Housing Guide 2010 Pages 13-24

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES GET INVOLVED MEET PEOPLE. HAVE FUN. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES OFFICE www.unco.edu/studentactivities (970)351-2817

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High energy bills may stifle budget ERIC HEINZ news@uncmirror.com

Small acts, such as turning off the lights when leaving a room, keeping the thermostat below 70 degrees and insulating windows, are all common tricks to saving money on energy bills. But sometimes, the prices just keep climbing.

On a college student’s budget, forking over $50 to $80 a month is a hefty chunk of income. A common cause of rising energy bills for UNC students is due to the houses near campus that are extremely difficult to insulate, leaving students no choice but to barricade from the cold with plastic and blankets. Energy bills in Colorado are typically highest from the months of November to March.

Steve Reed, owner of Property Technica Inc., said it is the people who live in the residence who decide

involve common sense.

“On a sunny day during the winter, have the drapes open and use the free sunshine to warm your house during the day,” Bartling said. “Everyone loves to have a warm home, but you have to keep the energy spent in mind.”

Bartling also talked about some quick things students can do to help keep their heating bill low.

“A lot of people have the temperature on their water heaters too high, and that can be kept down,” he said.

“If you can turn the temperature down on the heater, you’ll save money. When CHELSEY URDAHL | THE MIRROR you conserve gas by using Energy bills from Greeley energy providers Atmos and Xcel. Bills your furnace less, you actucan be a difficult payment for college students while trying to ally use less electricity.” manage school. Bills can sometimes pile up unnoticed.

Roberta Grantz, the landlord for HUG Housing, said ty is, the more it is going to the members who pay the their bill’s cost.

“People who live in the cost to heat it. If you con- bills need to share a complace really do control the serve and take measures to mon goal to keep the bill at conprices they’re dealt,” Reed be its lowest. said. “The older the proper- s c i o u s She said a about it, t e n a n t like taking should be q u i c k as comfortshowers able as they and making can, but to sure the be ecoheat is at an nomically appropriate and ecologtemperaically conture, it’s — Steve Reed, owner of scientious going to of how Property Technica Inc. make a much enertremengy is used. dous difference in how “People need to be mindmuch (tenants) pay.” ful of what utilities can be Jim Bartling, manager of modified while they’re gone public affairs for Atmos Energy during class or for the weekin Kansas, said there are a end,” Grantz said. “There copious amount of things — should always be a checklist that are low-cost or no-cost — before you leave. Organize students can do to lower their your utilities, so you can prices; most of them simply keep the bills at their lowest.”

CHELSEY URDAHL | THE MIRROR

People who live in the place really do control the prices they’re dealt. The older the property is, the more it is going to cost to heat it.

“

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Ways to contol monthly gas bills Tips Courtesy of Atmos Energy: A) The most common places where warm air escapes or cold air enters are shown by the arrows on the diagram: doors and windows; cracks along floors, ceilings; ducts; a fireplace; plumbing penetrations; fans and vents; and electrical outlets.

B) Insulate windows using storm or thermal windows or double paned glass.

A less-expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be fastened temporarily over doors and windows.

Caulk around the outside of the windows, doors and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, using caulking and weather stripping.

C) Seal leaks around windows, doors and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, using caulking and weather stripping.

D) Run the washing machine and clothes dryer with a full load. Ensure that the dryer is properly vented to the outside.

E) Plumbing and piping penetrations in the roof and on the sides of your home can cause some of the worst air leaks. Insulate around these openings, including gaps around the chimney, using appropriate gaskets, flashing and caulking techniques.

F) Put water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets to reduce your hot water use. Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can save up to 50 percent on your hot water use. Also, fix any leaking

COURTESY OF ATMOS | THE MIRROR

faucets; a drip once every second wastes 400 galons of water a year.

G) Check your attic to determine if it has the recommended levels of insulation for your region. Check the crawl space under the house or the basement, too.

Adding flooring insulation is one of the better ways to lower energy use and save money.

H) During the winter,

turn down the thermostat at night and when you’re away from home. Set your thermostat to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 58 degrees when away from home for more than a few hours.

I) Install a programmable thermostat to turn down temperatures automatically without sacrificing comfort. Lowering your

thermostat from 70 degrees to 65 degrees at night, for example, saves about 10 percent or $10 for every $100 of heating costs. Your savings in the first year will pay for the programmable thermostat.

J) Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close cabinet and closet doors on outside walls, which can leak a great deal of air.

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Trying both housing options helps Jacqueline LOMAX

news@mirror.unco.edu

A

s an incoming freshman, did it ever feel like there were so many choices as to which dorm to live in? Well, after the first year, there are even more choices with the wide array of off-campus housing. Some people love it, while others prefer the dorms. Just like everything, there are pros and cons to both.

Living on your own is a big step in life, and living off campus helps create independence, which comes with more responsibility. When living in a residence hall, it’s not that big of a deal because

students or parents pay all of the bills at the beginning of the semester. The dorm is paid for and meals are taken care of.

So what happens when students live off campus?

Depending on where they live, it is important to remember that rent is due at the first of every month, and on top of that, so is Excel and perhaps other utilities. Then, the big question for a lot of college students is, “Who’s going to cook for me?”

Sorry guys, Ramen noodles and Easy Mac aren’t going to cut it every night. Of course, you still have the option of purchasing a meal plan, but sometimes you may find it more convenient to just eat at home.

On the positive side of offcampus living, there are no quiet hours. Not unless they’re created, anyway. You set the

rules. What’s better than living some place where the only rules you follow are your own and your roommates’?

Speaking of roommates, yes the majority of students who live off campus have at least one roommate, but you usually have your own room.

That means privacy. We all love privacy, and sometimes that’s impossible to have while living in a residence hall. Having your own bedroom means you can sneak off and have some time alone to yourself. It also means that you may not have to go to the library to find a quiet place to study.

Another big positive is that there are no more community bathrooms, and sometimes, you will even have your own bathroom. So, if you plan on living off campus, go ahead and throw those shower shoes in the trash.

A lot of students wonder if it’s cheaper to live on or off campus. There isn’t a correct answer for that question. If you live off campus, the cost of rent might be cheaper than living in a dorm, but most students have to pay cable, Internet, utilities and groceries, which can be the same price, less or even more expensive than residing on-campus.

It is wise to try both.

Students are typically in college for at least four years, so why not experience living off campus for at least a year. It’s something that needs to be done someday. Gaining the necessary experience to living independently can only happen through getting out there and trying it out.

—Jacqueline Lomax, is a junior journalism major and a staff reporter for The Mirror

Keeping harsh Colorado weather out of your house Tips from Page 15 K) Because warm air rises, air registers can direct warm air across the floor. Avoid blocking vents and air returns with furniture, area rugs or draperies. Have your heating contractor inspect and seal ductwork to ensure adequate airflow and eliminate loss of heated air. It’s not uncommon for ducts to leak as much as one-fifth of the air passing through them.

L) Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lamps, known as CFLs. These lamps use two-thirds less electricity than a conventional incandescent bulb

and lasts up to 10 times longer.

M) Close dampers on unused fireplaces. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window open during the winter because it allows warm air to go up the chimney.

N) To let in the sun’s warmth on sunny days, open draperies and blinds; close them at night to insulate against cold air from outside.

O) Have major appliances serviced annually to ensure safety, reliability and efficiency.

Gas furnaces and appliances should be inspected

by a qualified appliancerepair or heating-service company. Also, install a carbon monoxide detector.

Choose one that’s approved by a national testing laboratory. When buying new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.

P) If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat into the room.

Q) Insulate electrical switches and outlets with foam gaskets. These inexpensive, pre-cut gaskets help to stop cold air from entering

your home through switch and outlet plates, particularly on outside walls.

R) Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season.

Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily.

S) Set your water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees.

Lowering the water heater’s setting could cut your water-heating cost by 20 percent.

T) Use ventilating fans in bathrooms and kitchen sparingly in cold weather.

In just one hour, these fans can extract a household of warm air.

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Faculty members join students in residency JORDANE HARTBAUER news@uncmirror.com

ELIZABETH FEHRINGER | THE MIRROR

Kelsi Streich, a senior journalism major and a resident assistant, looks at standard forms and information at the front desk in New North Hall.

Seniors in dorms enjoy their stay KRISTEN MARTIN news@uncmirror.com

For some UNC seniors, living on campus has been more beneficial to them than living off campus.

Jamie Lloyd, a senior theater education major and president of the Residence Hall Association, said she has enjoyed her time on campus. She has lived in McCowen, Harrison, New South Hall and is finishing college in Wiebking.

Lloyd said each building offers different atmospheres and quirks.

“For Harrison, it was fascinating because it’s a building without air conditioning, and people absolutely love living there,” Lloyd said said.

Lloyd also said Wiebking

“

For Harrison, it was fascinating because it’s a building without air conditioning, and people absolutely love living there.

— Jamie Lloyd, a sen ior theater education major and president of the Residence Hall Association.

Hall has been entertaining because when she walks through the lobby, there are at least six college students around a piano singing “Phantom of the Opera.”

“You don’t hear that anywhere else; it’s practically See Seniors, Page 21

UNC Housing and Residence Life introduced a new program this academic year with faculty members living in residence halls.

The Faculty in Residence Program members are Mary Angeline, an English professor; M a t t Birnbaum, assistant professor in higher education Matt Birnbaum and stuan assistant prod e n t fessor in Higher affairs Education and leadership; Student Affairs Lyda Ellis, an instruction librarian and assistant professor of University Libraries; Diane Gaede, an associate professor in recreation and tourism; Lee Anne Peck, a journalism professor, and G a r y Swanson, the Mildred Endowed Chairman in journali s m .

Lyda Ellis According an instruction to the librarian and an Housing assistant proa n d fessor for UNC Residence Libraries handout, several of the goals of the faculty in residence program are to increase interaction outside of the classroom between students and faculty, to provide role

models for the students and to showcase the approacha b l e nature of Lee Ann Peck the faculty. a journalism proThere fessor. are currently six faculty members in residence. Four of the faculty members live on West Campus, and two of them live on Central Campus. Each of the members was selected through an application and hiring process that occurred before the fall semester began.

Each of these faculty members has become prominent parts of the residence hall community in which they live. All of them are expected to be involved in hall programming for about 10 hours each month.

They also create programs for the students to participate in both on and off campus. Some of these activities have included movie nights, trips to Denver and weekly creative writing groups.

Birnbaum is the faculty in residence for Harrison Hall and said he enjoys the experience of living in a residence hall and being able to interact with students.

“I know that I get a deeper appreciation for the experience undergraduate students have, the issues they face and how they solve them,” Birnbaum said. “I learn as much as the students. This experience helps me to better understand undergraduate student culture.”

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Careful planing must go into pet ownership Chelsey URDAHL

news@mirror.unco.edu

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here is nothing like coming home after a long day and being greeted by a friendly tail wagging or an eager rub against your legs. Owning a pet can bring a lot of joy to your life, but it also requires a lot of commitment and responsibility. The decision to buy a pet should not be made on a whim but instead after much consideration and planning.

The first thing to consider is time. Pets need lots of attention. Dogs need to be let outside several times a day. If your schedule requires you to be away from home for most of the day, perhaps a pet, especially a dog, isn’t for you. A very important question you must ask yourself: Am I giving my pet the best life I can?

Another consideration is the cost. The initial price of a pet may not be very much —

sometimes even free — but over time, the cost of caring for your pet adds up. Food, supplies, licensing and vet bills, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations, are costly and must be factored into your monthly budget.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that a dog costs about $580 to $875 each year, depending on the size of the dog, and that a cat costs about $670 each year. The average life span of a dog is about 12 years. A cat’s average lifespan is about 15 years. That ends up being pretty expensive, but the emotional value of a pet is immeasurable. A pet is not disposable, but a serious commitment, so prepare for a long-term.

Finding a decent place to live is difficult as it is. When you own a pet, it becomes even harder. Many landlords do not allow pets at all, and those who do often require an additional deposit or increased monthly rent. Space is also an issue, particularly if you have a dog. Is there ample space and a yard for it to play?

You must also consider how it

will affect you and your roommates. If anyone in your life has allergies, perhaps a cat or dog isn’t for you.

There are alternatives to cats and dogs, of course, such as fish, reptiles and rodents, which are less expensive to care for and require less room.

When choosing a pet, it’s important to decide what will work best for your lifestyle.

nalism major, is a resident assistant in New North Hall. She said being a resident assistant is a lot of fun and she has met a lot of people and friends.

“With living on campus, it is easier to motivate yourself to go to class,” Streich said.

After a study abroad trip, she had to live off campus for the remainder of a summer.

“I realized I missed living on campus,” she said. “I wanted to be in an awesome com-

munity and help students to the best of my ability.”

Mark Drum, a senior theater education major, has one more year to go and he still loves living on campus as a resident assistant for Turner Hall. He said his experience has been really good and he has gained a lot of knowledge in student leadership. Drum also said he never even considered off-campus living because he

Pet ownership can enrich your life a great deal. It requires care, commitment and responsibility. It costs money, but you must decide what’s more important: money or an unconditional best friend?

—Chelsey Urdahl is a senior journalism major and a staff reporter for The Mirror.

CHELSEY URDAHL | THE MIRROR

Students talk about finishing college living on campus Seniors from Page 18 straight out of a movie,” Llyod said. “I definitely recommend living on campus for at least two years to get the full college experience.”

Lloyd said it was hard to know what was going on when she lived off campus for two summers, and living on campus for all four years has helped with her student leadership jobs.

Kelsi Streich, a senior jour-

does not own a car and because of the predetermined communities within the dorms.

He also said he still keeps in touch with most of the people he has met in other residence halls.

And as a resident assistant, he said has made even more friends with staff and students.

“I thoroughly have enjoyed my experience at UNC, and I feel that it does bring education to life,” Drum said.

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Facts about leasing residential property Gaining knowledge regarding renting may have benefits JESSICA GATES news@uncmirror.com

Signing a lease is not a matter to be taken lightly and can often be an intimidating responsibility for those who haven’t done it before.

Decoding important terms and aspects of leases can give you the confidence to put pen to paper without any lingering doubts.

Signing a lease signifies a legally binding agreement between tenants and their landlords and is designed to protect the tenants’ rights and interests, as well as the landlord’s. This is not merely a flip-

pant act and if done in haste, can reap serious consequences.

Before signing a lease, it is recommended to read all of it thoroughly and to clarify any confusing points.

According to the UNC OffCampus Housing Web site, leases are subject to change, which means tenants can request certain disadvantageous parts be omitted from the lease by the landlord. These changes can, and most often are, negotiated but must be approved by both parties.

The number of people signing the lease will affect the amount of rent, and this should be clearly specified on the

agreement. Although rent is divided among the individuals, all tenants are jointly responsible for the fulfillment of the contract, as well. This means if any tenant does not pay rent or unexpectedly breaks the agreement and leaves, the other contract holders are responsible for the payment of that person’s rent. Financial responsibility is crucial.

Leases also outline terms of payment, which is the due date of your rent. Many landlords have a grace period, and it is essential to know when late fees will be added to your bill.

According to www.rent-

law.com, in the event of tenants breaking their lease, both the tenants and the landlord must make efforts to find new tenants to re-rent the unit to.

The University of Northern Colorado offers all students legal counsel for any legal question, including those concerning lease agreements.

Brandon Houtchens is the Student Representative Council Legal Services lawyer and can be reached at 970-351-4281.

For more advice and information concerning leases and signing agreements, visit www.unco.edu/studentactivities/och/ltinfo.html.

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