PRESE

NTED

MARC H

BY
7, 201 1

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2
through my mind. I turned down the TV and my roommate got up to look outside. But before she had the chance, someone started banging on our door and yelling. I froze. I had considered everything that could go wrong, but I had never really thought about how I would deal with a dangerous situation if it arose. It turned out that the would-be intruders were a couple of our friends who thought climbing up our balcony would be a funny joke. I wasnt amused, but if something similar happened to me today I would be better prepared. To learn more about safety and get tips from KU Public Safety see Victoria Pitchers story on page 17.

TAbLE of CoNTENTS
4 alternative housing options 7 do-It-yourself projects 8 Surviving severe weather 9 Bargain hunting 10 Pets and the college lifestyle 13 Living with a significant other 14 Saving money on your utility bills 16 Crossword 17 How to stay safe in your new place

By ashley montgomery amontgomery@kansan.com As a sophomore living in my first apartment I was terrified that someone would break in and murder me and my roommate. I saw stalkers around every corner theres a possibility that I had been watching too many episodes of Criminal Minds. So when we heard noises on the balcony one night, a million terrible scenarios ran

Kansan Newsroom 2000 Sunnyside ave Room 1000 Lawrence, KS 66045 (785) 864-4810 et cetera The University daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. This guide to apartments is the second of the apartment guides The Kansan publishes each spring.

SPRInG 2011 KanSan STaff

Editor-in-Chief nick Gerik Managing editors Michael Holtz Kelly Stroda Special sections editor ashley Montgomery Design chiefs Ben Pirotte (design editor) andrew Taylor Stephanie Schulz Copy chiefs drew anderson Lisa Curran dana Meredith ashley Montgomery Joel Petterson Photo editor Howard Ting business manager Carolyn Battle Sales manager Jessica Cassin General manager, news adviser Malcolm Gibson Sales and marketing adviser Jon Schlitt

Cover illustration by Nick Sambaluk

Living Made Easy.

leasing starts in March! THATS NOW!

2600 W. 6th | 785.838.3377 3401 Hutton Dr. | 785.841.3339

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

4
oPTIoNS

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

Non-traditional housing offers alternatives

BY caroline atkinson
editor@kansan.com

Photos by Chris Bronson

The Scholarship Halls include 12 buildings, six for males and six for females, based on the principle of cooperative living. Students cook and clean for their halls in exchange for a reduced housing rate. Its a greater sense of community dedication to doing well in school, community service and social activities, said Hannah Jayne, a desk assistant at Crawford. Students do not need a scholarship to live in the halls, but the selection process is competitive based on GPa and test scores. To apply, students must have two references and complete two essays.

Scholarship Halls

Jayhawker Towers

The Jayhawker Towers consist of four apartment complexes located north of allen Fieldhouse. The Towers are for students with at least 30 credit hours who are interested in living in an on-campus apartment equipped with a small kitchen, cable and carpet, and furniture rental is optional. all rooms are two-bedroom for either two or four students. a lot of students like that it combines the style of an apartment with living on campus, said Tiffany Hanchett, a desk assistant at the Jayhawker Towers. But a downside is that you still have an Ra.

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Apartments &Townhomes
3100 W. 22nd St. #A Lawrence, KS 66047 (785) 841-7726

blog.peppertreeaptsks.com
Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

Ad Astra House

Located on Kentucky Street, the ad astra House is a renovated Victorian house and is the third student housing cooperative in Lawrence. It is known for its environmentally-friendly members and practices, including winterizing the windows and using rain barrels. Residents are required to do one chore per week and pitch in $15 a month for buying bulk quantities of food for the house. although being a student at the University is strongly encouraged, it is not required. The ad astra House is located on Kentucky Street, and rent is about $315 a month including utilities.

Sunflower House

The Sunflower House is one of three student housing cooperatives in Lawrence. The student-run house is located on Tennessee St. and is comprised of two three-story buildings joined together. Perks include all necessary utilities, high-speed internet and laundry facilities. There are 30 rooms, and rent averages $250 a month.

Olive House

Stouffer Place Apartments

The olive House is the smallest student housing cooperative in housing with eight rooms. It is located on Kentucky Street, but is very similar to the Sunflower House. The house is only a few blocks away from campus and within walking distance to the grocery store and several restaurants. Rent is $310 a month including utilities.

The Stouffer Place apartments places a strong emphasis on the word neighborhood. These apartments, located on campus, are mainly for nontraditional students, those who are married or have children. For students with children, there is a nearby playground and child development center. Residents are encouraged to participant in programs that celebrate the international and cultural diversity of Stouffer Place. a refrigerator is included, but dishwashers are not installed and are not allowed. Washing machines and dryers are not included in the apartment rooms, but Stouffer Place has its own laundry mat that is always open. Students interested must fill out an application with a $35 non-refundable application fee.

DISCOVER THE BEST NEW, AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEAR KU MED

The Enclave at Mission Cliffs Townhomes, conveniently located just six blocks west of the University of Kansas Medical Center, offer new luxury living at rental pricing. Mission Cliffs was the perfect location for me, said Susan Yang, a student at KU Medical Center. Its just a 10 minute walk to school, is within two miles of the Plaza and Westport, and four miles from downtown, grocery stores or Target. Prospective buyers have the luxury of choosing from multiple styles of residences sized at 1,407 and 1,885 square feet.

AMENITIES OFFER YOU COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

All townhomes feature attractive decor, oversized kitchens with wood cabinets and hardwood floors throughout the kitchen, living room and dining room. All appliances, including refrigerator, washer and dryer, are provided. Other conveniences consist of laundry on the bedroom level, attached garage with door opener, security system, plus a deck and/or patio. Additional features include front porches, walk-in closets, ceiling fans, attractive landscaping and a finished walkout basement recreational room.

T W O B E D R O O M , 3 . 5 B AT H , W I T H A S T U D Y O N E B E D R O O M , 2 . 5 B AT H , W I T H A S T U D Y
I knew I wanted to purchase a home as an investment, instead of throwing away money on rent, said Yang. I am very happy in my townhouse and I plan on living here throughout medical school and possibly residency.

Luxury Living at Rental Prices

PRICES START AT $124,900

If you close by May 30, you get a $5,000 spending allowance for closing costs or homeowners association.
Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

To schedule a tour - call, text, or email Kevin Straub 913-558-8000 or kevin@straubrealty.com Marketed by Coldwell Banker Advantage
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

Students develop projects for decorating on a budget

DIY projects online, her projects did not come without a few minor setbacks. Somiari got a bit of red paint on the ceiling that she Youve finally found a place that you can managed to fix with a few coats of white paint. call home. The walls are white and cold and It didnt discourage her from completing the theres minimal furniture. The fact that you task at hand. When installing the hanging lamp shades, are a college student means that hiring an interior designer is unlikely. This is the per- I dropped a couple and broke them, and I got fect opportunity for you to embark on some the wiring all messed up. It took me a while to correct that one, Somiari said. When I do-it-yourself projects. Bethany Bonebrake, a senior from St. Louis, installed the mirrors on the wall, originally said that last year she wanted additional furni- I just used sticky tack, because they were ture for her room, but that she and her room- relatively small mirrors, but as the days went mates at Sellards Scholarship Hall refused to on afterward, I noticed that every day, one spend money. They decided to build a book- mirror would fall off the wall and break. The shelf that would convert into a coffee table. guy at the hardware store laughed at me for that one. Their material of choice: cardboard. A five minute instructional video on makIt was our room project, Bonebrake said. ing curtains for your dorm room can be It was really fun. We wanted it to feel homfound on diynetwork.com. Making your own ier. curtains is a big moneyThey went around town saver. If you have a knack collecting cardboard to It was our room project. for sewing, go to the fabric create a bookshelf that was ns mo store and pick out your about 1 foot to 18 inchIt was really fun. We Com ia med favorite material. Curtains es deep, she said. When Wiki wanted it to feel homier. are as simple as making they had guests over, they a few loops at the top of could turn it on its side, BetHany BoneBRake the fabric, and buying a and it became an instant Senior from St. Louis LEASE curtain rod. Pre-made curASE coffee table. They mostly TIAL LE tains are generally around RESIDEN kept their final project as a hich ENT OR ns under w AGREEM $20, whereas fabric is as d conditio bookshelf after discovering RENTAL te terms an mple BASIC low as $1 or $2 per yard t, ence the co the hassle of moving the shall evid andlord/Lessor/Agen ant(s)/Lessee, tial Lease books to another location when it was turned on sale. Twin sheets can also easily be turned Residen " and Ten sideration for this agreed. L WNER ER ow have ement or into curtains. ental Agre gnatures appear bel l be referred to as "O SIDENT." As con nt/lease from OWN on its side. as "RE hose si es to re __, shal to re Before you start buying cans of paint and rties w ______________ Building the pink and green polka-dotted be referred and RESIDENT ag ____ T ___, shall giving your room personality, talk to your ____ ________________ t/lease to RESIDEN d at bookshelf/table was a way for them to bond. ______ es to ren es locate They started writing their rooms favorite landlord about decorating restrictions. Trista ment, OWNER agre sidence, the premis ______in the city of ate re ____ nth. This quotes on it. Not only did this bonding expe- Hagamen, The Reserves senior community se solely as a priv ________________ f each mo ________ _____________. ___ day o e_ rience bring them closer together, it saved assistant, said that residents were permitted ________ _ onth on th ________ ESIDEN ____ per m them money too. Prices of coffee tables range to hang things as long as they touched up any _________ ancy. If R vance $__ (check one) T agautomatic continue; pay in ad renewal clauses-to-month ten for all rent due rees to holes or marks before moving out. Charges a month from $30 to more than $100. able N and l become shall be li : RESIDE r expira _ _,___ are applied for any damage that is not cor- TERMS all commencelate feeshereafter it sh f this time period, he g RESIDENT and/o onle_as__ old. T iration oal They were not the only students at Sellards eh sh in a ement ed pay who became inspired to decorate their rooms. rected. Tenants may also choose from a vari- re until _______, ___ as ises prior to the exp an OWNER approv e this securityupied by deposits __ l terminat rmina the prem Bonebrake remembers other students making ety of paint colors in the rooms and paint the ould move from party shal te ce is occ until either prior to the date of e Residen th . ever is sh rtermo charges e cy quote boards and covering their walls with rooms themselves. Chris Buse, Legends Place ntil such time that whichmoveoout nth-to-month tenan least 30 days , at e ow assistant property manager, said that tenants f said time period ____, ______ on a tention to terminat posters. ated by th ey od design _______ tice of in could do anything but destroy or tear down B.__ until _ ce or meth e by check or mon ritten no One room covered their ceiling with really pla gaw t aid at such ts are to be mad ____ t by givin are to be p f $______ en attractive men, she said. I should really talk the wall structures. Rooms are expected to agreemen er charges ______. All paym First Month's rent o __________ _ and/or oth _________ e _ t be left in the same condition that they were to someone about doing that this year. ceipt of th _______________ NTS: Ren _________ wledges re _ __ . PAYME Sylvia Somiari, a senior from Lawrence, has leased in. Restrictions vary depending on the 2 ows ____________ ble. OWNER ackno nal charges/fees for pta foll ditio ayable to all be acce __, and ad ts are to be made p always loved DIY projects. She gave her apart- apartment complex. and cash sh osit of $________ men s All pay For more decorating ideas, check out diyy ep ment at The Reserve a complete makeover by h the term Security D t of $__________. _____. liance wit en network.com, or creep on your friends decol paymen ________________ cure comp ays after the premi installing shelves and lamp shades, hanging o tota all se _____ deposits sh within _____ d ning ________ he above T nt, b) clea room dividers, arranging small mirrors on rated rooms. Remember that you dont have to total e total of th nded t RESIDEN R; a) any unpaid re ove ordina e to ITS: Th ab E OS refu the wall, putting up pictures and painting the get fancy with your projects. Simple projects pay OWN s l mon areas IT ITY DEP ac d shall be c a 3. SECUR f this agreement an amount necessary to remises and/or com reement. A wri tten s g walls red. Somiari has decorated every place can make your living space your own. y m ag men its no not c so to p ma es d s an s of this ondition ed less an epair of damage co s cat e term f deposi ete letely ac letely vaca d) cost for r p that she has moved into. Rather than hiring OW e-o le der th ays of move-out. If o t fo re een co p o abl un been com s amages t amages to sts, y lowab le ly all c ce Edited by Becca Harsch cost fo costs for d acement co ther amount legall NT within _____ d someone, she likes that she can save money o al ey la ditional key repl ther am o IDE pay said ad n e) an and e) any res n to RESID ad se edia doing things herself. an and tear, a shall be presented T shall immedi tely shal shall be ad a thly re t), nthly rent) r es arges hal the RESIDEN sh ID h ad h said ch of the mo While she said that it was easy to look up th s es, ed ___% amages, editor@kansan.com

MAKE IT YoUR owN

By Nadia imafidoN

Have us clear it up before you sign.

Lease a little fuzzy? Why?

There are several common lease provisions that could hurt students

Call us at 864-5665 for FREE legal advice.

ts and d

ce ( ot to ex

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

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wEATHER

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

(785) 841-4935 www.midwestpm.com

1015-1025 MISSISSIPPI
Remodeled1-2 Bedrooms from $560

14th & KENTUCKY

1-2 Bedrooms from $475

2 Bedrooms w/ 1.5 Baths & Garage $710

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Photo illustration by Travis Young/KANSAN

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1-3 Bedrooms from $450

You might not be able to control Kansas fickle weather, but you can at least be prepared for it. From temporary power outages to full-blown tornados, take the necessary steps to stand the storm.

512 ROCKLEDGE
2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths from $675

Surviving severe conditions

By Jacklyn Baillergeon
editor@kansan.com From sub-zero temperatures to heat waves that last weeks on end, Lawrence is not a stranger to bizarre weather. For those living in apartments, Kansas unique climate presents some obstacles that must be addressed with preparation and precaution. Winter weather and storms are some of the most common forms of severe weather conditions students must cope with. Problems associated with winter weather advisories include power outages and difficulty moving cars from parking lots. In case of a power outage, keep materials such as candles, flashlights with batteries and extra food and water. Taylor Tappan, a graduate student in geography from Brookings, S.D., also advises that students avoid trying to tough it out during extremely cold conditions. Make sure to go to another building that has power to prevent any cold-related injuries, such as hypothermia, he said. If power sources still dont work after more than several days, call a landlord or power company. Winter blizzards and snowstorms can also cause problems when snow and ice cover the ground. Danielle Moccia, a senior from Atchison, recalls instances in which snow has created an inconvenience. Last winter break, we got a ton of snow and it was at least a few weeks before they plowed it out. It was really aggravating, she said. Snow and ice arent only an inconvenience; they can also be dangerous if left untreated. Use salt, ice melt or sand to allow for traction, and shovel regularly to prevent snow buildup. If its impossible to clear a driveway, call a professional service or notify a landlord for help. Another weather condition tenants should be aware of is tornadoes. Though the National Weather Service indicates that the peak tornado season is from late spring to early summer in Kansas, tornadoes can occur at any time during the year. In the event of a tornado warning, Tappan advises students to seek shelter. If youre living in an apartment, find the most interior room in your complex, preferably one without windows or glass. Get under a table, in a shower or bathtub, and protect yourself with pillows and blankets, he said. Floods and fires, though rare, can also present problems for apartment tenants. In case of a flood, Tappan said tenants should stay on high ground or leave if the building is at risk. He also said that tenants should be prepared for fires, and should one occur, they should find the nearest exit, stay low to the ground and call 911. Though Moccia said she didnt think of weather concerns often, she said its important to keep calm. You have no control over what the weather does, so try to handle it as best as you can and dont get frustrated, she said. On the other hand, safety is always the first priority, so do whatever is necessary to stay safe and use your common sense. And above all, Tappan said its important to be prepared. If youre new to the area and unaware of proper safety procedures during times of strange weather, talk to your landlord and become familiar with your complexs safety procedures regarding extreme weather conditions, he said. Edited by Amanda Sorell

5th & CALIFORNIA

1-3 Studio Bedrooms from $470

affordable student housing

www.SouthPointeKS.com 2310 West 26th St. #D-25 (785) 843-6446

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2
coMMENTARY

Be a bargain hunter when buying decor

By Maria Juarez
editor@kansan.com When we first moved in to my century-old, three-story, student ghetto-fabulous house on Tennessee Street, we had nothing but a dingy ivory couch for about a month. The cracked walls expressed no allegiance to film or music, guest seating consisted of collapsible lawn chairs and the lone coffee table served as an off-kilter footstool to the few who could seize a spot on the couch. It wasnt a home. It was a crack den. No one wants to live in a crack den. So when a drunken lodger hurled his Friday night Four Lokos onto our only sofa, I snapped. I never considered the importance of furniture on mental health until I had none. I avoided my living room for weeks, because it creepily resembled the backdrop to an episode of Intervention. In addition to crummy living quarters, my financial state did not agree with my lofty pipe dreams of Ethan Allen sectionals and mahogany corner bars. Lets be honest, I can barely tip the Jimmy Johns guy. Besides, why splurge on furniture that sloppy college control. For example, I bought a twin mattress and box spring for $35 only to sell it for $50 when I upgraded to a queen. The transactions were remarkably smooth. It almost seemed clandestine. There were no shipping fees or credit card billing address forms, nothing but the crisp exchange of cash for commodity. Craigslist is at least worth a shot. (Just try not to get sidetracked in the Casual Encounter section.) Likewise, Goodwill is a goldmine for home decor. In my rehabilitated living room sits a $4 fake tree plant, $6 hanging mirror and $10 rocking chair all of which I scored at the Lawrence Goodwill. Consignment shops offer everything from framed landscape paintings to bed frames. All you have to do is look. So go forth and peruse the nooks and crannies of Craigslist! Rummage through the options at your nearest Goodwill! Turn your crack den into a castle! Edited by Brittany Nelson

Howard Ting/KANSAN

No college students abode is complete without some hand-me-down furniture. Craigslist and Goodwill are two places to find cheap furniture. kids could potentially mistake for a toilet? The answer lies in Craig. Craigslist, to be exact. With no sign-up, posting or buyers fees, Craigslist is an excellent source for college furnishings. The greatest part of Craigslist transactions, however, is bartering. Dont want to pay $100 for a used loveseat? Offer them $80 or no deal. More often than not, theyll prefer a lower price than none at all. Like a virtual scavenger hunt, Craigslist is an amenable marketplace where the buyer is in

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Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

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APARTMENT GUIDE 2

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

11

Pets are both a blessing and a burden

By Kelsey Cipolla
editor@kansan.com

APARTMENT COMPLEXES ThAT ALLOw

PETS

Howard Ting/KANSAN

Theyre the roommates who greet you when you come home, cheer you up after a rough day, and never forget to pay the water bill. The downside is that they require you to constantly clean up their poop.

Photo by Howard Ting/KANSAN

ogs, cats, and other pets might pies and kittens can cost even more with be adorable, but they can also spaying or neutering and vaccinations. present challenges to college Owners are legally required to vaccinate students. their pets and spaying or neutering is I always had a dog growing up recommended to prevent overpopulaand I missed the fun and companion- tion. Adopting a pet is a ship a dog promore budget-friendly vides, said Dustin Glessner, a junior I always had a dog grow- option; The Lawrence Humane Society offers from Herington. ing up and I missed the cats for $60 to $90 and He got his chocofun and companionship a dogs for $110. The price late lab, Hinrich, in includes a health exam, August after finding dog provides. shots, and a free visit to an apartment that a local vet. was pet friendly. dUSTIn GLESSnER Sometimes outside Hinrichs happy Junior from Herington factors such as propnature is contagious erty regulations can and he does a great influence whether or not a student gets job of relieving stress, Glessner said. This feeling that pets relieve anxi- a four-legged companion. Some propety is common among college students. erties in Lawrence prohibit pets, but Researchers at Ohio State University Meadowbrook, the Grove, the Exchange in 2008 found that 18 percent of students with pets felt that their animals helped them cope with stress and avoid loneliness. The study found that this feeling was particularly strong among freshmen and sophomores adapting to living on their own. While pets can be a comfort, they can also be a nuisan. Animals require a level of consistent care that can be at odds with some aspects of the college lifestyle, such as having a limited amount of space, chaotic schedule, and small budget. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be expensive. Food, toys, medication and visits to the vet add up quickly, costing over $500 a year according to estimates from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The idea of buying an adorable newborn might be appealing, but pup-

and Aberdeen apartments all allow cats and dogs as long as they are relatively small and well-behaved. Dogs under 30 pounds are generally considered acceptable, but larger dogs may be allowed if the manager determines that the dog is not a threat to property. They also require tenants to pay a one time pet fee or a small monthly charge per pet. Campus dorms or apartments do not allow pets, aside from fish. For Glessner, having a pet has been rewarding but not without its difficulties. Making arrangements for someone to watch him or finding a way to take him where Im going can be challenging, he said. Many students would love a pet, but the most important thing is not to put yourself or a pet in a bad situation. Edited by Dave Boyd

Aberdeen Alvadora Apple Lane Berkeley Flats Blue Mesa Chase Court Hampton Court Hanover Place Hawks Pointe Highpointe Ironwood Court Legends Place Meadowbrook Orchard Corners Rockledge South Pointe The Exchange The Grove Trailridge Tuckaway West Hills Windgate While owners are way, they can turn to local businesses like Lawrence Pet Friends and Pet Minders, which will come to your residence and feed, walk and play with pets. Professional pet care can get pricey, with each 20 minute visit costing around $15. The easier and more budget friendly option is to ask for help from a friend.

Contributed photo

MOndAy, MARCH 7, 2011

ThE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

ThE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

MOndAy, MARCH 7, 2011

What do you think?

by claire mcinerney

12

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

MAUREEN MIKINSKI Salina sophomore no, because I think it would complicate a relationship because youd have to worry [about] unneccessary details like bills with someone before youre married.

LILY BoYcE Lawrence senior Probably not in college. you need to keep your focus and plan for the future if you split up.

Would you live with a significant other?

TYLER BIERWIRTH Lenexa sophomore no, because itd kill the spark. If you see them everyday, whats the point?

LUKE joLIffE Topeka sophomore no, because thats against my religion.

DoUG BARTEL olathe freshman no, because if you were to break up itd be awkward

Ranch Way On Clinton Parkway 2 & 3 BR from $750

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785 - 842 - 7644

Check our website for March Offers! Security Deposits 1/2 off untilSpecial31, 2008
Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2
coHAbITATIoN

13

Photo illustation by Ashleigh Lee/KANSAN

Help with heavy lifting and household jobs are just a couple of perks to having your significant other around the house. But couples should also consider the possible consequences of living together.

For better or for worse: living with a significant other

By Victoria Pitcher
editor@kansan.com Deciding who to live with is not an easy process. Will we get along? Are they going to pay the bills on time? For a number of students these are questions are being asked of their boyfriend or girlfriend. Cohabitation seems to be an uncommon occurrence among University students, but for some, it is a beneficial option. Jennifer Stastny, a junior from Wichita, has been dating Todd Clain, a senior from Wichita, for more than two years and deciding to live with her boyfriend was easy. I definitely weighed the pros and cons, Stastny said, but I cant imagine not living with him now. The obvious benefits to living with a significant other include expenses being cut in half and more time spent with that person. We get to see each other and spend more time together, Clain said. Its been good. Clain lives with Stastny along with three other female roommates. For the most part he doesnt mind living with women. I like living with girls a lot better than a bunch of guys, Clain said. Its a lot cleaner. And the female roommates feel an added bonus of security from having Clain as a roommate. He makes me feel safer, Taryn Barker, a junior from Wichita, said. Living with a boyfriend or girlfriend has its upsides, but it definitely comes with difficulties. The large amounts of time together can create stress in the relationship. Living with somebody, they see every side of you, Stastny said. We get sick of each other. There are a lot of things to consider before moving in together. Chris Crandall, professor of social psychology, advises students to think about the pragmatics. Stuff outside of the relationship is tremendously important, Crandall said. He said the hardest things in a cohabitation environment are dealing with money, communication, cleanliness and sharing of duties. You need to be aware of the size of the commitment, Crandall said. Megan Harrod, a property manager at Tuckaway Apartments, has seen both successful and unsuccessful living arrangements between couples. Different factors, including age and length of the relationship, play a part in the effectiveness of living with a significant other. Once you feel more serious about someone, I wouldnt say its a bad idea, Harrod said about students living together. Generally its worked out. Students should consider the length of the lease and therefore the commitment. In the event of a break up, couples sharing a lease would still be obligated to abide by the terms they signed on. Living with a boyfriend or girlfriend while in college is generally uncommon. Couples may feel as if they are not in the right time in their lives or relationships to handle the ups and downs that come with living with their significant other. For other couples like Stastny and Clain, its a beneficial living arrangement. I know its not traditional, but nowadays you should, Stastny advises. Edited by Sarah Gregory

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

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APARTMENT GUIDE 2

How to lower your utility costs

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2
By Mike Montano
editor@kansan.com

15

The annual average temperature in Kansas is about 57 degrees Fahrenheit. But any Kansan resident can attest to the weather changing often from freezing rain one day to perfect weather for throwing a Frisbee in the park the next. But its not this ideal weather that causes us to be nervous to open our monthly utility bills. Instead, it is those days when we stand up with our snuggies on and hesitate before touching the thermostat. How could turning it up a few degrees really hurt? Well, considering that heating or cooling your place takes up a little more than 50 percent of total average energy used, it could have a big impact on your bills. Aside from tips on watching your heating and cooling bill, you can also cut down on energy use by replacing archaic incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs. The difference is a few bucks but the fluorescent bulbs will outlive incandescent, making them pay for themselves in the long run. Water usage can also tack on a hefty penny to your bill. Look for low-flow toilets and shower heads that reduce excess water usage. Be sure to check with your landlord or apartment complex to find out what you are able to do to cut down your utilities. Ask your landlord or stop by your local hardware store for more tips. Edited by Alex Garrison

Tips to save energy, money

n Turn the thermostat down when you are about to go to bed. no need to heat the whole place when youre bundled up getting your Zzzs on. n Consider a space heater if you are mainly in one room at your place. n If you use the oven to make a meal, turn the oven off after use but leave it open so the extra heat circulates. n Insulate the insides of your windows so the cold air is kept at bay. n Check your vents or outlets for cold drafts. you can buy outlet plugs at your local hardware store. n Keep track of your utility bills to make sure there is not an unnecessary spike or you are not being overcharged.
Source: energysavers.gov

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

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APARTMENT GUIDE 2

Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

17

Tenants should keep security the priority

By Victoria Pitcher
editor@kansan.com Safety should always be a top concern for students, no matter where they chose to live. While students are often worried about costs or who they will be living with, they tend to leave safety out of the equation. Safety cannot be guaranteed, so it is important that students take an active role in their own wellbeing, said Amy Bonnell, leasing manager at Legends Place apartments. Chelsea Paxton, a senior from Newton, has lived on her own for three years and is no stranger to apartment hunting. Charlie Bars and dead bolts are on the list of things she looks for in an apartment. Charlie Bars are sticks made of metal or wood that are wedged in a sliding glass door to prevent it from opening. She also prefers places with an on-site courtesy cop. Smart students and parents always ask about safety when shopping for an apartment, said Bonnell. During the apartment search, Schuyler Bailey, KU Public Safety captain, recommends that students check for solid doors and quality locks. When [students] are shopping, that should go on the list of must haves or would like to haves, Bailey said. The old saying safety in numbers is very useful advice. We encourage safe behavior, like locking doors and windows, walking with friends, and most importantly being alert, Bonnell said. She also advises communication between roommates. Roommates should set guidelines for locking doors and windows and rules for having company. Location is another element to consider when looking for apartments. Certain locations in Lawrence are said to be safer than others, but for statistical evidence of where crime occurs in Lawrence, an interactive crime map is available online at lawrenceks.org/police. This map depicts what kind of crime was reported and where in Lawrence it occurred. But you could be a victim of crime in any neighborhood if youre not careful, Paxton said. Awareness is definitely going to be the number one safety tip, Bailey said. Staying aware of your surroundings and befriending a neighbor you trust are just a few tips Bailey gives to stay safe. And if all else fails, call 911. If its a bump in the night thats got you concerned, call the police, Bailey said. Edited by Sarah Gregory

SAfETY

APARTMENT SAfETY TIPS

n always lock your doors, even when you are at home. n If you live in a ground floor apartment, be sure to also lock windows and patio doors. n a broomstick cut to length and wedged firmly into the lower track makes an inexpensive second lock for a sliding patio door. Exterior doors should be solid, not hollow, and should be equipped with a glass viewer allowing you to see who is at your door before opening it. n If your door is equipped with a safety chain, have it latched before opening the door to someone you do not know. But remember the safety chain is very weak security. n Parking lots, stairways and hallways should be well lighted. notify the manager or maintenance personnel of any problems and have burned out bulbs replaced immediately. n Trees and shrubbery should never block the view of doorways or windows. n Have the maintenance personnel keep them neatly trimmed. n never allow service people into your apartment without an appointment. If you did not schedule the service work, contact your apartment manager or the service company for verification. n Have your neighbors or friends watch your apartment when you are gone for extended periods of time. n Stop the delivery of newspapers and have your mail held at the Post office when you will be away for extended periods of time. n Inexpensive timers set to turn your light on and off at different times can give the appearance that your apartment is occupied.

For more information contact the KU Public Safety office at 864-5900 or kucops@ku.edu. or visit ku.edu/~kucops/

Peace Quiet
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211 Mount hope Court #1

785.843.0011
Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

What do you think?

by claire mcinerney

18

APARTMENT GUIDE 2

SAIMA AzAD Wichita sophomore Conserving the water and electricity.

KATIE MADSEN Missionary at the St. Lawrence center With utilities, you have to think about [how] what you do affects the bill.

Whats the hardest part, financially, about living on your own?

ERRIN MITcHELL overland Park junior Having to pay for electricity it just makes me more aware of what Im using.

cARMEN PETScH omaha, Neb., sophomore Pay my own bills and having the money to do it and get them in on time.

GoDfREY RIDDLE olathe senior Pay for food because I eat a lot.

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Monday, MaRCH 7, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

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