RENTAL
GUIDE 2015
The Key to Finding Your New Place
V
A Vidette Publication
You must sign a lease in October or you will have no place to live next school year.
There are plenty of apartments and time to find a place to live. Don’t be pressured by friends or leasing companies. That could result in a poor decision with serious financial consequences.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MYTH AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING OFF CAMPUS, COME TO AN OFF-CAMPUS 101 SESSION AND
GET FRE E STU FF! For the full list of sessions, visit DeanOfStudents.IllinoisState.edu . Also check out the new Off-Campus Housing Database—the only place to search for all apartments in one location—at OffCampusHousing.IllinoisState.edu .
/ISUOffCampus
@ISUOffCampus
ISU_OffCampus
If you need a special accommodation to fully participate in these events, contact Off-Campus Services at (309) 438-7346 or LCC.DOS@IllinoisState.edu. An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.
RENTAL GUIDE · 1
House Hunters: ISU edition 2015 Vidette Rental Guide
Working on this Rental Guide has been a bit of an embarassing experience for me. As a townie, I’ve never had to panic through the leasing process, and I take a lot of the things I don’t have to worry about for granted. However, despite the advantages of living at home (zero cost and my mother’s delicious food come to mind), I’m realizing there’s a lot I regret missing. Crashing on a friend’s couch isn’t the same as tumbling into bed after a long weekend night (morning?), and I’ve never had the luxury of taking a quick trip home to make a meal or take a power nap between on-campus obligations. Living with friends is less likely to happen as we part ways after college; I may not have the luck of being in their same cities — if I find a job at all, of course. Even more indelible than these annoyances is the fact that I’ve missed an experience that is a veritable rite of passage for students. For a lot of students, the first time they start the process of renting a new home is the first time they feel like they are finally growing up and becoming an adult. My friends trade horror stories and petty grievances I don’t comprehend. The only roommates I’ve had feed me, do my laundry and help me pay for college (thank you mom and dad). I still deny the reality that students camp outside realty offices to claim the best apartments. For me, making the 2015 Rental Guide has transformed it from the compilation of advice from veterans that most people see it as. For me, it’s an insight into what I’ve missed and a way to distill the best advice for when I need it in life post-ISU. It has alleviated my past regrets and future fears and reminded me that there are some things nobody ever wants to experience (see ’Bird on the Street Horror Stories, page 10). There’s something in this Rental Guide for everyone, be it needed advice for newbies or a dose of nostalgia for veterans. I hope you all enjoy whatever it is you find in these pages. Elora Karim Night & Supplement Editor
Now Rent ing fo 2016 r -201 7! Classactrealty.com 309-454-2960
Though I’ve had fond memories living in the residence halls as an underclassman, signing my first lease began a whole new chapter of independence and living. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in the same apartment for the past two years, creating a second home and family that I will miss when May arrives. Thinking back to my early days of apartment hunting, I remember the stress of navigating the new world of looking for a place to call my own. I hope that this new addition of the Rental Guide will help ease that stress and unlock what you want from off-campus living. Paige Domantey Night & Supplement Editor
2 · RENTAL GUIDE
Key in to local realty options great place to invest, and that First Site takes great care of their tenants. “I have had a great experience living at Apartment hunting can be very stressful, the Oaks and renting through First Site. especially when it’s your first time. But no They are accommodating of residents worries, the companies here in Normal are needs,” senior Lizzy Carroll said. “They more than happy to help find the most comare willing to help you find roommates and fortable and affordable place on campus for subleasers if need be. If anything breaks, you and your roommates. From veterans the maintenance is very reliable and comes like Young America to newin a timely manner.” bies like Walk2Class, the SAMI Realty is another realty companies have a lot company that is offering of options for students. All incentives for their tenants, the companies offer various like a $150 Visa gift card deals and accommodafor students that resign for tions to fit the needs of all, next school year. They also regardless of their situation. are understanding when it “We strive to meet all of comes to the financial needs tenants needs,” Olivia Elder, of their tenants. SAMI Leasing Agent said. “If you need to defer your “We also offer the best cusrent due to loans or refund tomer service.” checks your waiting on or SAMI also offers housing whatever the problem may tours closer to Heartland, be they’re really underwhich many other compastanding,” senior Bree nies don’t do. They also offer Haskell, a two year tenant six month leases as well as of SAMI Realty, said. spring and summer leases “They are willing to Jessi Dwyer / Staff Photographer work with you as long as you for students who may not need a place for a full school Young America Leasing and Marketing Manager Allison Normand is one of provide them with the informany people who can give helpful tips on off-campus living solutions. year. mation they need about your Many companies are also situation.” offering incentives for students resigning dents can get is from other students who Open leasing for almost all compatheir current apartments for the 2016-2017 have lived in these places and experienced nies starts Sept. 30. Students can set up school year. the companies’ customer service. appointments for apartment viewings and “Any resident that resigns for 2016-2017 Despite its far distance from campus, tours with any company by calling their school year receives a $200 Visa gift card,” it seems the Oaks Townhomes really is a front desk office. TRESHONNA NOLAN News Reporter
Young America Marketing Manager Allison Normand said. Along with that $200 gift card, students will also receive a limited edition Young America T-shirt. Young America’s The Lodge was also voted best place to live by the Vidette! Though all these companies offer great customer service, accommodations and incentives, some of the best advice stu-
Realty company contact info:
First Site:
Campus Point:
Young America:
The Flats:
JSM Apartments:
The Edge:
Class Act:
College Station:
Redbird Property Management
Address: 311 S. Main St. Phone: (309) 454-2338
Walk2Class:
Address: 301 Beaufort St. Phone: (309) 451-1160
SAMI:
Address: 608 Kingsley St. Phone: (309) 888-4600
Address: 138 E. Beaufort St. Phone: (309) 888-4444 Address: 701 S. Main St. Phone: (309) 451-3528 Address: 800 W. Hovey Ave. Phone: (309) 454-5599 Address: 9 Traders Cir. Phone: (309) 454-5549
Address: 1430 Trumbull Ave. Phone: (309) 452-7800 Address: 100 S. Fell Ave. #201 Phone: (309) 888-2599 Address: 402 Kingsley St. Phone: (309) 452-9246 Address: 200 N Linden St. Phone: (309) 454-4888
RENTAL GUIDE · 3
Ready, set, lease!
It may be confusing to know when to start looking for apartments a full year into the future; here are some dates from realties to help avoid a summer of couchsurfing when you could have a bed Compiled by PAIGE DOMANTEY & ELORA KARIM / Supplement Editors
SAMI
Young America
First Site
Class Act
Apartment Showing: Sept. 30
Apartment Showing: Sept. 30
Apartment Showing: Sept. 30
Apartment Showing: Varies
Leasing Begins: Sept. 30
Leasing Begins: Sept. 30
Leasing Begins: Sept. 30
Leasing Begins: Varies
Move-In: Mid-July or mid-August
Move-In: June 14
Move-In: Varies
First month’s rent: 2 months before move-in date
First month’s rent: April 3
Move-In: June 7, unless early move-in requested or leasing an apartment being remodeled
First month’s rent: Varies
First month’s rent: April 1
get more! MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE
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*Restrictions apply, offer subject to change. Expires 12/31/15.
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TheEdgeOnHovey.com | 855.567.1445
800 West Hovey Ave., Ste. 100 | Normal, IL 61761
4 · RENTAL GUIDE NOW PRE-LEASING FOR 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR! 2 Bedroom/ 1 Bath $375 per Bedroom
Security Deposit $200 per unit
3 Bedroom/ 11/2 Bath $320 per Bedroom Security Deposit $300 per unit
Live Rent Free For One Month! •Full Size Washer and Dryer Included •On-Site Manager/ Maintenance •Next to Jewel-Osco, Family Video and Little Ceasar’s Pizza •24 hour Fitness Room •Free Tanning •Close to Campus •Pet Friendly •Across from White Oak Park •Close to On Campus Bus Line
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Call for more info: 309.329.0460
Securing the security deposit
RENTAL GUIDE · 5
Do some research to avoid losing your hard-earned cash AUDREY ANFIELD Staff Writer
Approach leases with consideration and thought. Security deposits are not always returned at the full amount once a lease ends. With most college students tight on money, it’s important to learn how to make leasing a good experience free of any dispute with the leasing agency. It’s easier, cheaper and faster than you think to resolve disputes. According to PeopleClaim, it’s important to do research on the leasing company or landlord accountable for the apartment before signing any lease. The internet will be able to provide any bad experiences and complaints from past customers. This may seem obvious, but read the lease thoroughly and carefully before signing anything. Read it and understand it. Do not be afraid to ask leasing agents questions; there are no silly questions. It is the smallest details that may be the reason a security deposit is not fully returned. “I remember while first going through our lease, me and my roommates asked our agent a lot of questions,” Kyle Weller, accounting major, said. “It was our first lease, so we didn’t want to miss anything important.” Documenting is also a key step in securing the full security deposit. It is recommended to document every single issue in the apartment, even if it is just a minor problem. Take photographs for proof of any problems. Once everything is listed and photographed, immediately email this information with a friendly
@the_vidette
note to the leasing agency so it is documented with the right date and time. PeopleClaim suggests becoming familiar with the apartment itself. Ask the landlord or leasing agency for the paint color (brand, type and exact shade) of the walls. This way, should there be any scuffs, the touching up can be done before the leasing agency can charge anyone. Also, keep in mind accidents happen. It is usually the cheaper route to repair anything yourself instead of calling maintenance to come in. “My roommates and I got charged a lot our sophomore year in Watterson because our wall decor took off so much of the paint,” Patrycja Janeczeko, criminal justice major, said. “Looking back, we probably should have tried to paint it ourselves.” Stay in touch throughout the lease with the leasing agency. Notify the leasing agency of any problems, whether you think they are a big deal or not. Be responsible and remember that any damages, big or small, can create a greater possibility of security deposits not being fully returned. When moving out, empty the apartment completely. Leasing agencies do not want to deal with leftover items still sitting in
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an apartment. If they are items you no longer want, just toss them out in the dumpster instead of leaving it for the leasing agency to clear out. Even the smallest of items, like a coat hanger, can result in a charge. Become familiar with move out requirements before it’s time to leave. Charges can always be disputed. Refer to applicable state law and send a detailed response to leasing agencies should you feel that any charges were unreasonable. Use certified mail and include photographs and documentation for their records. While it can be stressful to think about potential charges, being proactive is the best way to ensure a rewarding leasing experience.
Also offer ing Sprin g On ly Leas es!
Classactrealty.com 309-454-2960
6 · RENTAL GUIDE
Archive Photo
Party smart, not hard
Take note of your realty’s specific policies and repercussions before throwing your housewarming party YOUNG AMERICA
REDBIRD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Parties may not exceed 20 people in number. A party may not cause nuisance to any neighbors or surrounding buildings. A party may not host any illegal activity. Illegal activity equals the cause for eviction.
Parties are to be done under city laws. Any damages will be charged towards the tenants’ security deposit made at the signing of the lease.
Tenant will be responsible to charges to cover all damages caused.
CLASS ACT
THE FLATS Tenant agrees that any parties held to be small and controlled, no disturbance to neighbors or neighboring companies. No parties are to be held outdoors or in the common areas. No open alcohol allowed in the common areas. If found violating the policy on hosting parties, first offense will result in a warning. Second offense, $250 in fines. Third offense, $1000 in fines and cause for possible eviction.
THE EDGE Parties must be small and controlled with no public disturbances. No Kegs. No parties in common outdoor areas.
Compiled by JOSH TOLENTINO / Sports Editor
Class Act does not have a particular policy in lease on hosting parties. Parties held are up to the discretion of tenant. Tenant is responsible for any consequences that may happen when throwing a party. Tenant must abide by all city and state laws. Any damages caused will be charged to the tenant.
SAMI Parties are to be contained and controlled. Not infringed in the hallways or common areas. SAMI has no limit on the amount of people a tenant can have inside their apartment as long as the party is contained and controlled. If damage is created because of a party, the tenant will be charged the amount to cover the damages. However much it costs to repair damages will be split between however many tenants in the apartment.
RENTAL GUIDE · 7
Easing from dorm to apartment
The transition from high school to college is one of the toughest facing young adults today. One day your parents are dropping you off for freshman year and the next you’re off to an apartment. Here are some tips on how to make a smooth transition from the dorm life to easy apartment living: Communicate with roommates It is a whole new ballgame when you take out RAs and put rent and landlords into the mix. There is no one there to ice over fights or take care of problems and now finances are involved. It doesn’t matter if you’re rooming with your BFF or someone random, just be sure to stay updated on their life and make sure they’re on top of their rent. Now that you’re all on your own, you need to look out for each other. You need to always be able to talk to your roommate about things like repairs, apartment rules, responsibilities, concerns and dish duty.
Learn how to budget Meal plans are usually available to students living off campus, but it isn’t always practical to walk over to Watterson or Tri when you now have a kitchen right in your new apartment. Because you have been so used to having everyday expenses taken care of, a good tip is to take one of your parents or older friends grocery shopping and watch how they buy. Anyone who has lived in an apartment will tell you that there’s no need for four gallons of milk and three separate tubs of butter, but not everyone can do their shopping together. I recommend a checklist or a shopping app to keep track so that you all can save money and room in the fridge. Some students even take turns buying things in bulk to stay cost efficient.
Tracy Conoboy / Staff Photographer
Students must learn to cook on their own when they move into an apartment.
Focus on the essentials When living in the dorms, you didn’t need as many things, and now you’re buying for an entire kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Try communicating with your new roommate(s) what to show up with on move in day so that you don’t have duplicates. There are also plenty of college apps available for keeping your roommates in the loop about what things you need and what you don’t. Don’t worry about buying matching silverware, just get the essentials.
Be responsible with your ‘off-campus’ freedom No matter where you are on campus, you are now considered “off-campus.” Your classes are further away and you have to either walk, drive or catch a bus to class. Find your classes the week before school and take the new route you plan to use, so you know how long it will take. You’re not actually “on campus” any more so you have to make a conscious effort to go to things like tutoring sessions, the library and class. Try to manage your time and make an effort to hang with the people that used to live down the hall of your old dorm, but now don’t have time to visit with every day. It may take extra effort to maintain friendships, but the important ones will last.
Tracy Conoboy / Staff Photographer
Matching silverware together is not too important in your new apartment. Work with what you have.
Compiled by JAY IBARRA / Features Reporter
8 · RENTAL GUIDE
Be that friendly face
Form a good relationship from the start with neighbors and roomies to avoid conflict BRENT BADER News Reporter
Living with a stranger is never easy and it’s made especially more difficult if you struggle to communicate with roommates or neighbors. So take the opportunity to turn that stranger into a new friend with a couple tips from fellow Redbirds. Breaking the ice can be quite difficult if students don’t know the person they’re moving in with or any of the people living near them. According to Adam Nowell, senior business management major, one of the first things new neighbors or roommates should do is reach out and communicate with them. “Find common similarities between each other,” Nowell said. “I reached out and found we were both computer dorks and he works in IT and was talking to me about Diablo.” Students can use this introductory period to find common hobbies but also lay out their expectations when it comes to the shared room or building. Personal boundaries should be respected, this includes being loud enough that neighbors can hear you but also includes personal property. “It should be a given not to take other people’s stuff,” Nowell said. “You can establish the relationship by saying
What pay m you atter s! Classactrealty.com 309-454-2960
how you feel about your property and space.” Students should consult one another before doing anything with the shared space or before using personal property. It’s a great idea to discuss topics such as when it’s okay to have friends over, share food and rearrange furniture. Some students may find that sharing everything is a better strategy for their individual relationship. “We share everything,” Ashton Doty, junior elementary education major, Photo Illustration Vince Pinto / Photographer said. “That’s Being friendly with your neighbors will make what life’s about. your living experience much more enjoyable. Share with your friends, don’t leave them in the dirt.” Doty and her roommate didn’t have much to say to one another when they first met but slowly connected while sifting through rough-looking apartments. They look at their individual short comings as a fun pseudo-competition. “We sort of have a one-up system when it comes to, what we call, ‘oopsies,’” Doty said. “Maybe some night one of us will forget to lock the door, and we’ll just say ‘Well I guess no one really even wants to break into our apartment anyway.’ We both make mistakes but don’t really let it bother us.” Part of the experience of living on your own is understanding what roommates and neighbors are used to expecting and sharing your own expectations with them if they’re not being met. Andrew Kemp, senior exercise science major, feels it’s also important not to let things get too tense to the point where someone gets aggravated. “I always say, the first person to get angry loses,” Kemp said. “The person who keeps cool is the one who understands how this works. Patience and communication are key, you’re not living on your own anymore. We’re all adults and it’s important to talk it out and share your feelings.”
RENTAL GUIDE · 9
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T H E VIDE T T E A P P AVA I L A B L E F O R A P P L E A N D A N D R O I D D E V I C E S
Lincoln Park TOWNHOMES Lincoln Park TOWNHOMES The STILTS The THE STILTS FRANKLINS THE FRANKLINS KINGSLEY COMMONS
KINGSLEY COMMONS
10 · RENTAL GUIDE
’Bird on the Street:
Off-campus horror stories
Things typically start to get weird once you move out of the dorms “Last semester I made the bold move of studying abroad in Spain without speaking a lick of Spanish. Overall, my experience was the most amazing thing. I even fell in love…with cheese and Spanish wine. Anyways, my first day I get picked up by my host mom, I was nervous not knowing much Spanish but I figured that since the advisers knew that, they would place me with a family who spoke some English. Wrong. My host mom walks up to me with the biggest grin on her face, speaking loud and fast in Spanish. Oh shit. She knew absolutely no English and I knew absolutely no Spanish. Throughout the semester we struggled to communicate and for the first few months we just used hand gestures and laughed and hugged about of lack of communication.” Claire Riley / Senior media management promotion and sales major
“I was supposed to sublease from somebody for the fall semester. I talked to them over the summer and they assured me that it would be move-in ready come August. I paid the sublet directly for the first month through the Venmo app. On move-in day I got to school, went to the realty company to give them my deposit, and they informed me that somebody had already moved in to the property and that the person I had been in contact was in collections with them since April. I was immediately nervous that I wasn’t going to get my $700 back. I started looking for alternate places to live and ended up signing a 12-month lease with a residential company. In the end, I learned it’s not always smart to go through a second party. Go directly through the company and make sure you have all of your paperwork legalized. Thankfully, I did have the guy sign a legal sublease agreement before I sent him the money originally, so I did end up getting my money back from his mom.” Danielle Ryan / Senior special education major
RENTAL GUIDE · 11 “After a night of being out, I came home, unlocked my door, walked into my apartment and immediately noticed the window was open. I was very confused because I was almost positive that not me or any of my roommates left that window open before we left. I shut it and headed upstairs to bed and saw that the lights were on in my laundry room and the doors were slightly open because we usually keep them closed. I thought that was strange so I went over there to turn off the lights and right as I approached the smell hit me like a truck. I walked in and see that some lunatic just pooped in my dryer and left. To this day we still have no information as to how it happened; all we have is a dryer with some character.” Joe MacKenzie / Senior safety major
“One night I was bundled up in my bed watching some Netflix in my room and I started to hear some commotion. It sounded like a lot of pops and loud bursts so I assumed it was people setting off some fireworks outside. A couple minutes later, I started to smell a burning or smoky smell. I picked up my laptop and started to smell the bottom of it thinking that maybe it was overheating. I quickly realized that wasn’t the case and brushed it off, continuing to watch Netflix. Soon after that, my roommates were downstairs and asked me what was going on in the kitchen and I had no idea what they were talking about. I go over to the kitchen and see that there had been fireworks set off in my kitchen! Everything that I was hearing and smelling was happening right downstairs and I had no idea. They ended up catching the guys that were doing it and there was no actual damage done to the apartment.” Tori Raines / Sophomore business administration major
“I was helping my sister move into Cardinal Court the Friday before classes started, and we instantly notice some weird posters on the wall and the place had an overall gloomy feeling to it. I looked around and spotted something on the floor. At first glance it just looked like any regular quarter, but once I moved up close to it I saw some creepy, satanic markings on it. I picked it up and on one side of the quarter was an upside down cross, and then on the other side it read ‘666.’ We got her all moved in and she decided to go back home for the weekend. That Sunday she came back to school and she pulls her blankets back from her bed and notices a red stain appearing to be blood smeared all over her sheets. She confronted her roommate who seemed to know nothing about it. It’s safe to say my sister transferred.” Luke Horvath / Junior interpersonal communication major
12 · RENTAL GUIDE
Learn from my mistakes MY VIEW HOLLY PETROVICH Editor in Chief If you’re like me, then your parents did most of the work when it came to housing for freshman year. I found my roommate on Facebook, told my mom we wanted to live in Watterson, and then she arranged where I’d live for the next eight months. Sophomore year was very similar; my friends and I decided to live in Cardinal Court, picked our building, and from there I don’t know what happened. Finding housing for junior year, however, was a different story. I was fortunate enough to find roommates that I get along with really well, and we’ve lived in the same place for the last two years. The location is great, we each have our own rooms and our rent is pretty reasonable. But, we still get made fun of by our friends for what we did to get our extremely-average apartment. You may have seen around the beginning of October, people setting up their tents and sleeping bags to sleep outside of Young America or other realty companies to get
their dream apartment. “Everyone did it,” we thought, “We have no choice.” Boy, were we wrong. Not only was sleeping on the concrete, parking lot ground miserable, but it was a waste of time. Others in line kept asking “What apartment are you guys trying to get?” And when we replied with an unheard of address, we got a lot of weird looks. After four people lived out of a oneperson tent for 48 hours, we finally signed our very first lease. We got our free Young America T-shirts, and were very content. Two months later, our good friend tells us that he is living in the same building. And just signed that day. So, before you make the same mistake, I want to warn you: unless you are trying to live in one of the higher end places around campus (the Lodge, Willow Trails, etc.) then do not stress out about where to live. I promise you will not end up in a box. One of the main reasons we decided to re-sign at the same place for our senior year is because it is a very stressful process. You hear horror stories (see pages 10 and 11) all the time, but the realty companies here aim to make this process as easy as possible. About 10,000 other students are trying to find the cheapest, closest and nicest place to live for the next school year, all within a short time period. Bigger name companies such as Young America, SAMI and First Site have a lot of tenants that
come in and out each year, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care about you. The best advice I can give to first-time apartmenters is to be proactive. As early as Festival ISU, realty companies are out on the Quad promoting available units and what dates leasing starts. They typically have handouts with pictures and pricing for various places too. They want you to have a good experience, and have several representatives available at all times for questions or concerns. Honestly, the hardest part is finding people to live with that have a similar situation as you. You may be the best of friends, but if you’re stuck paying your own rent and someone else has their parents offering to pay as much as they want, then there’s going to be some issues. Be reasonable. Obviously, everyone wants to live at the Edge and have free Buffalo Wild Wings delivery. But, a college kid paying $700 a month for a studio apartment is not the norm. Living in an old, sometimes smelly, apartment now is going to make your first grown-up apartment more exciting. And you won’t have fake friends over asking to use your pool. Holly Petrovich is Editor in Chief of The Vidette. Any questions or comments regarding her column can be directed to dv_hepetro@ilstu.edu. Find her on Twitter @holly_petrovich.
Cartoon by Athena Tapia
RENTAL GUIDE · 13
309.454.4100
2309 E. Empire Street Suite 600 Bloomington, IL 61704
Where Quality Meets Convience!
NOW LEASING!
1, 2, 3, & 4 bedroom apartments for 2015-2016
All our apartments are just a short walk from campus!
www.meredithsproperties.com
14 ¡ RENTAL GUIDE
Check before you wreck Starting from scratch and moving into a new apartment can be stressful; here is a checklist of things you will definitely need to start
CLOSET
KITCHEN
Hangers
Pots/pan/strainer
Shoe rack
Plates/bowls
Hamper
Silverware (forks, spoons, knives)
Laundry basket
Silverware divider
BEDROOM
Tupperware Ziploc bags
Bedding (bed skirt, sheets,
Aluminum foil
comforter, pillows, blanket)
Paper towels, napkins, garbage
Mattress pad
bags, dish soap
Nightstand
Wash cloths/gloves
Lamp
Coffee pot
Candles/wall & room decor T.V.
BATHROOM
Dresser
Shower curtain/lining/hooks
Printer, printer ink & paper
Rug
Fan
Towel rack
Mirror
Toothbrush holder
Curtains & rod
Toilet paper holder
Router
Soap dispenser Towels
Compiled by LACEY MESCH / Features Reporter
RENTAL GUIDE · 15
Unlock the door to delivery It’s not DiGiorno, it’s delivery Windy City Wieners
Jimmy John’s
These Chicago-style eateries deliver to both Bloomington and Normal and is known for its hot dogs (voted #1 in Bloomington-Normal), Italian beef sandwiches and gyros. They have a variety of specials and send discount codes to customers who order online.
With several locations in the Bloomington-Normal area, Jimmy John’s is a favorite among students. Customers can create their own sandwich or choose from classics like the Totally Tuna or the Turkey Tom.
Minimum cost for delivery: $8 Tip: at checkout or delivery
Minimum cost for delivery: $6 Tip: at checkout or delivery
D.P. Dough
Great Wall
This self-professed “original calzone company” specializes in creative calzones, including the signature Ratchet Redbird. Ordering online earns points that can be redeemed for free items on a later order. Open daily until at least 1 a.m., D.P. Dough is pizza to the next level.
A Chinese/Asian restaurant known for modern takes of classic oriental dishes, Great Wall is a favorite. Its lunch specials cost only $5.65 and include sides. It delivers within a four-mile radius of the restaurant and is open until 10 or 11 p.m. depending on the night.
Minimum cost for delivery: none Tip: at delivery
Minimum cost for delivery: $15 Tip: at checkout or delivery
Papa John’s
Insomnia Cookies
Papa John’s is a pizzeria that gives back to Illinois State University students. Any RSOs registered with the restaurant receive a code for 40% off every order. Then, 10% is given back to the RSO. Papa John’s delivers until 2 a.m.
Looking for dessert? Insomnia delivers cookies, ice-cream sandwiches and pints of ice cream until 3 a.m. every morning. These treats are the perfect sugar rush to help you get through a late study night.
Minimum cost for delivery: none Tip: at checkout
Minimum cost for delivery: $6 Tip: at delivery
Crunch Button This delivery service acts as the middleman between your stomach and the restaurants that don’t deliver. With a variety of options, such as Chipotle, Taco Bell, Panda Express and Noodles & Company, Crunch Button might be the key to your delivery needs. There is an additional delivery fee of $3 for each order.
Compiled by LAURA ROCCO / Copy Editor
16 · RENTAL GUIDE
House vs. apartment There are pros and cons to both, so take your pick
House Pros:
Space: Living in a house will allow you to have more space. This means that you can have more people over to watch the new season of “The Walking Dead” (ok…”The Bachelor”) without feeling too crowded. Cost: Living in a house is somewhat cheaper than renting an apartment in a luxury apartment complex. Also, living in a house means you will have more roommates and split the cost more ways. Lifestyle: When you move away from home, it can feel strange living in an apartment. Many students find it comforting to live in a house so they get a sense of home when at school. Houses often seem more welcoming than an apartment.
Cons:
Unfurnished: one reason for the cost of renting a house is cheaper than an apartment is due to it being unfurnished.
This means that you will have to bring your own furniture, whether it is from home (yard sale) or the local thrift store. The thought of renting a truck to move your love seat you found at the farmer’s market does sound a bit agonizing. In the long run, you are saving more money. Plus, you now have your own furniture! Most non-student apartments do not come furnished. So now you have stuff for you new place post grad status. Parking: Houses generally do not have the greatest parking spots. There is usually a narrow driveway where you can squeeze all six of your roommate’s cars into. The rest of your friends visiting will have to find a spot on the side of the road. If you thought stack-parking two cars was bad, just think about having to ask four roommates to move their cars so you can get to your 8 a.m. class (cringe). Cleaning: Houses are bigger than apartments. This means there is more room for activities, but consequently this also means there is more room to accumulate a mess. A bigger mess means more time cleaning. Who want to spend the best days of their lives on their hands and knees scrubbing the tiled flooring in the kitchen?
Apartment Pros:
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Security: Apartments tend to have upgraded security with key fobs and gated communities. Many apartment complexes also have security cameras established throughout the buildings. Parking: When signing up for an apartment, you are generally granted several parking spots. While there is stacked parking, it is better than parking on the side of the road. Privacy: Renting an apartment gives you the opportunity of renting a one-bedroom layout. This is perfect for those who desperately need their own space (hello private bathroom).
Cons:
Cost: It is no secret that between the security deposit and the rent, student housing is expensive. There is also the chance that you will have to pay for utilities. Sharing a bathroom: Living in an apartment with two or more people will more than likely lead to sharing a bathroom. This can be both gross and time consuming. There is nothing more annoying than waiting in line to use the shower (still hoping there is hot water). Social Events: There can be an issue concerning space when hosting social events. Many times people will have to be crowded among each other if you decide to throw a super bowl party. It is probably best to leave the party hosting to those with a house. Compiled by AUDIE LAUF / Marketing coordinator