Longhorn Life: Housing Guide by The Daily Texan

FEBRUARY 22, 2012

an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan

HOUSING GUIDE WE SHOW YOU WHERE AND HOW TO LIVE NEXT YEAR!

WHAT’S INSIDE: LIVING ALONE or WITH ROOMMATES • DECORATING PICKING A LOCATION • HOUSING TYPES • KITCHEN ESSENTIALS HOUSING FAIR MAP • ON vs OFF CAMPUS • GETTING AROUND WITHOUT A CAR • MOVING IN WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER • and much more!

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LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Editors’ Note

n some ways, housing can be just as important as registration in college. Yes, you need to be enrolled in class to be a student, but you also need a place to live that’s close to campus. It wouldn’t be all that convenient or economical to drive from your parents’ house in Houston every day, now would it? This edition is dedicated to not only finding you the right place to live, but also helping you get settled once you do! We realize you’re all in different stages of your housing search, so we’ve made sure to include something for everyone. If you can’t decide if an apartment or a co-op is the place for you, check out Alex’s guide to different types of hous-

LONGHORN ing on PAGE 20. If you need a little guidance on where to live in the campus area, Nathalie will help you choose location wisely on PAGE 15. If you’re not sure if you still want to share your space or not, Ali weighs the pros and cons of living alone or with a roommate on PAGE 21. Or, your idea of the ideal roommate may have four legs and fur, in which case flip on over to PAGE 18 for some questions to ask yourself before getting a pet. Even if you already have your lease signed and your BFF on lock for next year, check out our tips for decorating on a budget (PAGE 8), planning a housewarming party (PAGE 7) and some fun kitchen supplies to add flair to your cooking space

(PAGE 10). Most importantly, we want to remind you of the huge responsibility you have right now. Making the right decision about housing will not only give you peace of mind, but it will show your parents or any other “grown-ups” in your life just how ready you are for the real world and that you’ve got life under control. Who knows, they might even be inspired to cut their daily phone check-ins down to just weekly ones! Good luck and happy housing! Your roommates-in-spirit, Emily Morgan & Christine Imperatore Special Editions Co-Editors

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STUDENT STAFF Special Editions Editors Christine Imperatore Emily Morgan Writers Sylvia Butanda, Alison Killian, Channing Holman, Lauren Daly, Brittany Lamas, Alex Vickery, Jennifer Yang, Nathalie Lumang, Courtney Griffin, Megan Smith Photographers Katrina Funtanilla, Joyce Isleta, Monica Nghiem, Guillermo Hernandez Copy Editors Jennifer Yang, Sarah Lindig Cover Design Felimon Hernandez TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES Assistant Director Jalah Goette Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado Campus & National Sales Rep Joan Bowerman Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss Student Manager Ryan Ford Student Assistant Manager Veronica Serrato Student Account Executives Cameron McClure, Paola Reyes, Adrian Lloyd, Morgan Haenchen, Fredis Benitez, Ted Moreland, Emily Sides, Zach Congdon, Tyrell Elegonye, Ted Sniderman Student Office Assistant/Classifieds Rene Gonzalez Student Marketing Manager Olivia Wong Student Marketing Assistant Allison McMordie Student Buys of Texas Manager Lindsey Hollingsworth Student Buys of Texas Assistants Suzi Zhaw, Estaban Rivera Special Editions & Production Coordinator Adrienne Lee Senior Graphic Designer Felimon Hernandez Student Graphic Designer Aaron Rodriguez, Bailey Sullivan Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at specialeditions@texasstudentmedia.com. Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Noise

Longhorn Life

Compiled by Jennifer Yang & Channing Holman | Photos by Joyce Isleta

Student chatter around the 40 Acres

What is your best advice for finding a roommate? Robin Mannas

Ruben Espinoza Taylor Prewit journalism senior

journalism sophomore

“There are a lot of crazy people on craigslist, and you should screen them before letting them move into your home or apartment. I would take the first month’s rent before you let them move in to secure a little bit of ‘street cred’, and have a dayafter meeting before committing. The ones that are ready to go RIGHT NOW are usually not good to live with.”

“Whether you’re comfortable with random people, certain friends or fraternity brothers/ sorority sisters, you must be comfortable in order to ultimately be happy.”

“I think it is important to meet someone face to face to really get to know them. Everyone is always going to put their best face forward on Facebook, so don’t rely on social media to pick a roommate.”

sociology senior

readers! What advice do you have? Let us know on Facebook @ facebook.com/txlonghornlife

What’s in your bag? longhornlux.com

Aditi Reddy, public health sophomore Aditi is prepared in the event of a random rainstorm on her way to class, just like we’ve all come to know as Texans. Perhaps she can somehow explain our funky weather with those biochemistry flashcards or use her calculator to determine how far away the storm is based on the sound of thunder.

Page 3

LOVE THAT! Willie Burnett

history and journalism senior

You’ll never find Willie strolling around the Domain or Barton Square. He does all of his shopping online. From the looks of things, he’s been pretty successful. Wearing: Hooded shirt from jackthreads.com; burgundy “Members Only” jacket from PLNDR. com; Naked & Famous Raw Selvedge jeans from Barneys New York; Vans shoes; Chrome messenger bag from chromebagsstore. com Shops: primarily online for the better prices; Burnett says he hasn’t shopped at a physical retail store in a long time.

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Longhorn Life

Come on in Compiled by Nathalie Lumang Photos by Joyce Isleta

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Longhorns give us a peek inside their apartments

The areas around campus are full of great places for students to live. Sometimes, it’s almost as if certain parts of Austin are just unofficial extensions of the 40 Acres. If you’re looking for a place to live next year, take a look at what these students have to say about their current residences.

Rownak Rahman Major: petroleum engineering Year: sophomore Off-campus living: The Quarters – Nueces House (West Campus) Monthly rent: $471 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: shared bedroom with one other person, cable and high-speed Internet included, washer and dryer and fitness center and a pool Favorite thing in the room: I have a poster of Audrey Hepburn that I bought at one of the poster sales in Jester last semester and an autographed poster from Johnny Depp when he visited campus last semester. I also have a photo collage and the photos all combine to spell out my name. What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I love the location of the Quarters – right next to a lot of food areas and not far from campus.

Rownak Rahman

Devin Greene

Austin W. Wells Major: advertising Year: junior Off-campus living: The Quarters – Grayson House (West Campus) Monthly rent: $835 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: individual bedrooms, cable and high-speed Internet included and washer and dryer. Parking: I sublease a friend’s parking spot at 900 West for $80 a month. What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: It’s very convenient to go to and from school, since it’s in walking distance.

tanning and fitness center and cable and high-speed Internet included Parking: Included in rent What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I like that it’s still close to campus, but it’s not west campus. I’m away from the crazy parties, but I’m still close enough to go to them.

Mariel Salcedo Major: radio-television-film Year: junior Off-Campus Living: The Villas on Guadalupe Monthly rent: $890 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: individual bedroom, washer and dryer, pool and hot tub,

Erik Hermes Major: advertising Year: junior Off-Campus Living: Unnamed building on 32nd and Speedway (North Campus, residential area) Monthly rent: $650 per person | three bedrooms What does this get you: indi-

Mariel Salcedo

vidual bedroom Parking: Free What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I like that there are big common spaces, and the parking is nice since we each have our own. The Intramural Field bus stop is close by, so it’s pretty close to campus. Zach Sais & Adrian Salinas Major: computer science and radio-television-film Year: Sais-senior and Salinasjunior Off-Campus Living: University Estates at Austin (Riverside) Monthly rent: $610 per person | two bedrooms. What does this get you: in-

dividual furnished bedroom, pool, washer and dryer and high-speed Internet and cable included. Parking: Free What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: We haven’t had any noise complaints when we throw parties, or for any other reason. The University of Texas shuttle bus is also right in front of the complex, so it’s convenient. Devin Greene Major: biochemistry Year: senior Off-Campus Living: Lone Star Lofts (West Campus) Monthly rent: $540 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: shared

bedroom with one other person, washer and dryer, pool and hot tub and cable included. Parking: $90 a month What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I like that we have a washer and dryer in the apartment. Although the West Campus bus is nearby, we are still in walking distance of the campus so I like that. Fatima Sevilla Major: rhetoric Year: senior Off-Campus Living: Villa Orleans Apartments (North Campus) Monthly rent: $499.50 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: indi-

Longhorn Life

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Marv Marasigan

vidual bedroom, fitness center, pool and hot tub. Parking: Free What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I like that it is a rather old building with an old building feel, but the place is being remodeled so there’s now a modern mix to it. The Intramural Field bus stop is close, so there’s always a way to get to campus. Marv Marasigan Major: management information systems Year: junior Off-Campus Living: 21 Rio (West Campus) Monthly rent: $545 per person | two bedrooms What does this get you: shared bedroom with one other person, pool, fitness center, washer and dryer and cable and high-speed Internet included. Parking: $60 a month What’s great about it/Convenience to the school: I like the view I have, since we’re on the 12th floor. It’s convenient to the school considering it’s on 21st street. For me, it’s convenient because it’s close to the business school.

Page 5

Zach Sais & Adrian Salinas

Austin W. Wells

Fatima Sevilla

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LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ENTERTAIN

Page 7

Be the host with the most

Throw yourself a housewarming party! Channing Holman LONGHORN LIFE

After searching for the perfect offcampus destination to call home and signing away your paycheck for the next nine months to a year, the next logical step to take in your grown-up life is to throw a housewarming party. Wow your guests with your hidden interior decorating skills and let them bask in the details of your lovely abode. Paying your own bills and finally having a place where you make the rules is a milestone worth a massive celebration. Bless your home with this housewarming party and look forward to the happy memories yet to be made. Here’s what you’ll need.

HOME DECOR

Let’s face it, you didn’t have much to work with in decorating your dorm and were probably limited in how much you could express yourself at your parents’ house. This is the first place to call your own— spoil yourself. It is important that your home décor reflects your personality. Whatever inspires you- be it animal prints, bold colors, or a time in history - fill your space with trinkets that best represent you. Shop around and compare pricing to avoid breaking the bank; you’ll be surprised what you can find at the dollar store or even the thrift store.

FRIENDS

It’s impossible to celebrate your housewarming without the people closest to you. Keep in mind that this isn’t the party to invite absolutely everyone

you know; a housewarming party is not to be confused with a house party. Avoid inviting people through social media in order to keep it a small and intimate affair. Instead, send out a group message to your friends inviting them to your invitation only party or let them know the old-fashioned way with handwritten invitations.

FOOD AND DRINKS

No party is complete without snacks for your guests to nibble on and drinks to keep them hydrated. Keep it simple and don’t feel compelled to cook a full meal; that would be expensive and time-consuming. This is the perfect time to try out your favorite finger food and hors d’oeuvre recipes. As for drinks, juice, lemonade or tea are good choices. If your guests are 21 or older, a little spike to the punch adds some extra fun to the party. And of course, it’s not a housewarming party without a champagne toast!

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertaining guests can be done in a variety of ways, like with music, games or TV marathons. Crank up the stereo system and play a few oldies-but-goodies. Have some fun and bring karaoke to your place. If singing isn’t your thing, Taboo and Charades can always liven up any party. Finally, TV marathons are sure to keep your guests entertained. Tune in to Tainted Love Tuesdays on Lifetime (a personal favorite of mine) or your favorite show’s special marathon. These ideas never get old and are perfect for some housewarming party fun!

CHRISTINE IMPERATORE/LONGHORN LIFE

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Longhorn Life

Planing out your expenses

Page 8

When moving off campus, it’s important to keep in mind that your monthly living expenses will not just be the amount you pay in rent. There are a lot of other factors to consider when you decide how much you can spend every month. If you have $1,000 dedicated to housing per month, that doesn’t mean you can use that whole budget for rent money. Here are the essential elements that should factor into your housing budget as a whole: rent, bills/utilities (Internet, electricity, cable, water, gas, gym, cell phone, etc.), parking, groceries/food, transportation, entertainment.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

BUDGET

Do more, for less

Creative ideas for decor on a dime Nathalie Lumang

it into an art project.

Longhorn Life

��

�� EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

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reating a bedroom design to fit your personality can sometimes be a challenge when resources are limited. As a college student living on sandwiches and Easy Mac, you probably don’t have the money to splurge at IKEA to create your dream room. However, even with the recession hitting your bank account, you can still have a space you love that lets your inner self shine. Childhood keepsakes Bringing relics from your childhood to college may seem a bit a juvenile, but it is more common than you think. You probably shouldn’t bring your whole beanie babies collection, but rather something small and unique that has sentimental value to you. It could be something as small as a rare toothbrush holder that’s not sold anymore, or a souvenir from a past summer trip. Adding a touch of your childhood will help to represent who you were and who you are, without spending any money. Store Leftovers Stores such as Aeropostale and American Eagle constantly change their decorations and displays. When they are done with non-merchandise items, stores just throw them out or give them to their employees. So if you work in retail, or have friends that do, you may have access to some great free decor. It never hurts to ask for the old decorations, and you can always tweak them to your own preference. It may not seem all that fitting to hang a huge Old Navy logo above your bed, but you can get creative and somehow turn

joyce isleta/Longhorn Life

Stickers, stickers, stickers! This may seem like the most immature thing in the world, but there are stickers out there besides Lisa Frank and Disney. Stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michael’s Crafts specialize in little things like this. Some stickers to consider are artsy designs, letters to spell out your name or even silhouettes of people (see photo above). These can show your creative side or even your sense of humor. Bulletin Board Collage If you are a more creative type or just love to save little things like concert tickets or movie stubs a collage would be right around your area. The collage does not have to just be pictures of your friends, but may also include little things from your everyday life that mean a lot to you. Putting these things on a bulletin board may draw attention and could easily create conversation with others. It’s not necessary to dump your life’s savings into your room. Just because you don’t have the budget for something outrageous, doesn’t mean you should keep your room a blank canvas. Don’t forget, you can always add decorations over time, it doesn’t have to be an all-at-once project.

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Page 10

food

Longhorn Life

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Good eats on a student budget PRODUCT IMAGES FROM rETAILERS

Kitchen kitsch Sarah Lindig Longhorn Life

In the transition from dorm to apartment, one of the biggest changes you’ll notice is your newfound access to a full kitchen. For some, this is great news. Gone are the days of only eating meals you could microwave! Not exactly the Betty Crocker type? Check out this cute kitchenware to make cultivating your culinary talents a bit more fun. Is it just us, or does the task of learning to cook become way less intimidating when your skillet looks like a cuddly panda?

• Bow-tie Bag Clips, $8, Gama-Go – Keep your snacks fancy and fresh. • Test Tube Shot Set, $14, Urban Outfitters – This makes it acceptable to toss back a shot of whiskey while you’re studying for your chemistry exam, right? • Matryoshka Doll Measuring Cups, $12, Sur La Table – Keep all your measuring cups nestled together in one spot. • Fortune Cupcakes, $14.99, Nordstrom – These cupcake liners have fortunes written inside! • Mini Robot Vacuum, $26, Fred Flare – Fighting crumbs, one countertop at a time. • Frozen Friends Ice Cream Scoop,

Cute, nifty and functional items for your new culinary collection

$9.99, Amazon – Which do you like best— the penguin, the walrus or the polar bear? • Rainbow Mixing Bowls Set, $49.99, ModCloth – A range of sizes in a rainbow of colors. • On the Rocks Ice Cube Tray, $7.99, Cool Stuff Express – A cool way to cool your drink. • Swiss Measuring Spoons, $12.99, Pop Mart – Not only is this little set of measuring spoons clever, but the compact design is super convenient. • Takeout Menu Organizer, $19.99, Perpetual Kid – Kitchen or no kitchen, there are still those nights where you are

too busy or too lazy to cook. What’ll it be, Chinese food or pizza? (Check out page 12 for some suggestions to kickstart your menu collection.) • Marvel Comics Spatula, $12.95, Williams-Sonoma – Conquer the stove with the help of these superhero spatulas. • Disney Princess Waffle Iron, $35.99, Kohl’s – You will never outgrow your love for all things Disney. • Wonder Woman Standing Mixer, $299, KitchenAid – Perhaps Wonder Woman will make your cooking wonderful! Longhorn Life tip: For this pricey item, you may want to ask the ‘rents for a housewarming gift...

Stock up on healthy essentials for your fridge, pantry Sarah Lindig Longhorn Life

avigating the aisles of a supermarket can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone a college student whose idea of grocery shopping is a trip to the 7-Eleven for a bag of chips and a 12-pack of Shiner. Now that you’ve graduated from mini fridge to full-blown kitchen, it’s time to stock your shelves with real food. Here’s a starter list of healthy options that are quick and easy— perfect for your grab-and-go lifestyle. Take it with you on your next trip to H-E-B!

For your fridge and freezer: • Skim milk – Got milk? You’ve been told how good this stuff is for you since you were a kid. Opt for a fortified version, like Smart Balance Heart Right Fat-Free Milk, and get your fill of the usual calcium plus the added vitamin E,

omega-3 fatty acids and protein the manufacturers have packed into this product. • Eggs – Whether you like them scrambled, fried, over-easy or poached, eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients. Eggland’s Best is the go-to brand for the health-conscious. Their eggs are significantly lower in cholesterol and fat and have more of vitamins E and D and omega-3 fatty acids than ordinary eggs. The great thing about eggs is there are so many ways to prepare them and all tend to be fairly quick! Experiment a little and add in your favorite veggies or lean meats to make an omelette or frittata. • Low-fat cheese – Cheese has gotten a bad reputation over the years for being too high in fat. And yeah, ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese or French fries buried in mounds of melted cheddar probably won’t find much favor among the Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig-ers out there any time

soon— but stick to varieties that are low in fat and sodium and you’ll have yourself a snack that is loaded with calcium and vitamin D! Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Light, Kraft 2% Milk Natural Cheddar Cracker Cuts and Sargento Reduced Sodium String Cheese are all healthy options that come packaged in convenient single servings. • Greek yogurt – This trendy dairy product has been increasingly popular within the past couple years and rightfully so. Greek yogurt has all the probiotics and calcium of normal yogurt, but offers twice the protein, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Chobani’s non-fat yogurt comes in decadent flavors like blood orange, apple cinnamon and black cherry. Your taste buds will think you’re eating dessert. • Hummus – Made from chickpeas, olive oil and lemon juice, this creamy dip is full of fiber and protein (which makes it a particularly appealing option for those on a

vegetarian diet). Skip the pita chips and dip in some veggies instead, or try it as a spread on a sandwich in place of mayonnaise. You can buy hummus in a range of flavors. Sabra brand makes varieties like Buffalo Style, Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Artichoke, Greek Olive and even Jalapeño. • Vegetables – An obvious one? Yes. But an important one, nonetheless. Vegetables are some of the best foods you can possibly eat and have virtually no downsides. Among the most nutritious are carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus and avocadoes. Fresh is always better than cooked or canned, but if you don’t have time to go through the hassle of washing and chopping, look for pre-prepared veggie trays or snack packs at your grocery store. • Fruits – Blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates are chock full of antioxidants. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit or clementines are high in vitamin C— and

kiwis even more so. Bananas are great for potassium. Most fruit is already quick and easy to eat, but if you’re looking for extreme convenience, Dole makes products like their individually packaged Fresh or Frozen Fruit Bowls or their bags of Frozen Sliced Strawberries or Pineapple Chunks. • Deli meats – Lean, sliced lunchmeat, like turkey or chicken, is a good source of protein. Take the time to stop by the deli counter and choose a brand like Boar’s Head— their products are free from added fillers and artificial colors or flavors. Avoid bologna and pastrami, which tend to be high in sodium. For your pantry: • Nuts – Walnuts, almonds and pistachios are the healthiest options when it comes to nuts. Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids to keep your heart healthy. Continues on next page

LONGHORN LIFE

2Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Continued from previous page Pistachios can help lower your cholesterol. And did you know that a serving of almonds fulfills about 8% of your daily calcium needs? Nuts can be high in calories though, so stick to portions of about an ounce to and ounce and a half. • Oatmeal – Not only is oatmeal incredibly heart-healthy, it also has been shown to lower your risk of diabetes. Plus it’s high in fiber so you’ll stay full through your busy morning of classes and be less likely to fall prey to the temptation of the vending machine. If you don’t have time in the morning to cook oatmeal the old-fashioned way, instant varieties are a good substitute. Choose one without all the added sugar though— Quaker offers its instant oatmeal in original, lower sugar and high fiber varieties. • Soup – Determining the healthy soups from the not-sohealthy soups can be a tricky task. While soup can be a perfect vehicle for the vegetables you need, it loses nutritional value when it’s loaded with sodium and artificial preservatives. For starters, skip anything cream-based. Look for organic options that are free of additives and MSG. Campbell’s Healthy Request or Healthy Choice are decent choices; better yet is Amy’s Kitchen Organic Soup, if your grocery store carries this brand. • Green tea – Green tea is full of antioxidants to help lower your risk of cancer and heart disease. It also contains caffeine— so next time you have to pull an all-nighter for that big exam brew yourself a cup of hot tea instead of downing the usual coffee or Red Bull. • Whole-grain pasta – Pasta is an easy dish to make in large

quantities that you can refrigerate and eat as leftovers. Pasta made from bleached, white flour has been stripped of its nutrients, but whole-wheat pasta can be a good way to get essential whole grains into your diet. Add in some vegetables or healthy proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for an easy dinner. Editors note: Flip to page 12 for a simple pasta recipe! • Sweet potatoes – Unlike their starchy cousins, potatoes of the sweet variety have a lot to offer in the way of vitamin A and betacarotene, which are essential to the health of your eyes and skin. You may only be used to eating them loaded with brown sugar and marshmallows à la Thanksgiving dinner, but try slicing them up and popping them in the oven instead for yummy fries. To make a baked sweet potato the quick way, poke several holes into the sweet potato and wrap it in a paper towel then just microwave it for ten minutes and you’re done! • Olive oil – Olive oil helps keep your cholesterol levels in check and is full of antioxidants to lower your risk of cancer. Use it as a substitute in your cooking for fats like butter or vegetable and canola oil, which offer little in the way of nutritional benefits. Try it on bread or in a stir-fry dish! • Spices – Is your food a bit bland? Put the saltshaker down! There are several spices that you can use to flavor your food without adding to your sodium intake. Chili powder and paprika can help boost your metabolism. Ginger boosts your immune system and contributes to joint and muscle health. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood-sugar levels. Oregano is one of the best sources of antioxidants when it comes to herbs and spices.

Page 11

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Page 12

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Order in with these local delivery options

Longhorn Life

Easy Tiger may look like just a bakery, but it has a basement full of more bread, plenty of booze, and even features an outdoor deck. The long-anticipated Easy Tiger Bakeshop and Beer Garden opened Jan. 24 on East Sixth Street, just west of the I-35 access ramp. The restaurant features several appetizingly sharable “Easy Board” dishes, sausage, beer and sandwiches, along with bread, of course. Once a Cuban restaurant, the space provides useful levels for the restaurant’s current design. Upon entering, guests’ eyes rise towards the bread rack located behind the counter. The upper level is used for take-outs and quick sandwich snags. Meanwhile, the lower level houses a full bar, restaurant and patio area overlooking Waller Creek. On a Wednesday night, the lower-level restaurant was full of young business types and casual couples who sat at striped tabletops with mugs of beer and seemingly good company. The atmosphere was a successful balance of novelty and the ordinary. Wooden tables were as rich and substantial as the German food served atop them. The room was dotted with interesting conversation pieces— a tennis-rackethitting-a-Wilson-ball lamp in one corner, a tiger picture with books in another. Throughout the basement, soft lamps accented the thick stripes of blue and white paint that lacquered the clay walls. The space was neat and uncluttered, except for the endearing corner or two. “I cooked in New York for seven years” said Drew Curren, one of the chefs who helped create the menu, as he recommended the New Yorker Easy Board. “The food was super comforting, you could always count on it.” The New Yorker Easy Board is served on an unpresumptuous tray. It consists of dark pretzels lightly sprinkled with salt, thick slices of flour-dusted rye, a mound of pastrami, solid cuts of rare corned beef, sauerkraut and

Alex Vickery Longhorn Life

henever you’re too busy to go out to eat or too lazy to go pick something up, convenient delivery services come to your rescue. The delivery food of choice is often pizza, with numerous options like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Austin’s Pizza and Double Dave’s located close to campus. However, there are plenty of other restaurants that deliver to campus that you’ve probably never thought of. Consider this your meal plan for the next few lazy nights. You’re welcome.

Wings

Plucker’s: 512-469-9464, pluckers.com Wings at your fingertips until the wee hours of the morning, without having to fight the West Campus crowd. Need I say more? Plucker’s is open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday. photos by joyce isleta/Longhorn Life

homemade mustard. “Most people don’t realize that the only difference between pastrami and corned beef is the way you cook and slice it.” Curren said, gesturing to the two cuts of meat on the board. “You smoke pastrami; you oven-roast corned beef. Then you cut them with different thicknesses, but they all soak in the same salty brine. They are a lot like brothers, just a little different.” The two brothers are big, to say the least. The Board portions are meant to be shared. At a reasonable $15, the partitioned ingredients allow customers to create and mix as much glorious, grainy mustard as they wish. Another favorite of guests is the large pretzel with a cheddar cheese, garlic, Boston Lager dipping sauce, inspired by the Kentucky Derby tailgating culture. “It was such a culture shock,” Curren explained. “I cooked in Vietnam for a couple of years, and then flew back into Louisville, Kentucky. This was one of the first things I ate.” The big-as-your-face pretzel is sharable at $8. Other specialties include a vegetarian sausage made with beets, lentils, brown

rice, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and herbs. The succulent dish is purely vegan because its ingredients and its casings—the thing that holds the ingredients inside—are also free of animal byproducts, a feat difficult for most chefs to achieve. For a quick bite the Goat Cheese with Pear and Fennel Mustard Sandwich ($8) is highly recommended. Served on a baguette, the sandwich is sweet, spicy and herby as a result of the pear and fennel mustard mingling together while cooked. The goal of the restaurant, Curren explained, is to get people to “slow down and stay awhile.” Leticia Mireles is already a regular at the new restaurant. “I helped paint the mirrors, but I saw how important this was for people who run the place and now, I keep coming back because it’s just so easy.” It seems as though perhaps Curren’s goal is already being achieved. Easy Tiger Bakeshop and Beer Garden is located at 709 E. Sixth Street. The bakeshop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. The beer garden is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Sandwiches

Pita Pit: 512-474-7482, pitapitusa.com Think only “junk food” restaurants deliver? Think again. Pita Pit offers healthier, lighter options and lots of them. This option might work better for earlier meals, as they only deliver between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Mediterranean

Flying Falafel and Po-Boys: 512-494-1400, flyingfalafelaustin.com Enjoy a range of Mediterranean food form pitas and gyros to hot seafood plates. Some of their dishes are also vegetarian and vegan friendly. They are open for delivery until 8:30 p.m. on most days, until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and closed on Sundays. Arpeggio Grill: 512-4791212, agrillaustin.com This Drag favorite delivers its beloved gyros to your door. In addition to typical Mediterranean foods like hummus, meat kabobs and seafood choices; they also have a variety of pizza and wings. Look out for their daily specials to get good deals on great food.

Asian

Ming’s Café: 512-476-8888 As with most Chinese food restaurants, the menu is not lacking in options. From fried rice to soup to vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone. Expect large portions at a reasonable price. Hoa Hoa Restaurant: 512505-0155, hoahoadobie.com Located conveniently in Dobie Mall, the Chinese/Vietnamese food is known to be plentiful and cheap. Delivery hours are from 4:15p.m. to 9:15p.m. every day except Saturdays when they are closed.

Dessert

Tiff’s Treats: 512-473-2600, tiffstreats.com/Austin This much-loved bakery delivers warm, freshly baked cookies right to your door for those late night study sessions. Fan favorites include snicker doodle and the classic chocolate chip. Is your mouth watering already? Just make sure and order them before 11:45 p.m. and enjoy!

Other services

Longhorn Delivery: longhorndelivery.com Longhorn Delivery is a service that coordinates with different restaurants to deliver the food you want right to you; often with places that don’t deliver on their own. You can view menus of the restaurants that are open and order right from their website. Restaurants span from McDonalds and Ken’s Donuts to Qdoba and Zen. They even accept Bevo Bucks and their service runs until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Eat Out In: eatoutin.com A service that is similar to Longhorn Delivery but its delivery area includes not only campus, but also much of Austin and San Antonio. Hours are from Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. If you order the day before, you can even get breakfast delivered as early as 7 a.m. Restaurants such as BJ’s Restaurant, Chuy’s, P.F. Chang’s, Quiznos and Zio’s Italian Kitchen are available for online ordering and delivery through Eat Out In.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Longhorn Life

Page 13

Recipe

Your first meal in your new place Megan Smith Longhorn Life

You’re finally moving off campus and into a place of your own. There are no more community bathrooms, cramped closets — or meal plans. Never fear, because Longhorn Life is here to help you make it through those first few meals on your own and with ease. So break out those new pots and pans and try this recipe for savory spaghetti carbonara. Host a dinner party at your new place to impress your friends, or have plenty of servings for the whole week. Add a little homemade garlic bread to the side, and you’ve got a complete, gourmet meal. Now you’re really cooking.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Makes 6-8 servings Ingredients: • 12 ounces spaghetti • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 8 slices bacon, diced • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 4 eggs • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • Extra Parmesan cheese to taste Directions: 1. First, cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set aside. 2. Then, in a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until slightly crisp. Remove and drain onto paper towels. Keep 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and reheat. Add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until onion is translucent (about four to five minutes). Add minced garlic, and cook one minute more. 3. Return cooked bacon to pan and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat and heat through, adding more olive oil if it seems dry or is sticking together. Remove pasta from pan and cool. 4. Beat the eggs and then combine with the ½ cup of grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Then, pour that mixture onto the spaghetti once the spaghetti has cooled slightly (so that it’s still hot, but so that the eggs don’t cook and the cheese melts into the eggs and pasta). 5. Add salt and pepper to taste—

joyce isleta/Longhorn Life

remember that bacon and Parmesan are very salty. 6. Serve immediately with chopped parsley sprinkled on top and extra Parmesan cheese to taste.

Homemade Garlic Bread

Makes 8 servings Ingredients: • 8 slices of bread (any kind) • 1/2 cup butter, melted • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Directions: 1. First, preheat oven to broil. 2. Next, mix the butter and garlic together in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over the slices of bread. Sprinkle parsley and cheese over each piece. 3. Place bread on a baking sheet and broil for 15-30 seconds—be careful, the bread can burn fast. 4. Serve and enjoy.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Page 15

Location! Location! Location!

Don’t just roll the dice and hope for the best; make a wise decision about your neighborhood Nathalie Lumang LONGHORN LIFE

The transition from dorm- to apartment-living may be a tough one if done wrong. When thinking of where to live, there are all sorts of questions to ask about location. One way to avoid the craze and anxiety of apartment-hunting is to know your preferences and realize there are more prime spots out there beyond West Campus and Riverside.

WEST CAMPUS

This area is possibly the most convenient location because it literally is just west of campus across Guadalupe. Although public parking may be a hassle at times, many of the apartments provide assigned parking for residents. Living so close to campus doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay a bundle, but rather compromise in possibly sharing a bedroom. Many of the well-known apartment complexes range their prices to around $900 or more. So if you are willing to share space, it would be a great option. This area can get a bit noisy and rowdy on the weekends though, so consider your social habits and preferences when you consider your options in West Campus.

NORTH CAMPUS/HYDE PARK

These areas north of Dean Keeton are ideal if you like getting away from the party scene and living in a more residential neighborhood. The Intramural Field and Red River shuttle buses run through the area, as well as many Austin Capitol Metro buses. Cost of living in this area varies, but it is not impossible to find an

area that is in the ballpark of $500 and still have your own room. There are many corner markets for groceries and an H-EB on Red River.

RIVERSIDE

A little south of downtown off Interstate 35, Riverside is known for its inexpensive and often furnished housing options. Many of the apartment complexes are modernized and most are typically gated, so parking within the complex is not much of a problem. Although the bus ride may be a little longer, several UT buses run to the area and back to campus, making your commute more convenient.

FAR WEST

This area is approximately the same distance from campus as Riverside but on the northwest end of Austin off of Mopac Expressway. The Far West shuttle bus circulates this area. Apartments may not all be furnished, but there is the convenience of parking that most of the apartments provide. Close proximity to grocery stores and one-stop shops like Target and Wal-Mart are also a big plus.

LONGHORN LIFE TIP: It can be helpful to use a realtor or apartment locator. There are places that have an early bird special deal or sometimes even a last minute deal and these locators often have established relationships with the complexes in the area and are kept up-to-date on the most current information. Realtors do not charge you for their services —

FAR WEST

NORTH CAMPUS

WEST CAMPUS

UT ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

There are a few other locations to consider that students often overlook. Neighborhoods east of of I-35 such as Cherrywood and Manor Road are quickly becoming some of the hippest parts of town. If you’ve got a slightly higher budget than most college students, you could give downtown a try. Just be sure you’re spending enough time studying and not too much time on Sixth Street.

RIVERSIDE

PROXIMITY MAP FELIMON HERNANDEZ/TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA

they are paid by the apartment complex when you sign a lease. To make the process a lot simpler for you and the realtor and to avoid feeling pressured to sign a lease before you are ready, make sure you have a set of preferences and have reached a common ground with your roommate. This will help you to be more conﬁdent about your choices. Happy Hunting!

Weigh the pros, cons of living on, off campus Alex Vickery LONGHORN LIFE

Deciding where to live next year can be stressful when there are so many options. Parents often encourage us to stay on campus for the convenience factor. And let’s face it, they don’t want us to grow up so fast as to have our own place! Many students switch to apartment life after their first year, while others move on to get houses, live in co-ops or stay

in a dorm. Those of us who live in dorms often have a love-hate relationship with our room and those that live in apartments often have a love-hate relationship with their management. No one is ever completely satisfied, but is one better than the other?

DORM LIFE

Pros: • Most dorms have food establishments downstairs so you don’t even have to leave the

building when you’re hungry. • Meal plan is included, so less grocery shopping. • You can wake up 10 minutes before your class starts and get there on time, so it’s goodbye to wacky bus schedules. • Study areas are plentiful in and around dorms. • You usually meet more people on your floor; plus dorms offer a lot of free movie screenings and events for residents to enjoy. Cons:

• Shared room = less privacy and space • Less freedom to have gettogethers or throw parties • There are guest hour restrictions • Community bath (depending on the dorm) • Having to lug your laundry all the way down the hall only to find the washers are taken… • If you’re anti-social, there’s usually nowhere to hide from people

• Often more expensive for the space you get compared to an apartment

OFFCAMPUS LIFE

Pros: • More independence; no annoying RAs telling you to keep the noise level down (although possibly neighbors) and less restrictions in general • Owning a pet is an option. See ON VS. OFF, on page 18

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 16

HOUSING FAIR APARTMENT-HUNTING

INSIDE THE TENT 11

CHECKLIST

VILLAS ON GUAD

Brittany Lamas

GUIDE

THE VENUE

TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA

FREEBIRDS

JIMMY JOHN’S

GREGORY GYM PLAZA

(counter clockwise from bottom right)

OUTER CIRCLE 26 West

Location: 600 W. 26th St. Amenities: swimming pool, washer/dryer, furnished units available, pet-friendly, dishwasher, garage parking available, card-controlled access Online: 26-west.com/

Jefferson West

Location: 2704 Rio Grande St. Amenities: plasma TV, ceiling fans, fitness center, cable, balconies in select units, game room, washer/dryer Online: jeffersonwestut.com

DOBIE CENTER

Simple Bills

LONGHORN LIFE

When searching for an apartment, the list of things to remember can get overwhelming and confusing. From utilities to parking to the number of bathrooms, it may always seem like the list just keeps growing and growing. It is important to prioritize what is most important to you (and your roommates, if you have them) to simplify the stresses of looking. To make it easier as you stroll through today’s HOUSING FAIR, here is a list that all housing hunters should consider. (There are plenty of other things also; this is just to get your started.) To start, you want to look into what kind of housing you want (See page 20 for inspiration.): • House • Apartment • Duplex • Dorm • Co-op Next are the priorities: • Is it in the budget you are willing to spend? If not, are you willing to pay the extra cost? Student housing usually runs by the price per bedroom, it is important to make sure you know how much you will be paying in all (including other charges by the complex such as trash pick up and water). • How far away is it from campus? Are you willing to commute? • Is it on the UT bus route? • Does it have the number of bedrooms you are looking for? • How many bathrooms does it have? Are you willing to share with roommates? • How much are utilities going to cost a month? Some student apartments cover all utilities, while others only cover a certain services. If you move into a house or duplex, it is important to ask the owner the average rate, and whether or not they cover any costs. • If you own a car, does the place have parking? If so, is it free or will you have to pay a fee? • Does the apartment come with furniture? If not, how will you furnish it? There are companies that rent out furniture, or places that you can find cheap furniture to buy. Other things to think about: • Size of the bedrooms? Size of bathrooms? • Is there parking for friends and family? • Does the complex have pool or ﬁtness center? • What is the pet policy? How much will it cost a month, or is there a deposit? Are there breed restrictions? • Need roommates? Do the apartments have roommate matching programs? • Does it have cable or Internet connections? As with utilities some apartments cover Internet and cable cost.

LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012Wednesday, February 22, 2012

GRAND MARC

DUVAL VILLAS

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TBOT

THE BLOCK

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POINT SOUTH & BRIDGE HOLLOW

CASTILLIAN

THE RIDGE

ZONE/ EDGE

SIMPLE BILLS

THE VILLAGE @ RIVERSIDE

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Point South & Bridge Hollow

Location: 1910 Willow Creek Dr. Amenities: DVD/video library, woodburning fireplaces, walk-in closet, sand volleyball court, patios/balconies, controlled-access gates, microwaves Online: pointsouthbridgehollow.com

The Quarters on Campus

Location: varies with property Amenities: varies with property; stop by their booth Online: quartersoncampus.com

Duval Villas

Location: 4305 Duval St. Amenities: vending machines, cable, GPA rebate program, swimming pool, 24-hour emergency maintenance, fitness center, free parking that’s assigned and covered Online: duvalvillaapartments.com

Dobie Center

Location: 2021 Guadalupe St. Amenities: dining center, 24-hour security, basketball/volleyball courts, fully furnished, weekly housekeeping, laundry on each floor, rentable movie theater room Online: dobiecenter.com

Jimmy John’s

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This one-stop payment site allows you to take care of all your bills with one swift payment each month. (Sign your roomies up, too, for easy billsplitting and notifying.) Location: Waco, Texas (the creators went to Baylor University) Cost: $4/month per roommate Online: simplebills.com

26 WEST

Sure, Jimmy John’s is known for their speedy delivery time, but they also have delicous sandwiches. So be sure to grab one today before they’re all gone! Location: 601 W. MLK Jr. Blvd. Next time, try: Ordering online. The Jimmy John’s site allows you to customize your order based on nutrition facts. Online: jimmyjohns.com

Freebird’s

TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA

The Daily Texan • TSTV • KVRX • The Cactus • The Texas Travesty

Sometimes you just need a gigantic tortilla filled with tasty goodness. Stop by this burrito-making machine on your way to class today! Location: 1000 E. 41st St. Next time, try the: Super Monster, with anything you can think of on it. But be sure to bring at

Page 17

least one person to share it with... Online: freebirds.com

The Venue on Guadalupe

Location: 2815 Guadalupe Amenities: hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, covered permit parking, 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool, social activities, walk-in closets in select units Online: thevenueonguadalupe.com

Villas on Guadalupe

Location: 2810 Hemphill Park Amenities: pet-friendly, washer/dryer, hot tub, garage parking, computer lab, music practice rooms, 24-hour fitness center Online: villasonguadalupe.com

Grand Marc

Location: 510 W. 26th St. Amenities: game room, bicycle storage, flat screen TVs in select units, washer/dryer, garage parking, 24-hour maintenance, study rooms Online: grandmarcaustin.com

TBOT Texas Student Media’s daily-deals site will get you excellent discounts to business/places across Texas. Subscribe today! Latest deal: $6 for two student tickets to The Austin Zoo ($12 value) Online: deals.dailytexanonline.com/austin/

Princeton Review Stop by this booth to find out Princeton Review’s tutorial offerings, especially if you’re already signed up the GRE, LSAT or MCAT. Location: 2025 Guadalupe St. #148 Longhorn Life Tip: Don’t go it alone. Grab a friend or study partner and sign up for a testprep class together. Online: princetonreview.com

The Castilian

Location: 2323 San Antonio St. Amenities: heated indoor pool, recreation center, fitness center, 24-hour service desk, theater lounge, 24-hour laundry facility, study lounge Online: thecastilian.com

The Village at Riverside

Location: 1500 Crossing Place Amenities: gated entrance, pet-friendly, swimming pool, covered parking, fitness center, basketball court, easy access to public transportation Online: facebook.com/TheVillageAtRiversideApts

Wells Fargo Even if you’re not a current customer, this one-stop banking center has some worthwhile services for college students, so swing by the Wells Fargo booth for more info. Location: 2354 Guadalupe St. #B Services: student loans, online banking, money management assistance, all types of accounts Online: wellsfargo.com

INNER CIRCLE Callaway House

Location: 505 W. 22nd St. (being built! preleasing for fall 2013) Amenities: utilities included, housekeeping, study lounge, furnished units, game/arcade room, sun deck, bike storage Online: callawayhouseaustin.com

Roscoe Properties

Location: varies with property Amenities: varies with property; stop by their booth Online: roscoeprop.com

The Zone/The Edge at East End Location: The Zone: 4700 E. Riverside Dr.; The Edge: 1515 Wickersham Lane Amenities: controlled-access entry, basketball court, business center, bocci ball, hot tub, fire pit, swimming pool Online: studenthousingaustin.com

Ion at East End

Location: 1600 Wickersham Lane Amenities: fully furnished, all bills included, basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, washer/ dryer, covered parking, gaming area Online: studenthousingaustin.com

The Block

Location: 2501 Pearl St. Amenities: rooftop lounges, washer/dryer, ceiling fans, 24-hour fitness center, balconies in select units, cable, 24-hour emergency maintenance Online: theblockoncampus.com

Circle West Campus

Location: 2505 Longview St. Amenities: green cleaning program, securitycontrolled building, pet-friendly, washer/dryer, swimming pool, garage parking, outdoor fire pit Online: circlewestcampus.com

VGHL This Texas Student Television staple brings together gamers from all around to enjoy videogames from all genres and time periods. Location: TSTV, 4th floor in HSM Building Next Tournament: March 2 at The Local Pub and Patio Online: texasstudenttv.com/show/videogamehour-live

The Ridge Apartments

Location: 6805 Woodhollow Dr. Amenities: pet park, fitness center, tennis/ basketball courts, covered parking, 24-hour maintenance, vaulted ceilings in select units, salt water swimming pools Online: ridgeapthones.com

Longhorn Lux

Location: 504 W. 24th St. (main leasing office) Amenities: gaming center, garage parking, basketball court, recycling on each floor, swimming pool, fitness center, laundry on each floor Online: westcampusliving.com/property/180Longhorn_Lux

Sleep Number You’ve probably seen all the commercials for these luxurious, customizable beds and mattresses. And now they’ll be right here on campus...it is tempting, isn’t it? Location: various Cost: Sleep Number is bound to have deal today, so talk to them about what’s available in your price range. They also have financing options. Online: sleepnumber.com

Sleep UT

Location: varies with property Amenities: varies with property; stop by their booth Online: sleeput.com

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 18

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Question yourself before adopting ‘Fido’ Ali Killian LONGHORN LIFE

After living on their own, some students realize it’s time to have a furry companion in the house. While having a pet can be the best time of your life, it’s also a huge responsibility. Try answering these questions to figure out if you really are ready to make the leap into pet ownership. Why do you want a pet? Before anything else, determine your reasons for buying an animal. Do you just want a friend around or have you been dreaming of a little fur-ball? Although right now you may want a pet, that feeling could be fleeting. This commitment will last for the animal’s entire life, so give it a lot of thought. If you find yourself desperately longing for a ‘Fido’ or ‘Sparky’ after a couple months, then

consider taking the next steps. What kind of pet do you want? Lions and tigers and bears... oh my! Which do you choose? Although those aren’t necessarily domesticated animals, there is a large selection for you to pick from: dogs, cats, fish, lizards, snakes — finding the right pet to fit your personality can be a challenge. Are you looking for a traditional pet or something a little odd? Next, think about the breed. The type of animal you choose determines how much maintenance it will require. Do you really want to vacuum cat hair off of your furniture every week? Would you rather clean out a hamster cage? It’s best to choose a pet that will fit your lifestyle, that way you won’t have to remind yourself to walk ‘Lucky’; she can just come along for the morning jog. Does your landlord allow pets?

On vs. off Continued from page 15

• Ideal for larger groups wanting to live together • If you have your own room, you get more privacy and space. • Queen-size bed and walk-in closet,

Especially around campus, the rules regarding pets in apartment complexes can be very strict. Be sure to check your lease or ask the front desk about animal restrictions. You don’t want to buy the parrot of your dreams just to return him to the store before you have a chance to teach him to speak. How much time do you have? Although you may think you have a lot of free time, it may not be enough to take sufficient care of another life. No matter which animal you choose, having a pet is a big time investment. Every pet will have to be fed, but others you may have to walk, brush or bathe, in addition. Whether it’s a litter box, cage or droppings on the ground outside or in your home, cleaning up after it will be a task. If you’re not home very often, your pet will be the one who suffers. He or she will depend

anyone? • More than just a microwave to cook meals • Your own washer and dryer • Closer parking Cons: • You have to worry about bills; in other words, paying for water, electricity, cable and Internet. • Security deposits and damage fees

Pick up the latest issue of the

to find out about the real issues on UT campus

“

on you to live, so you need to make sure you have enough time to give your pet a good life. How much money do you have? In addition to much time, pets also take up a lot of money; merely purchasing your pet can be an investment. Be sure to check your bank account when you decide to make the commitment. You’ll have to get supplies at first, such as food and water bowls, a litter box, beds or cages. After the initial purchases, make sure you have a reliable source of income because you’ll need to constantly buy food, litter and other essentials, too. Lastly, trips to the vet for shots and checkups can be a money-sucker. Just like a child, a pet can drain you of your finances, but you’ll love it anyway. Owning a pet can bring happiness into your life, but don’t forget that the commitment can be tough

can be hefty if you damage anything in an apartment. • Farther walk or bus ride from campus. • The most popular oﬀ-campus neighborhood, West Campus, is known for its noisy party culture. • Farther from Gregory Gym, but some apartment buildings have their own pool and fitness centers. • Arranging for a sublet in the summer if

EMILY MORGAN/LONGHORN LIFE

Longhorn Life co-editor Emily Morgan answered these questions before bringing home her dog, Breaudi.

to manage for college students. Between class, work and rent, an animal may be too much to handle right now; don’t be afraid to wait for the ideal time. You can love your little pet to death, but it takes more than just love to provide it with a great life.

you’re not going to be in town Although the application deadline to live on-campus next year has already passed, consider these things in the future if you want to decide between living on campus and off. Plus, since you’ve already made your choice this time around, feel even better about it by going through the ‘pros’ of where you’ll be living next year.

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Longhorn Life

Page 20

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Choose your domicile From houses to co-ops to complexes, there are plenty of options for your new dwelling Alex Vickery Longhorn Life

Between houses, apartments, co-ops and offcampus dorms, the choices may seem overwhelming. We’ve talked to some students who have lived in each to help you make a more informed decision. If you’re not quite ready to venture into apartment life with the burdens of paying rent and utilities and living farther from campus, but would like more space and amenities than a normal dorm, consider living in an off-campus dorm. The two main off campus dorms are the Castillian and Dobie Center. The Castillian is similar to a dorm in that it is a single, shared room. Dobie Center, on the other hand, has different floor plans that can include a suite style set-up with a shared living area. Cori Baker, a sophomore pre-journalism major said, “An off campus dorm, like the Castillian, is nice because they are much more relaxed about rules than normal dorms. The location is awesome compared to a lot of other places too. Although, I kind of wish I had just gotten an apartment because it’s basically the same price.” Freshman business major Will Matthews sang praises to not only the convenient location of Dobie, but also all that it has to offer, “I’d say Dobie is the best price in off-campus dorm living because it includes a Dobie suite, unlimited meal plan, a private gym,

basketball court cies, paint your own and pool.” walls, and essenMany stutially do what you dents live want,” he said. in apartApartments Unlike the stuments— dent-oriented West CamWest Campus, pus being the other neighbormost popular hoods see a more neighborhood, eclectic range of primarily for its conAustinites and offer some venience. Apartments pro- peace and quiet away from vide you with just enough campus life when you go freedom and space with- home. “There’s an interestout the full responsibility ing mix of folks up in Hyde of taking care of a house. Park. It’s is definitely my Also, apartments can often favorite neighborhood in include amenities such as a Austin,” Houdek said. pool or gym, and allow you Freshman pre-journalto be in close proximity to ism major Christine Ayala other students. For junior said, “I really enjoy livbusiness major Sheridan ing north of campus beSchaefer, this proved to be cause the buses pass right a burden at times. “A warn- through my neighborhood, ing for anyone planning to making access to campus live in a West Campus really easy. It’s also nice apartment: It gets to not always be at school. pretty crazy on I’m probably the youngest the weekends. I UT student in our neighpersonally pre- borhood though.” fer to live in a If you like the costhouse the most, effectiveness and indebut I think living pendence of a house but in walking dis- would rather stay closer to tance to campus campus life, consider cofrom my apartment operative housing. There was best for my first year,” are nine different houses she said. A word of ad- to choose from, where stuvice: the sooner you begin dents own and manage the your search the better. The property themselves. Each most desirable West Cam- house has its own personpus apartments can get ality, including two that are snatched up quick. vegetarian/vegan; one has Houses can be just as a pool, etc. Most are locatgreat as apartments, and ed in West Campus, while often cheaper. The fur- two are located in North ther away from campus Campus. They set their you get, the more cost-efown policies on fective your options bequiet hours, come. For sophomore pets and radio-television-film housemajor Sam Houdek, h o l d freedom is the most duties. important aspect of “Living his Hyde Park home. w i t h “Living in a house a lot of offers the freedom to people make your own poliin such a

OffCampus Dorms

small place can bother some people; you really have to have an open mind in order to cooperate with such a diverse group,” said Will Salazar, a sophomore international relations and global studies major who has lived in the Eden House co-op for two years. “I’ve met so many different people living here and made so many friends,” Salazar said. Previously quoted Hyde Park resident, Sam Houdek, recalls a summer when he lived in a co-op as “one of the most crazy, fun summers of my life. There’s a beauty in sharing and taking care of a home with 18 other people, but

it can also be a burden at times.” Houdek said he didn’t get much free time to himself as there was always something going on, but he wouldn’t trade his co-op experience for anything. Each setup has its own pros and cons, and ultimately depends on one’s personal preferences. No one option is necessarily better than another, just different. Most places are what you make of them— and on the plus side, you’ve got four (maybe five) years to try everything! Getting an early start is important, so once you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for, the best thing to do is start looking!

Co-ops

Houses

Monica nghiem/Longhorn Life

Apartment buildings line West Campus roads.

LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Page 21

Guy’s Perspective

Tips to manage the man’s lair Drew Lyles GUEST COLUMNIST

AARON RODRIGUEZ/LONGHORN LIFE

Living with friends? ? : Going solo? STILL NOT SURE CONSIDER THIS

Ali Killian LONGHORN LIFE

Not living on campus next year? Then there are tons of things to think about: the proximity to campus, cost of rent and utilities, to drive to campus or invest in a bike and the possibility of living with a roommate. There are pros and cons to both living with friends and flying solo. Check out this guide to make your decision a little easier. After living in a dorm, many students decide it’s time to go off on their own. By living alone, you enjoy the aspects of: Independence - Everything you do will be on “you” time. For example, you can stay up as late as you please studying or watching TV without keeping anyone up. Also, you can have guests over at any time — it’s not like there’s anyone else in the house. Paying your own bills - Although no one likes this chore, at least you won’t have to bug your roommate for money when the rent’s due. Just save it up and hand it in. Personal preference - Everything in the apartment will be to your liking. Things that normally require a roommate’s

opinion — like temperature, food and furniture — are all up to you. Though doing your own thing sounds great, there are some downsides. For instance: The risk of insufficient finances - Spending too much money one month leads to no money for bills. If that happens, there’s no one present to help you. Sticking to a specific budget helps avoid this problem, but there may be times when you just don’t make enough for the month. All the responsibility is on you - In addition to school and work, you have a household to run. Keeping all of your bills, laundry, food and cleaning upto-date can be a tough task for one person. For some, getting into a routine can be difficult, but it’ll help you remember to do all the chores. It can be dangerous - No matter where in the city you live, being alone can come with a degree of danger. The “Buddy System” is safer for everyone, but if you decide to live without one use caution when walking to your home. Now, if you’re thinking about grabbing some buddies and an

apartment, there are still a few things to consider. Along with some fun, living with friends can bring you joys like: Getting to know each other Living with someone allows you to know that person at a deeper level; you could become best friends for life. You’ll always have someone to talk to that can give you advice, too. It’s nice to have someone there for you after a stressful day! Splitting the responsibilities and costs - Since you won’t bear the financial burden of rent and bills on your own, you could get a nicer apartment at a slightly higher price. Also, the responsibilities of general household maintenance will be split up amongst the group. All you have to do is set and agree upon clear rules and construct a system to make it run smoothly. More security - By living with people, there’s a greater chance that someone will be in the apartment in case something bad happens. Austin’s not very dangerous, but it is a city nonetheless. Your roommates will be there for help when you need it, even if it’s not an urgent problem. Having your friends for extra support is always a good thing. See LIVING WITH, on page 23

Most guys ignore the facets of a perfect housing endeavor; as long as there’s enough room for a bed, enough privacy to use it and a reasonable rate to keep it going month in and month out, they’ll be fine. However, choosing where you lay your head, or flop into a coma from a drunken stupor, affects how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Just as a woman’s monthly cycle will align with her roommates over a period of time, so will a man’s agenda change based on the people he rents with. The people you interact with every day, by choice or not, define your lifestyle. Study habits, workout routines, dinner and entertainment all become enveloped in a mixing pot shared amongst the household. And this isn’t to say that individualism is thrown out the window, but that involuntarily you will see yourself adapting to what works best in your environment. Therefore, if you like to start your weekends on Thursday night and end them on Tuesday, it may not be in your best interest to room with the high school valedictorian. Conflict is inevitable in that situation. In my opinion, the perfect roommate is the one with the least amount of compromise. My freshmen and sophomore years I lived in Jester West and had an amazing experience. First of all, there is no cleaning or cooking necessary, which are major pros to a busy student. Also, its location is unmatched when your alarm clock can beep at 8:50 for your 9 a.m. math class. I never had trouble with overnight guests either; just let your roommate know in advance to avoid an embarrassing moment. By the way, if your guest has an issue with your on campus accommodations, they’re obviously not that in to you. The proximity to your peers is the liquid floater to your housing cocktail, makes the drink even sweeter but isn’t afraid to bite you in the ass. Meet as many people as you can if waiting to escape the regulations of the dorm, but don’t let it overshadow your education. Otherwise that 10-minute walk to class will end up a 3-hour bedridden hangover. Now I’ll admit I broke the cardinal rule, rooming with my best friend from high school. Although

we hardly speak now, I will say it made the transition from home to living on your own manageable. Whenever living with someone, intimate or not, it becomes a relationship—one of which both should maintain. Realistically though our wallets tend to pair us with the most bizarre people we can imagine. That’s why it’s extremely important you lay down the law ASAP. Stand up for your own opinions and hold them fast, compromising too early starts a ticking time bomb that usually ends in disaster. My junior year I had had enough with the curfew and moved into a four-bedroom house deep into West Campus. The simple fact of mo’ money, mo’ problems took effect as my fun and altercations increased exponentially. More roommates may have meant more personalities to sort through, but the freedom to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, however I could manage it overshadowed the small and temporary feuds in the house. Chore appropriation became a necessary and sadly weekly task but unified us and created a strong bond. Just don’t allow yourself to be delegated house maid—trust me this happens often and without warning. Living off campus also hails in a monthly rent and utilities fee, something we divided equally between the four of us. Having one person collecting from everyone else seems to be the smoothest way to manage the bills, and when it comes to groceries, sharing is caring. If you don’t want someone eating your box of Cheez-it or that $20 jar of all natural peanut butter, either keep it in your room or leave them on the grocery shelf, because no matter what you say and how strictly you say it, if it’s in the kitchen, it’s every man for himself. Essentially when it all boils down, it honestly doesn’t matter where you live in Austin, be it on campus or off, either way you’re still in the best town in the state. Just keep budget in mind when considering a place. I’ve seen too many relocations mid-semester for this not to be an issue. And be upfront and honest with your roommate. Don’t blame the stuck square button on the PS3 controller you broke while getting blown out on MW3 on your roommate’s cat. They’ll know.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Living with Continued from page 21

Living with your friends seems like a constant party, right? If you’re in West Campus that may seem to be the case, but there are always two sides to every coin. Some negatives could be: Discovering the ugly side There may be things you don’t know, even if you’re BFFs. In addition, sometimes you can be friends with someone but you just can’t live with them. It’s why couples take their time before moving in together. Seeing someone all day, every day can get tiring and lead to ﬁghts. Fighting with your friends can make your relationship stronger or break it altogether. Be prepared to deal with the unexpected nuances of your roommates, and try to make the best of it. Your roommates are unreliable - It’s easy to forget little things like picking up milk on the way home, but once it becomes a habit you’ve got a problem. Your roommates forgetting the rent money or leaving the doors unlocked not only hurts them, but everyone else,

as well. Setting strict rules will help alleviate this problem, but keeping your friends in line can be a challenge. You can’t expect perfection, but doing a fair share of the work is a reasonable request. Sharing the space - Having to share the apartment may prove to be irritating, especially if you have a large group. Fighting for the shower or kitchen is common, as well as for the appliances — if you and a roommate want to watch two different shows on one TV, who wins? If you go halvesies on a TV or Internet router, who keeps it over the summer? These are problems that can be worked out civilly, but a lot of compromise will have to be made. The choice between living with your friends or alone is a tough one to make without trial and error. If you lived in a dorm and your roommate situation didn’t quite work out, try going solo for a year. If you lived alone, try rooming with a group of friends. Experience is the best teacher with this type of decision. Making your own list of pros and cons is a good starting point. Remember, it’s never too late to try something new.

Page 23

It’s easy to be car(e) free It’s common knowledge that everything is bigger in Texas, and unfortunately this includes the distance it takes to get places. As a result, walking is usually out of the question. But thanks to public transportation, you don’t necessarily need to own a car to make the trek across Austin to get downtown or pick up groceries. Whether you’re living on campus or off, buses offer an easy way to get to where you want, when you want (well, more or less). And, lucky for you, Capital Metro is free with any UT ID.

TO HEB GROCERY STORES • From Campus, Hyde Park and North Campus: Route 10 from Red River Street to H-E-B. on 41st Street or UT Shuttle-RR • From Far West: Route 19 on Wood Hollow Drive to H-E-B on Far West Boulevard • From Riverside: Route 20 to H-E-B on East Riverside Drive

TO SCHOOL • From West Campus: UT Shuttle-WC • From Hyde Park: Route 5 Bus on Speedway or UT Shuttle-RR • From Far West: UT Shuttle-FW • From North Campus: Route 5 on Speedway or UT Shuttle-RR • From Riverside: Route 20 to Red River Drive and MLK Boulevard or UT Shuttle-NR

TO DOWNTOWN • From Campus Area: Route 1L or 1M to Sixth Street and Congress Avenue • From Far West: Route 19 to Eighth Street and Colorado Street • From North Campus & Hyde Park: Route 5 to Sixth Street and Congress Avenue • From Riverside: Route 20 to Sixth Street and Congress Avenue

TO BARTON SPRINGS/ZILKER PARK • From Campus Area: Route 1L or 1M to 11th Street at Congress Avenue, transfer to Route 30 • From Far West: Route 19 to Eighth Street and Colorado Street, transfer to Route 30 at Eighth Street and Congress Avenue • From North Campus & Hyde Park: Route 10 or Route 5 on Speedway to Eighth Street and Congress Avenue, transfer to Route 30 • From Riverside: Route 20 to Eighth Street and Congress Avenue, transfer to Route 30 Check out capmetro.org for more information on routes and scheduling. A NOTE FOR BIKE RIDERS: visit austinbikeroutes. com or bicycleaustin.info for routes and other information.

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Longhorn Life

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orgs.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Getting involved on campus

Residence hall group a ‘voice for students’ Brittany Lamas Longhorn Life

Live on campus? Then you are already a member of the University Residence Hall Association (URHA), a group closely tied to University Division of Housing and Food Services and responsible for managing student’s residence hall communities. “We are a governing body of the residence halls,” said junior finance major and group president John Ramsey. The entirely student-run organization tries to make every student’s stay on campus more enjoyable, he said. URHA acts as the official voice of residents and

implements policies based on student feedback. “We are here for anything from tiny to huge,” Ramsey said. The responsibilities range from deciding whether or not to implement 24-hour guest policies in the residence halls, to sponsoring individual dorm events. Every student who lives in an on campus dorm is automatically a member of URHA. A small portion— $7-$10 — of every resident’s housing fee goes to funding the organizations, according to LaTonya Robinson, the program’s director. The URHA mission statement declares that the organization is dedicated to improving the residence hall

LIVE IN IT.

UHRA president John Ramsey, a finance junior, hangs out in his organization’s office last week.

experience, facilitating community involvement in the halls and being a resource to students living on campus. The 11 dorms on campus each have a Residence Hall Council (RHC) of representatives that meets and hears issues and complaints from residents. Sixteen senators make up the voting body the URHA, which serves as more of a parent group to smaller committees. “[URHA’s] main purpose is to be a voice for the students, but I see it as much more,” Robinson said. “In my estimation, URHA serves as a resource so that each Residence Hall Council can be successful.” She

BRittany lamas Longhorn Life

See UHRA, on page 26

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added that URHA helps to provide opportunities throughout the year for leadership development and growth. In the annual meetings, representatives address specific issues of their dorms, and work to secure solutions to those situations. Any student can also come out and voice any concerns during the open forum section of the meeting. “We encourage students to get involved in the meetings,” Ramsey said, “although sometimes it can be a struggle.” Patrick Garcia, a sophomore civil engineering major, has lived in Jester for two years and admits to never having gone to a meeting. “I’ve seen the signs and my RA has mentioned that we should go,” Garcia said, but he has never actually ventured to one. For students who can’t attend the meeting, the organization’s website provides a web submission for complaints or problems, a tool that Ramsey indicates is often used. URHA is a major supporter and sponsor of residence hall events, another way they try to better campus living. RHCs can come to the URHA to request funding for programs and social events for the residents, Ramsey said. They also put on a few bigger events, like the Thanksgiving game day watch party that was held last November. The group uses Facebook to keep residents up-to-date and involved in the decision-making process of the residence halls. “We are here to support the senators with any of their struggles,” Ramsey said. “We try to give support and make life easier for everyone.”

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Longhorn Life

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Page 27

our campus

A spotlight on UT faculty and staff

Behind the Scenes

Littlefield cafe serves 2,000 patrons daily Courtney Griffin

Longhorn Life

t was raining and cold on an early morning in February as Littlefield Patio Cafe workers wiped down tables and made preparations for the day, the dawn’s sunlight barely creeping over the trees. Littlefield cafe is located between the Honors Quad and the Gebauer Building, south of Dean Keeton Street. The restaurant opened nearly 10 years ago, undergoing renovations in both design and operation. With the help of full-time employees and student staff, it seems to have been keeping the University healthy and cutting edge. Before there was Littlefield, said Director of Food Service Scott Meyer, there was a “Villa Pizza, and Alpine Bagles — which is big in the northeast — and a Freshens.” The University contracted the space out to outside restaurants. Those restaurants only lasted one semester. Consequently,

joyce isleta/Longhorn Life

PREP WORK: Staff member Shaka Sauls preps food for the day while chef Jose Zepeda and lead cook Michael Colom get started on the day’s offerings.

the University was left with little to no budget, but decided to fill the vacated space with a self-owned restaurant. Thus, Littlefield Patio Cafe opened and began serving around 300 customers a day. Now, the res-

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taurant averages 2,000 customers daily. The increase in number has allowed for new healthy options and educational incentives to come into play. “We are teaching you,” Meyer said as he explained the department’s goals, “for

the rest of your life, that health is a good thing.” Meyer and the Division of Housing and Food Service take pride in something known as “Stealth Health.” “Stealth Health [is] hundreds of things that we do,” he said. “For example,

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these green beans, they really don’t have any salt in them.” Other Stealth Health actions, according to Meyer, include buying a small segment of food from local farmers to add better freshness to Littlefield’s product. The Division of Housing and Food Service makes use of University-owned gardens, such as Kinsolving’s produce garden, the Conture garden, and a soon-to-launch campus garden that mixes agriculture and student-led involvement. They also provide a reusable lunchbox option for regulars to help reduce the University’s waste. The restaurant’s increase in volume, however, has put the facility through some growing pains. “We dish wash everything by hand,” Meyer said, pointing to a staff member scrubbing dishes in a tiny kitchen niche. “Hopefully, we’ll get a dishwasher soon, but as you can tell, the entire kitchen is quite small.” See LITTLEFIELD, on page 29

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Expert Q&A

Should you move in with your significant other? Megan Smith Longhorn Life

Getting serious with your significant other? You know each other’s orders at your favorite restaurants, keep a toothbrush at each other’s dorms and even finish each other’s sentences. It seems to be a match made in heaven. If you and your special someone are already “playing house,” you may be facing a huge new opportunity— the chance to live with each other. Moving in with a boyfriend or girlfriend can be an important and scary step in life. How do you know when the timing is just right? We sought advice from Christine Gray, Ph.D. a lecturer in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, to help answer this tricky question and further understand romantic cohabitation. Longhorn Life: Tell us a little about yourself. As a lecturer, what about the topic of cohabitation most intrigues you? Gray: My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past December. We have two children, a son, who is almost 9 years old, and a daughter who is almost 2 1/2 years old. I earned my master’s degree and Ph.D. from UT’s Human

joyce isleta/Longhorn Life

Christine Gray, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.

Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) Department. After graduating in 2007, I was hired as a lecturer by our HDFS department to teach the introductory Family Relationships course, when needed. This semester, I am teaching a different course, Families in Transition. My students are most curious about whether cohabitation leads to happy marriages or horrible break-ups and so this tends to be my interest too. Luckily, this has also been the interest of many researchers.

LL: What advice would you give students who are considering moving in with their significant other? Gray: We know that when people make more “investments” in a relationship, which can be time; joint property; money; shared friendships; etc., they become more dependent on the relationship and therefore feel more committed. Moving in together creates momentum in relationship commitment. As a result of moving in together, you may buy a sofa together, adopt a cat and begin to spend more time with each other’s families and friends. A research group led by Scott Stanley, [Ph.D.] from the University of Denver suggests that this cohabitation momentum can lead to the inertia effect: Couples who would never have gotten married end up marrying because they live together. In other words, the momentum of adding investments and joining their lives together carries them into becoming more committed, eventually leading some couples to marry that probably would not have gotten married if they had lived separately and continued to date. A sizable portion of people who live together report they ended up marrying because it See COHABITATION, on page 29

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DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICE Name: Scott Meyer

pHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT MEYER

Title and Department: Director of Food Service in the Division of Housing and Food Service (DHFS)

Years at UT: 11 My job entails: I provide vision and leadership for food service, purchasing, environmental initiatives and HUBs within the Division of Housing and Food Service. I also ensure that we provide fresh, healthy, variety and nutritious foods to the entire campus community. A typical day for me involves: I’ve got 100+ emails to touch, numerous meetings, ensuring all food operations are performing at a high level, making noticeable impact, learning something new and constantly changing for the better. My background includes: I have been in the food service industry 47 years, originally a chef and food and beverage manager. I started in university food services in 1978 and never looked back. I worked for contract food companies, such as the food venues at the Union, SAC, AT&T Conference Center and others, for 22 years, as food director, client retention and district manager. The best part about working on the 40 Acres is: My daily interactions with the smartest young adults in the country. Witnessing the incredible learning experiences and customer satisfaction that [the Division of] Housing and Food Service constantly provides is very comforting to me.

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For a quick bite, I grab lunch at: I really love eating at all of the DHFS food venues, and, as my job is to ensure healthy, fresh, quality food, I tend to traverse the campus and try the different DHFS locations (always eating more than I should.) To contact my office/department: - By mail @ Scott Meyer, Director-Food Service, Division of Housing and Food Service - The University of Texas at Austin - P.O. Box 7666 Austin, Texas 78713 - By phone @ 512-475-7288

LONGHORN LIFE

2Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Page 29

Need a ride? A look at UT’s carpool program Jennifer Yang LONGHORN LIFE

Have you ever been driving around campus in search of a parking space and found one with a sign reading “ReservedA permit carpool”? If you were to join the University’s carpool program, that spot could be yours. The UT carpool program started back in 2001 to reduce carbon footprint, traffic congestion and curb vehicle pollution. There are currently more than 1,000 members

enrolled in this program. Although, the program is open to all UT employees and students who have a current and valid UT parking permit, staff members make up the majority of the carpools. Parking and Transportation Services Enforcement Manager, Charles Smith is one of the members. “My next-door neighbor is a new professor in the College of Education. His family of five has one car, so between the ride the bus at no charge, carpooling and riding his bike

Littlefield Continued from page 27

Littlefield’s small size makes creative incentives essential. “It makes sense to provide what the customers want,” Meyer said. “We installed a fresh carver for meats, and we tweak menus weekly. We do customer service surveys and have a student committee to help with the menu choices. Honestly, if someone wants their mom’s casserole, I’ll make it. But, it also has to sell.” Littlefield focuses on its patrons — faculty, staff, students, campus visitors. There is a nutrition kiosk in the corner with up-to-date information on menu items. Most of the food is made in the small kitchen using a batch cooking method that is timed to arrive fresh for the lunch-hour rush. “Campus-wide, the University

to campus, he has multiple options to get to campus. When we have to bring a car to campus, the $100 share pass card provides a space to park. We both ride the bus as often as schedule allows so we are not a typical carpool.” The benefits of carpooling are not limited to saving money on gas, but it also lessens the need for vehicle maintenance, allows time to relax if you’re not the one driving, reduces traffic on the roads and decreases air pollution. Another benefit to UT

has a 6,000-item inventory for food,” Meyer said. The University tries to conserve and decrease costs as much as possible by using their resources wisely. The burgers that don’t sell might go into tomorrow’s chili. The vegetables are usually picked up by local soup kitchens. Meyer said that, unfortunately, he doesn’t have as many students as he would like working for him. “I think that some people find it hard to wait on their peers,” he said. “But the people here, the people who work in the hospitality industry, really love what they do.” Littlefield Patio Cafe is open every day of the week, except Saturday. Hours are: MondayThursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 4-8 p.m. The cafe features its daily menus online at the DHFS website, utexas.edu/student/housing/

carpool members is the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides a safety net for emergency situations. All carpoolers are automatically enrolled into this program. “For instance, If you are stuck on campus because your carpool driver had to leave you can get a ride via mass transit or by cab if you live outside the Cap Metro service area (up to $49.50 one way), two times per semester, six times per year,” said Blanca Juarez, Parking and Transportation Services Alternative Transpor-

Cohabitation Continued from page 28

just seemed like the next logical step in their relationship. There is a greater risk involved when an individual’s feelings of personal commitment — that is, the feelings that you want to continue this relationship and be with this particular partner — are outpaced by structural commitment. Structural commitment refers to the things that keep you in the relationship because you would lose too much from leaving, such as irretrievable investments of your time or money; the difficulties of leaving the relationship and finding another partner and the social reactions of friends and family if you were to end the relationship. Partners can feel trapped when these structural factors keep them in the relationship rather than love for their partners. These constraints lead people to marriage, but later down the road in marriage, when the going gets rough, these individuals may feel as though they never even made a choice to marry that partner; instead, they just got swept up in the mo-

tation Manager. The cost of a parking permit is reduced by $50 for each registered carpooler, excluding the driver, up to the original cost of the permit at the time of carpool registration. “The members do not receive this benefit, only the permit holder. Therefore, if you have an A permit which costs $138 and you have three members in your carpool, the largest refund you could get would be $138 essentially giving you a free permit for the year,” Juarez said.

mentum. Luckily, there are some research based recommendations for couples thinking of moving in together that if followed could help couples avoid feeling trapped. Before moving in together, couples should talk about the meaning of cohabitation, their individual commitment levels and the potential constraints that will hold them together even if it were best if their relationship ended. Be slow and deliberate with these decisions and carefully consider what the future may hold. For some, cohabitation is often an ambiguous state; even partners within the same relationship perceive the meaning or reasons for moving in together differently. It is important to discuss these issues openly and up front with your partner before deciding to move in together and if you don’t think you can have that conversation with your partner then you definitely should not move in together. LL: Now, there are different types of cohabitation. Could you explain a little about each type? Gray: Recently, researchers looked at three important reasons for moving in together: spending time together, testing Continues on next page

HOUSING FAIR TODAY! on Gregory Gym Plaza, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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the relationship (trial marriage) and convenience. Testing the relationship was related to several negative relationship qualities such as more negative couple communication, more physical aggression, more depression and anxiety (but only for men), lower relationship adjustment, lower confidence in the relationship and lower dedication commitment. Again, it becomes a slippery slope to use cohabitation as a means for testing the relationship. When you feel confident about the relationship, you do not need to test it. If you are having doubts about the relationship or your partner, testing it by choosing to live with that person is risky because of the inertia connected to moving in together that I explained previously. LL: Do couples that cohabitate, especially during their college-aged years, traditionally have a high success rate? Gray: I don’t know of any data that directly address this question, but perhaps surprisingly, the typical cohabiter is between the ages of 25 and 44; whereas, only about 20 percent of cohabiters are 24 years old or younger. Again, I am not sure of the success rate, and think that couples should look to their motivations for moving in together when gauging the chance of their maintaining a satisfying relationship.

Longhorn Life

LL: What other factors do you feel couples should consider before making the decision to move in together? Gray: Research shows that couples who have definite plans to marry before they decide to move in together have similar relationship quality as those who marry without living together first; these groups are equally happy in their relationships. However, individuals who move in together prior to getting engaged or having definite plans as a couple to marry, are more likely to have a host of relationships problems, such as poorer communication and lower relationship satisfaction and a higher probability of divorce. Somewhere between 50 percent and 65 percent of recent marriages are now proceeded by cohabitation. LL: Do you have a personal story, or a friend’s story, that you would like to share with our readers about couples that live together during college? Gray: Yes… my life-long friend, whom I will call Lisa, and I each began dating our partners, Jim and Jason respectively, during our first year of college. I remember asking Lisa if she thought she could see a long-term future with Jim. I told her that Jason was the kind of guy I thought I could marry someday. Lisa seemed shocked by my response and informed me that Jim was just a fun partner for right now. She could never see herself marrying him or even someone like him. Confused, I

asked Lisa why he couldn’t be both, fun and someone she might be able to see herself with in the future. I also asked why she didn’t think that she wanted to end up with a partner who was fun. Even though marriage seemed very far off in the distance, I was following my parent’s advice, practice makes perfect. I didn’t know it then but the research on marital success describes that having a strong friendship and enjoying mutually agreeable activities is an important part of being compatible partners and contributes to having a strong marriage. Over the years, as Lisa and I continued to talk about our developing relationships, I began to feel as though she was always telling me about their latest big fight and breakup or about something mean and rude that Jim did that made her feel bad. It wasn’t until graduate school that I learned that rocky courtships that are characterized by a lot of ups, downs, and breakups are connected to more problems, both in dating and marital relationships. Eventually, Jason and I got engaged and Lisa, who told me she wasn’t ready for marriage, decided to move in with Jim. A few years later, Lisa and Jim got married. Looking back over the last 12 years, I feel as though Lisa has spent the majority of the time telling me about lots of marital problems and in particular, the ways in which Jim sounded

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

selfish and like a jerk. I often wonder if Lisa got swept up in the momentum of the relationship, first becoming sexually involved with Jim, then emotionally attached, moving in together and eventually getting engaged and married because they all seemed like the next steps. I find it ironic that Lisa’s choice of a marriage partner may have been, in part, because she really did not give a lot of thought to whom she was dating at the time. She told me that when she felt ready for marriage, she would go out and begin to date a more suitable marriage partner (and apparently he wasn’t going to be fun to hang out with). I take great solace in the fact that even though there have been rough patches in my marriage, I come back to the same basic ideas: I really like and respect my partner, Jason; I find him interesting, and I enjoy spending lots of time with him. My advice to college students is that even if you think marriage is a long way off (and it usually is given that the average age of marriage is about 26 years old for women and 27 years old for men), it doesn’t hurt to begin to think about what kind of partner you may want to end up with. At the very least, follow the advice about carefully considering a decision to move in together and discuss the issues with your partner. Moving in together can mean more than it seems at the time.

LONGHORN LIFE

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

5 Things I’ve Learned Daniel Hammermesh, Ph.D Professor Department of Economics [19 years at UT]

PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, I’VE LEARNED HOW GOOD THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE. Not all, of course, but the average is quite high, and there is a

VERY large group of extremely bright students. Not all of the students are seriously interested in learning, but many are. This is a first-class school.

I’VE BEEN IN TRIGUED RECENTLY AT THE NUMBER OF INVITATIONS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED TO TALK ABOUT MY RESEARCH WITH STU DENT GROUPS. I don’t expect most students to become academics—indeed, I would hope they don’t. But it is good to see this kind of intellectual curiosity and interest in issues among so many undergraduates.

UT IS NOT A WEALTHY SCHOOL IN GENERAL; but there are all kinds of pots of money for faculty research and teaching, and for specific purposes for students. I’ve compared UT to a “Cracker-Jack” box: There are lots of prizes hidden around the place, but one has to be

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willing to learn to dig for them.

Darlene Wiley

WE CHOSE TO MOVE TO AUSTIN BECAUSE WE WANTED A WARM CLIMATE AND A LIVELY, LARGE BUT NOT TOO LARGE CITY. We have never been disappointed on either count (although the summer of 2011 may have overdone the warmth!).

THE CAMPUS, WHILE CROWDED, IS BEAUTIFUL IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. In March and April the mountain laurel bushes next to my building make coming to the office a pleasure. The occasional unusual event — for example, the sight of a horned owl in a tree hunting a squirrel next to Gregory Gym this past year — add to the excitement. Although we’re in the middle of a good-sized city, there is still the occasional surprising and pleasant mix of nature to brighten one’s life.

Professor School of Music [21 years at UT]

NEVER, NEVER STOP LEARNING EVEN IF YOU HAVE TAUGHT FOR MOST OF YOUR ADULT LIFE. Learning keeps you young, vital, alive and vibrant in the classroom.

REMEMBER THAT PROFESSORS LEARN AT LEAST TWICE AS MUCH teaching as students do learning.

INTERACTING WITH YOUNG, IN TELLIGENT TAL ENTED YOUNG PEOPLE IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE.... And there is nothing, for any amount of money that comes close to the joy of this interaction.

NEVER SIT AND TEACH. ALWAYS PACE. One can easily gain 20 lbs. in the semester if one sits.

A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IS THE SOLE REMAINING PUB LIC INSTITUTION THAT INSTILLS VALUES, HONOR AND ETHICS. Preserving this mission should be the first goal of the professor.

Have five lessons to share with colleagues? We’re always looking for entries! Email us at specialeditions@texassstudentmedia.com

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