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September 25, 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2: Questions to ask your landlord Page 3: Tips for home organization and pros of staying on campus Page 5: Meals you can make from your dorm room Page 6: A look at the newly renovated O’Shaughnessy Hall Page 7: The many wonders of Hahn Horticulture Garden Page 8: Jobs to check out on campus Page 10: A movie lover’s guide to living on campus Page 11: Rating the best and worst coffee on campus

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ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES

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Voted Best of Blacksburg by VT Students • 877.746.1676 BEST PLACES FOR ON-CAMPUS COFFEE Make sure your next cup of joe is worth it.

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SOME VIRGINIA TECH JOBS TO CONSIDER On-campus opportunities to get some dough.

page 8

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PAGE 2 September 25, 2018

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The Retreat, an apartment complex, opened in Blacksburg in fall 2016.

Important questions to consider before signing your apartment lease Confused about the ins and outs of apartment hunting? Keep these things in mind before settling on your dream apartment. EMILY HANNAH

assistant lifestyles editor

As the time for picking out apa r t ment s a nd renewing leases slowly rolls around, anxiety and stress sets in on the shoulders of freshmen trying to secure their off-campus living situations. At this point in time, you probably aren’t worried about picking your apartment quite yet; however, time does not slow down, and apartment hunting season is quickly approaching. When you are satisfied with your choice in apartment, and you find yourself sitting in your leasing agent’s office, stop and think for a second. Do you truly know everything about your lease that you need to know? If you catch yourself finding holes in your general knowledge of your apartment lease, here are a few important questions to ask your landlord before you sign that important piece of paper. Are there move-in fees? When you sign a lease on an apartment, it is a no-brainer that you will have to pay the first month’s rent before you move in; however, there can be a plethora of additional fees that you may not think about in the first place. In addition to first month’s rent, there very well may be a security deposit, administrative fees and specific move-in related costs. To avoid surprises, be sure to ask and start budgeting. Is renters insurance required? Renters insurance may seem like an additional cost that may never pay off, but having renters insurance gives many students peace of mind during compromising situations, like weather-related issues, stolen belongings or damage in the apartment. Some apartment homes require that you purchase renters insurance to protect your property — if it isn’t

required to purchase it, it is definitely recommended. If you’re moving into a ground-f loor apartment, recent flooding records may be able to answer this question. What are the safety ratings of the area? Though this question is important, it’s one that many students forget to ask. In Blacksburg, residential safety is obviously a priority for the majority of apartment homes. Despite this, it doesn’t hurt to ask about the yearly safety ratings, including records of break-ins and assaults that occured in the past few years. What are the limits for personalization? If you plan on painting your bedroom or adding shelving to the kitchen, it’s a safe bet that there is a long list of regulations about customization in the apartment. If you wish to make changes to your living space, ask your leasing agent about the extent to which you can alter your apartment.

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It’s most likely the first time you’re making a huge decision without your parents there to help you out.”

Is the security deposit refundable? Any security deposit considered “non-ref undable” is i l lega l; however, your landlord can withhold part of your security deposit from you at the end of your lease for apartment damage that was caused on your account. To keep this from happening, be sure to do a walk-through of your apartment with your landlord when you move in and write down everything that’s damaged — this way you won’t be charged for damage you didn’t cause.

What is the policy on pets? This is a popular question to ask your landlord, and it is definitely important. Many landlords are wary of pets because of the potential damage they can cause an apartment. A large percentage of apartment homes allow pets, but the type of pet is restricted. Larger pets, like cats and dogs, will most likely add more weight to your monthly rent payment — some reptiles or other exotic pets aren’t even allowed. Service animals, however, are a different story. Just be sure to double-check the regulations with your landlord before you bring the family dog or your six-foot snake into your new apartment. Is there 24 /7 maintenance? Dep end i ng on t he apa r tment home a nd the rental situation, the apartment home may offer on-site property maintenance that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Though 24-hour maintenance may seem unnecessary, it’s good to know if your landlord is willing to take a 2 a.m. phone call about your leaking toilet. Is there any construction planned in the nearby future that could affect my living situation? The idea of living near construction seems like a minor issue right now, but it could affect important aspects of your daily life next year. If there is construction planned nearby for the first six months of your lease, it may be beneficial to keep searching for different apartments or work with your landlord to find a better building. How will my apartment be prepared for move-in? To avoid unexpected surprises at move-in, ask your landlord what the process is when getting an apartment ready for move-in. Will the walls be freshly painted, will there be new carpet, will the

Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. All letters must include a name and phone number. 365 Squires Student Center Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff Blacksburg, VA, 24061 must include position and department. Other submissions opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com must include city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.

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apartment be clean? Get these answers in writing. Asking these questions also allows you to hold the landlord accountable if you walk into your apartment and it is a mess. The process of

choosing an apartment is nerve-wracking for those who have never been through the procedure before. It’s most likely the first time you’re making a huge decision without your parents there to help you out.

Don’t fret — being prepared with your questions will give you an edge and help you feel more confident in the decision-making process. @CollegiateTimes

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The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2018. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

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September 25, 2018 PAGE 3

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Keeping it clean: Must-haves for staying organized at home this year Shelves and bins and caddies – oh my! These arrangement methods will help you maintain appearances and your sanity.

SAMEERA SUNKARA lifestyles staff writer

Squeezing all your personal belongings into a small space, whether it’s a dorm room or an apartment, is no easy task. However, there are a number of simple organizational techniques that can be applied to help conserve space. For sta r ters, it is important to utilize the space on the back of a door, whether it’s a closet door or a cabinet door. Hanging organizers with hooks over cabinet doors in a kitchen allows you to store pots and pans on the back of the door, clearing up more space for rice cookers, blenders or other cooking supplies. An over-the-door shoe organizer is a must-have to hang over a closet door; it can be used to store not only shoes but also jewelry, office supplies or even snacks, and takes up significantly less space in comparison to shelves or cabinets. If you have your own bathroom, shower caddies are a must-have that can be hung on the wall via Command hooks. S-hooks can serve as extra towel hooks, and bins can be placed underneath the sink and used to store personal

cleaning supplies like Clorox and paper towels, as well as extra toilet paper. Additionally, Command strips can be used to attach containers to a wall, which can be used to store makeup and other necessities. You can utilize a dresser to the fullest extent by using drawer dividers or small bins to store multiple categories of belongings in a single drawer in an organized fashion. One helpful technique is to fold T-shirts and place them in drawers vertically, which not only saves space but also allows easier access to the shirts, since you can see them all at the same time. The top of a dresser can be used as a bookshelf as well; simply place two bookends on either side. Those who have space under their beds should use it to the full extent by storing materials that are important but not used on a daily basis, such as extra light bulbs, suitcases, old notebooks and textbooks, extra towels or bed sheets, and so on. Linens should be placed in plastic containers or crates, which can then be slid underneath a bed. Under the bed is also a great location for a printer, for those who prefer to have their own.

While many people feel the need to have a nightstand, it not only takes up a lot of space but also is not as useful as it may seem. Instead, placing a hanging wall shelf by your bed is more useful, since it takes up much less space, but you can still place your phone on it. Some hanging shelves even have hooks on the bottom, which can be used to hang things like keys, purses or belts. Shelves are a great addition to a closet as well and can be tucked underneath hanger racks. While tops and dresses are hung up on the racks, you can use shelves to store other articles of clothing like pants or athletic wear. Additionally, undergarments and socks can be placed in bins, which are then placed on top of a shelf. Another great addition to a room is a corner shelf, especially one that also has a lamp attached, allowing it to serve two purposes. A corner shelf not only adds aesthetic to a room but can also be used as a place to store books, beauty products or even a potted plant. You should have a rolling cart next to your desk since it is a great place to store school supplies like extra

Apartment closet set up, Sept. 24, 2018.

pens and pencils, index cards, and sticky notes. Desk hutches are also very useful and can be used to hold textbooks as well as other personal belongings, so definitely hang on to them, even when you move off campus. If you live in an apartment or suite-style dorm room, it is a good idea to have a two-tier coffee table so that you can store board games, extra blankets, etc. on the

ALEXYS RIVERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

bottom level. Additionally, ottomans that also serve as storage cubes are another must-have, and you can store important items like basic tools or first-aid kits, which everyone shares. Three-tier TV stands are another great idea for people who have a TV, so that the two extra tiers can be used to stored movies and even video game consoles for those who have them. In addition, you can even

squeeze in a bin filled with snacks that will come in handy for movie nights. So, using these hacks, you can definitely fit all your personal belongings into a small room with no problem at all.

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Not quite ready to move off campus? Consider staying a little longer While off-campus living is a great experience, there are several unsung benefits to staying in the dorms post-freshman year.

JOHN BATTISTON lifestyles editor

Leaving home to go to college is one of the first big steps one takes on the road to personal independence. The next step, for many, comes just a year later: Moving into an apartment for the first time. Living off campus is, to be sure, a joy. You get to choose who your family-away-from home is; you don’t have to take a hike to the shower, awkwardly clad in only a towel for all your

neighbors to see; and the benefits of physically separating school and home cannot be underestimated. Still, the lottery to receive on-campus housing after freshman year exists for a reason: There’s more to look forward to living in a dorm as an upperclassman than one might think. When I first arrived at Tech over three years ago, I was enrolled as a resident of the Honors Residential Commons at East Ambler Johnston, a dorm that infamously and contractually

requires that residents stay a minimum of two years. Though this didn’t really bother me as freshman year kicked off, I soon realized that many of my friends (most of whom lived outside the HRC) would no longer live within walking distance of me come sophomore year, and spent much of the next couple of years lamenting my confinement to the residential side of campus. However, as I now look back on my first two years of school, living in a dorm after freshman year came

ANNA FRIESEN / COLLEGIATE TIMES Students arrive on Washington Street SW to move into their dorms for the 2016–17 school year.

with a number of privileges that I’ve come to appreciate more with time. Proximity to the dining halls This is an upside to on-campus life that can’t be underestimated. Now living off campus as an overachieving senior, time that I can use to cook for myself (aside from instant mac and cheese or homemade sandwiches that make Subway look like the Cheesecake Factory) is unbelievably scarce. I was busy when I lived on campus too, but the amount of time you can save by taking a quick walk to West End, Owens or D2 instead of whipping something up yourself might surprise you. Not to mention, you don’t have to mess with washing or putting away your own dirty dishes. If you live in a residence hall, you will be required to purchase some meal plan or another, but when you go to a university with one of the top 10 dining services in the nation, that’s not the worst thing in the world. Easier access to study spaces Sure, we love them, but let’s face it: Roommates can be distracting. If you’re coming up on a hell week with two tests and a quiz to worry about, odds are you won’t be as tolerant of the

Playstation-addicted person sharing your cramped living space. If you live in an apartment and need to escape noisy roommates, that means driving yourself to the library or a coffee shop that probably closes far before you plan to finish whatever studying you need to do. That’s what makes the dorm study lounges such a plus. They’re only a few steps away, they’re well lit and they don’t require marching out in the cold with a heavy backpack in tow. Even if all of the lounges in your dorm are taken up, you are still fully able to make your way to Deet’s, Torgerson Bridge or some other popular on-campus think space without having to worry about finding a parking spot. L ess wor r y a bou t payments I am a naturally forgetful person, which has led me to fail to turn in my rent at least once as well as a number of near-misses. Add to that the fact that I’m responsible for taking care of my apartment’s electric bill and you’ll understand my surprise at the fact that we’ve never had our power shut off disdainfully. When you live in a residence hall, the necessary payments are typically made on a semesterly basis on the internet through your Hokie Spa account, so you don’t have

to worry about setting up online accounts for the many different bills you’d be paying in an apartment. Even if you’re set up on a system that requires more frequent room and board payments — say, monthly — the bursar’s office is often quite generous in reminding you to take care of your fees ahead of time. Chances to connect with new Hokies This might be the best part of staying on campus for an extra year or two. College is a lot like high school when you consider how important the guidance and attentiveness of those who have come before you really is. New Hokies will inevitably have loads of questions throughout their first year, questions we all had when we first strutted onto our lovely campus for the first time, so who better to accommodate and cultivate their curiosity than those of us who have already had a taste of college life and all that it demands? You may even end up finding your best friends this way; a year or two in age difference is hardly a hindrance when it comes to connecting with someone who shares your passions and interests.

@JB3Writes

PAGE 4 September 25, 2018

study break

Today’s Birthday Horoscope (Sept. 25): Expanding accounts reveal opportunities this year. Domestic discipline and organization pays off. Family fortunes gain in unusual ways. Share a glorious summer with friends. Tend to winter home renovation. Resolving team obstacles leads to a surging professional status and influence. Protect what you love.

Collegiate Living

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 The one here 5 Group of cronies 9 Natural wound protection 13 Discard 14 Prohibited activity 15 “What a shame!” 16 Player getting paid 18 Sound from a snout 19 Counsel 20 “Am I the only one?” 22 Move stealthily 23 “Wait just a minute!” 26 “Told you” 27 Rogers Centre city 29 Oil field sight 30 Cartographer’s dot, maybe 31 Food truck snack 32 Unfulfilled campaign pledge ... and a hint to what 16-, 23-, 46and 53-Across all contain 37 James of “The Godfather” 38 Herbert Hoover, by birth 39 O’Hare’s airport code 40 Great pains 43 Bobs and waves 46 Docking aids 48 “Rashomon” director Kurosawa 50 Christmas door decoration 51 Health facility 52 Tech sch. grad 53 Closet accessory 56 “Start __”: Rolling Stones hit 57 Mandel of “America’s Got Talent” 58 Melody 59 Coffee servers 60 “If I may intrude ... ” 61 Founded, as a co. DOWN 1 QB-to-receiver six-pointer

9/25/18

By C.C. Burnikel

2 Running track obstacle 3 Apple videoediting app 4 Madrid’s country 5 128 fl. oz. 6 Grandpa Simpson 7 Vague idea 8 Charges toward 9 Apt Shakespearean rhyme for “truth” 10 Fire-breathing monsters 11 “Interview With the Vampire” novelist 12 __ choy: stir-fry veggie 14 With 37-Down, what corn is on 17 “For shame!” 21 Skater Midori 23 Little songbird 24 Color of some Hello Kitty products 25 Self-esteem 28 Fútbol cheer 30 Charged particle 31 Altoids container 32 Saloonkeeper

Bliss by Harry Bliss

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PreviousPuzzle Puzzle Solved Monday’s Solved

33 Trooper’s speedchecking device 34 Versailles rulers, once 35 Have bills to pay 36 Indian spice blend 37 See 14-Down 40 Finder’s cry 41 “Fooled you!” 42 Overeager student’s cry 43 Thingamajig

9/25/18

44 Set in the right direction 45 Like some cows and vows 47 Maryland team, briefly 49 “Roots” role Kunta __ 51 Rebel Guevara 52 Big bird from Down Under 54 Stunned state 55 Comical Conway

‘

Apartment Collegiate Suites The Retreat Rent Lease Foxridge

Landlord Pritchard O’Shag Roommate Electric Bill Meal Prep

The Village Bus Route Off Campus Deet’s McComas Newman Library

xkcd by Randall Munroe

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy! by Tim Rickard

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Where you go, we go. collegiatetimes.com

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September 25, 2018 PAGE 5

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Making scrumptious home meals without leaving your dorm room A microwave and a mini-fridge are all you need to cook up these gourmet delights from the comfort of home. PAUL CHAPMANTURNER lifestyles contributor

It’s no secret that college students have poor eating schedules. Between school, work and research, the time you have available to eat something satisfying is miniscule. That lack of time is especially agitated when you’re living on campus. Despite being a five-minute walk from any nearby dining hall, the lines and foot traffic at peak meal times makes going through Owens or West End an absolute chore. This doesn’t even take into consideration how most residence hall kitchens have to support hundreds of students, limiting accessibility and making cooking for yourself the old-fashioned way a bust. If you are like me, you are far too lazy to let something like a lack of frying pans keep you down. If you were paying attention at orientation, that means you (or one of your roommates) secured a microwave and a mini-fridge, which means you will have all you will ever need to prepare fast and easy meals that are a step above instant ramen or Easy Mac. With a little creativity and a quick trip to Kroger, you too can convert your home-away-from-home into your own personal food court. Pita pizza My friend introduced me to this one and he’s even lazier than me, so that lends itself to the simplicity of this

recipe. Simply use a slice of pita bread as your crust, and then add 3 to 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce, a half-cup of mozzarella cheese and whatever toppings you typically prefer for a normal pizza. Personally, I like to add a quarter-cup each of spinach leaves, sliced mushrooms and pepperoni slices. Depending on your microwave, you’ll want to heat your holy creation for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts. Mug-style m ac and cheese Instant mac and cheese is all well and good, but if you’re feeling particularly fancy you’ll want to get out a coffee cup. Simply fill your mug with macaroni and water (1 cup of water for every half-cup of macaroni), and then microwave for 8 minutes. You should stop once or twice throughout to stir your macaroni or add more water as needed. Once your pasta is cooked, add your favorite cheese on top and microwave for another minute. My go-to style for this meal is a three cheese blend (which is really just mozzarella and white and orange cheddar).

EMMA CHAN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Freshman making lunch, Sept. 23, 2018.

Overnight oats This one doesn’t even require a microwave. Overnight oats are easily one of the most customizable breakfasts, on top of being very nutritious. Traditionally, you would house them in a mason jar, but a glass covered in cellophane will also get the job done. You’ll want a half-cup

each of old-fashioned oats and whatever your preferred kind of milk may be. There are a variety of sweeteners you can add, but if you’re looking to keep it as healthy as possible, I would add a couple of tablespoons of honey. After that, you can add any combination of fresh fruit, spices or nuts to

create whatever flavor you desire. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and you’ll have the perfect start to those groggy 8 a.m.’s. Bagel breakfast sandwich Bruegger’s Bagels is a solid choice for breakfast on campus, but the line tends

to go out the door. If you don’t feel like waiting, why not make your own delectable bagel? For this one, you’ll want to fill a mug with two eggs stirred with any spices you desire, and then microwave it for 90 seconds. Once the eggs are cooked, simply stir and spread onto your bagel. From there you

can add cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, or avocados, as well as a generous helping of shredded cheese.

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Newly renovated O’Shaughnessy Hall impresses incoming Hokies After over a year and $21.5 million of construction, the residence hall marks an aesthetic improvement to campus living at Tech. BREANNA KNOTTS lifestyles contributor

Daily 6 a.m. wake-up calls to the sweet sounds of construction for the residents living in the Prairie Quad have finally paid off, resulting in a newly ref u rbishe d residence hall. O’Shaughnessy Hall (O’Shag), located between Lee Hall and Johnson Hall, was closed for the last two semesters due to a $21.5 million renovation that lasted well over a year. This renovation included the installation of an air-conditioning system, a glass-enclosed stairway and an apartment — which houses two faculty members, who are involved

with the Living-Learning Com mun ity ( L L C ), Leadership and Social Change Residential College (LSRCRC), in the building. This past summer, rooms in O’Shaughnessy were closed off to all freshmen choosing dorm rooms on campus. The purpose of this was to reserve spaces for the LLC, but after the cut-off, incoming students were able to reserve rooms in the building toward the later stages of the time slots. Many students were lucky, considering that this building is one of only 12 air-conditioned residence halls on campus. Based on short interviews with a few residents, students living in

O’Shaughnessy seem to have little to no complaints about the new building. “The renovations here have definitely exceeded my expectations because I was expecting a simple dorm with AC, but not a dorm with great amenities, like the lounge and touchscreen TV, the sink and light-up mirror, the extremely clean bathrooms, or the kitchen and library on the first floor,” said freshman Maddie Tchong, business information technology major. Along with the lounges, offices and classrooms, O’Shaughnessy also renovated the kitchen, which is located on the first floor. The kitchen is constantly being used, whether to bake

ALEXYS RIVERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

cookies or host events, due to the spacious setting and clean equipment. As mentioned earlier, O’Shaughnessy houses residents involved with the Leadership and Social Change Residential College (LSRCRC), directed by C.L. Bohannon, who lives on the first floor with his family. Another new edition this year is the second on-site faculty member, Taylor Henkel, who lives on the eighth floor. He attends all events and advises the resident advisers on each floor. “It is comforting to know that a few of our leaders live among us and not only work for us, but also work with us in helping develop our

leadership community,” said Camden Osborne, multimedia journalism major and freshman enrolled in the LSRCRC. This year, the LSRCRC plans to use special interest houses — students grouped based on their specific social change passion, to make a difference in Blacksburg, and potentially, the world. O’Shaughnessy was built with amenities devoted to this program, such as a classroom and room used for public speakers and small-group activities. The different families within the LSRCRC meet weekly to plan different events and complete activities devoted to the program, such as community outreach

The newly renovated interior of O’Shaugnessy Hall, Sept. 21, 2018.

and service projects. Throughout the year, construction will continue in minor segments in the building, such as painting and finishing up the bathrooms; however, the major development is finished. Construction will now transition to finishing the outdoor gym, located in Prairie Quad, which is planned to be finished by the end of this year. Fingers crossed for a quieter experience for the residents living in the Prairie Quad this year.

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September 25, 2018 PAGE 7

Be one with nature without leaving home at Hahn Horticulture Garden From art shows to plant workshops, this hidden gem on campus gives students opportunities to connect with local plant life.

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Hahn Horticulture Garden, Sept. 23, 2018.

CELINA NG

lifestyles contributor

The Hahn Horticulture Garden, located on campus near McComas Hall, serves as a picturesque location where visitors can relax and learn. The 5.8-acre garden offers hundreds of species of woody and herbaceous plants that are displayed in meadow gardens, perennial borders, water gardens and shade gardens. Originally known as the Virginia Tech Horticulture Garden, the garden was created in 1984 by two horticulture faculty members named Robert Lyons and Robert McDuffie. Its main mission is to serve as a living laboratory that provides educational opportunities for its visitors. Over the years, numerous students, faculty, staff and volunteers have helped to maintain the garden. In addition, many of the garden’s components and structures have been created by the Department of Horticulture’s students and faculty. In November 2004, the garden was renamed the Hahn Horticulture Garden to honor Peggy L. Hahn, a former first lady of Virginia Tech who enjoyed gardening. Her husband, T. Marshall Hahn, Jr., served as the president from 1962–74. During the Hahns’ time at Virginia Tech, the university evolved into a comprehensive research university and its population nearly tripled. The Peggy Lee Hahn Pavilion and the Hahn Meadow Garden were also dedicated to the Hahns for their generous contributions toward the garden’s expansion over the years. The pavilion serves as a

multi-pur pose facility, while the Hahn Meadow Garden consists of the Hahn Amphitheater and Peggy’s Meadow. Hahn H o r t i c u lt u r e Garden offers numerous opportunities throughout the year. For example, students can apply for summer internships, take horticulture classes, participate in yoga classes and volunteer. In addition, the garden conducts tours for youth and adult groups. For those who are interested in getting married on campus, the garden offers an outdoor wedding venue and access to the Peggy Lee Hahn Pavilion. People can also host meetings, receptions and other special events on one of the public lawns, the outdoor terrace or the pavilion. I n add it ion, Ha h n Horticulture Garden showcases six artists a year in the pavilion. In the past, the artwork has included photography, handmade paper, acrylics, watercolors, oils, mono-printing and metal work. Gerri Young’s paintings are currently on display from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31. Nature is a common theme in her show, and she used watercolor, oil, acrylic, natural eco dying, dried botanicals and paper as her mediums. Most of the pieces are for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will be used to support the Hahn Horticulture Garden. On top of the artwork on display, the garden is offering a student workshop series to get more students involved with the garden. The two upcoming events are All About Air Plants and We All Love Succulents. Both events are $3, limited to 20 students and participants will be able to take a

plant home. To register for an event, email Stephanie Huckestein at vtgarden@ vt.edu. All About Air Plants will occur on Tuesday Oct. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The event is in the greenhouse classroom (GH100) next to McComas Hall. Interested students must pre-register by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8. This event will involve learning about air plants — which don’t require soil to grow and have little additional required maintenance, other than watering them. We All Love Succulents will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. It’ll be in the greenhouse classroom (GH100) beside McComas Hall. The pre-registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, and the event will teach participants how to maintain succulents. For those looking to visit, the garden’s address is 200 Garden Lane. Admission is free, and it’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, visitors with vehicles should pick up a Visitor’s Pass from the Virginia Tech Visitor Center to avoid receiving a parking ticket. Overa l l, t he Ha h n Horticulture Garden offers visitors numerous opportunities to learn and relax in a peaceful environment without having to leave the comfort of campus.

@CollegiateTimes

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BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Ericka Bruske (LEFT) stands by her co-worker in Dolci e Caffe in Lavery Hall, Aug. 30, 2017.

Confined to campus and craving cash? Explore these Virginia Tech jobs If you’re in the mood for a paycheck but have limited access to transportation, check out these job openings within walking distance.

HEATHER TROBRIDGE lifestyles staff writer

The struggle of living at college and being on your own for the first time can be a considerable amount

of stress for a student to deal with, especially for those who are trying to finance parts of their education and living expenses on their own. Working through college

isn’t always glamorous, but Virginia Tech offers a plethora of opportunities for students to make a little extra cash and gain great experiences and resume boosters, all while staying

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on campus. These aren’t just dining hall jobs either; VT has plenty of odd jobs that students may not have even considered applying for. Whether it’s Owens, D2 or Turner Place, a high percentage of the employees are students. Virginia Tech may have some of the best food, but have you ever wondered where the delicious desserts come from? Sophomore industrial and systems engineering major Aaron Hanny is a student manager at Southgate Bake Shop on campus, where he is in charge of overseeing other student workers. “As a member of the bakeshop, I’m just helping to prepare baked goods and items that are sent out to other dining halls on campus,” Hanny said, “meaning that it’s mostly D2, but I also do a lot of work for Owens and some stuff for Turner Place.” Hanny says that he applied early in the summer to be hired at Southgate, but the dining halls will recruit through job fairs and are always willing to hire an extra hand. He praises his fun and friendly work environment. “I think that everyone on campus should have some experiences in dining services so that they’re more patient with people,” Hanny said. If you’re interested in applying, check out the VT Dining Services website for openings and applications. Virginia Tech is also known for more than just its food. With some of the most active students in the nation, keeping the gyms up and running is an important job. Amber Bradley is a senior who is double majoring in animal science and agribusiness, all while fueling her interest in working in a sports-related field with her job at McComas Gym. As an assistant supervisor, Bradley’s job is to fill in for the facility manager when he is unable to do so, helping students when

they’re locked out of a locker, enforcing gym policies, giving out Band-Aids and ice packs, and — on the rare occasion — administering CPR. Bradley has been working at McComas Gym since she was a freshman, starting as a weight room attendant and working her way up.

“

From dining halls to the bookstores, McComas Gym to Newman Library, Virginia Tech offers many opportunities for students who wish to hold a job on campus.”

“You go around also to make sure people are following the rules, check trash, you’re cleaning up after people if they don’t put the weights back. Desk attendants swipe in people, make sure they’re a valid student, and then they also sell lockers and towel service — that kind of thing,” Bradley said. No matter what the work is, Bradley loves her job and says that it has not only helped her to meet people with similar interests in health and fitness, but has also inspired a healthier lifestyle. “Not only are you working at the gym, but you have access to the gym a lot more than if you were just a normal student,” Bradley said. Applying is easy; check out the VT Rec Sports websit e. Appl icat ions for the gyms open in the spring, but there are many other openings available throughout all of rec sports. Do you have a knack for helping other students succeed? Check out the career center to become a peer career adviser. Junior

business information technology major Summer Clayton describes her position as similar to an academic adviser, but on a shortened timescale. “Whereas (advisers) do everything on a 30-minute appointment time, we do it on 10 for people who weren’t necessarily able to meet with their advisers or just didn’t have the full time for a 30-minute appointment,” Clayton said. If you have any questions regarding the job search — resumes, cover letters, internships, elevator pitches — a peer career adviser can set you on the right track. This job has some requirements. They hire freshmen and sophomores once a year in the fall because they are required to fill a two year commitment, which includes a semester of training. Clayton recommends this job to anyone who considers applying. “(The job) really helps you develop professionally and it helps you gain a lot of skills that are applicable to other positions, and it really just shows you what is out there and what the job recruitment process is like,” Clayton said. From dining halls to the bookstores, McComas Gym to Newman Library, Virginia Tech offers many opportunities for students who wish to hold a job on campus. The flexible hours allow students to still put school first and earn a little cash on the side. Each job has its own perks — be sure to check out their websites for more information on how to apply.

@Heather__Tro

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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A small walk to the big screen: A Tee Street Tee Street cinephile’s guide to living on campus Wharton Street Clay Street Wharton Street Is getting to the nearest big theater a chore?Wharton Street Here are some other ways Hokies in the dorms can enjoy a flick together.

JOHN BATTISTON

your time. During each class lecture, Stephen Prince It’s hard to find someone discusses a different factor who doesn’t love movies. To in the production and distrifind a college student who bution of a film, then relates doesn’t love movies? Well, the concepts taught in class Giles Road Clay Street Clay Street Clay Street that’s just impossible. to a particular movie, which Wharton Street Wharton Street Giles Road Clay Street Wharton Street S. Main Street Wharton Street WhetherGiles Road your tastes lean you get to enjoy with your toward popcorn block- classmates one night a week. busters or arthouse think Some of my favorites within pieces, cinema offers an the curriculum include escape from the tedium we “WALL-E” and “Blade academics know so well. Runner,” and toward the end And while there’s no shame of October we watched (of in staying indoors with course) “Halloween.” just yourself and Netflix’s latest imports for company, Catch a midnight movie I firmly believe the way to at The Lyric Giles Road Giles Road Clay Street Clay Street get the mostClay Street out of a movie T hough T he Lyr ic Clay Street is by making it a community Theatre, an historic gem experience; nothing can of downtown Blacksburg, quite make us forget our typically functions as a differences by laughing, second-run cinema showcrying and cringing together casing recent arthouse over characters we’ve only films, once a month the staff known for a couple hours. treats nocturnal Hokies That said, if you live on to a cult classic film, with campus and don’t have a car, crowd participation in even a trip down South Main the onscreen antics often 1108 North Main Street; Blacksburg,toVA 24060 the local megaplex isn’t encou raged. Midn ight a commodity. Still, movies at The Lyric are 1108 Northwww.bcrpropertymanagement.com Main Street; Blacksburg, VAexactly 24060 there are plenty of opportu- presented on the first Friday www.bcrpropertymanagement.comnities both on and slightly and Saturday of each month off campus to enjoy a good at — you guessed it — 12 flick with your friends and a.m. Selections for the rest fellow Hokies. of this semester include “Zombieland” in October, Take Introduction to “Slumdog Millionaire” in Cinema November and “Edward I know, you probably Scissorhands” in December. didn’t start reading this The best part? The Lyric expecting a promo for is within easy walking another class to add to your distance of most residence busy schedule. However, halls. if you have any interest in getting to know how movies Keep an eye out for are made and catching a free screenings by VTU movie viewing every week, Remember the first day or if you just have a Pathways of move-in this year, when requirement or Area 6 CLE “Avengers: Infinity War” to knock out, intro to cinema was shown on the Drillfield? (CINE-2054) is well worth That was put on by the lifestyles editor

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Virginia Tech Union (VTU), the student organization responsible for much of the free or discounted entertainment we get to enjoy as Hokies. (The T-Pain kickoff concert? It’s to thank for that, too.) Free screenings Clay Street of blockbusters like that previously mentioned are often put on by VTU; if a film is released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you’re almost guaranteed to catch it for free on campus within a few months of its theatrical run. Follow its Facebook page to stay updated on what it will be showing soon.

Host a movie night in the Ambler Johnston theater If you’re lucky enough to live in East or West Ambler Johnston (or have a friend who does), you have access to a fully-functional movie theater complete with a projector and several dozen cinema-style seats. This room is free to reserve and comes equipped with HDMI connectivity and a Blu-ray player; whether you’re someone who likes to buy physical copies of your favorite flicks like I do, or your viewing is primarily based on streaming and digital downloads, the AJ theater is just as usable either way. The movie nights that I would host during my time living in East AJ were fundamental in forming some of my earliest college friendships; perhaps they can do the same for you.

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CHRISTIAN STERLING / COLLEGIATE TIMES Blacksburg community members meet on the Drillfield prior to the start of a showing of “WALL-E” to promote sustainability during Earth Week 2018.

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ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Lyric Theatre is a historic 1930s movie house in downtown Blacksburg that shows second-run and indie movies, plus live music and performances, Sept. 9, 2018.

editor@collegiatetimes.com

September 25, 2018 PAGE 11

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Roasts with the most: Where to get your next cup of joe on campus Not all campus coffee is created equal. Here is the down-low on which nearby brews are most worth your time.

ASHLEY LONG

assistant managing editor

Still jittering from your last cup of coffee and wondering where you’re going to get your next one? You’re not alone. As college students who have to worry about exams, organizations we are involved in and our social lives, sleep can be a hard thing to make time for. And sometimes, even when you go to bed at a reasonable time, you still wake up feeling inexplicably exhausted. But don’t fear, because there are several spots to get coffee on campus, and this is your guide to the best of the best. 5. Dolci e Caffe – Turner Place Out of all the coffee servers on campus, Dolci e Caffe is definitely my least favorite. This isn’t to say the workers make bad coffee or the customer service is lacking, it’s just the actual drinks. The only way that their coffee tastes like real coffee to me is when it’s served black. Otherwise, it tastes like you’re drinking straight sugar and creamer, whether it’s served hot or iced. If you like really, really sweet coffee and cavities, great! Dolci could be your cup of tea. 4. Bruegger’s Bagels – Turner Place Now, I know Bruegger’s isn’t most people’s primary coffee destination, but it’s an added bonus more people need to be aware of. The best thing about Bruegger’s

coffee is their seasonal flavors. Right now, their fall special is pumpkin spice, and it’s absolutely perfect for people who aren’t interested in drinking straight pumpkin pie. The flavors are nice and subdued for a slightly spiced fall flavor. However, all of their other normal coffee flavors are extremely average, and the iced coffee tends to taste more like water than anything else. If you’re going to Bruegger’s to satisfy your caffeine needs, order the seasonal flavors because those are the only drinks that are worth your money. 3. Deet’s Place – Dietrick Hall Deet’s is definitely the best ice cream spot on campus, and its coffee isn’t too far behind. While the flavors aren’t as strong as some other on-campus coffee destinations, their menu is extensive. There are several different flavors to choose from, so chances are you’ll be able to find at least one thing you like. My personal favorites are the flavored cappuccinos; the flavors are strong without making the drink too sweet, and the customer service is quick, so you never have to wait too long to taste heaven in a cup. 2. Dunkin’ Donuts – Hokie Grill Oh, Dunkin’. It almost feels strange to compare such a huge coffee brand to the rest of the on-campus options, but there’s no way

A student pours himself coffee at ABP in Squires, Sept. 24, 2018.

I could leave it out of this lineup. I’m pretty sure there was more caramel iced coffee in my body than blood last semester, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Anyone who has stepped foot in Hokie Grill after class gets out at 12:05 knows how insanely long the line can get at Dunkin’ Donuts. However, the thing that makes Dunkin’ the most impressive is how quickly you can get through that line. The customer service is unmatched, and so are the drinks. There are about a million different variations of coffee you can order, and every single one I’ve tried has been amazing. Hot or cold, the

drinks are served quickly, and the quality of the flavors is unmatched. You can customize any drink to your liking, and the employees will do their best to make it just the way you want, no matter how busy they are. The entire Dunkin’ experience is exquisite. 1. Au Bon Pain – Squires Student Center It’s time for the best of the best: Au Bon Pain. There are definitely some drawbacks to this one: It’s expensive, there’s barely any difference between the medium and large sizes, and the flavor choices are pretty limited. However, most people I know who are ride-or-die for

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES

caffeine and can’t function without it consistently say ABP is their favorite coffee on campus. While I’m not a caffeine expert, I would be willing to bet that ABP’s coffee is stronger than most other options at Virginia Tech. I’m always more awake when I drink coffee from ABP than whenever I get drinks from Dolci, Bruegger’s, Deet’s or Dunkin’. At this point, it’s rare that I go 48 hours without getting a large French vanilla coffee. It keeps me awake, focused and satisfied, and because it’s so strong, I don’t feel like I need a second cup later on. Additionally, you can serve yourself, which

eliminates long waits, and you have full control over how much cream and sugar you add. It’s the most efficient, flavorful and effective coffee on campus. Hopefully this helped you figure out where to go to get your next cup of joe. When times get tough, coffee from anywhere may make you feel better. But, in my opinion, there are only a few places on campus that are worth your money and will actually satisfy your coffee needs.

@AshleyEL26

Inte l l ig e n ce C a re e rs . g ov/ N S A

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