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PRESENTED BY THE MIRROR
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1 Bed - $495 / 2 Bed - $625
$295
woodyinvestments@msn.com • (970) 330-7427 • 815 16th St. • Open Saturdays 12-5pm
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Table of Contents 4
Mirror columnist Benjamin Fuller discusses why he will always remember living and working in Turner Hall. (nine)
Many options for off-campus housing exists for students ready to (six) leave campus and live nearby.
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Though many of roommate horror stories, living with someone can be mutually beneficial. (twelve)
On-campus residence halls provide a sense of community and build (seven) relationships.
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Reading and understanding the intricacies of leases is crucial when choosing residences. (thirteen)
UNC students describe what they look for when looking for a place to (eight) live.
Finding deals on furniture and sprucing up your space can make your room feel more homey. (fifteen)
Living with and taking care for a pet can provide activities and (four) companionship
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Mirror Staff 2011-2012 About Us The Mirror is published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the academic year by the Student Media Corp. It is printed by the Greeley Tribune. The first copy is free; additional copies are 50 cents each and must be purchased from The Mirror office.
KURT HINKLE | General Manager khinkle@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9286 BENJAMIN WELCH | Editor-in-Chief editor@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9327 SARA VAN CLEVE | News Editor news@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9341 PARKER COTTON | Sports Editor sports@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9341
RYAN LAMBERT | Arts Editor arts@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9341 MELANIE VASQUEZ | Visual Editor photo@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9341 TRACY LABONVILLE | Advertising Manager ads@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9323 RYAN ANDERSON | Ad Production Manager adproduction@uncmirror.com • (970) 392-9323
2012 Housing Guide Advertising Directory Page
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Advertiser Property Technica 1719 9th St., Greeley, Co (970) 352-2998 • propertytechnica.com Creekstone Apartments 3775 W. 25th St., Greeley, CO 80634 (970) 330-2111 The Grove 3202 11th Ave., Evans, CO 80620 (970) 330-4337 • gogrove.com The Mirror Newspaper 823 16th St., Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 392-9270 • uncmirror.com
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Advertiser Royal Gardens Apartments 2101 22nd Ave., Suite #203 Greeley, CO 80634 • (970) 352-0152 Tanager Management (RentUNC.com) 1221 28th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634 (970) 392-1658 • RentUNC.com University Apartments & Houses (970) 351-2570 • UA@unco.edu www.unco.edu/housing Woody Investments • (970) 330-7427 815 16th St., Greeley, CO 80631 woodyinvestments@msn.com
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Pets alternative to messy roommates DANNY GROSS news@uncmirror.com
For students leaving home for the first time, an apartment or house by themselves can get lonely. To fill the void, many students make the important decision of adopting a furry friend. Whether that new family member is a cat, dog or some other pet, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking on the new responsibility and expense. The first thing to find out is if pets are allowed at the place of residence being considered. While a majority of rental properties in the area allow pets, some may ask for a deposit. The cost can usually be upward of $300 to $600 or may be a monthly pet fee. Students should also check the rules of their specific complex and the surrounding area. Students can always walk their pets on campus, but they must pick up after them. Health is one of the biggest concerns for owning a pet. For many people, having a pet is like having child. “I would do anything for my baby girl,” said Patricia Mokry, a junior philosophy major, talking about her dog, Delilah. “I do whatever I can to keep her happy. I snuggle with her, play with her and let her run around campus and chase squirrels.” So what does it take to keep a pet happy and healthy? “It kind of varies as far as yearly cost,“ said Candice Sawyer, the receptionist and customer service representative at Belair Animal Hospital.
“Of course, a puppy or a kitten is going to be much more in a year because you’re looking at roughly, in your first 3 months, spending $185 just in vaccinations and exams to make sure that everything as they age is working properly. On average, you’re probably looking at about $300 to $400 between vaccinations and spaying or neutering.” After the initial expenditures, the average annual cost for pet ownership is about $200. However, there is always the chance for unseen expenses caused by diseases or emergency room visits. To ensure a pet’s health, students should have a savings account for their animal to cover any unexpected charges. The suggested base price for an emergency fund is $300. “Vaccinations are so important, because with those vaccines, some of those emergencies that could arise could be prevented,” Sawyer said. “So it is much cheaper and better for the pet to protect them and get their vaccinations done to avoid something coming up in the future — parvo, distemper or something like that. It’s really important to stay educated and to do the best that you can for them in preventive care to avoid those emergencies.” Some students opt for alternative pets to cats or dogs to avoid the added responsibilities. However, depending on the pet, the amount of responsibilities may be the same, just different. Jenifer Filbert, a senior art education major, owns six
MELANIE VASQUEZ | THE MIRROR
Senior art major Michael Richardson cuddles with his cat, Sasha Thackery Binx Fierce Carpenter Richardson, at his off-campus house. sugar gliders, small gliding possums. “I couldn’t have a dog because I would be in classes all day so I wouldn’t have time to train them or walk them,” Filbert said. “I could have had a cat but I don’t really like cats.” Although she said she enjoys her sugar gliders’ company and finds them easy to take care of, she is well aware of the hardships of having animals that are outside the norm. “I would suggest a dog or a cat to other students because I haven’t been able to study abroad or travel very often because I don’t have anybody to watch my sugar gliders,” Filbert said. “Not many people take care of sugar gliders. Dogs or cats, you can put them in a kennel. You can make sure they are going to be OK. However, bunnies, hamsters and things like that
you can leave with anybody and they pretty much know what to do.” Students with questions about their pets can call the Belair Animal Hospital at 970-330-7300. “That’s what we’re here for,” Sawyer said. “To educate, and education is a big thing when it come to animals to help prevent the costly expense, and then taking care of them longterm.”
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I do whatever I can to keep her happy. I snuggle with her, play with her and let her run around campus and chase squirrels. — Patricia Mokry, a junior philosophy major
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Plenty of off-campus pad options COLLEEN ALLISON news@uncmirror.com
Signs advertising “now leasing” are hanging on the sides of apartments and “for rent” notices are popping up in lawns across Greeley as UNC students begin to look for places to live next year. Off-campus housing is an option many students choose when looking for a place to live, especially upperclassmen, but there is such a variety of options when it comes to off campus that the search can become overwhelming. Many students choose to live in apartments because it can help cut down on living expenses. “Living in an apartment saves a ton of money in the long run,” said Courtney Malcolm, the sales manager for The Grove at Greeley. There are a variety of dif-
ferent apartment options available to University of Northern Colorado students in Greeley. For students who want to be closer to central campus, students can look at Cranford Apartments, which is right across the street from Gunter Hall. The university also has several options for students who want to live in apartments. There are the University Apartments located three blocks east of central campus near Jackson Field. According to their website, in order to live in the University Apartments, students must either be part of a married couple or a single parent or a UNC student who has earned at least 20 credit hours and is 20 years old or older. For more information about the University Apartments, visit www.unco.edu/housing/place
Living in an apartment saves a ton of money in the long run.
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— Courtney Malcolm, the sales manager for The Grove at Greeley s/apartments_upper_classmen.html. Another off-campus option provided through UNC are the Arlington Park Apartments. Arlington Park is located on Ninth Avenue, just a block away from west campus. For more information about Arlington Park, visit www.arlingtonparkunc.com. With more than 500 residents, another popular apartment complex for students to live is The Grove Apartments in Evans. For more information about The Grove, visit www. col-
COLLEEN ALLISON | THE MIRROR
Many UNC students chose to live off campus in rented apartments or houses, like this one near west campus. Many contracts come with Internet, cable TV and utilities.
legerentals.com/TheGrove-apartments-GreeleyColorado. Malcolm said students looking to live in an apartment need to start looking soon, if they have not already. “January to April is the best time to get the best rates,” Malcolm said. Another benefit to living in an apartment is that there is no lawn to mow or sidewalk to shovel. Houses for rent are another option for students looking to live off campus. UNC has a total of six houses located near both central and west campuses that students can rent. According to the housing website, each house is fully furnished with couches, chairs, desks and standard twin beds as well as spacious dining areas and fullsize kitchens. Each kitchen is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and stove. Cable TV, telephone service, laundry, wireless high-speed Internet, 24hour on-call maintenance and UNC Police Department security is available at each of the houses. For more information about renting a house through UNC, visit www.unco.edu/housing/pla ces/university_owned_hous es.html. Private owners also rent houses to students throughout Greeley, located by both central and west campuses, and can be found through various websites and realty companies.
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Continuing on-campus residing Proximity to classes, friends among benefits COLLEEN ALLISON news@uncmirror.com
The time has come once again for UNC students to start looking for a place to live next year and it is important for students to look at all of their options when considering where to live. Thousands of students live on-campus each year, and reap the benefits of doing so. “You get to be in a community with people just like you, going through the same things you’re going through and working together to make living here great” said Cordray Vorderbruegge, a resident assistant in Wilson Hall. “Another benefit is that it’s very close to all of
Sudoku rules: Fill all empty squares so the numbers 1 to 9 appear once in each row, column and 3x3 box. Some numbers are provided to give you a head start.
COLLEEN ALLISON | THE MIRROR
Many students choose to exercise their option to remain on UNC’s campus after freshman year. Benefits to this include choosing roommates, finding a single room and being close to classes and dining halls. the buildings. You don’t necessarily have to have a car or a parking permit.” Another benefit to consid-
For solution, see page 12
er about living in the residence halls is that students are close to University of Northern Colorado events and there is no need to drive and use gas to get to events. Students have a variety of room options available to them when they live in the residence halls as well. Halls across campus have single rooms, suites and double rooms. Living in a residence hall also requires students to have a meal plan, upperclassmen in Lawrenson Hall excepted. Descriptions of the different meal plans available to students are listed at www.unco.edu/dining/meal plans/traditional.html. Students can also apply to become an RA to make their experience in the residence halls even more exciting. To be eligible to become an RA, students must have lived on campus for at least one full semester by the end of the spring 2012 semester,
be qualified as at least a sophomore, have completed at least 30 credit hours by end of the semester and have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. College is an experience students only have once, which was something Vorderbruegge considered while making her decision about where to live. “We are going to live to be around 90 years old and only four of those years will you ever have the opportunity to experience something like the residence halls,” she said. “To be able to live with people with common goals, common lifestyles, your same age and be able to walk out your bedroom door and know that any of the 70 people in your hall you could hang out with is exciting.” For more information about living on campus, visit www.unco.edu/housing.
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What is the most important requirement when looking for a place to live? COLLEEN ALLISON
news@uncmirror.com
“That pets are allowed, a fenced yard and a nice kitchen.”
“Who I’m living with or who else lives there.”
“The number of bathrooms. There should be a bathroom for every two bedrooms.”
Melissa Millward, a senior journalism major
Leah Kollath, a senior psychology major
Maureesha Dillard, a freshman business major
“A friendly, safe, inviting environment that is clean and close to campus.”
“There has to be a porch and plenty of outdoor space for dogs and ponies.”
“How much space I’m going to be able to move around in. I want my party space and my study space.
Alyssa Pindar, a junior dietetics major
Haley Van Heukelom, a junior English major
Megan Presler, a junior communication studies and journalism major
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Community comes together on campus Residence hall benefits create home away from home Benjamin FULLER
editor@uncmirror.com
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he mission of Housing and Residential Education is to create a community of students who are actively and civically engaged. Students living on campus learn how to respect individual differences while making connections to the greater campus community. Having both lived and worked in Turner Hall for almost three years, I have seen these goals attained each semester. During tours, orientation, and maybe even move-in weekend, incoming students are usually blown away by the quality of the living spaces, facilities, and on-campus entities. Many of the residence halls are either recently erected, refurbished or in the process of updates. Those currently living on campus know that benefits such as free WiFi, cable, laundry and heating are hard to come by in the typical Greeley apartment complex, and thus many choose to stick around for another year or two. The maintenance and custodial staff are friendly and keep these communities in great condition. As well kept as these facilities are, it’s no surprise to the department
that on-campus retention rates are on the rise. Although there is plenty of university involvement among those living off campus, those living in the residence halls are always the first to know about special events, campus programs, and other extracurricular opportunities. The Residence Hall Association, Community Councils and individual building staffs continue to provide residents with opportunities to enhance their experience while at UNC. Did I mention that these events are fun? Some traditional events include RHA’s “Bearlagio,” Homecoming, Harrison Hall’s annual Slip’n’slide, and who could forget the infamous Walt Becker and his Polar Plunge, a halfnaked stampede through each winter’s first snow? Not only is the location a great way to supplement your involvement, but the Residential Education staff is always around to help make your experience as amazing as possible. Hall directors, resident assistants, diversity mentors and desk assistants are highlytrained and can help residents with anything, no matter how big or small the dilemma. Some of their responsibilities include securing the building, assisting residents with housing, providing informative resources about campus and creating connections between students and the campus community.
By now, you have probably had your freshman stint living on campus, or maybe you currently live on campus and haven’t decided whether or not you will stay. However, if you do choose to claim an on-campus space in the future, I can assure you that the opportunities are endless. You may, as I have, create lifelong friendships and make lasting memories. You might also
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choose to experience eyeopening programs and humbling civic engagement provided you take the chance. Where ever and however you choose to live, I can guarantee you that at the University of Northern Colorado, there is one residence hall that I will always call home. — Benjamin Fuller is a junior economics major and weekly columnist for The Mirror.
Quote of the day
I love things that age well - things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best. -- Giorgio Armani
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We put out three days a week. Serving The University of Northern Colorado every Monday, Wednesday and Friday since 1919.
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Roommates can make or break experience DANNY GROSS news@uncmirror.com
The decision of choosing roommates in college can be tough. With the stresses of schoolwork, UNC students may want to avoid the added difficulties of having a roommate they can’t get along with. Students may want to make sure their new roommate is clean, quiet and not part of some creepy cult that requires him to sacrifice farm animals in the room at midnight, which may be cause for concern, especially around midterms. “I had a roommate that we went into his room and found plates that had been under his bed for about two month and the plates had grown a layer of mold,” said Nikolas Wagner, a junior English secondary education major at the University of Northern Colorado. “There was a black stain around his room that looked like diesel soot. He showered once a month, at the very most. And it was a common occurrence to find him passed out, naked, in the common areas of the house.” Everyone has their own horror story when it comes to roommates, and after learning their lesson the first time living with someone, many take precautions when choosing the next one. So what kind of criteria should a student use in picking a roommate? “Getting to know the person first would definitely be beneficial,” said Cordray Vorderbruegge, a resident
assistant in Wilson Hall and a junior journalism and communication studies major. “That way, you can tell before you even move in together if it’s going to be a good fit. And if it’s not, you can change rooms before things get awkward.” Cleanliness is always a priority but another common criterion is sleeping patterns “It’s really annoying to try to sleep while your roommate is up making noise,” Vorderbruegge said. Common interests will help ensure there will be plenty to talk about while living together. Communication skills are very important in a roommate relationship, especially when conflict arises. If students have the chance to room with friend, they can avoid many of these issues. However, this is not always a sure way to escape conflicts. “I’ve lived with two friends where it ended terribly,” said Brittanie Lauer, a senior sports and exercise science major. “One I didn’t talk to for a year afterward and the other I will probably never talk to again because she owes me over $600 in damages to our apartment that she wouldn’t pay so I had to.” Luckily for students living in the residence halls, there is a convenient way to change rooms if the roommate they picked doesn’t match. “They can usually pretty easily be switched into a different room,” Vorderbruegge said. “They
may have to move buildings to get a different roommate, but getting the students out of a bad situation is a priority for the housing department. If they know of an available room they can just ask their RA to place them in
there and within a few days they’ll be moved out. But if they don’t know of an open room, the RA can find them one and move them into it ASAP.” Happy hunting.
Sudoku solution from page 7
MELANIE VASQUEZ | THE MIRROR
Roommates Nereida Serrano, left, a senior sociology major, and Brittany Herrington, a senior elementary education major, discuss their days at the UC Fireside Lounge.
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Being informed important in signing lease AMANDA STOUTENBURGH news@uncmirror.com
Signing a lease for the first time can be an intimidating experience for some UNC students, but if they take their time making a decision and follow the advice of local landlords, the process can become much simpler. There are a few things that students and their parents should be aware of before signing a lease. “It is a legal binding contract and it is important to understand it,” said Andy Martinez, a representative from TRI Property Management. “If (you) do not, consult an attorney.” Landlords encourage students to pay close attention to
the length of the lease, repercussions if they break the lease, what utilities they are responsible for and if are pets allowed. Also, students and parents should be aware of the deposit fee. At TRI, for example, the deposit is the amount of one month’s rent. Students should also be aware of any other fees that they might have to take care of before they sign the lease. Misty Nuanez, the office manager from Woody Investments, said to make sure students know who they are living with and ensure they get along with their roommates before signing a lease. This is important because if one roommate decides to leave, the remaining tenants
can be left responsible with all the rent and utilities instead of it being split. Students should also figure out what types of leases each place does, and how long they last. Before students can sign a lease, they must complete an application process. The fee for applications at TRI is $30, where at other rental companies it may be higher or nonexistant. The application process checks the students’ credit, criminal background, references and income. Students can also usually have a parent or guardian sign the lease as a co-signer, who would also have to pay the application fee if there is one. Finding a place can be hard because there are so
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One main concern about signing a lease is actually finding a house you like enough. — Mallory Silliman, a sophomore dietetics major
many factors to consider, including rent, how far away the house or apartment is from campus and students’ jobs and if they feel comfortable enough to live there for a year. “One main concern about signing a lease is actually finding a house you like enough,” said Mallory Silliman, a sophomore dietetics major.
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2101 22nd Ave. Greeley Office: Suite 203 352-0152
• Spacious Studios, 1 BR, 2 BR/1B and 2BR/2B • Great roommate floorplans • Key controlled Building access • 24hr Emergency Maintenance • Convenient, Quiet Location • Carports Available • Laundry in each building • Gated Swimming Pool
ONE OF GREELEY’S FINEST APARTMENT COMMUNITIES
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Furnishings, decor can create home Budget decorating can yield ‘furniture treasures’ AMANDA STOUTENBURGH news@uncmirror.com Furnishing an apartment or house is an important step many UNC students take to help make their place feel like a home away from home. With many students only working part-time jobs, staying within their budget is just as important, if not more important, than decorating in style.
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When it comes to decorating a college house, the best place to find stuff is cheaper stores like IKEA, Arc and Goodwill. — Kelsey Munn, a sophomore dietetics major
“When it comes to decorating a college house, the best place to find stuff is cheaper stores like IKEA, Arc and Goodwill,” said Kelsey Munn, a sophomore dietetics major. Those are good places to look as their wares are relatively cheap, and if everyone in a residence pitches in money, furniture treasures are to be found. An important characteristic to look for with any furniture or decorations bought at a thrift store is cleanliness. Students should check for cleanliness before they purchase items and should clean their purchases after buying them. Another affordable furnishing option is to bring pieces from students’ places in their hometowns, which is what UNC student Erin Rome did. Rome brought all of her
MELANIE VASQUEZ | THE MIRROR
Natalie Salazar, a senior sports and exercise science major, sifts through a dresser she purchased at the Arc for $20. Natalie recently finished repainting the dresser.
MELANIE VASQUEZ | THE MIRROR
Natalie Salazar, a senior sports and exercise science major, sits in her off-campus house in an armchair that she got for free as a gift from her aunt. furniture and decorations from her home so she could be surrounded by her favorite familiar things. Living in an off-campus residence gives students more freedom to decorate as they please, as they are generally allowed to hang up artwork and picture frames, move their furniture where they want and make their place truly their own. “I like to make a lot of my furnishings,” said Demi Anderson, a senior psychology major. Anderson buys much of her decorating supplies at Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts. However, for the larger wall art, Anderson said she likes to frequent Big Lots, another affordable option for students looking to spruce up
their living space. In the residence halls, students can hang decoration and move their furniture, but it all must go back to the way it was when they moved in. With apartments and houses, students can renew their lease for as long as they want and their residence can become their home for as long as they live there. Many options are available for students to do with their space, no matter where they live, whether it be in a residence hall, an apartment or a house. “I generally decorate my dorm with posters and bring tons of speakers to make my dorm room more homey,” said Samuel Anderson-Aido, a sophomore political science major.
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