Housing Guide 2012

THE HOUSING GUIDE Don’t miss the 2012 Off-Campus Housing Fair!

March 6 • 10AM – 2PM • Coffman Memorial Union • Great Hall

Guide to partying in the dorms

BY MOLLY NOVAK mnovak@mndaily.com

Living off campus may be fun, but for those still living in school housing, there are still many opportunities for a good time.

University of Minnesota residence halls put on a slew of events throughout the academic year for students. Most are sponsored by the Housing and Residential Life for students living on campus, although some are open to all registered University students.

The events range from dances to casino nights to intramural sports.

Middlebrook Hall’s Awkward Dance

Furry shorts and mismatched outfits are the norm at the annual Awkward Dance. Put on by Middlebrook Hall and Gophers After Dark every February, it’s a free event for resident students. The dance has contests for the most awkward dancer, the most awkward outfit, the group with the most spirit and more.

Bailey Hall’s Casino Night

This event, which takes place on the St. Paul campus, happens in mid-April every year. Each casino night has a different theme — like Gold Rush, the theme for 2012 — and all activities are structured around the theme. The event is open to any resident student.

Relay for Life

Every year, each dorm puts together a team to participate in the Relay for Life event in support of those fighting cancer.

Each hall’s team makes shirts or wears costumes, sets up tents in the Field House and fundraises for the cause. Hundreds of students participated in the past years.

The Formal Dance

Put on by the Residential Housing Association, this event happens in the spring only for residence hall students. It is a free event in the McNamara Alumni Center. Desserts are catered to help make the night more “up-scale” without a big meal. Students show up in recycled prom dresses to enjoy the desserts and dancing.

Community council and community advisers

Every residence hall has a Community Council helping organize events for the halls based on the interests of students.

Those events can include things like getting a bus and going out to a mall for the day.

Community advisers put together smaller activities for the students in each residence hall. They often take advantage of locally sponsored events, and most of the time HRL provides the transportation. Living Learning Communities also put together smaller events for its students. These often depend on what student interests are and what is happening in the city.

Museum exhibitions, parades and other various city activities are the hits for these events.

PARKING The overlooked factor in housing costs vary for parking lots and street parking has some risks.

BY KEVIN BURBACH kburbach@mndaily.com

The search for housing is underway for college students, and it’s important to keep in mind all aspects of renting: price, location and, of course, parking.

Parking is sometimes overlooked when house hunting but it matters for those equipped with wheels.

Students can choose to brave the street parking and save a buck or two. Or they can go for a lot beneath or beside their apartment — for a fee.

Many houses in the Marcy-Holmes and Southeast Como neighborhoods have driveway parking available as well.

Doran Companies, which owns Sydney Hall, the Dinkydome Lofts, 412 Lofts and is building the Edge on Oak apartments in Stadium Village, has parking available at each site.

A tenant pays $125 per month for a spot at any of Doran’s sites. Scott Anderson, senior director of leasing, said the lots almost always fill up, but if a resident wants a space, they can usually get one.

Because of the location in the city, Doran properties only have underground parking.

For parking in Minnesota winters, that’s an advantage.

For those looking for slightly less, Bierman Place Apartments on Sixth Street Southeast may be the place.

Spots at Bierman’s above-ground lot run for $80 per month, while the underground heated garage spots cost $100 monthly. Tenants are required to sign up for a parking spot as part of their 12-month lease, but for $10 extra a month, you can opt out of your spot at any time.

Maria Kelley, assistant manager at Bierman Place, said parking is almost always available for residents.

For even cheaper, but more risky spots, there’s street parking.

In Minneapolis, you can park on the even side of most streets all day and on weekends for free and between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the

odd side.

But if you dare to delve into the city streets, be warned: Minneapolis 311 employee Jackie Jewell said cars from the University are ticketed and towed constantly for almost always one reason: the five-foot rule.

In Minneapolis, cars cannot be closer than five feet from a driveway and 30 feet from a stop sign. Jewell said she talks to students daily about why their car got towed and it’s usually for the five-foot rule. Jewell said information on street-parking rules is all available on the city’s website.

Kelley said many Bierman Place residents forego parking in the lot for street parking but often get ticketed or towed. For a while, Kelley said Bierman Place employees put up city signs around the complex to warn tenants of the parking rules “No one knows about it,” she said. “A lot of people are from out of state. It’s not really fair they’re getting towed for this.”

Jewell said there’s not money in the city budget to paint lines or put signs up at every driveway to notify residents of the ordinance.

A standard parking violation in Minneapolis is $42. A tow will cost you roughly $138. If your car gets towed, keep in mind an additional $18 is added for every day your car sits in the impound lot.

Cars towed by the city are towed to an impound lot at 51 N. Colfax Ave. Tim Harmsen, owner of Dinkytown Rentals, which owns a large amount of properties in the Marcy-Holmes and Southeast Como neighborhoods, said many houses come equipped with parking but the amount of spots varies.

And for house-dwellers who are financially strapped (i.e. everyone) and immobile, you can save some coin and contract out your parking spot, so long as it flies with your landlord.

For Dinkytown Rentals tenants, Harmsen said selling unused parking spots is up to the tenants.

If you’re looking to drive next year, it’d be wise to ask about parking before signing your lease.

Neighborhood breakdown

BY CALI OWINGS cowings@mndaily.com

University

you live in “deep Como” or a breezy 15-minute walk to the center of campus.

Cedar-Riverside

Living this close to campus gives you the advantage of not having to budget as much travel time into your day between class and home. But with the Central Corridor light rail moving in and development along Washington Avenue, the construction can be a major eyesore for residents.

Hot spots: Stub and Herbs, Punch Neopolitan Pizza, Sally’s Saloon and Eatery for free drinks 11 p.m. until midnight with college I.D. on Wild Wednesdays.

Green space: When the sun’s out, Northrop Mall is a prime location for studying, tanning or ultimate frisbee.

Quick grocery stop: CVS, 316 15th Ave. SE; House of Hanson, 433 14th Ave. SE; Target, 1650 New Brighton Blvd.

Transportation: The light-rail construction has eliminated all of the buses that ran down Washington Avenue, so walking, biking, rollerblading or long-boarding are your best options for getting to class on time.

This neighborhood is known for its diversity and the booming arts scene — there’s no shortage of live music, theater and international cuisine. It’s conveniently located a few blocks from the University’s business, arts and social sciences classes on the West Bank.

Hot spots: Hard Times Café, Triple Rock Social Club, the Red Sea, Mapps Coffee and Tea Green space: The west river flats along the Mississippi River provide ample space for outdoor activities or studying on a sunny afternoon.You can also run along the (slightly less popular) West River Road.

Quick grocery stop: Cub Foods or Rainbow Foods, South 26th Avenue; Seward Co-op, 2823 E. Franklin Ave. Transportation: Within walking distance of any West Bank class, and a 7-minute walk across the Washington Avenue bridge brings you to the Northrop Mall area. Construction has limited several of the bus routes that used to go between the campuses, however.

Marcy-Holmes

St. Paul

This neighborhood has all of the advantages of Dinkytown and plenty of options for living including luxury apartment complexes, renovated older homes and even some hovels ready to take another beating from rowdy college renters.

Hot spots: Purple Onion, Al’s Breakfast, Loring Pasta Bar and Mesa Pizza after bar close.

Green space: Run along the Stone Arch Bridge or enjoy the view of the Knoll Area from the patio at Annie’s Parlour while you slurp down a milkshake.

Quick grocery stop: CVS, 316 15th Ave. SE; House of Hanson, 433 14th Ave. SE; Target, 1650 New Brighton Blvd.

Transportation: The 2 bus runs through much of the area before heading east on University Avenue, but much of the neighborhood is within walking distance of campus. If you’re feeling especially lazy, you can pick up the Campus Connector in front of Sanford Hall and get off at 15th and University avenues.

Southeast Como

With a mix of long-term residents, families and students, Southeast Como is quiet enough during the week, but has its own nightlife on the weekends. Most of the properties are converted older homes.

Hot spots: Muddsuckers Coffee, Sporty’s Pub & Grill, Obento-Ya Japanese Bistro Green space: Van Cleve Park boasts a soccer field, softball/baseball field and a skating rink. The community center housed in the park also hosts events for residents of all ages.

Quick grocery stop: Joe’s Market, 1828 Como Ave. SE Transportation: A 10-minute ride on the 3 if

There’s more to the St. Paul campus than cows and agriculture majors. The greener campus has one residence hall, Bailey Hall, housing for student familes in the Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative and converted homes in Falcon Heights.

Hot spots: Mims Cafe, Station 280, nearby Rosedale Center Green space: St. Paul is green space.

Quick grocery stop: Cub Foods, Har Mar: 2100 N. Snelling Ave.; Target, 1300 W. University Ave. Transportation: About 20 minutes travel time between the St. Paul campus and the East Bank via Campus Connector.

Prospect Park

This neighborhood begins at the edge of Stadium Village and extends further down University Avenue toward St. Paul. What Prospect Park lacks in nightlife, it makes up for in on-street parking and quaint, quiet streets.

Hot spots: Cupcake, Green Spoon, and this neighborhood is just a short drive away from the Riverview Theater, a 1950s-style budget theater that has $2 ticket Tuesdays and popcorn doused in real butter.

Green space: Tower Hill Park, where you can climb up to the observation deck on the Witch’s Hat Tower — one of the few original water towers left in the Twin Cities — only once per year when it’s open to the public the weekend after Memorial Day. Quick grocery stop: Rainbow Foods or Cub Foods, South 26th Avenue .

Transportation: 10-15 minutes to the heart of campus via the 16 bus.

-Emily Mongan contributed to this report.

Safety tips for off-campus housing

BY BRANDEN LARGENT blargentl@mndaily.com

Death, mayhem and constant fear swarm the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota campus. Not really, but there are some safety issues students should consider if they’re living in off-campus housing.

Nick Juarez, crime prevention specialist for the 2nd Precinct, has a few safety tips for students who are planning to live in the neighborhoods surrounding campus next year.

Secure your house at all times:

Unforced entries into buildings in MarcyHolmes have been a major problem, Juarez said.

Many could have been

avoided by keeping all doors and windows locked, so work with your landlord to make sure all locks work. Secure your house before going to bed, as late night and early morning burglaries are common.

Give your car a “lived-in” look:

Leaving a car unattended for weeks makes it an easy target, Juarez said. Making your car look like it’s being used can help keep the thieves away.

Scrape snow and ice off the windows every day in the winter. Keep all valuables out of view or avoid keeping valuables in your car altogether.

Follow crime trends:

Sign up for University and Minneapolis police email alerts to be informed of incidents in your neighborhood.

“Observe and report:”

Students are part of the community, Juarez said.

If you see any suspicious activity, call the police.

Stay aware of your surroundings:

Keep your eyes peeled while walking home from class, work or parties.

Use well-traveled routes, and avoid listening to music when out and about between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. — the “prime times” for robberies, Juarez said.

If you don’t feel comfortable walking alone after hours, use the University’s Security Monitor Program, which offers escorts to students from campus to their off-campus residence. The University police’s website provides a detailed boundary map for the program.

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4th Street Co-op Autumn Woods of St Anthony Cardinal Properties Chateau Student Housing Co-op Classic City Apartments Cole Townhomes Commonwealth Terrace Co-op Elmwood Properties Franklin Housing Co-op GrandMarc Seven Corners Irving Properties Inc. Jefferson at Berry Keeler Apartments Lakeland Investments Marcy Park Marcy Park Student Housing Co-op Marshall Student Housing Co-op Minnehaha 94 Scott Anderson Solhaus Apartments Stadium View Stadium Village Flats The Studio @ Seven Corners University Commons University Village Victor Real Estate Don’t miss the 2012 Off-Campus Housing Fair!

Contact 612-331-3911 612-781-8301 612-287-6941 612-331-3911 612-623-1888 612-331-3911 612-646-7526 612-623-4488 612-338-4574 612-333-4567 612-871-1986 651-644-8400 612-338-7500 612-379-1843 612-623-1100 612-331-3911 612-331-3911 612-339-5590 612-877-7777 888-902-3151 612-331-5900 612-877-4244 612-763-0198 612-623-3225 612-676-1000 651-644-7745 Tuesday, March 6 in Coffman Memorial Union’s Great Hall. 10AM–2PM.

Subleasing during study abroad

BY JENNA WILCOX jwilcox@mndaily.com

If Zach Cloud can’t find someone to sublease next year, he either loses more than $1,200 or can’t go to Barcelona, Spain.

The architecture sophomore has been on the hunt for someone to share a lease with so he can study abroad spring semester 2013.

Cloud isn’t alone in his search.

Antonia Lortis, director of marketing and communications for the Learning Abroad Center, said more than 2,500 students went abroad during the 2010-11 academic year.

Those students need to find someone to take over their lease, so they don’t have to pay rent while they’re away or find somewhere to live when they come back.

Cloud said he was planning on living in a residence hall next year, but because University housing gives preference to incoming freshmen and students who already live in University housing, he had to look elsewhere.

“If a student isn’t currently living with us it would be difficult for them to get housing from us,” said Mannix Clark, associate direc-

tor of housing.

Cloud and his current roommate are looking into subleasing from a girl he found on Facebook who’s studying abroad fall semester next year. If that falls through, he’s back to square one.

“It seems like it’s hard to get something set in stone,” Cloud said. “My roommate has had three or four [subleasing] opportunities fall through already, and I’ve had about one or two.”

Sophie Knutson is also planning to study abroad in spring 2013 and has found that a lot of other students are in her shoes.

“There are just so many people that are looking for someone to sublease from them in the spring,” she said. “It’s just really competitive, and I’m a little worried.”

So far, Knutson has asked around for people going abroad in the fall and used the University of Minnesota class Facebook page.

But her roommates don’t want her to find just anyone to take over her lease — they worry about a “random” person living in their house, she said.

“They think it’s my position to find someone, and if I don’t, it’s better for them,” she said.

Both Knutson and Cloud said they think the University should provide some kind of list of students going abroad with their contact information so students can trade housing easily.

“It’s already dif ficult enough going through the study abroad process, and it would be really helpful,” Knutson said. “They would obviously have to get [students’] permission but it would be a really good way to find someone.”

Clark said, currently, the off-campus housing listing service is the only service Housing and Residential Life offers for students looking for housing options.

There is also a list of temporary housing, but it’s mostly for visiting faculty or students looking for accommodations for a few weeks.

“We’re looking at our website in general, and that’s one of the things that we are looking to change in order to make it easier,” Clark said.

Some students get lucky when trying to find a subleaser.

Marketing junior Claire Rieder went to Sydney last semester and said subleasing for her was not a problem.

She said there were multiple people interested in subleasing but ended up selecting someone through a friend of a friend on Facebook.

Rieder and her other roommates went to dinner with the potential candidates and discussed it as a group before making their final decision.

“It was perfect,” she said.

Tools every college student needs

BY KAITLIN WALKER AND GRETA KAUL kwalker@mndaily.com | gkaul@mndaily.com

The transition from residence hall to rental can be an exhilarating experience. To make the process as smooth as possible, there are some tools all student renters should have on hand.

But first, it’s important to keep in mind that with a rental unit comes management, said Steve Garfield at Noll Hardware and Industrial Supply in St. Paul.

Tenants should limit their handiwork to the things they brought with them into the unit, like furniture and artwork.

He advised calling management for everything but the simplest things, like clogged drains.

“Management expects things to come up,” he said — landlords would rather have their tenants call before the problem gets bigger or spreads to other rental units.

These are some must-haves to keep your place in shipshape.

Wrenches

Have a hankering to play real-life Clue? Broke a cupboard and need to devise a makeshift clamp? The monkey wrench is your tool.

Apply glue, tighten the monkey wrench around two pieces of wood you need to stick back together, wait and remove.

Voilà.

Smaller adjustable wrenches will come in handy to tighten loose bolts. If your radiator is missing the knob to turn it on and off, an adjustable wrench comes in handy to loosen and tighten the pin.

Needle-nose pliers

Much of the student housing in the University area is old — like, 100 years old. Things are often broken and, with tools in short supply, fixing them may require some creativity.

This is where your needle-nose pliers come in. Another way to turn broken radiator knobs, fix broken jewelry and — if you don’t have a set of Allen wrenches — adjust bicycle parts.

Spackle

When you move into a new place, chances are you’ll put down a hefty sum of money as a damage deposit. Pro-tip: If you don’t break anything too badly, you’ll likely get most of it back when you move out. Since tack holes don’t lie, spackle is a great tool. When your landlord comes to assess your damages, you won’t draw attention to your pincushion walls. Kaching.

Multi-purpose screwdriver

The reason your new dresser fit in your mom’s minivan is that you bought it unassembled. Now you have to put it together. Generally, there are two kinds of screwdrivers: Phillips-head and flathead (think plus sign versus straight line).

It’s not that hard — just follow the directions and use the right tools. You can buy screwdrivers with convertible tips to save yourself some money and time searching for the right tool.

Screwdrivers will also be invaluable for all that posh IKEA furniture you’ll be buying for the rest of your college career.

Allen wrenches

This is the gold standard for IKEA assembly. They’re also good for adjusting bike seats.

Measuring tape

Right before you move into your new place, you’ll notice couches, tables, desks and lamps on Dinkytown curbs. This is primetime for curb shopping. If you’re smart, you’ll carry around a measuring tape — it’s better to know whether you can fit something through your front door before you get it there.

Measuring tape is also an invaluable decorating tool. It makes hanging a picture or mirror simple, and you’ll get it right the first time, unless you’re going for an off-center look.

Broom

Do you have noisy upstairs neighbors? Kindly let ‘em know you don’t appreciate their antics by hitting the ceiling with a broom.

The broom also comes in handy for cleaning up after a great party.

Mop

Paper towels are expensive and sometimes not expansive enough to cover the messiest messes. For that, there’s soapy water and the conventional house mop. It’s reusable and doubles as a prop for your best at-home Steven Tyler impression.

Bucket

For the aforementioned mop, as well as to hold your ice when you make a drink.

It also comes in handy when you or a guest gets sick.

Duct tape

You’re in college now — you don’t want to be wasting that duct tape on duct-tape wallets. Instead, use it to patch just about anything for a temporary fix.

Duct tape also comes in quite handy to put together Halloween costumes. Can’t sew? No problem!

Hammers and nails

At this stage of your life, hammers and nails are primarily useful for aesthetic purposes: hanging pictures, lights and posters. That’s to say, don’t go around demolishing walls without your landlord’s permission. Such things can wait until you’re a home owner.

Poster tack

An alternative to putting holes in your walls, tacky wall putty is a great way to hang those posters you call your art collection.

A tester can of paint

Available at your nearest Home Depot, a small tester can of paint in a color matching your walls will come in handy when trying to get your damage deposit back. Use it to cover the Spackle that fills in nail holes. The cans are usually less than $5, and you won’t need more than one can, unless you were putting more than nails in your wall.