Making the best of apartment life 2 Wednesday, april 23, 2008 By matt lindBerg mlindBerg@kansan.com editors note spring 2008 kansan staf editor darla slipke Managing editors Matt erickson dianne smith special sections editor Matt lindberg design chief Kevin Grunwald Copy chief Kaitlyn syring designer Kelsey Hayes photo editor Mindy ricketts advertising director Toni Bergquist sales manager Katy pitt advertising layout austin Falley General manager, news adviser Malcolm Gibson sales and marketing adviser Jon schlitt Kansan newsroom 111 staufer-Flint Hall 1435 Jayhawk Blvd. lawrence, Ks 66045 (785) 864-4810 et cetera The University daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. This guide to living in an apartment is the last of four apartment guides published by The Kansan each spring. STRESSED ABOUT YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? STRESSED ABOUT YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? View one of our large 1-2-3 BR apartment homes on the KU bus route Choose washer/dryer hook-ups or not Decide on a patio or balcony Ask about our low pet deposit Swim in our remodeled pool Cook out in our BBQ areas Bring this ad in for $100 off First FULL MONTH! CALL 842.1455 OR VISIT 2401 W. 25th STREET #9A3 AND SEE A MODEL APT.! park25@petersoncompanies.com PUT DOWN A LOW DEPOSIT TO HOLD AN APARTMENT UNTIL MOVE-IN (EVEN IF ITS NOT UNTIL AUGUST!) Current space too small? Roommate not working out? Moved home and have little privacy? Call Park 25! ...Relax Enjoy the calm... EHO Lorimar &Courtside Townhomes Where no one lives above or below you. Early sign-up specials on 2 & 3 bedrooms! 3801 Clinton Parkway www.lorimartownhomes.com (785) 841-7849 Washer/dryer Dishwasher Microwave Fireplace Walk-in closets Vaulted ceilings Ceiling fans Patios Featuring Youve found your perfect apartment, decided on your roommates and decked out your apartment with all kinds decorations. But what do you do once you move in and have to deal with the challenges of living on your own? When I moved into my first apartment before my junior year, I was happy I didnt have to live in the dorms. I finally didnt have to share a bedroom and deal with all the annoying things that come with living in residence halls. However, living in an apart- ment brought on the challenge of truly living on my own for the first time. I found myself having to make sure all my bills were paid on time, cooking my own pasta dinners and trying to keep the apartment clean, which my roommates made hard. The point is that making the jump to living in your first apartment can turn your life upside down. Sometimes, people dont realize how much life can change when they live on your own. My co-workers and I hope that with this apartment guide, you are well-prepared for and can easily adjust to apartment living, so that you can stress out about something else, like homework. 3 Wednesday, april 23, 2008 By Katy SaunderS editor@kansan.com When looking for an apartment, is having a washer and dryer a must? Some students think its an absolute necessity, while others do not mind spending an afternoon a week at the laundromat, doing homework and meeting new people. Having a washer and dryer was the No. 1 prior- ity for Kathleen Male, Overland Park sophomore, when she was looking for an apartment. When she signed her lease at Hawks Pointe, Kathleen signed up for a washer and dryer unit. However, it was not installed until mid-January, halfway through her lease. It is much more convenient when the washer and dryer are right upstairs as opposed to the clos- est laundromat, Male said. When a unit is not at your immediate disposal, prior planning is necessary. Time has to be set aside, as does spare change, and you tend to analyze your daily wardrobe choices more. Andy Horigan, Wichita sophomore, makes it work. Having to set aside time to do his laundry at a nearby laundromat provides Horigan with a set homework time on either Sunday or Monday evening. Despite his routine schedule, Horigan did say there were downsides of not having a washer and dryer in his apartment. Sometimes on weeknights, you have to fight for machines because either there are too many people or too many machines are broken Horigan said. He also said it got costly and because of that, he tended to do his laundry less often. It is a different story, though, for Richard Martinez, Topeka senior. He said he loved having his own unit because your own is more clean, and you dont have to worry about laundry theft. Martinez lives with two roommates but says their laundry schedules never conflict. He said he was able to do his laundry two to three days a week. When you have your own washer and dryer and dont need to put aside time to head to the laundro- mat, you wont have to worry about not being able to wear something on account of it being dirty. There are some problems that come with own- ing a washer and dryer unit in a confined space like an apartment. Martinez and Male both commented about the noisiness of the unit and the excess heat the dryer brings, especially in the summer. Both of their units are in closets, but they said the heat and noise were overwhelming at times. You will have to decide whether having your own washer and dryer unit is actually cheaper. Sure, you dont have to hassle with quarters, but what about the water bill and any other added expenses? Kathleen Male said she paid a monthly charge just for having a unit in her apartment. In the end, it all boils down to a convenience issue. Do you prefer hauling the dirty-clothes bas- ket, the detergent, dryer sheets and a pouch full of quarters down a couple blocks or do you prefer to just carry the basket down the hall? Regardless of where the laundry gets done, stu- dents find a way to make it happen. 3. Laundry time 5. Cooking for yourself 6. Living on the cheap 7. Safety and security 8. Partying it up 10. Cleaning up after a party 11. Getting to campus 12. Pets in apartments 15. Tips for furry friends 16. A seniors perspective t a b l e
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c o n t e n t s Laundry time can be a challenge for students Lisa Lopovac/KANSAN Students who are not willing to pay for their own washer and dryer can fnd laundromats around town. GPM Garber Property Management 5030 Bob Billings Pkwy, Ste. A 785.841.4785 Stone Meadows South Town homes Adam Avenue 3 bdrm 2 baths 1700 sq. ft. Stone Meadows West Brighton Circle 3 bdrm 2 1/2 baths 1650 sq. ft. $950 Lakepointe Villas 3-4 bdrm houses $1000 $1200 - $1400 Now leasing For Summer and Fall! * Pets okay with deposit! * NO application fee! {The Place To Make Friends!} 4101 W. 24th Place - Lawrence, Kansas 66047 www.LegendsPlace.com 785-856-5848 A|| |rc|us|e rert ard ut|||t|es lr|ate s|utt|e bus to carpus eer] 4O r|rutes Resort st]|e poo| lr|ate bedroors ard bat|roors lree cort|rerta| brea|fast Directions: Just west of HyVee (on Clinton Pkwy), just west of Kasold. Our LuXURY Amenities! Voted Top of the Hill 2007- Best Apartment Complex by KU Students! Legends Place A P A R T M E N T S EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNI TY BY ALEXANDRA GARRY editor@kansan.com Without the convenience of ready-made dining hall food, first-time apartment-dwellers can expe- rience anxiety when dinner time rolls around, and they have to cook possibly for the first time. Many students receive instruction on food safety and cooking tips before coming to college or even as part of college orientation, but still, doubts may linger. College students neednt stress out, though, because many books and Web sites are devoted to cheap, creative recipes and basic cooking skills can be easily learned. Web sites such as www.allreci- pes.com and www.betterrecipes.com have sections devoted to easy recipes. The average college student can learn how to cook on their own, simply by taking the things they love to eat and using them in different ways, said Aimee Love, an Overland Park senior who plans to attend culinary school after graduation. Love said watching cooking shows on TV could help, and she encouraged all students to tackle any cooking fears. Dont be afraid of the kitchen. Throw out the frozen TV dinners, and try something new, she said. Taking the time to cook can also be greatly ben- eficial for your health. A 2006 Brown University Medical School study found that the so-called freshman 15 may actually be a myth it should be closer to freshman 7 or 8 but that many students continue to gain weight after their fresh- man year. Eating healthy at home, the study sug- gested, could help combat this weight gain. Love said cooking could become not just a chore but a community activity to bring together family, friends and roommates. Check out these student-submitted recipes to spice up your next meal. Cooking isnt scary with these easy recipes apartment guide 5 wednesday, april 23, 2008 bacon-wrapped Litl Smokies Ingredients 1 package regular Hillshire Farm litl smokies about 2 cups brown sugar 1 package maple-favored bacon
Procedure Cut each strip of bacon lengthwise into fourths. roll litl smokies in bacon strips and coat them thoroughly with brown sugar. place litl smokies into greased baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for about 45 min- utes or until bacon is brown and crispy serve warm with toothpicks. Aimee Love, Overland Park senior cinnamon rolls chicken curry pasta Starting at $560 2BR/3BR Townhomes Pool Access Washer & Dryer Fireplace Close to Park P e a ceful Neighborho o d s Starting at $515 2 BR On KU bus route Swimming pool P e t F riendly Com m u n i t i e s P a tios or Balcon ie s Starting at $405 Studios/1BR/2BR/TH Walking distance to campus Pool Access Two blocks to historic downtown A P A R T M E N T S A P A R T M E N T S HanoverPlace A P A R T M E N T S 842-3040 village@sunower.com mdiproperties.com 3 Great Locations 2201 St. James Ct 816 E. Lynn St 1717 31st St. 785-842-8411 & 785-331-0658 Local & One Way Dependable Trucks Budget Truck Rental ASK ABOUT OUR 6 MONTH LEASING SPEECIAL (Present AD time of rental) Ingredients 1 package crescent rolls large marshmallows Melted butter Cinnamon and sugar mix powdered sugar
Procedure roll out the crescent dough so it is in fat triangles. dip the marshmallow into the butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mix. roll the marshmallow up in the crescent dough, forming a ball. Make sure to seal of all sides of the ball. dip the crescent ball in the butter then in the cinnamon-sugar mix. lay on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes (or until nice and brown and a toothpick comes out clean). Mix the powdered sugar with milk or more melted butter proportionally so it makes icing. Once the rolls come out, drizzle the icing over them and enjoy. AdamGlass, OverlandParkfreshman Ingredients Onions Mushrooms Olive oil Curry powder Black pepper Fresh parsley, chopped Minced garlic Grated mozzarella cheese Farfalle pasta Chicken Procedure saut onions and mushrooms in olive oil with curry powder, pepper, parsley and garlic to taste. at the same time, saut a chicken breast in olive oil with curry powder and garlic. while all of this is sauting, boil some farfalle pasta according to the package directions. when finished cooking, toss pasta with olive oil, mozzarella and garlic. after the onions, mushrooms and chicken are fnished sauting, mix with the pasta. slice the chicken breast into strips lengthwise and place on top of pasta mix.
AdamBurnett, Topekasenior By Katy SaunderS editor@kansan.com Now that youre out of the dorm and living in your first apartment, money plays a much bigger role in your life. Between the rent, the utility bills, groceries, and anything fun you want to do, the monthly cost of living is not cheap. Some students are doing it on their own with jobs and loans, while others are riding it easy with much appreciated help from Mom and Dad. Student Housing provides the way to have one big bill with everything included, but rules and Resident Assistances come with the package ,as well. For those students who want the free- dom, but still need guidance, Jennifer Wamelink, Associate Director for Resident Life, said that some staff members will offer programs on finan- cial planning and will bring in recourses and speakers to prepare those students for the finan- cial adjustment of living on their own. Matt Chase, Wichita sophomore said he prefers living in student housing for the community life that he finds living in the Battenfeld Scholarship Hall. With help from a scholarship and his parents, Matts housing costs are covered, but he does rack up some costs. Im a really picky eater, so I actually do end up spending some of my own money on groceries. When youre living on a limited income, bud- get becomes a very familiar word. You find your- self choosing what is more important, a case of beer or detergent and laundry money. You learn to makes things last longer and the infamous Ramen Noodles diet is a definite on the list of any budgeting college student. When it comes to paying your rent and your bills, each apartment complex has something dif- ferent to offer. Some are the standard where you pay them your rent, and each utility bill comes separate. Other apartments have a payment plan built into the monthly rent, which includes utili- ties up to a certain amount. Molly Kretzer, Wichita sophomore, said the apartment she lived in includes the utility bills up to $200 dollars each month in the monthly rent. When it goes over that amount, a separate bill is sent for the amount due. Mollys parents pay for her rent, but everything else is up to her. She has a job for spending money for things like grocer- ies. Living with three other people can also make budgeting difficult. Molly said she and her room- mates used to grocery shop together and split the bill four ways, but now she says they live by a if you didnt buy, dont eat it policy. Learning to budget your money is a skill that takes some of us a very long time to master. Not only do you have to learn to set aside money for bills, you have to remember that each bill has a due date and that there is a price on lateness, think of what you can buy with 10 extra bucks in your pocket. I bet you could think of some- thing better than using that money to pay a late fee. With budgeting comes responsibility. Buy a calendar, and write down the due date of the bill as soon as it comes. They even make paying bills a no-brainer these days as some banks offer an online bill pay option, which means it automati- cally takes it out of your account, no stamp or post office needed. All you have to do is tell it how much and what day you want it to come out of your account and it is done. The bottom line is, in order to live a minimal to stress, free life, you must first learn to budget your money each month and organize yourself enough to pay bills on time. When looking for apartments, compare rent costs, check into util- ity plans and determine the most efficient way to budget your money so you always have some cash leftover. 6 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 Living on a limited income in college FREE internet FREE tanning bed jacuzzi & pool plaza individual leases fitness center lighted basketball court sand volleyball court fully furnished student services center washer/dryer in every unit NO security deposit 2511 W 31st Street Lawrence, KS 66047 785-842-0032 myownapartment.com lawrence@edrtrust.com CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFO! Now Leasing For Fall 2008 Rents start at $319 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT APARTMENT SPONSOR OF KANSAS ATHLETICS Max Rinkel/KANSAN Most students living in college are living on a tight income. They fnd themselves wondering whether they should spend their money on weekly groceries or beer for the weekend. apartment guide 7 Wednesday, april 23, 2008 Students fnd easy ways to prevent robberies burglary prevention tips Its important to use security measures to keep yourself safe. Chris Keary Public safety Ofcer Keep shrubs especially those around the entry points of a property properly trimmed, so they arent potential hiding spots for burglars Record the serial numbers of valuable items, such as laptops or cameras Keep valuables hidden; never leave electron- ics, cash or other valuable items in plain view Never freely give out information about when you are going to be home If you are away for a long period, ask friends or neighbors to keep an eye on your home, and consider getting your mail and deliveries forwarded or picked up by someone you trust If you live alone, dont let strangers know Work with your property management to make sure your facilities are well-lit and your doors properly secured If your place has a sliding door, place a metal or wood rod in its track to prevent it from be- ing opened from the outside Consider getting timers for a lamp, TV, or even a radio to make it switch on automati- cally to make it appear as if someone is home, even when you are away. Sources: Chris Keary, Assistant Chief, KUPublic Safety Ofce, Paul Fellers, Sergeant, Lawrence Police Department By AlexAndrA GArry editor@kansan.com Moving out into an apartment, house, duplex or town home and away from parents or Student Housing for the first time can mean the addition of several new and perhaps even slightly scary responsibilities. One such responsibility that may go unconsidered by many just may be the most important per- sonal safety. Rented properties such as apartments are nearly 85 percent more likely to be the target of a break-in than owned property such as individual family homes, according to the Douglas County District Attorney Offices web site. Though, as a poor col- lege student, you may not feel like a good target for theft, odds are you probably have computer equipment, an MP3 player, a home entertainment system or per- haps even just a run-of-the-mill cell phone. All these items are easily stolen and easily resold, making them ideal candidates for being stolen. According to a recent press release by the KU Public Safety office, property crime such as theft and burglary (break-ins) almost always make up the majority of all crimes reported on a college campus. The office reported the number of total criminal offenes on and around campus to have fallen from 737 in 2006 to 664 in 2007. National statistics from the Department of Justice show a decline in all crime in the past 30 years, but crime in Lawrence actually increased by 2 per- cent from 2006 to 2007. Assistant Chief of the Public Safety Officer Chris Keary emphasized put- ting in the effort to keep a home secure to prevent victimization. Its important to use security measures to keep yourself safe, Keary said. Just making sure to always lock the doors and windows is a good start. Security is sometimes a matter of effort, but its not hard. Keary suggested taking security into con- sideration when looking for an apartment, but also said there were a number of ways to make an existing living space less attractive to burglars. Some tips included asking a trusted friend to look after a home while its occupants are away, having and always locking strong deadbolts and installing timers on lights to make it appear as if someone is home even when the space is empty. If someone is going to break in, that person might want to choose the home thats dark all the time, he said. Its good to make it look like theres someone around. Sergeant Paul Fellers of the Lawrence Police Department said home security was largely about awareness and who had access to your information. Never give out information about when you will be home, never let strangers into your home, and never let strangers know if you live alone, Fellers said. Keary said the first step to making a living space more secure is a good analysis of the status quo. Take a good look at your place and what you could do to make it safer, he said. apartment guide 8 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 KANSAN FILE PHOTO Living in an apartment doesnt stop students from throwing parties. Topeka sophomore Blake Baraban said he has had multiple parties in his Highpointe apartment. He said that he usually invites as many as 30 friends on Facebook but that close to 80 people end up in his apartment by the end of the night. Partying it up without causing a problem Call today for a tour! 1501 George Williams Way Ofce Ironwood Court Apartments 1 & 2 Bedroom luxuary apartments Pool. Fitness Center Cable & Internet paid Washer & Ddryer included Park West Gardens BRAND NEW! 1 & 2 BR Luxury Apartments 1 car garage/washer/dryer Parkwest Town Homes 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms 2 Car Garage Washer & dryer included Summer Tree West 1 & 2 Townhomes 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath All electric washer/ dryer optional Convenient location www.ironwoodmanagement.net BY Michael holtz editor@kansan.com Its Friday night and the guests slowly begin to arrive. Music is playing from the nearby stereo, and two kegs sit in the kitchen waiting to be tapped. Blake Baraban, Topeka sophomore, is welcoming the arriving guests while handing out red party cups five bucks a pop. His Highpointe apartment is soon filled with upward of 80 people, far exceeding the 30 close friends he and his roommates had initially invited via Facebook. Yet the additional and often times unknown guests do not deter Baraban from accomplishing what he set out to do having a good time. We like throwing parties, said Baraban. It always turns out being a blast. Drive around on any given Friday or Saturday night and youre bound to come across a number of parties at many of the student-based apartment complexes here in Lawrence. apartment guide 9 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 KANSAN FILE PHOTO Apartment parties can be a lot of fun, but they can bring a lot of agony, too. Lenexa sophomre Deepak Surampalli said he had an iPod stolen from his apartment during one of his parties. 2111 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047 785-843-4300 Check out Campus Coupons for our Leasing SPECIALS! 1501 Eddingham Drive, Lawrence Kansas 66046 785-841-5444 Enjoy beautiful park-like settings both complexes offer! Pets welcome! Sparkling pool! Walking trails! Low security deposit! 841-7726 3100 W. 22 nd St. A wonderfully convenient place to call home email us at peppertreeapts@prodigy.net 1 bedrooms starting at $545 2 bedrooms starting at $685 3 bedrooms starting at $870 Apartments and Townhomes So what are the perks of throwing a party as opposed to attending one? I like throwing parties because you get to decide who will be there, said Laura Brunin, St. Mary sophomore. You dont have to worry about trying to avoid people that you dont get along with. Across town at The Reserve, another party is soon underway. This party is a bit smaller, with 20 to 30 of Brunin and her two roommates close friends arriving at the apartment. Beer pong and card games are being played as music plays in the background. A keg may be found in the kitchen and on rare occasions, such as Brunins 20th birthday, Jell-O shots are available. [That] was by far the greatest party we have ever thrown, said Brunin. The party was abso- lutely huge. Such a party is a rarity for Brunin and her roommates, as they tend to throw smaller parties limited to their close friends. These parties are usually decided last-minute, using Facebook to send out invitations a popular tool used by many party-throwers. We use Facebook because its fast and easy, said Baraban. You can reach a lot more people. Once the invites are out, step one is complete. The next step: buying the booze. Kegs seem to be a party favorite. Baraban takes pleasures in having two kegs at his parties, but two kegs werent enough for Brunins birthday bash. She said that they made 500 Jell-O shots and bought three bottles of champagne in addition to having two kegs. Brunin charged a dollar for three Jell-O shots and five dollars a cup, enough to break even and then some. We ended up making back all the money we spent plus about $100, Brunin said. So, you sent out the invites and got the booze. Step three tidy up and hide the valuables. The last thing youll want to wake up to after throwing a party is broken glass or a stolen iPod. Make sure to put away anything that could be stolen or easily broken, Baraban said. Lenexa sophomore Deepak Surampalli had an iPod stolen from a party earlier this year. Ever since then, he and his roommates have locked away precious valuables in their rooms. Sometimes you never know who shows up, Surampalli said. Surampalli and Baraban have one last piece of advice make sure your neighbors know that youre throwing a party. The people below us called the cops on us, said Baraban. We had the cops come three times. Baraban and his roommates were given three disturbing-the-peace tickets, each one for $250, a hefty price tag for throwing a party. Surampalli had a similar incident with neigh- bors, though not resulting in any citations. He said that they were required to turn down their music after receiving a noise complaint. Even though Surampallis penalty was neg- ligible in comparison to Barabans, he still rec- ommends other party-throwers to check with neighbors beforehand. You can run into some serious problems if they are not welcome to the idea of loud noise every weekend, Surampalli said. 10 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 Holiday Apartments Youll find a place to relax, 211 Mount Hope Court #1 785-843-0011 www.holiday-apts.com and to enjoy. to grow, to reflect, - Great floor plans - Walk-in closets - Swimming pool - Laundry facilty - KU bus route - Lawrence bus route - Small pets allowed 1 Bedroom - $440 & up 2 Bedroom - $520 & up 3 Bedroom - $690 & up 4 Bedroom - $850 & up 2 Bedroom Townhome - $750 http://www.acmanagementproperties.com A C Management Aspen West Cresent Heights 785.842.4461 Leasing Oce 1815 W. 24 th Street { Cresent Heights 6 Month Leases Available Two Bedroom, $460- 500 Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups O Street Parking On KU Bus Route 2 Small Pets Allowed One Bedroom $400 Two Bedroom $ 520 On-Site Laundry Facility O-street Parking On KU Bus Route Water and Trash Paid Aspen West 1815 W. 24th Street 2900 Bob Billings BY SARKIS DEJENE editor@kansan.com With all the partying that happens in Lawrence, what do people do to clean up the mess afterward? Overland Park sophomore Karinna Jones has her own ways of cleaning up after a party. She prepares for clean-up before the party starts by putting plastic over her furniture. At first, I thought it was going to be granny- like, but there were a lot people and nobody noticed, Jones said. She uses bleach to get rid of urine stains in the bathroom. It can also be helpful to set out multiple trash cans before the party to give people a convenient place to throw out their trash. This should make your job easier in the morning. Wichita junior Jonathan Kalinowski said he also had many parties in his apartment. Kalinowski said since he moved into his apart- ment and started throwing parties, he had noticed dents in his walls in the aftermath of his parties. Kalinowski reccomended people use puddy to cover the dents in walls. He also covers his beer pong table to prevent hard liquor from damaging the wood surface. Just to be safe and to prevent any health issues, Kalinowski throws all the drinks out when the partys over. People puke in his bath- rooms and miss the toilet or sink, so he uses sanitizer to disinfect the whole area. To freshen up any unpleastant smells, Kalinowski uses an air freshener. Cleaning up after a wild party might not be the ideal good time. However, its something that has got to be done in order to prevent prob- lems in the future. AFTER-PARTY CLEAN UP apartment guide 11 Wednesday, april 23, 2008 By Jason Baker jbaker@kansan.com Its your first year out of the dorms, and youre living in an off-campus apartment. Youre loving the feeling of being free from being so close to campus, except for one thing: getting to class. Considering walking to campus is out of the question, you have the option of either driving to campus or taking the bus. Say you decide that youre getting a bus pass to commute to campus, According to KU on Wheels, a bus pass for the school year is $140. But if youre not sure and want to test it out for a semester, its $75 for each semester. The bus pass goes for all the bus routes. One sdvantage some students find about the bus is not having to worry about much. Sarah Aistrup Manhattan sophomore and Sara Hollaway Springhill sophomore both agree that its convenient, I dont have to worry about parking, it drops you off in front of the buildings you need to go to and its better than riding a bike, Aistrup said. Another reason students opt for the bus is because its cheap. Matt Perll, Overland Park sophomore, takes the Legends bus because its included with his rent. It gives you are reason to get up and go to class, Perll said. Perll said he would continue taking the bus because gas prices are too expensive and out of his budget. Students can also use the Park and Ride system, an annual pass is $205 or $140 for each semester to park in the lot and catch the bus. But its free for students to take if you happen to be on campus. Park and Ride starts on 23rd and Iowa streets; and makes stops at Snow Hall, Robinson Gymnasium and West Campus. Blaine Juhl, Lawrence freshman, uses the Park and Ride lot. It provides a method for me to get to cam- pus, because where I live isnt on the KU bus route, Juhl said. He said theres no other way considering that he doesnt live on campus and freshman living off campus are only allowed the Park and Ride lot. Isaac Meier, Salina sophomore, doesnt park in the Park and Ride lot but does use the bus system. I ride the bus because Park and Ride is within walking dis- tance of my house, and its free. I would rather drive if its raining or its cold outside. However, if the weather is nice, I enjoy the walk. Meier said. Although the bus may be a convenient way to save money on gas, many students feel that it doesnt help that the time of waiting is uncertain. You sit and wait for it and sometimes you miss it and that sucks. Said Holloway. Aistrup believes that theres not enough of off-campuses that go around, I feel like theres more on-campus buses that go to places like the Recreation Center and the Dorms than off-campus. Aistrup said. Some students may miss the bus for different rea- sons, Matt Broberg, Salina junior, said because it cant tell what bus it is. Sometimes I miss the bus after class. But its actually right in front of me, just the side panel screen is blank, he said. Another hassle for students is that it forces them to have to wake up earlier than they want. Perll talks about the Legends bus, It comes every 40 minutes. If I have a class at 11, I have to be get up at 10:10. It gets there at 10:20, and I have to wait a while for my class. Theres a lot of downtime in between, he said. Broberg has similar experiences, Sometimes I just wanna lay in bed for five more minutes, but nooo, I have to get up to catch the bus. He said. Broberg said he originally started taking the bus because he used to have a bad car. So if you prefer to get to campus on your own time, you might want to get a parking pass. According to KU Parking and Transit, students are allowed to park in the Yellow Lot. Which is $160 for the school year or $85 for a semester. Students that drive to the campus can find it very feasible. Sarah Harbert, Shawnee sophomore said she can go to class on her own time, I can leave whenever I want, and I dont have to worry about catching the bus. Harbert commutes from The Reserve on 31st and Iowa and uses the Recreation Center lot. Harbert says getting to class is not a problem because she has morning classes, and its easier to get a parking spot than in the afternoon. Sara Vestal, Kansas City, Kan. sophomore likes the different options to park. Theres parking out at the Burge Union, JRP and the Rec. Center. So you can park closest to where you need to be. She said. Like Harbert, Vestal uses the Rec. Center a lot but some- times uses the Union parking. Another issue is overselling of parking passes, Brady Greig, Olathe junior like others parks. I guess I dont like the fact that they oversell parking permits but still charge so much, he said. Another issue is the cost of gas. Harbert said that the main reason she might get a bus pass next year because of the rising gas prices. So students who are moving off campus for next year have a lot to consider. The choice is up to the student, and you may want to try both out for each semester to see which works the best, if you are dead set on not hiking up to campus every day. Multiple options getting to campus available Mindy Ricketts/KANSAN Students living of-campus use the KU bus system for a variety of reasons, including saving money for gas and groceries. www.meadowbrookapartments.net Bob Billings Pkwy & Crestline Dr. 785-842-4200 Also leasing for Furnished 3 and 4- bedroom apartments located at 19th & Mass. Fitness Center & 2 Pools! Now Leasing for Summer and Fall Voted Best Townhomes by You in 2007! Furnished Studios 1-, 2-, 3 and 4- Bedrooms On-site Management 24-Hour Maintenance Walking Distance to KU with 3 Bus Stops Washer/Dryer included in Many Floor Plans Floor Plans for Every Need Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 - 5:30 Sat: 10 - 4; Sun: 1 - 4 12 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 By Michael holtz editor@kansan.com Kris Laur, Milwaukee junior, arrives home from work to be greeted by Borris her three month old Pug-Miniature Pinture puppy. For Laur, dogs have always been an important part of her life. I got [Borris] over winter break as a 21st birthday present to myself, said Laur. Not hav- ing a dog while in college was weird for me. Laur isnt the only student with a passion for humans canine counterparts. Destaney Sperry, Shawnee senior, has two of her own Enzo, a one-year- old Australian Shepherd and Conan, a nine-weeks-old German shepherd/Rottweiler. I have always loved animals and wanted some fun entertainment, Sperry explains. While owning a dog can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, Laur and Sperry agree that it is also a hefty responsibility not only the amount of time demanded, but also the financial requirements. Both claim to spend between $50 and $100 dollars during any given month on pet supplies such as food, treats, and veterinary expenses. Hes not too expensive because he is so Living with pets in apartments see Pets on page 14 away from Home 1&2 Bedrooms Y o u r Home i n
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L i v i n g On KU Bus Route FREE Business Center 1301 W. 24th 842-5111 www.campuscourtku.com NEW Appliances and Wood Flooring FREE Fitness Center FREE WIFI Indoor 1/2 Court Basketball FREE Tanning Bed Saddlebrook 6th & Folks 832.8200 Parkway Commons 3601 Clinton Pkwy 842.3280 Canyon Court 700 Comet Lane 832.8805 Chase Court 19th & Iowa 843.8220 apartment guide 14 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 little, said Laur. The cleaning supplies are the most expensive; he still pees in the house sometimes. As for the amount of time needed for a dog, Sperry, a full time student and full time employ- ee, leaves whatever time she has left to spend with Enzo and Conan. When she is in class or at work, Sperry places her pups in kennels as to prevent them from terrorizing her home while she is away. Aside from time commitments and financial responsibilities, pet policies are another impor- tant consideration when deciding to get a dog. Many complexes, such as Laurs, require a pet deposit, a signed contract, and/or monthly pet fees. Also, limitations on the size of dogs are common throughout Lawrence apartment com- plexes. Laurs landlord demands that all dogs must weigh less than 25 pounds. The bigger the dog, the more damage they can do, explains Laur. In Lawrence, its hard to find a place that allows dogs over 50 pounds. Check with your landlord or complex man- ager for exact pet policies. So you have the money, the time, and under- stand your complexs pet policy. Now all you need to do is make a decision. Kelsey Fath, Topeka freshman, is doing just that. Though still weighing her options, Fath has a strong affection for dogs and wants a Pomeranian for next year when she moves out of the dorms and into an apartment. I really miss my dog from home, said Fath, echoing Laurs reasoning for getting a dog. I love animals, dogs in general, so I wouldnt mind taking care of it. For those of you who, like Fath, are consider- ing getting a dog of your own, Laur and Sperry offer a few words of wisdom. Its a pretty big decision that people need to think about pretty hard, said Laur. It took me awhile to decide that I was ready to get a dog. You really need to think a long time about it. Sperry said understanding your responsi- bilities is the most important factor in making a decision: being financially prepared and willing to dedicate your time to caring for your pet. Pets arent for everyone, and they do cost a lot, said Sperry. They need constant attention and care. So before you run to the pet store or start flipping through the classifieds in search of the perfect pup, heed the advice given by Laur and Sperrey. Like they said, having a dog is a huge responsibility, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. Understanding such responsibilities is key to owning any pet, not just dogs, and will make your experience that much more enjoyable. PETS (continued from 12) Lisa Lipovac/KANSAN Kris Laur, Milwalkee junior, said the reason she got a dog once she moved into her Lawrence apartment was that she found herself missing her dog at her home. She said it was a big decision to get a pet and that it took her a while to make it. 15 by matt lindberg mlindberg@kansan.com Wednesday, april 23, 2008 1. Do you have room for a pet? Apartments are not the ideal living space for most active pets. Most pets require daily exercise and space to move around. If you dont think your apartment can suit these factors, you may want to stick with a smaller pet that can be stored in one particular area, like a fsh or a hamster. 2. Do you have time for pets? College is one of the busiest times in your life. School, homework, parties and bars are all parts of the schedule you have to consider giving up. If you dont think you will have time time for a pet, your best bet is to avoid getting one for the time being. 3. Will your apartment complex let you have a pet? If you didnt pay attention to the lease you signed for your apartment, go back and review it. Some apartment complexes in Lawrence have a No pet clause, which means there is a very strict No pet law enforced there. 4. Can you aford a pet? Despite what you may think, pets are pricey. Not only can they cost up to $500 range, but they require medical shots, food, vetenarian, boarding when you go out of town and other costs you never thought of. If youre already pushing the limits as far as your bills go, def- nitely reconsider getting a pet until you can actually aford it. 5. How to prepare your home for a pet? Anything that you think can be harmful to pets-electric cords, crumbs on the ground, glass, etc, needs to be removed. Make sure you have an apartment that is safe for a pet to live in. 5 things to consider before getting a pet Now Showing for Summer & Fall 2008 $$$ MOVE-IN SPECIALS $$$ www.leannamar.com www.williamspointe.com 4410 Clinton Pkwy Lawrence, KS 66047 LeannaMar 4 Bedroom 3 Full Bathrooms 1550 Square Ft Full Size Washer & Dryer Walk-In Closets Free Extended Basic Cable Free Broadband Internet Free Carports Williams Pointe 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bathrooms 1421 Square Ft Full Size Washer & Dryer Tile Floors Free Extended Basic Cable Free Broadband Internet Free Carports LeannaMar Open House Wed, Thurs, Fri 3-7 & Sat 112 Directions from Campus 1. Head south on Iowa St to Clinton Pkwy 2. Turn right (west) on Clinton Pkwy 3. Travel approximately 2.5 miles on Clinton Pkwy 4. Turn right (north) on Inverness Dr 5. Take your first left on the access road parallel to Clinton Pkwy 6. Show townhome is located in 3rd building on the left apartment guide 16 WEDNESDay, aPRIL 23, 2008 When I moved into my first apartment, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was a nave freshman who thought I was too cool for the dorms. I thought it would be fine to move in with my then-best friend, not knowing that friends arent always the best roommates or that people change once they reach college. Im no longer friends with that roommate, but Ive learned a lot about dealing with room- mates and living in an apartment since coming to the University of Kansas in Fall 2004. Here are some things Ive learned along the way: First, I learned that cleanliness makes every- thing easier. It makes your roommates appreci- ate you so much more, and it makes your home more livable. When I was a kid, I remember waking up on Saturday mornings to the Beatles blasting from the family room. My dad would spend Saturday mornings cleaning, and the Beatles were his constant soundtrack. I loved the feel- ing of a fresh house, and I loved the happy attitude that my dad had about cleaning. Today, I try to do my dishes as soon as possible and to vacuum and sweep the floors at least once a week. Although my clean- liness has gotten a little out of hand (I once spent 45 minutes scrubbing my shower while my roommate was waiting to leave for the bars), my current roommate, Alison, has come to appreciate my OCD. Second, learn how to talk through your problems without getting mad. One time, Alison came home from a night of drinking with a group of friends. She had fallen and skinned her knee on the way home, and of course, her friends were laughing and cackling while she tried to clean her knee and put on a Band-Aid. Meanwhile, I was trying to sleep. I lay in bed, trying to suppress my anger at being woken up, but I couldnt take it any longer. I stormed out of my bedroom in PJs and proceeded to scream at Alison. The next morn- ing, I couldnt deal with the shame. As soon as she woke up, I asked if we could talk. I apologized profusely and made sure that she under- stood how ashamed I was. Since then, weve both made a point of telling each other when something is bothering us. Relationships with roommates are similar to boyfriend-girlfriend relation- ships in that talking out your problems is the best way to solve them. Third, be prepared to deal with whatever may come up. In my second apartment, a bird once flew into the wall through a hole in the overhang. It frantically fluttered around for two days, creeping out both my roommate and me. I could imagine it starving, hanging on for dear life and eventually succumbing. My landlady was reluctant to cut a hole in the wall to rescue the bird, so either it escaped on its own or died between the sheetrock. Ill never know. Then during this past semester, my room- mate and I came home from the bars to be greeted by an opossum. It must have smelled the pumpkins we had carved earlier that week- end and decided to venture up three flights of stairs to our front porch. I tried to remember that it was more afraid of us than we were of it, but it still freaked us out. We screamed and squeaked enough to scare it away, something I learned from my days as a Girl Scout. Of course, in Girl Scouts they were trying to teach us how to scare away bears, but I figured it would work with any wild animal. Best of all, I learned that living in an apart- ment is fun when done right. Follow these tips, and you should be able to enjoy your college apartment life. A seniors perspective: By Dianne Smith managing eDitor Making the most of your college apartment My landlady was reluctant to cut a hole in the wall to rescue the bird, so either it escaped on its own or died between the sheetrock. Ill never know. Tuckaway WWWTUCKAWAYMGMTCOM 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms $200 deposit Pool, spa, exercise room FREE tanning Bring in this AD and get $200 off 1st Months Rent! Quiet atmosphere Pets allowed Flexible Leases Basic cable, water, trash/sewer paid