THE DAILY ILLINI
HOUSING GUIDE
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Moving up
Apartment search
After completing your freshman year in the dorms, are you ready to take on the responsibilities of apartment life?
Consider what priorities are important to you when beginning your apartment hunt.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
SUPPLEMENTS STAFF SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR ABRAR AL-HEETI ASSISTANT SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR VICTORIA SNELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN JONES MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING DECLAN HARTY MANAGING EDITOR FOR ONLINE MIRANDA HOLLOWAY CREATIVE DIRECTOR KELSIE TRAVERS ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR NATALIE GACEK COPY CHIEF SUSAN SZUCH ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF LILLIAN BARKLEY PUBLISHER LILYAN LEVANT EMAIL SUPPLEMENTS@ DAILYILLINI.COM
Housing factors to consider on, off campus BY ARIEL ROH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After freshmen year, students are allowed to choose their own housing, which can be a difficult decision: apartment or dorm.
Thinking ahead
It is wise to think in advance about location of a potential residence, whether it be off campus or on campus. Alice Fang, junior in LAS, lived in Illini Tower her freshman year, and said the location was very convenient. “Illini Tower was close to my classes and I felt safe during the evening most of the time around the tower because there were many students walking around,” Fang said. Another advantage of living on campus can be that students are likely to concentrate more on academics.
For Abby Valek, junior in FAA, living on campus motivates her to complete her projects because the architecture studio is close to her residence. Valek said the pressure can be intense as deadlines approach but her proximity to the encourages her to complete assignments.
Distractions
Downsides to campus living can be noise level, high expenses and laziness. Fang said when she lived at Illini Tower, she tended to procrastinate. “I had a bad habit of waking up late back then. Now that I live off campus, I wake up earlier than when I used to live in Illini Tower because I need more time to arrive on campus,” she said. Ying Zhang, junior in LAS, said on-campus residences have a relatively higher noise level compared to off-campus housing because students are likely to have
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parties. Zhang said this made her to want to live off campus.
offers, which are swimming pools and one fl oor of the gym.”
Pricing
Lin commutes by bus every morning, which takes about 10 minutes. “It is not too uncomfortable to commute through bus to campus, although it is annoying to wait for the bus to arrive every day,” she said.
The price of housing is generally higher on-campus c ompa red to housi ng off-campus. Lin Lin, a law student, started living at One North, which is located off campus, this semester. She said the more affordable price of the apartment was the main reason she chose to live there. “I only pay about half of the rent of on-campus apartments,” she said. “I am also very fond of the facilities that One North
Commuting
Test the property
Wei Ya ng, graduate student in computer science, lived off campus in Savoy for a year. Yang mainly used the shuttle run by the apartment, which takes 15 minutes to get to campus and stopped at a
few locations. Fang recommended that students should walk around the residences they are interested in at night and gauge the noise level in that neighborhood. “The best way is to meet someone who had lived in the apartment that you want to live in because the landlord cannot tell you everything,” she said. “In my case, I did not know that apartments on Green Street were noisy until I had lived there.”
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Apartment hunting tips from campus resources BY AMINAH KOSHUL STAFF WRITER
Apartment hunting season has begun. Students hasten to sign leases and confirm their housing situation for the upcoming year. Undoubtedly, the apartments with the best location and most competitive prices will be the first to go. Josh Johnson, housing counselor at the Tenant Union, advises students who intend to sign a three or four bedroom lease to start looking as early as October. It is possible to find apartments later in the year, he said, but they may not be ideal in terms of location or price range. Because the issue of who to room with may crop up, the Tenant Union offers Speed Friending workshops that help students find suitable roommates. Michael Jay, director of public relations at Campus Property Management apartments, recommended that students sign joint tenancies with people they already know to avoid conflicts in the future. While apartment hunting, it is advisable to
make note of the noise level and cleanliness of various units. Also review the city code inspections and bear in mind certain rules pertaining to the pet policy or the number of visitors allowed in different apartment buildings. “Bring another person with you to get a second opinion,” Johnson said. The Tenant Union assists prospective tenants before they sign a lease and can even review it to point out hidden fees or anything that could potentially lead to conflicts. The Student Legal Service office, on the other hand, becomes involved in student affairs after they have signed the lease. This point in the semester is an extremely busy time for the Student Legal Service office. They are dealing with a number of disputes over security deposit returns. Beckee Bachman, office manager at Student Legal Service, said that a common mistake students make when moving into apartments is not taking pictures of its original state.
“It is important to have evidence of damage that existed before moving into the apartment, otherwise students can get charged, and they can’t object without proof,” she said. “A good landlord is one that stays on top of repairs and observes laws of not entering without the proper prior notice.” In addition, it is equally important to be aware of all expenses before signing a lease. Make sure to take into account the cost of utilities, internet, sewer and recycling if they are not included in the lease. “It’s always a good idea to ask existing tenants how much their average monthly utility bill is,” Jay said. The Tenant Union offers a workshop that outlines the nuts and bolts of apartment hunting. It also serves as a middleman by providing counseling during legal disputes and assists with reaching compromises regarding roommate conflicts or other situations where no legal action can be taken.
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TOREY BUTNER THE DAILY ILLINI
A Tenant Union employee works to ensure students understand apartment rentals.
Starting early, using Facebook important for subleasers, subletters BY SAMANTHA SKIPPER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As next year’s housing search begins, current apartment tenants should start the hunt for summer subtenants. Most apartments bind their tenants to year-long leases, making students pay full rent while living at home, studying abroad or beginning an internship off campus. For the months they are absent, students choose to cut costs by finding a subtenant. For the leaseholder, subleasing offers an opportunity to save money; for the subtenant, subleasing offers a short-term housing arrangement at a reduced rate. Fernanda Santos, senior in Business, said the best way to find a subtenant is to take initiative. She found her summer subtenant by posting about her apartment on Craigslist and the University Housing Facebook page for apartments. Santos said just as students begin looking for a place to lease as early as possible for the school year, they should also get a head start when subleasing their apartments, especially for the summer months. “If you want to be able to sublease your apartment as close to its rental value, you need to start earlier because the closer you are to summer, the more people are desperate and so they’re reducing the prices of their rent, forcing you to also have to reduce your rent,” she said. The University’s Tenant Union, located on the third floor of the Illini Union, offers free walk-in consultation for finding a subtenant or an apartment to sublease. They recommend students looking to sublease their
apartments in the summer make the rent price negotiable. There are some risks involved in subletting an apartment. Usually the current tenant and subtenant will sign a written contract to ensure that the subtenant will pay the rent and avoid property damage. However, the original tenant ultimately remains responsible for the rent and any damages. Therefore, finding a reliable subtenant should be a top priority. Santos’ experience was positive and she received her full safety deposit at the end of her lease. “You might want to make sure you meet them (your subtenant) a few times before you agree to sublease because, like I said, you are liable for any destruction of property and you want to get that safety deposit back,” she said. The Tenant Union also recommends conducting a joint inspection of the apartment on the first day of the sublease, which it will notarize for free. Students planning to stay on campus over the summer who live in dorms or other housing that ends in May should consider subleasing an apartment. Only select University dorms, such as Daniel Hall, offer summer housing, and from an economical standpoint, it may make more sense to sublease instead. “I think subleasing from someone is cheaper than staying in dorms. And (in a dorm) you don’t have your own kitchen,” said Anne Hou, sophomore in ACES. Hou subleased an apartment in Green Street Towers this past summer. To find her apartment, Hou went on the Facebook group,
which lists prices, amenities and pictures. “I also posted what I was looking for in the group so that they could message me,” she said. Subtenants should consider the same amenities that they would for longer-term apartment leasing, such as personal bathrooms and in-unit washers and dryers. Finding temporary roommates with similar values is also important. “I would recommend finding a roommate you know beforehand instead of just going random,” Hou said. Subtenants are bound to the terms of the original lease, so before signing a written agreement, the Tenant Union advises they read a copy of it and check for any additional end-of-the-lease charges they may be held to. They may ask for a copy of the account so that no owed rent or charges from the previous tenant fall on them. Prospective subtenants have more time to make a decision, as rent prices tend to lower closer to the summer. “You don’t have to make a decision right away because there are so many options,” Hou said. “Go look until you find one that you want, or until you find a cheaper option.” There are alternatives to subleasing. Some apartments may accept a six-month lease, and others, such as University Housing apartments (not residence halls), may let a tenant out of the lease early. Some apartment realties such as West Quad Apartments relet apartments instead of subleasing them. In this process, the new tenant signs a copy of the original lease and agrees fully to the terms, and pays his or her
own security deposit. Anissa Vasquez, West Quad Apartments leasing agent and junior in Media, explained the process. “Whenever you want out of your contract, you just say, ‘I’m reletting and someone is taking over my lease.’ It doesn’t even have to be six months, it could be you want to live there for three months and someone wants to live there for the remaining months,” she said. Because of its flexibility, the reletting process works well with students who want to change roommates, leave, live somewhere just for the summer or study abroad for a semester, because in the reletting process, as Vasquez explained, “(the tenant) is not tied to their lease at all.” Similar to subleasing, there are fees associated with reletting. However, the old tenant is not responsible for damages caused by the next tenant. Vasquez advises anyone looking to sublease or relet their apartment to post on “your personal Facebook page, post all over the Facebook groups — there’s about five or six groups about housing or roommates — (and) try to find exchange students, because its a big market. Just blow it up.” Having leased an apartment for two years now, Vasquez said she’s followed those strategies and gotten a lot of responses. The subleasing and reletting processes, along with a few other options, provide students with various opportunities to find short-term housing.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
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Finding the right next step for housing Students consider pros, cons of apartment, resident hall life BY RABIA ILYAS STAFF WRITER
With so many options available, choosing where to live can be a dilemma for many University students. Many freshmen, especially, are unfamiliar with this lengthy process. What is important for this new class of students to realize, though, is that each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Factors like location, cost, food access and connections hold different meanings for each student. For someone like Meghan Costigan, senior in LAS, who has tried a few different housing options, location is the
greatest concern. Costigan lived in a dorm for three years and is now living in an apartment fairly close to campus. “I wanted to try out something new, and I felt ready to take on the extra responsibility living in an apartment had,” Costigan said. In terms of advantages of living in an apartment, she said that apartment life has helped her become more independent and responsible. “It also lets me be more flexible, in the sense that I can eat whenever and whatever and do not have to rely on dining hall timings,” Costigan said. However, Costigan has to rely on herself a lot for grocery shopping and cooking her own food, which she considers a disadvantage. She misses the dining hall conversations she would have that allowed her to meet new people. “A huge benefit about the dorms was that I met a lot of new people and I have since kept in good touch with them,” Costigan said. Having experienced both dorm life
and apartment life, Costigan recommends for freshmen to continue living in residence halls if they do not feel ready to take on the larger responsibility that comes with living in an apartment. For Hannah Van Nevel, freshman in ACES, this advice holds true. Nevel has yet to decide on her living arrangements for the upcoming school year, but she prefers to live in a dorm. “I like my current dorm because it’s very quiet and I have met a lot of diverse people that I never would have met if I had not lived here,” she said. Van Nevel, a resident of Busey-Evans Residence Hall, likes that it’s close to campus and that it comes with many luxuries such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. For her future housing plans, she said she might consider an apartment, but only on the terms that it is close to campus and is safe. Like Van Nevel, English Henderson, a sophomore in LAS, has yet to experience apartment living. For Henderson, living in a dorm was the most conve-
nient option because of the proximity to campus and the appeal of the dining halls. Henderson also reasons that at the end of the day, the cost of living in a dorm is equal to living in an apartment. “You have to spend money on your own food and you have to put energy into preparing that food as well,” she said. Henderson added that a main advantage of dorm living is that students can feel more connected to the campus. “I am more aware of events going on around campus because there is so much exposure in a residence hall,” she said. However, like Costigan, Henderson hopes to someday gain the independence that living in an apartment brings. “I definitely want to experience living in an apartment for at least one year, because I think it will ease my transition into adulthood,” she said.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Cutting costs, promoting energy efficiency in apartments Students can save money by considering efficiency, convenience BY NASTARAN SHISHEGAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Saving money in college can involve shopping smart and cutting down on eating out. But a student’s choice of residence can also have an impact on expenses. People have different tastes. But are there any guidelines or facts people should consider when looking for a new place in order to save money? Location can be one of the most important factors, if not the most important one. Proximity to classes can be a key consideration in the apartment search. This matter becomes incredibly important when it gets cold — winters in Champaign-Urbana can be pretty intense. Hence, living close to classes can not only spare students from facing the unbearable cold for long periods of time, but students can also save a considerable amount of money at the end of the year, as they won’t need to drive or own a vehicle. Consequently, they won’t pay for fuel, auto insurance, a parking space and other related expenses. Stephanie Chiricuta , a graduate student in architecture, chose to live on campus so she could easily walk to her classes. “It’s safe, cheap and also I do not need to be worried about fi nding a parking space,” Chiricuta said. “Everyday walking helps with my health, and also I think I have a part in terms of air pollution reduction.” People have two major responsibilities or concerns: One for themselves, and the other for people around them. One might categorize these things as personal choice and social responsibility, respectively. When students choose to live close to classes, they might only be considering personal convenience. But the decision to live within walking distance is in fact a step toward helping the environment. By not driving,
students contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, and consequently take a step toward decreasing air pollution. Moreover, students can save money and the environment if they choose to live off campus. Rent rates tend to be lower off campus than on campus, and taking the bus is a smart option fi nancially and environmentally. Dana Taylor, a graduate student in architecture, lives off campus and usually bikes to and from class. She utilizes her bike or the bus depending on the time of year. “The bus is a good choice for me on cold, windy and icy days of the winter,” Taylor said. “(And) everyday biking adds exercise time to my schedule, which is so beneficial to my body.” Furthermore, students can cut out unnecessary expenses by being smart with utilities. There are two important factors to consider. One is of course consumption behavior. But the more important one is looking into the energy efficiency of the building in which students wish to live. As the energy efficiency of a building goes down, a resident’s consumption goes up. Grant Mosey, a graduate student in architecture who specializes in residential building energy consumption, said the simplest thing students can do is to be aware of their consumption. “Often, electric lights are left on even when daylight would be suffi cient,” Mosey said. “Mechanical heating and cooling is being used even when the outdoor temperature is comfortable. Air conditioning is being relied upon when a simple open window would suffice.” He also mentioned the use of incandescent light bulbs instead of CFL’s or LED’s, which are more energy effi cient than incandescent bulbs. “Each of these examples represent relatively small changes in lifestyle or awareness, but cumulatively, they
can have a great impact,” Mosey said. On the apartment search, look for double or triple glazing windows — insulated glazing which includes two or three glass windows separated by a vacuum or that includes a gas-fi lled space to reduce heat transfer — proper insulation and sufficient daylight coming in. This can be important especially during long and cold winters. Mosey said it’s important to understand how buildings use energy. He said space heating accounts for the largest amount of energy use; followed by appliances, electronics and lights; then water heating. Air conditioning places last on the list, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. “So the largest single factor in effi ciency is reducing heat loss,” Mosey said. “This means students should look for compact buildings with low surface to volume ratios. Having fewer windows and using energyeffi cient, double-pane windows will also make a difference.” The more sunlight there is in a home, the less energy consumption there will be, as the need for artifi cial lighting will be reduced. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, south-facing windows allow the most sunlight into the home in the winter and the least amount in the summer, so they are a great option for places with cold climates, such as Illinois. East and west facing windows provide direct sunlight in the morning and afternoon, respectively, and could be the second-best choice for housing. However, north-facing windows admit only diffused daylight into the space. Thus, residential units with only north-facing windows are usually cold and dark in the winter. Taylor said she’s not happy with the amount of light in her bedroom.
“One reason that I prefer to do all my homework at school is that I do not receive daylighting on my desk at home,” she said. When on the hunt for an apartment, students should look for a good location and an energy-efficient building that is convenient, safe and warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
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Easy, stove-free recipes to try out in dorms In a smaller microwaveable bowl, microwave the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon until mixture is boiling, stirring after each minute. Pour over cereal and almonds, and mix until coated evenly. Microwave again for 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Add apples, and microwave another 2 minutes. Spread on waxed paper to cool for 15 minutes, then stir in raisins. Store in an airtight container. Adapted from All Recipes
PHOTOS BY ISABELLA JACKSON THE DAILY ILLINI
BY ISABELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER
Students living in residence halls can still manage to prepare meals, snacks or desserts using the microwave in their rooms. Cinnamon-Apple Chex Mix This sweet and crunchy mix makes a great late-night snack and can be made easily with just a microwave.
Ingredients: 5 cups Chex cereal 1 cup lightly-salted whole almonds 1/4 cup butter 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup dried apples 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt-covered raisins Directions: In a large microwaveable bowl, combine the Chex and almonds.
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Loaded Baked Potato Potatoes can be cooked in the microwave and served with various toppings for a fi lling meal with little effort. Ingredients: 1 medium-sized Russet potato Sour cream, cheese, green onion or other toppings Directions: Rinse potato and pat dry. Poke a few holes in the sides of the potato with a fork. Microwave 3 minutes, turn potato over, and microwave another 3 minutes, or until the potato is soft.
Cut in half and top with salt, pepper or any other toppings. Adapted from Start Cooking Single-Serve Mug Brownie Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1 egg yolk 4 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 heaping tablespoons chocolate chips Directions: Melt butter in microwave safe mug. Stir in white and brown sugars, vanilla and salt. Stir in the egg yolk. Add flour and cocoa powder, and stir until well combined. Add chocolate chips. Cook for about 45 seconds in microwave, being careful not to overcook. Serve plain or topped with ice cream or whipped cream. Adapted from Number 2 Pencil
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The following are some absolute musthave items to help you make it through the year with ease. Desk lamp: You’ll need this for long nights of studying, when your roommate wants to check in early but you’ve got that major midterm tomorrow. Storage bins: Closet space may not end up being enough to store everything you need. Shoe rack: This helps organize shoes so they don’t litter the fl oor and you’re not scrambling to fi nd your other sneaker while running late for class. Poster putty: This can be used to hang up posters without damaging the walls and getting charged. Posters/pictures: Pictures of friends and family help personalize your room and make it feel more like home. Bedsheets: Bring a few extra sheets so you can change them throughout the year. (This is especially useful for those lazier days when you don’t feel like washing your old ones right away and you need a fresh set.) Pillows: We all know how important head support is when you’re trying to nap and escape your responsibilities. Comforter: Choose a nicely-patterned one that ties your dÊcor together. Laundry basket: You’ll need this to store your dirty laundry and carry it to and from the laundry room. Microwave: Microwave meals are pretty convenient when you’re not eating in the dining halls.
Refrigerator: You’ll want to store food for when you don’t feel like leaving your room to eat. Shower caddy: This is useful for carrying all toiletries — especially in a dorm, where you can’t leave them in the bathroom. Trash bags: These should preferably be scented for when you’re taking out the trash. Paper towels: They will be incredibly convenient for cleaning up spills and other messes. Tissues: They’ll come in handy when you feel like crying because the pressure is getting to you. Disinfectant wipes: Wipe all surfaces down to keep them germ-free — particularly during flu season. Paper plates: Let’s be real, you’re not doing any dishes. Plastic spoons and forks: Please refer to reason above.
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You’ve hit a home run when you use the Tenant Union We can help you look for housing!
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Creative ways to revamp your space BY SAMANTHA SKIPPER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Looking to create a new look in your apartment or dorm without spending big bucks? Consider repurposing some of your old items and trying a few fun do-it-yourself projects. The following ideas use objects that are easy to find. In fact, many students already have them in their dorms or apartments. Collages Collages are simple and can be made from nearly anything, including old maps, brochures and magazines. This one is made of paper lace scraps and an old issue of National Geographic. Old board games These boards are my favorite because you can do so much with them. I got this board for $1 at the I.D.E.A. Store at 28 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. Make your own by using a piece of wood or cork board and some nails or tacks. You can hang everything from keys to jewelry on the nails. Add pieces of old board games for a unique touch. Coasters These are made of rubber tile scraps and buttons, but you can also use wood, cork board, cement or tiles. If you don’t want to add some type of epoxy or decoupage, just decorate along the sides of the tile so a cup will lay flat. Bottle caps You can always add some bottle caps to the edges of various pieces, such as picture frames, to give them a new, fun look. They come in all different colors and styles for a variety of tastes. Postcards To make a postcard chain, add some postcards to paper backings in a long chain. You can also use pictures from old calendars as posters. Whether your projects involve turning items into useful or decorative pieces, you can be creative with everyday objects.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Houseplants quickly, easily liven up living space BY ISABELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER
Houseplants add beauty to a room and can help students feel less stressed after a busy day on campus. With a little time and some basic tips from Whitney Kwok, senior in ACES and a horticulture major, students can grow thriving houseplants in their dorms and apartments. Choose houseplants either because they are low-maintenance or because of their unique look. Kwok said that succulents and cacti are some of the most suitable houseplants for students because they are among the easiest to take care of. But spider plant, jade, snake plant and bamboo are all popular species of house plants. For students that want to take on a more care-intensive plant, orchids are a beautiful addition to any living space. Plant the houseplant in a pot with good drainage, generally one with holes in the bottom. Kwok recommended placing a saucer under the pot to keep the water that drains through the holes contained. Place plants in an area that gets good sunlight, air circulation and humidity. Trial and error is sometimes the best way to determine which location will be the best for your plant. Kwok said even the best horticulturists will occasionally kill plants, so students should not get too discouraged. Plants will grow toward the closest source of
light, so if the plant is looking leggy or spindly, it may not be getting enough sunlight. Kwok said that a south-facing window will receive the best amount of sunlight. A student in a residence hall room with limited natural light may want to invest in grow lights for their plants. Water the plants until the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then remove the water from the saucer in about an hour. Houseplants need watering, but most plants would like to dry out before being watered again to avoid being overwatered. The water requirements will vary depending on the type of plants. Having good soil in the pot is also necessary for healthy plants. Good topsoil will help plants grow, but sometimes additives and adjustments can help certain types of plants that prefer more acidic soil to flourish. Students can purchase houseplants at local businesses or right on campus. According to Kwok, Plant Mode in downtown Champaign has a good selection of plants, especially for students looking to make a terrarium, which is a clear globe with plants growing on the inside. Danville Gardens, although farther away at 1413 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign, has a very large selection of plants.
The department of plant biology and the Horticulture Club both have plant sales on campus multiple times throughout the year.
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What is your highest priority when choosing where to live? COMPILED BY RABIA ILYAS STAFF WRITER
“Cost is the highest priority
for me because tuition is already very expensive. As a college student, going to my classes is very important to me and I would not want to have to worry about the cost or expense of an apartment. I chose to instead live in a dorm as a resident adviser.”
“The highest priority for me is location, because I don’t have a car, so I need to be really close to class. When I am closer to campus, I can always walk or take a bus, and I get to my classes easily.” ANNA STANSFIELD Sophomore in LAS
“Being close to campus and not having to worry about making food would be the highest priority for me in choosing housing. Also being surrounded by people or friends is also very important to me and would definitely be a factor in choosing where to live.”
MARY THORSEN Sophomore in Business
“I chose a residence hall because I felt that I would be able to create more connections. I am also very close to campus and I do not have to worry about making food.” CHUQIAO RONG Senior in LAS
SHAGUN DOSHI Freshman in LAS
Students, faculty talk living alone Lack of roomates can impact social life, emotional growth BY MILI PANDYA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
W
hen students consider housing options, the first question that may come to mind is, “Who do I live
with?” The search for a perfect roommate is oftentimes successful, but can also be conflictual. The thought of having to share a room with someone can push many students to opt for living by themselves. “I think some individuals think that they have to have a single room because that’s what they’ve had their entire life,” said Director of University Housing Alma Sealine. “In our culture today, more students are coming to us that have always had a room to themselves, so the whole concept of a roommate can be stressful.” Of the 8,365 spaces available in the undergraduate residence halls by University Housing, only 467 rooms are singles, according to Sealine. With such a small number of single rooms, the majority of students are forced into an
Living without a roommate can also environment where they must learn to have an impact on students’ social lives. live with someone else. But the impact of being put in “You’re definitely more susceptible to not going out of your such a situation may be greater than way to talk to people,” expected. Clarke said. “You don’t “I think there’s a get to meet new people lot of learning that through roommates.” takes place about who However, academic you are as a person, and social benefits exist Sealine said. “You for students who choose to live alone — even if it learn more aboutwhat sort of environrequires them to put in a ment you need to be little more effort. successful.” Lauren Schultz, senior Academically, that in LAS, said there can environment may be many advantages to the independence that require a roommate ALMA SEALINE being there to lighten comes with living alone. DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY “Coordinating sleepthe stress that comes HOUSING ing and studying schedwith college. “Without a roomules was always a chalmate, you don’t have lenge,” Schultz said. anyone to talk to if you need someone “It’s nice not having to work around to vent to,” Matt Clarke, freshman in someone’s schedule.” DGS, said. “I also think it’s a lot more She said she doesn’t think she’d be pressure on yourself to get your work able to go back to living with a roommate because she’s grown accustomed done. You’re actually on your own.”
“I think there’s a lot of learning (when living with others) that takes place about who you are as a person.”
to having her own space. Schultz, who has been a resident adviser at Bromley Hall for two years, also receives the benefit of not having to pay for her housing. But she has had to deal with higher costs when it comes to purchasing necessities for her room. “When you had a roommate, you could split it half and half,” she said. “But it was a bit of a shock to me having to provide everything for the room.” While living alone has its perks, Sealine, Clarke and Schultz all recommend that students live with a roommate at least for their freshman year, if not longer. They said the skills, lessons and experiences that students will gain are priceless. “You have to have those skills in the workplace going forward, in a relationship going forward,” Sealine said. “When you’re a part of a community, you have to be able to lead individuals and respect what people bring to the table.”
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Condsiderations for chooing a roommate Students should think about characteristics, number of roommates CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Choosing who to live with is a struggle students typically face each year. Important things to bear in mind are the characteristics a potential roommate possesses, how many people to live with and what questions to ask before moving in. These tips are valid for students in all stages of housing, from dorms to apartments. Lauren Lolordo, junior in ACES, said she used a Facebook group for incoming University freshmen to find a roommate her first year “I found it really helpful because you could talk to potential roommates and also see what they were interested in based off of their pictures,” she said. If a student living in a dorm chooses to room with someone random, University Housing provides them with a questionnaire to fill out while applying for housing. The form aims to match people with similar interests, personalities and lifestyles. Jennifer Reardon, sophomore in LAS, said she chose to go with a random roommate and thankfully, they were compatible. “We both slept in late, ate the same things and had similar style,” she said. Despite her luck, she advises students to “pick someone who has a lifestyle similar to your own.” Students should have discussions with potential roommates to
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ask important questions, such as what their interests are or if they’ve roomed with someone before. If they have lived with someone before, it can prove to be beneficial, as they would already be accustomed to accommodating to someone else’s schedule. They will understand different sleeping, school and social schedules. “I think you should definitely hang out with your potential roommate a few times before making a decision,” said Deni Alvarez, sophomore in AHS. One should also consider whether the person prioritizes going out or studying, or if they’re unorganized or messy. Decide what your priorities are, and make a decision based on that. The next decision to make is how many people to live with. Lolordo has lived with one person, is currently living with three others and plans to live in a house with 20 people next year. “As long as you enjoy the people you live with, it doesn’t really matter how many people I’m living with,” she said. While compatibility is more central to finding harmony than the number of people a student lives with, they should once again take their preferences into consideration. If a student doesn’t want all the energy that comes with having several roommates and if they like a quieter atmosphere, they should try sticking with no more than one or two
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roommates. But if they’d like to have a more social experience, more roommates can expose them to that. In the end, students should aim to find a balance between academic and social success, and they should surround themselves with people who can help them attain that balance. No matter how many roommates a student has, it’s important to find ways to avoid conflicts. Sometimes, space can be the best solution, Reardon said.
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“Fights were avoided by having a few different friend groups and letting them do their own thing, and not necessarily doing everything together all the time,” she said. Open communication can also be key, Lolordo said. “I think it’s important to address things that bother you or fights as soon as possible in order for them not to get worse.”
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Is luxury living worth the price tag? BY CLAIRE HETTINGER STAFF WRITER
Luxury living is becoming more prominent on campus, with some apartments featuring four bathrooms, internet, satellite TV — including HBO and Big Ten Network — a yoga studio, inbuilding coffee bars and, the seemingly most outrageous, a golf simulator. With all these new luxury apartments, people who want to live well for less can still do so in older luxury apartments. These apartments aren’t the “it” places to live anymore, but are still in good shape and, of course, are at the same good locations. So the question becomes: Is luxury living worth the money? Well, it depends. Do you want to live in an amazing apartment that puts most residential homes to shame? Or would you rather live in an apartment that is still nice, but costs much less money? The rent of luxury apartments continues to skyrocket like the buildings that house them. And the crazy part is, the second-best apartments sometimes go for the same prices that
older apartments go for. Perhaps because people think they are too expensive on a college student’s budget. So, there are apartments available until the last minute in buildings such as 309 Green, which was not too long ago considered the most current option for luxury living. They don’t sell as quickly because the people with enough money look for the newest and best choices. These buildings aren’t old, they just aren’t the most luxurious or newest options available anymore. But they are still in good shape and are nicer than some apartments that go at a similar price. In the end, find a place that will make your life easier, not harder. It may be worth considering if the luxury apartment is worth the price, or if you’d rather have spending money. But perhaps you’d rather spend most of your time hanging out with friends at your place, with your simulated golf course or your rooftop hot tub.
With all these new luxury apartments, people who want to live well for less can still do so in older luxury apartments.
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Campus dorms offer array of features for different preferences BY HARSHA BELLAMKONDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
One of the most nerve-wracking decisions incoming freshmen have to make over the summer is where they’re going to live. In fact, the summer before college began, it took my roommate and I two weeks to decide where to live. We were convinced that the wrong decision would ruin our social lives for the next four years on campus. However, what’s more important than the specific hall you select is the group it’s part of. To make this clearer, here’s an example: Illinois Street Residence Halls is made up of Townsend Hall and Wardall Hall. The differences between those two are minimal. What truly matters is the features of ISR in general. That’s how it works. Without further ado, I present to you a general guide of most of the University Housing dorms, including a list of pros and cons.
Ikenberry North/South Includes: 1. Barton and Lundgren (North) 2. Hopkins (North) 3. Nugent (North) 4. Weston (North) 5. Scott (South) 6. Snyder (South) 7. Taft Van-Doren (South) 8. Bousfield (South) Quick facts: Barton is all-female. Lundgren is all-male. The rest are co-ed. Hopkins, Nugent, Weston, Scott, Snyder and Bousfield are air-conditioned. Nugent and Bousfield are mostly filled with upperclassmen. Pros: The Ikenberry dorms are close to the Armory, Memorial Stadium and the ARC. The Ikenberry Dining Hall is the biggest dining hall on campus, and also includes an a la carte option — 57 North. The Ikenberry Common Area has its own library and study areas as well. Also, the entire area has its own little quad. Cons: The Ikenberry dorms are a little far from the Main Quad and Engineering Quad. Also, the Ikenberry Dining Hall is a little crowded at times due to the high concentration of students living in one area.
Florida Avenue Residence Halls (FAR) Includes: 1. Oglesby 2. Trelease
Quick facts: Both Oglesby and Trelease are air-conditioned. Both halls are co-ed. There is also one game room in each hall. Pros: Adam Oufkir, freshman in DGS, said, “I like that it’s a little more quiet than Champaign. It feels homey.” He also said he likes the food offered at FAR: “We have soul food. It’s freaking good.” In addition, all rooms have new, loftable furniture. FAR is close to the College of ACES and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Break housing is available. This means that students can stay in their own rooms over fall and spring break — for an additional charge. Cons: Living on the eleventh floor, Oufkir said, “I hate how big it is. Getting to the top floor is a pain in the neck.” FAR is also far away from the Quad and is on the south-eastern corner of campus.
Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Hall (PAR) Includes: 1. Babcock 2. Blaisdell 3. Carr 4. Saunders Quick facts: All halls are co-ed. There are no triples available. There is no air-conditioning. Pros: All rooms have loftable furniture. Babcock and Saunders have newly-remodeled, individual-use bathrooms. PAR Dining Hall has stir fry and offers After Dark late dinner, which is a great option for students who return home late after studying. Cons: Just like FAR, PAR is also far away from the Quad. However, the 13S Silver bus goes straight to PAR and FAR, so that’s a huge advantage for residents.
Illinois Street Resident Halls (ISR) Includes: 1. Townsend 2. Wardall Quick facts: Both halls are co-ed. All rooms are air-conditioned. Pros: Zach Pease, freshman in Engineering, said the location is very convenient. “If I need to go to any of my classes, they’re at most a 10-minute walk away.” ISR is very close to the Main Quad, Engineering Quad and Krannert. That’s a huge pro. ISR Dining Hall has an a la carte option.
DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO
Students reutrning to the Illinois Street Residential Hall after class on January 27. All rooms have new, loftable furniture. Also, break housing is available at an additional charge. Cons: ISR is known to be a little on the quieter side. Pease commented on a few qualities he disliked. “The food is a little lacking,” he said. “My furniture has a bit of wear-and-tear.”
Allen Hall Quick facts: Allen Hall is co-ed. There is no air-conditioning. Quad rooms are available. Allen is home to the Unit One LLC. Allen has a darkroom and even has in-hall classes for credit. It’s a great hall for creative people. Pros: Kaustubh Vongole, freshman in Engineering, lives at Allen and said he loves the atmosphere. “My floor is really social, everybody’s always outside, (and) the food’s really good. Maybe ties for best with Ikenberry,” he said. Allen is also close to Krannert and CRCE. Rooms have loftable furniture and music practice rooms. Allen also has its own library. Cons: While Vongole likes the social
aspect of living at Allen, he dislikes the lack of air conditioning. “The first two weeks were torture,” he said. While many students share his opinion, to be fair, air conditioning is only necessary during the first six weeks of classes. Allen is on the eastern edge of campus. Therefore, it’s a bit far from the Main Quad and Engineering Quad. The entire hall is an LLC, so if you’re not interested in joining one, you might be discouraged. However, you don’t have to participate in the activities. In retrospect, it’s easy to see that my roommate and I were extremely wrong and slightly petty when we were stressing over the importance of choosing the perfect place to live. I’ve only been on campus for a month, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no matter where you live, it’s extremely easy to meet new people, have a raging social life and form bonds that last years. All incoming freshmen should know this. I wish I knew it before freaking out over picking a dorm.
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Resident Advisers share difficulties, experiences with possible applicants the violation of housing policies. Kenyatta Sacha Dunkin, senior in niversity Housing’s Resident Business, is a second-year resident adviser Adviser applications are at Snyder Hall. She noted the importance currently available for students of addressing social and community issues to submit. But before committing on her floor. to the job, potential applicants should take “As an R.A., you really have to speak a few factors into consideration. up,” Dunkin said. “There’s no such thing Every year, many students are eager as being a passive bystander – you have to to take advantage of the opportunity be an active bystander. You have to really because of some of the perks that come take the initiative to speak up because you with being a Resident Adviser. Some are monitoring the halls, and if you don’t dream of finally having their own room do it, then no one else will.” and not dealing with a roommate coming Messner added that the resident adviser’s in late at night and disturbing their sleep. role is equivalent to being the backbone Others may be in it of the community, as they for the free housing facilitate unity in the and not settling for halls and engagement in campus activities. the cheapest meal plan. “Specifically through And perhaps, for pr og r a m s , bu l let i n some, the prospect boards and day-to-day of being a mentor is interactions, I’m able to exciting, as well as educate and engage my taking on a role that residents about different can stand out on a resources on campus and resume. different events,” she No matter what said. Dunkin said potential someone’s motives are, it’s important to applicants should consider note that the job is if the requirements of the not as easy as it may job suit their personality before taking on the seem. This is the third position. year Molly Messner, “It’s not for everybody,” senior in ACES, she said. “You become a KENYATTA SACHA DUNKIN fish in a fishbowl, where has been a resident RESIDENT ADVISER AT SNYDER HALL literally everywhere you adviser at Nugent go, someone is going to Hall. She said one know that you are that of the unexpected challenges she’s faced RA. So if it doesn’t fit in has been handling residents’ mental health your personality to be friendly to people, needs. to be a resource and to be a mentor, then “I’ve understood how to be a little more it’s just not for you.” apparent and aware of these kinds of But for those who find the job to be symptoms knowing that somebody may suitable to their interests, Messner said need certain attention in that dimension the rewards are plentiful. of wellness,” Messner said. “That has She said she’s learned how to be resilient increased my consciousness ... like and learn from her mistakes and address everybody has their own battles.” issues more efficiently in the future. Every summer, newly-hired resident “I can see my personal growth in advisers undergo an intensive two-week leadership and maturity,” Messner said. training where they learn how to handle Applications for positions as an RA will various situations that can arise in a remain open to students until Oct. 15. residence hall, such as residents facing social and emotional issues, vandalism and gebregi2@dailyillini.com BY SENAIT GEBREGIORGIS STAFF WRITER
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“You really have to take the initiative to speak up because you are monitoring the halls, and if you don’t do it, no one will.”
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