graduating from high school, I couldn’t wait to move on with my life and head off to college. Nothing was more exciting than the promise of living in a dorm. I left my home in Colorado Springs to take classes during the summer; I lived in North Hall. Since so few students choose to live on campus and take summer classes, I had a double room all to myself and a lovely suite-mate who cooked and was willing to share pretty much everything. I couldn’t have been more ecstatic: my life was about to become exciting and eventful. I had high hopes of reinventing myself. In living alone I motivation to change my life. I could stop being lazy and make great friends. During my six weeks in North Hall I learned that, essentially, none of those things would just happen. I am an years of my life without having to share and with all my parents’ attention focused on me. after moving to Greeley was a slap in the face: It was inparents. That’s one thing every college student will most likely come to learn within With few exceptions, yes, you will miss home. The second thing I noticed about dorm life was nothing just came to me – nothing offered itself up as a solution to my problems. I went
to classes; I made friends, but I wasn’t suddenly living the college lifestyle. In fact, I spent more of my time playing video games than I did partying or going out with friends. Those six weeks of summer went fast, though, and I soon moved out. I took all my stuff back home and spent the next three weeks nervously preparing for my move to Lawrenson Hall. It would be life that I’d shared a bedroom, and let me tell you in advance: it did not work out. I still love my roommate from Lawrenson, and I loved the time I spent getting to know her (and ordering waytoo-late-night pizza). But some people, like myself, are just not cut out for sharing. Our schedules and interests were too different, and I spent several late nights battling my health and calling for midnight rides home from the hospital. Just a few months into school, I decided it would be somewhere else on campus and moved to Turner Hall. There I met new roommates, but I had my own space. In Turner I found more happiness than in either of my previous dorms. I was more connected to my roommates than I had been in North Hall, but I had the privacy I craved while I was living in Lawrenson Hall. Still, I looked forward to living off campus as a sophomore. I got the impression that many students were generally uning: “The food sucks,” they’d say, or, “My roommate is so loud/messy/frustrating.” What I think I realized, and many didn’t, is that there are options. There is no reason to stay unhappy. Where you live,
Mirror columnist Suzanne Evans said a private kitchen was one of the primary reasons to move off-campus. Evans encourages readers to look at all the options (including on-campus housing) before making a decision.
sleep and study is a major part of life and being unsatisserious implications. No one wants to dread going home at night because of an uncomfortable room or an incompatible roommate. It can negatively impact your grade or how well you sleep at night, and it can even lead to depression. So, go in with an open mind. If you love it, then great. You’re in a fantastic place and ready to tackle school headon. If you don’t love it, then don’t stress. Don’t be afraid to make a change. You aren’t stuck, and at the very least, you won’t even need to live on campus next year. For some, like myself, off-campus apartment living
is the most comfortable way to go – especially the private kitchen – and others choose to stay in the dorms. It’s personal: don’t subscribe to the movie-perfect image of college students in perfectly decorated dorms and get disappointed when you can’t achieve just that. Set your own standards. If away, then hunt for something that meets them. You can control your own situation. — Suzanne Evans is a journalism major and the copy editor and a writer for The Mirror. She can be reached via email at suzanne.evans94@gmail. com.
16 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
1 Bed - $495 / 2 Bed - $625
$295
Spring 2014
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Sustenance steals: food for the frugal Biz Gilmore
arts@uncmirror.com
Rule number one of surviving on a college student’s budget: manage your resources. Sure, you could subsist on quick bagels from the Coffee Cart or dial DP Dough’s number so much that it’s number one on your speed dial, but you’ll likely start to see the wear and tear of that diet on your wallet. $6.95 a pop for that Spin Zone goodness isn’t a bad deal, but it adds up in the end. Compared to the sheer bulk of food you can bring home for that same amount after a trip to the market, you’ll start to see the value of Buying and preparing your own food and establishing a stockpile of nonperishable foodstuffs is by far the easiest way to save money—and stay healthy. easy, delicious and affordable items to keep on hand. They will get you through, and lead you to, leaner times. 1. Beans Price per pound: varies around 69 cents. The magical fruit packs a protein punch like you wouldn’t believe. A cupsized serving of black beans has 15 grams of protein, plus heart-healthy protein, for only 227 calories. Different varieties of beans yield varying levels of protein, but all are equally delicious and versatile. Dress ‘em up in a burrito (the bean’s greatest honor), or serve them simple with a dash of hot sauce and a smile. 2. Lentils Price per pound: 89 cents. Another will outlive and outlast most other things
in your food stash. Lentils are basically foolproof to cook: put a 2:1 ratio of water and lentils in a pot, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Salt, if that’s your vice. Bam. Mix with veggies for a stir-fry and it sounds like a good time to me. 3. Frozen veggies Price per pound: varies around $1.16. Frozen over canned, I always say. Seriously, frozen vegetables keep their canned varieties, and they manage to avoid all the processing that canned food has to go through during commercial canning. Going frozen is an easy your diet when you can’t shell out the big bucks for fresh veggies. 4. Rice Price per pound: around 79 cents. Such a reliable staple food. It tastes good anything on the list so far with a nice helping of rice, and you’ve got yourself a meal. 5. Nuts Price per pound: varies wildly between $4.95 and over. You’re probably thinking, “Nuts? That’s what she said. My wallet isn’t thick enough for walnuts.” Hear me out: nuts are amazing, portable and healthy snacks. If you’re looking for a protein boost, go no further. Plus, all nut varieties are high in monounsaturated fats—that’s the good kind of midsection fat. However, because of the oils that make nuts so great for you, they don’t last as long as the other options listed. Almonds, typically the cheapest nut, will last about four months, but can live on for a year in the freezer.
The Mirror - 17
18 - The Mirror
The Average Life of Nicci Bee
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
By Nicole Busse
www.uncmirror.com
Spring 2014
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
The Mirror - 19
Courtesy of Steve Caulk | ProConnect Public Relations
University Flats offers modern amenities Alexandria Adair Vasquez news@uncmirror.com
Students who aren’t entirely impressed by places like The Grove at Greeley Apartments or Arlington Park Apartments will soon have another option for off campus housing next year: A new set students, called University Flats at UNC, has 92 units available for student move-in starting in August. University Flats, which began to take shape in 2013, will be located at Sixth Avenue and 18th Street – just north of the Jackson Field Sports Complex. While they may be the new players in town when it comes to housing UNC students, representatives from University Flats said they have previous experience with housing student athletes at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “We think we have anticipated every reasonable need that a college student might have for their work, leisure and living comfort,” said Brian Heath, property manager for University Flats at UNC. “And in the event that some requirements might have escaped our notice, we have staff members at our front desk, on site, gestions.” In an effort to make sure that students are living in the most up-to-date environ-
ment, University Flats representatives said they are trying to inject a feeling of modernism and luxury into the apartments by including a state-of-the-art computer lab, public game room with Wii and Xbox and a laptop bar with iPads. Heath said he expects students to snatch up the two- and three-bedroom complex has eight new buildings with 262 beds available. Each two- or threebedroom unit will be equipped with free cable TV and high-speed Internet access, appliances with EnergyStar ratings, granite counter-tops and a washer/dryer combination. In addition, each occupant will have a private bathroom and a walk-in closet. sentially every college student’s dream,” he said. “Perhaps best of all, they are extremely affordable.” He also said that prices for units are competitive with those of The Grove – who they consider to be their biggest contender in student housing. UNC students may be ready for this change, according to senior sports and exercise major Maria Castilla. “I do think The Grove needs competilacking in, some examples would be like customer service and plumbing,” she said. University Flats carries the typical
amenities that an apartment complex geared toward students might have, such as a swimming pool and clubhouse, a barbeque area and vending machines. Heath said the aim is to make students feel a bit spoiled. There will also be an ATM machine and an automated mechanism for students to rent movies and video games. “We have studied the conditions that are most likely to help residents succeed
have made every effort to meet those requirements,” Heath said. “If I had a son or daughter in college, this is the kind of place I would want them to be.” University Flats at UNC provides areas for students to study quietly, Heath cludes a weight room and kitchens with full appliances. Safety and convenience seem to be priorities for Heath, who said that security cameras are placed throughout the premises. He also mentioned that University Flats is located just one block from the bus service that students can use for free. University Flats is accepting applications for pre-leasing on 12-month terms that begin in August. Students can get more information by calling 970-353-3300 or visiting www.UniversityFlatsUNC.com.
20 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
Decorating on a shoestring budget Natasha Krech
news@uncmirror.com
When it comes to living on a tight college student budget and trying to decorate for the holidays, sometimes simple can be elegant. It is possible for those who are— and are not—artistically inclined to decorate while keeping within their personal budget. While these are but a few ideas, there are thousands more out there if one goes on social networks or searches the web in general. Here are some options I suggest. For inside decorations, paper chains make excellent decorations appropriate for any season. They can be made using things found at a dollar store or any craft store, and the best part is they are recyclable. On that topic, a great way to decorate and have friends over at the same time is simple, it can really bring in the holiday spirit. Both the Internet and hobby stores will have stencils and patterns for those who are not as artistically inclined as others, and the same construction paper and glitter can be used throughout the year to make any range of festive decorations. Further, if a student desires to do some outside decorations, they can use water balloons to make colorful snowmen to line paths or just to make the outdoors
a bit more colorful. This can be accomand food color, then freezing them and removing the “skin” once it becomes solid. The best part is that students can create excellent decorations by adding glitter and making a range of sizes and shapes. Another good thing students can do is to plan ahead and prepare for next season by shopping post season. Stores are often eager to get rid of their old decorations after the holidays, so they will have great deals on ornaments and other decorations—often at half the cost or less than previously marked. Duct tape has well over 100 uses, and, with so many colors and patterns to choose from, creating decorations from this versatile material is easy. Looking up patterns for anything from roses to placemats to vests online is possible. It comes cheap at hardware stores, department stores and craft stores in rolls and sheets. With duct tape, the possibilities are endless. Another great thing students can do to decorate on a budget is to put to use all the alcohol bottles that they have lying around. When labels are removed, lights, tinsel and sparklers. With the right tools, it’s also possible to safely saw off the tops of the bottles and make a range of decorations. One such use is a
candle holder. Dollar stores can make great places to shop for decorations. They have everything from tinsel to garland and even plastic table cloths. While plastic table cloths seem cheap, they can be layered to create interesting designs. To layer plastic table cloths, cut and use a different colored table cloth on the bottom. The bottom color will pop through, and the design can be changed for the season. A little extra searching may be required, but often, dollar stores can have stuff that is just as good as the high-end stores without breaking the bank. Also, thrift stores are often not as lowgrade as what they might seem. Depending on how picky a student is, it is possible to get some great holiday decorations for good prices. Another great place to buy decoration supplies is the local hardware store. They will often sell smaller strings of lights for around $3 to $7 each, depending on what budget. Students can sometimes even get a good deal on a Christmas tree, depending on location and what the students are looking for. From us at the Mirror to you, happy decorating.
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
The Mirror - 21
Creating a sports cave on a college budget Michael Nowels
sports@uncmirror.com
-
After eons of stereotypes pushing style and sport to opposing ends of the -
-
sporting home, in descending order of importance: 1. Michael Jordan poster 3. Nerf hoop -
2. Mini-fridge
-
-
-
-
athleticism, Nintendo 64 and hopefully
milliondolaltering
Bobbleheads can be a fun addition to the home of any sports fanatic. And they make good “yes� men.
22 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
Arlington Park offers everything students need to have the ultimate college experience. Live, work and play at your home away from home. Enjoy Arlington Park Student Apartments, a housing community providing social events, gatherings, and campus convenience. Our student friendly staff is waiting to assist you with all of your housing needs.
Currently live on campus? Your residence hall deposit will transfer to Arlington Park Student apartments.
* Rates are subject to change.
Contact Arlington Park Apartments at 970-356-7275. Arlington Park Student Apartments | 2315 9th Avenue | Greeley, CO 80631 www.arlingtonparkunc.com
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014
The Mirror - 23
Tips for finding your dream apartment Desiaire Rickman Uwire
Let's be honest here. It's never easy try-
-
Knowing your stuff and making a good first impression can go a long way to finding your ideal rental.
Figure out how much you can afford.
Check for problems.
Have enough money in your checking account to cover the security depos-
to go at signing. Read the lease or rental agreement before signing. -
Ask questions. -
Create criteria for your ideal apartment. Ask current tenants about their experience. -
-
Identify potential apartments.
Check your credit history before submitting a rental application. -
-
to visit. visiting prospective rentals. Just as you -
Finally, know your rights and responsibilities as a renter. You have a
Be ready to pay a rental application fee. Have a list of references ready.
-
24 - The Mirror
UNC HOUSING GUIDE
Spring 2014