Housing Guide - Student Life

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700 Rosedale Avenue Ɔ Saint Louis, MO 63112
[email protected] Ɔ www.offcampushousing.wustl.edu
1, 2, & 3 Bedroom
Apartments
THE HOUSING FAIR GUIDE
FEBRUARY 10 from 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
2nd floor of DUC
A PA R T M E N T S
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Stop by the Jail n Bail at the Housing Fair
February 10th
2nd Floor DUC
10am - 3pm
All proceeds from the Jail n Bail event go to Habitat for Humanity.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
STUDENT LIFE
classic architecture.
modern living.
Clara Park Condominiums are approved for the
Wash U Employer Assisted Housing Program.
Receive 5% towards closing costs!
THURSDAY-TUESDAY
12-4pm
or call for an appointment
314 CLARA AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO
(314) 361-7474
www.claraparkcondos.com
1-br condos from $119,700
2-br condos from $149,700
stop by our booth for a free
tote-bag & register to win a $50
gift card from kayak’s coffee!
why rent an
old apartment
when you can
own a beautifully
renovated condo!
1
2 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Table of Contents
Neighborhoods
4
5
6
7
Forsyth
Skinker-DeBaliviere
North of Campus
DeMun
Moving in
JOSH GOLDMAN | STUDENT LIFE
Apartments on Forsyth Boulevard are just a short walk from both
Washington University and downtown Clayton.
9   How to save on Internet service
11 Essential things to consider when searching for an apartment
17 Furnishing how-to’s
Housing Fair
12 Property profiles
14 Housing Fair map
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
3
Off-campus life
19
21
22
23
Where to buy groceries
Finding the time to cook
Off campus without wheels
Places to go, things to see
JOSH GOLDMAN | STUDENT LIFE
Schnucks on Clayton Avenue is a popular supermarket for student shopping. The store in Richmond
Heights is one of Schnucks’ 24-hour locations in the
St. Louis metro area.
AWARD-WINNING RESIDENT SATISFACTION & SERVICE
Lifestyle
for Rent
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Roommate Rewards Program • Pet-Friendly • Student Discounts
Planned Social Activities • GREEN • WiFi
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*Offer valid for a limited time only. Certain resistrictions apply.
888.801.3496 • [email protected]
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4 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Neighborhoods
JOSH GOLDMAN | STUDENT LIFE
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, located at the corner of Forsyth Boulevard and
Asbury Avenue, splits the Forsyth neighborhood in half. The two-block area
west of campus houses residential, commercial, and religious buildings.
Westfield
Apartments
Ideal location at Laclede Station Rd. and West Bruno.
Close to Washington University, Clayton business area,
highway 40 & 170, shopping and many restaurants.
Monthly rent includes water, sewer and trash.
Amenities include appliances, central air/heat, carpet,
washer/dryer hook-ups, basement storage and pool.
2 Bedroom Garden $510-$575
On-site manager and maintenance.
For more information, call Connie at
314-644-1446
2012A Westfield • Maplewood, MO 63143
Forsyth
The perfect balance of safety, comfort,
convenience and economic practicality
can be found on the charming street of
Forsyth Boulevard.
Forsyth apartments and houses are located on the two blocks west of campus between Big Bend Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway. The quiet street
lined with oak-trees is more reminiscent of a small town than a city. Residents
range from college students and professionals to young families. Most of the
buildings were probably built before our parents were even born; some of the
houses are modern, but all of them have character and add to the allure of
Forsyth.
Among students, the area is also known as the safest off-campus neighborhood. According to crime statistics, Forsyth has a lower crime rate compared
to other residential areas on the perimeter of campus such as Greenway,
Waterman and the Loop.
“I don’t have a car, so I routinely walk back from school at night. I’ve never
had any issues or felt unsafe. Forsyth is well lit and has decent traffic at all
times,” junior Jenny Yeon said.
In addition to the safety of Forsyth, the intersection of Forsyth and Forest
Park Parkway offers several commercial amenities, including a British Petroleum
gas station, The Wine and Cheese Place, Crazy Bowls & Wraps, Colleen’s Cookies
and J’Labii Hair Design Studio. Also located at this intersection is the Forsyth
MetroLink stop, so public transportation is still accessible to those without cars.
Though there are no more apartments beyond this intersection, going farther
west on Forsyth will lead you into the heart of downtown Clayton and its
vibrant restaurants and shops.
“I have been living on Forsyth for three years now, and it’s great because it is
so close to campus, especially the Olin Business School,” senior Noah Roth said.
Also, I feel that there’s a sense of community on Forsyth. I often talk to my nonstudent neighbors about what is going on in the neighborhood and just how
their day is going. I would recommend Forsyth to any Wash. U. student.”
If you are looking for off-campus housing, Forsyth is an excellent place to
start because of its safety, commercial conveniences, proximity to campus and
wholesome, small-town feel.
Gina Hyun
Contributing Reporter
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
SkinkerDeBaliviere
5
A well-lighted & gated property, monitored by video
surveillance, with secured entry to building.
ROBERTSPLACE LOFTS
Josh Goldman | STUDENT LIFE
Located in St. Louis City, the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood is sandwiched between the Danforth and medical campuses of Washington
University.
While the 15-minute walk to campus
from the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood may deter students from living in
this area east of the Danforth campus, the
unqiue personality of the neighborhood more than compensates for the lengthier
trek to campus.
The neighborhood has embraced it’s unique mix of hipsters and hippies (AKA
vegetarians aplenty) and remains one of the friendliest areas to live near the
University. Students often host weekend potlucks, and the ringing of church bells
every half-hour add to the sense of community felt by residents of the SkinerDeBaliviere neighborhood. Residents are friendly, pets are uncommon and students
are more likely to chill at the Co-op than rage at the frats.
Perks of the area include nearby Forest Park, being a hop-skip-and-a-jump from
the Skinker MetroLink, and a random but charming hot pink building. Many bikers
call this area home, though there are also enough cars to make parallel parking
necessary.
Don’t expect W.I.L.D. lawn parties like those on north of campus; you’re much
more likely to find students gathered around a hookah, discussing neo-colonialism
and contemplating whether to just skip the concert and watch “Planet Earth”
instead.
Skinker-DeBaliviere is for the Wash. U. student who self-identifies as a not-typical
Wash. U. student. If the area were an author: Michael Pollan. A season: fall. A word:
whatever.
Waterman and Rosedale are the ResLife options available in the area; properties
owned by Quadrangle Housing, which is affiliated with the University, are also big
with students.
The east end of the neighborhood is also close to the medical campus, making
the area perfect for undergraduate and medical students looking for a nice place to
live.
Dan woznica
Managing editor
Updated Kitchens, In Unit Laundry, Free Internet, Fitness Center,
Pool, Spa, Free Parking, Community Room & Half Basketball Court
CLOSE TO WASH U • CENTRAL WEST END • DELMAR LOOP
One bLOck frOM deLMAr bLvd. Off uniOn & enright
Apply now! Starting at $680 call 314 367 7431
800 Arlington Ave, St. Louis MO 63112
6 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
North of Campus
Matt Mitgang | STUDENT LIFE
The area directly north of campus is densely populated by undergraduate students and families who call the Ames Place community their home. While
many undergraduate students view the area as an extension of the University, the signs for Ames Place remind students that they are living off campus.
If you are looking for a good place
to live, north of campus might be an
ideal locale. Living between the general boundaries of Big Bend, Olive and
Skinker boulevards and main campus provides some unique perks unavailable
to residents of other areas that you will definitely want to be a part of.
The most obvious advantage to living north of campus is being close to the
Delmar Loop. Being able to walk to your favorite restaurants and bars without
having to worry about a ride home is comforting, and with new security measures in place, the Loop is now safer than ever.
Another plus is the outdoor farmer’s market that is open on the Loop from
8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and provides fresh produce at cheap prices within walking distance.
As far as housing goes, price and availability should not be a major issue,
provided that you begin your search early. Generally, the farther north one travels from campus, the cheaper housing will be, and the easier it will be to find.
The nicest housing that is closest to campus is situated in the quasi-gated
community of Ames Place. Surrounded by walls and constantly patrolled by
police and security officers, this is one of the safest places to live. However, the
majority of buildings are houses—not apartments—which lead to higher rent.
Additionally, the limited entrances make driving cars in and out of the neighborhood inconvenient. Don’t expect friends from far away to want to drive over.
adam rubin
Cadenza Reporter
Granted, most worthwhile places are well within walking distance.
Three blocks of apartment building border Ames Place to the north, and
these buildings are often the most sought-after by Wash. U. students. The
University owns several buildings in the area, including Greenway Place, all of
which include utilities and are properly maintained despite their somewhat
small size. Those who want to get off the administration’s radar will also find
plenty of beautiful and spacious apartments at reasonable prices. Parking can
get difficult at times, but a car will still be required for trips to the grocery
store. If you have to park in front of your building, be careful of street cleaning every week. You are guaranteed to receive at least a $20 ticket for a parking violation, so mark your calendar and move your caron the day of street
cleaning.
North of Delmar Boulevard is a much different environment. The streets are
not as pretty, but the apartments are just as spacious and appealing. Prices are
generally lower here, and parking is plentiful. Apartments north of the Loop
also have access to beautiful parks and gardens that can be used by anyone.
Another plus is the proximity to the Schnucks on Olive Boulevard. It is close
enough that one could walk. However, the path is not very safe. Unfortunately,
crime is a constant problem in this neighborhood. You would be well advised
to lock your doors every time you leave the apartment and keep all valuables
in your car out of view. Additionally, it takes a long while to walk to class, so
you may be inclined to drive.
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
7
DeMun
Living in DeMun feels like living at
home. There’s very little hustle-and-bustle. It’s a quiet suburb with an elementary
school around the corner. A few parks within walking—nay—crawling distance. Kaldi’s Coffee. A laundromat. There’s even a candy store. When’s the last
time you went to a candy store?
Everything is very quaint and un-college-like, which both works in and
against DeMun’s favor. I’ll admit that I get this inflated sense of sophistication when I interact with the neighborhood’s adults. Unfortunately, most of
my friends live a good 30-minute walk away, tucked deep in the Loop, so if
you too choose to live in DeMun, you’d better invest in a car, or more realistically, a free U-Pass.
Let’s get back to what makes DeMun so awesome—the stuff that will make
you forget about the Loop on your weekends. Kaldi’s Coffee serves some of
the best roasts and lattes around. If your only (bad) impression of Kaldi’s is
from drinking that coffee served on campus, you’re in for a happy shock. A
latte prepared off-campus tastes much better than a latte prepared on-campus. Kaldi’s also carries delicious pastries, filling vegetarian meals and, most
importantly, gooey butter cake.
Down the street from Kaldi’s is a trio of bars. Jimmy’s and Sasha’s sit snug
next to each other. They both carry expensive drinks and food. I swear that as
each day passes, the old married couple looks more and more alike—although
Sasha’s has better pizza. The Blue Oyster pits a wine rack against raw oysters,
if you’re into that sort of thing.
It takes 15 minutes to walk to main campus, which is good news if you’re
into that whole school thing too. Also within reasonable walking distance
are Schnucks, Walgreens, the Esquire 7 and the Hi-Pointe Theatre. And who
can forget the parks? On one side, Concordia: great for mid-afternoon walks,
percy olsen
Senior Cadenza Editor
VILLAGES WYNCREST
OF
Josh Goldman | STUDENT LIFE
The DeMun neighborhood, located in Clayton, is secluded from the
surrounding area. Just a 15-minute walk from campus, DeMun offers
students a quiet neighborhood that feels like home.
reads, picnics and dog-watches. On the other side is Forest Park, where you
can do, well, anything.
The most troubling part about living in DeMun is that you’ll stop feeling
like a college student after a while. And I’m afraid that all this talk of wine
bars and reading for pleasure has inflated my sense of sophistication once
again. In times like this, there’s only way to ground myself: Go to Mike Duffy’s
on karaoke night and sing “We Are the Champions” all the way home. The
quiet neighborhood offers no resistance.
8650 Kingsbridge
*Off I-170 & Delmar*
St. Louis, MO 63132
P (314) 991-3150
COMMUNITY FEATURES
*Two 24/7 State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers
*Two 24/7 Clothes Care Centers *Crystal Blue Pool
*Carports and Garages Available
ONE BEDROOM FLOORPLAN
TWO BEDROOM FLOORPLAN
APARTMENT FEATURES
*Bright, Sunny Floorplans * Spacious Townhomes
with Private Entries, Modern Kitchens with
Dishwashers and Double Sinks
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
*Metro Bus Service Through the Community
*Computer, Internet, Faxing and Copying Services
7 Days/A Week *10 Minutes to the Airport *Walking
Distance to Ruth Park, Golf Course and Shopping
*Professional, Timely Service Request Team
*Friendly and Caring Management Staff
560 sq. ft.
760 sq. ft.
8 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Your Destination
Our Inspiration
City Living
CityView
Courtyards at Cityside
Ely Walker Lofts
Neighborhood Gardens
(314)
(314)
(314)
(314)
588-1177
231-6806
436-7451
655-1005
3949 Lindell
Hafner Court
Park Station
West End Terrace
(314)
(314)
(314)
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289-9000
432-0505
361-8300
533-8444
Brentwood Place
McKnight Crossing
Oaks on Bonhomme
Oxford
Park Clayton
Stanford Place
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(314)
(314)
(314)
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259-1009
961-4002
997-0345
645-6933
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Bonhomme Village
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Pavilion
Village Green
Waterford Manors
Waterford West
(314)
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(314)
(636)
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997-7900
205-1000
966-5011
878-1115
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225-5088
Jamestown
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Parc Chalet
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Versailles
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Windsor Townhomes
(314)
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355-2546
741-6838
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Park Val
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(314) 892-8900
(314) 647-3333
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Boulders at Katy Trail
Mansions at New Town
(636) 477-7770
(636) 916-2090
Colony
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Gatehouse
Holiday House
Tiger Village
(573)
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Brookside
(618) 549-3600
Cherry Hills
(618) 692-9310
Villas at Crystal Lake
(618) 409-2388
Central West End
Central
West County
North County
South County/City
St. Charles County
Columbia, Missouri
Carbondale, Illinois
Edwardsville, Illinois
Mills Properties
millsapartments.net
Swansea, Illinois
474-6137
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445-2311
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STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Moving in
9
How to save on Internet service
Your new off-campus apartment will
likely be empty when you open the
front door come move-in day. Internet
access has become so essential these
days that many people might rather sleep on the floor while they wait for a
mattress than have a fully furnished apartment but no Internet access.
Before you rush into getting your entertainment system hooked-up, however,
take some time to consider your options and how you could potentially save a
load of cash!
There is increasingly more television content available online from sites like
Hulu and Netflix. Why then pay for cable television when you can just about
get it for free? Join the ranks of “cable cutters” by following these simple steps
to get “TV” on your television without cable
Evan Freedman
Design chief
Step 1: find the right internet
service provider
What criteria should you use when picking from service options? First is
speed: don’t settle for those “lite” packages. If you plan on doing anything productive, you’re going to need a connection that transfers at a rate of at least a
few megabits-per-second (the amount of data you can download in one second,
often abbreviated as mbps). This is absolutely essential if you want to stream
video, unless of course “buffering” is one of your favorite pastimes.
The next criteria to consider is contract length. With summers off and semesters abroad, you and your roommates may find yourselves in and out of the
apartment for months at a time. So why pay for Internet service when there’s
no one there to use it? Don’t lock yourself into a long-term contract. Instead,
opt for the shorter contract lengths, either 6 months or 1 year, as these will
afford you greater flexibility. Of course, the most flexible contract is no contract
at all: when possible, choose month-to-month pricing. While this may sometimes mean higher rates, you won’t be wasting any money during those periods
you’re not in St. Louis (you could even save by shutting off over winter break).
Only after considering speed and contract length should you focus on cost.
Why’s that? Providers often advertise cheap packages as specials. If you jump
at what appears to be some great savings, you may find yourself stuck with a
2-year contract that will end up costing you in the long run, or such unbearably
slow speeds that you might as well be throwing away your money.
Service providers
Following these criteria leaves you with only a few options when it comes
to Internet Service Providers: Charter, the local cable company, and Clear, a 4G
wireless provider.
Charter is the cheaper option of the two, at least on paper: about $35 per
month for 8 mbps. But don’t forget hidden costs, such as the $5 per month
modem rental fee or the $50 installation fee. Even with these additional fees,
Charter should still cost less than service from Clear over a 6-month period.
However, a WiFi router is not included, so factor in that extra expense if you’re
looking to set up a wireless network.
One drawback of Charter is the installation process, which means sacrificing what little time you have at the beginning of the year to sit around at
home and wait for the cable guy to show up within the typical 3-or-more-hour
window of time. Also, the demand from all of the other students moving into
new apartments might make appointments hard to come by. Finally, if you
discontinue service over the summer, you may have to go through the whole
installation process again the following academic year, including paying that
$50 fee a second time.
Should you choose Charter, don’t necessarily sign up for service through their
website; Neal Gilb, Government Relations Manager at Charter Communications,
recommends that you call 888-Get-Charter for the most aggressive offers.
Clear Wireless is the only true alternative to service from Charter, though the
way in which you access the Internet is fundamentally different. Clear (which
is connected with Sprint) uses a combination of WiMax and 4G technologies
to deliver high-speed Internet access to your computer via a mobile device.
Sound confusing? It’s basically like tapping into a really large WiFi network.
The mobile devices, which range from router-like boxes to USB sticks to
pebble-shaped “personal hotspots,” pick up the signal from Clear’s network (just
as a cell phone would) and then deliver this signal to your computer through
a direct or wireless connection. What does this mean? First of all, since you
don’t need to plug anything in to access the Internet, there is no professional
installation at all when starting with the service, saving you time and money.
And with the USB stick or “personal hotspot,” you can bring the device with
you, which means you can access the 4G network in areas where you otherwise
can’t get Internet, such as campus buildings without WUFI or coffee shops that
charge to access their network.
Clear’s service is month-to-month and costs $45 for speeds from 6-10mbps.
However, since there is no contract, you must buy the required devices at full
price, which is around $100. It’s this device cost that makes Clear slightly more
expensive in the short-term. However, some will happily pay the extra money
because of the ability to access the Internet on the go, which you cannot get
with Charter.
I recommend getting either the at-home modem with built in WiFi router, or
the “personal hotspot” (called “Clear Spot”) which is basically a WiFi router that
you can take with you anywhere, giving Internet access to your laptop and up
to 7 other devices (should you want to share your connection with your friends
or smartphone/tablet).
Okay, so you’ve got Internet access. Now you can browse to your heart’s
delight. However, if you want to truly “cut the cord” to cable (and thereby save
money), you’ve got to get all that great stuff from the Internet onto your TV!
Step 2: hook up your computer to
your television
Even with all of those Internet TV boxes (like Roku) on the market, still the
cheapest and most versatile solution is to directly connect your computer to
your TV. This way, you can access video and other content from any site, including Hulu, something those Internet TV boxes and app-laden Blu-ray players
cannot offer.
To get what you see on your laptop screen onto your television screen, all
that’s needed is a fairly simple cable; what kind depends on the model of your
laptop. As you should do when purchasing any sort of cable, only buy the following cables online. Cables in physical stores are wildly expensive; retailers
can get away with this because most people don’t realize that cables can (and
should) cost less! With that short PSA complete, now’s the time to grab your
computer and look for one of the following ports:
see INTERNET, page 10
10 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
INTERNET from page 9
Service cost
(per month)
Device cost
8 mbps
$35
$5/month
$50
No
6-10
mbps
$45
$120
N/A
6-10
mbps
$45
$99
N/A
Service
Speed
Charter
Clear
Modem
with WiFI
Clear
Spot 4G
Installation
WiFi
included?
Likely additional costs
Order from:
$290
WiFi router: avg. $50
2nd installation fee: $50
888-Get-Charter or
Charter.com
Yes
$390
None
Clear.com or 877-499-6681
Yes
$369
none
Clear.com or 877-499-6681
PC (runs Windows)
HDMI Licenscing,
LLC
6 month
total
HDMI
• Common on newer computers
• Simply plug the HDMI cable into computer and plug the other
end into TV (nearly all TV’s made in the last 4 years have a
HDMI port)
• You’ve got the picture and sound from your computer coming
out of your TV!
VGA
• VGA only carries a video signal
• Most modern TV’s have a VGA port labeled as a “PC Input”;
zigazou76 | FLICKR
these are almost always accompanied by a headphone jack to
take in sound
• Get a combined cable that has both a VGA cable and a headphone (1/8” audio) cable like this one from Monoprice.com
(http://goo.gl/wvfay - from Monoprice.com), plug each into
their respective outlets on the computer, then plug the other
ends into the “PC Input” on the TV
• You’ve got sound and picture!
Apple
Mini DisplayPort
• Present on all Apple notebooks since 2008, though many earlier models also have this port
It only supports video; also, there is no such thing as a MiniAurélienS | FLICKR •
Display port on a TV. You will need an adapter.
• My recommendation: get this Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
(http://goo.gl/SdXSd - from Monoprice.com), then use the VGA
+ audio cable mentioned above
DVI
• Present on older MacBook Pros
• Again, buy a converter, this time DVI to VGA
zigazou76 | FLICKR •
Use the VGA + audio cable mentioned above
Mini-DVI
• Present on older MacBooks
• Again, buy a converter, this time Mini-DVI to VGA
• Use the VGA + audio cable mentioned above
sanchom | FLICKR
You may have to configure the size, resolution and arrangement of your
computer display if it is not set automatically (accessed through “Control
Panel” in Windows, and “System Preferences” in Mac OSX). Fool around with
the available sizes to see what works best. Be sure to check off the option to
“mirror” displays; this way, what you see on your laptop is exactly what you
see on your TV.
Step 3: add the necessary
accessories
If your video/audio cable is long enough, you can use the laptop directly to
navigate around the screen, pull up different websites and control video playback. However, if you desire a more laid-back couch experience, then there
are many remote control options. The simplest is to use a wireless keyboard
and mouse, though there are many more compact solutions. If you have an
iPod Touch or iPhone, there are several apps that allow you to control your
laptop from a distance. For a physical remote control, my personal favorite
is the Logitech diNovo Mini. It has both a track-pad (mouse) and a keyboard
(both functions are absolutely essential) and is about the size of a graphing
calculator.
Your typical gateway to the wealth of online video content will be the
browser. However, there are several applications that will serve video to you
in a way that is much more conducive to the TV screen experience. Be sure
to download Boxee, which presents multimedia from all over the web in an
interface that is easy and enjoyable to browse using only a remote control.
However, Boxee can’t access Hulu, so download Hulu Desktop to achieve the
same functionality only with Hulu’s library of content.
Revel in the fact that you are saving so much money by not paying for
Step 4: enjoy!
cable! Besides the big hitters like Hulu and Netflix, there are also many services that allow you to rent TV shows and movies, such as Amazon Video On
Demand or VUDU. Find the multimedia services that work best for you, and
enjoy cable television on your TV, only without having to pay for cable.
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
11
Essential things to consider when
searching for an apartment
Finding the right apartment near
Washington University is no easy feat.
The living experience differs—sometimes
drastically—depending on the neighborhood in which one lives. The most popular neighborhoods for undergraduates feel
like an extension of campus, while neighborhoods populated by a mix of students
and working individuals offer a clear split between time spent on and off campus.
Choosing the right neighborhood is important, but don’t overlook the subtle differences between neighboring apartments that play a large role in overall satisfaction with the off-campus experience.
josh goldman
executive editor
Air conditioning and heating
Adjusting to the St. Louis climate can be taxing. Summer days are brutally hot
and humid, and winter nights can be unbearably cold. Therefore, the ability to keep
your apartment at a constant temperature year-round is crucial for maximizing
comfort. Units with central air conditioning cool differently than apartments with
scattered window units, and while most apartments in the vicinity use natural gas
furnaces to generate heat, not all furnaces are created equally. When touring apartments, ask the current tenants how easy it is to manage the apartment’s temperature and how expensive the gas bill can be in the dead of winter. Also be sure to
ask how drafty the windows are. Drafty windows can significantly increase both
heating and cooling costs, so make sure that you are comfortable with the environment around you— literally.
Large bedrooms vs. large
common spaces
Some apartments offer large bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms; most do not.
If you love to cook, host parties or study at the dining room table instead of your
desk, then finding an apartment with spacious common areas is very important.
If your idea of a homemade dinner, however, is heating up a frozen pizza or a cup
of ramen noodles, then you should look for apartments with larger bedrooms and
a smaller kitchen. Prioritizing between personal and communal space may seem
trivial, but finding the correct distribution of square footage is essential to assuring
your continued happiness in your apartment.
Laundry facilities
Initially, you will assert that any off-campus laundry facility is better than the
machines offered on campus, especially the driers that never actually dry your
clothes. Don’t make this mistake. College
see ESSENTIAL, page 16
students never seem to have enough time
Property
Park East Apartments
x
x
x
x
Villages of Wyncrest
x
x
x
x
The Park Royal
x
x
x
x
x
x
The President
x
x
x
x
x
x
Hampton Gardens
x
x
x
x
The Gentry’s Landing
x
x
x
x
Loop Lofts
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Clara Park Condominiums
x
$675-795
x
x
560-1015
$599-1030
x
x
2 bdrm w/ den
490-2188
$620-1895
x
2 bdrm w/ den
490-2188
$620-1895
x
547-800
$490-760
x
x
x
x
500-1250
$509-1395
x
x
x
x
gated parking
680-1560
$775-1275
x
gated parking
650-1465
$119,700-273,400
300-500
$470-665
x
$650-1560
x
x
x
326-700
$495-775
x
x
501-1743
$525-1750
x
$895-2295
x
300-1100
$450-1150
x
x
x
500-1000
$425-895
x
x
x
x
x
x
Toronto & Parcade Apartments
x
x
x
x
Quadrangle Housing
x
x
x
x
Farimont/Monticello
x
x
x
x
Roberts Place Lofts
x
x
x
x
x
London Properties
x
x
x
x
The Gallery on Washington
x
x
Soho Square
x
x
3949 Lindell
x
CityView Apartments
x
600-750
x
x
x
x
x
off street parking
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
665-1363
$899-1989
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
480-1221
$420-750
x
Hafner Court
x
x
x
550
$535-575
x
x
x
The Oaks on Bonhomme
x
x
x
x
840-1800
$699-1210
x
x
x
Oxford Apartments
x
x
x
x
600-800
$495-595
x
Park Clayton Apartments
x
x
x
$650-777
x
x
x
Park Station
x
x
x
x
$499-885
x
x
x
Park Val Apartments
x
x
x
x
552-915
$490-747
x
x
x
Stanford Place Apartments
x
x
x
x
x
250-1632
$470-1475
x
x
x
West End Terrace Apartments
x
x
x
x
x
2 bdrm, 1.5 bath
550-1350
$679-1214
x
x
x
x
x
1 bdrm, 1.5 bath
833-1567
$1320-2990
x
Fountain View in Old Town
Clayton Condominiums
x
x
x
x
2 bdrm, 1.5 bath
x
x
2 bdrm, 3 bath
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
after 12
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3
x
x
9
x
x
9
x
x
n/a
x
2
x
2
x
18
x
6
x
x
x
5
x
x
x
4
x
x
x
x
5
x
x
n/a
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
4
x
x
x
7
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
18
x
19
x
19
x
19
x
19
x
19
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x
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x
x
x
19
x
x
16
Thursday, February 10 10am—3pm
Danforth University Center 2nd Floor
4
3
Fun Room
2nd Floor
Habitat for Humanity
Jail n’ Bail
Stressbusters
Massage Chairs
2nd Floor
5
Table 1:
Quadrangle Housing
Table 2:
Helix Realty
Table 3:
Front Door LLC
Loop Lofts
Table 4:
Real Properties Associates
Park East Apartments
6
Table 5:
London Properties
Table 7:
Village Green
Table 6:
The Gentry’s Landing
Table 8:
Clara Park Condominiums
2
1
Room 276
Balcony
15
14
13
12
9
Balcony
7
10
11
8
Table 9:
Roberts Place Lofts
Table 11:
The Gallery on Washington
Table 13:
Nat’l Real Estate Mgmt
Table 10:
The President & The Park Royal
Table 12:
Mills Properties
Table 14:
Villages of Wyncrest
Table 15:
Hampton Gardens Apartments
16 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Essential from page 11
Robin Witek | MCT
Finding and apartment with a free washer and drier is essential if you
want a continuous supply of clean clothes. It takes much more effort to
do laundry if you need to carry a roll of quarters with you to the machine.
for laundry, and if your apartment only offers coin-operated machines, you may
find that you wash your clothes even less than you did when you lived on the
South 40 your freshman year; at least the machines at school took Campus Card.
My biggest piece of advice for students looking to move off campus: Find an apartment with free laundry. Whether the machines are shared units in the basement
or are in each apartment, free washers and driers will guarantee that you actually
wear clean clothes and convince your parents that you can live off campus as a
responsible adult.
Is there a dishwasher?
Even if you are convinced that you will scrub down every plate that you use, your
roommates may not be so willing. If possible, find an apartment with a dishwasher.
You cannot cook if the stack of dishes in your sink reaches the ceiling, and more
importantly, you will resent you roommates if you feel that they are not holding up
to their cleaning responsibilities. Don’t look for a dishwasher because you’re lazy.
Look for a dishwasher to avoid a war with your roommate(s).
The furniture situation
The more furniture the current tenants will sell you, the better. In addition to
being hard to find, good furniture is even harder to move. Ask the current tenants
if their beds and their couches are for sale, and if they are, buy them (unless the
furniture is so seedy that it makes you cringe). Make sure that you know much used
furniture sells for though. You don’t want to get ripped off, so know when you are
getting a fair deal and when you need to bargain down the price a little. Hopefully,
you will find that the current owner of your furniture is asking for a fair price. Repay
the favor by reselling your furniture to the next tenant for slightly less than your
purchase price.
The landlord
When the furnace dies at 2 a.m. or heavy rains result in water damage, it is
essential to have a landlord who you can trust to send out a repairman quickly.
Check with past and current tenants as to the landlord’s reputation. Do not rely
on reviews you find on the internet. Generally, the only comments posted online
are from dissatisfied customers, and in many instances, the complainer may have
contributed to the problem.
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
17
Furnishing how-to’s: finding your
perfect style
One of the greatest things about moving
to an off-campus apartment is all of the
additional space you’ll have—no more dorm
rooms the size of walk-in closets, no more
cement walls that can’t support a thumb tack. But those dorm rooms also came with
furniture, which most apartments unfortunately won’t have. Space is great, but no
one likes empty space. When furnishing your apartment, first consider your style and
personality and then choose furniture and fabrics that help you feel most at home.
Your furniture, just like your clothes or the car you drive, reflects who you are.
Take a peek at local stores, break open a catalog, or for a look that will truly be
yours, visit Etsy.com, the Ebay of handmade goods. You can buy finished products or
the source materials to make your own decor.
Hana Schuster
Senior Scene Editor
Hippie at heart
For those of you who are free-spirited and love nature and all things tie-dye, here
are a few tips to furnishing an apartment that will reflect your carefree personality.
STUDENT LIFE 1/2 PAGE HORIZONTAL (10” X 5.75”) AD
Stick to simple, rustic-style furniture and earth-toned fabrics, which will allow the
Off-Campus
Living
Fair & Moving Line Guide
accents of your apartment and eccentric decorations to really
shine. Incorporate
color
Guide:
Wed.,
Feb. 9, 2011
by covering those white walls with some bright tapestries. These tapestries tend to
make a room feel a little dark, so invest in some sheer curtains that will allow
as
TOTAL
COST $495
much natural light in as possible. For a finishing touch, find an antique-style
mirEtsy.com
Artwork Deadline: Wed.,
Jan. 12,connects
2011 you with artisans and their quirky craft of choice,
ror with a decorative colorful frame. The
allowing you to decorate your space with truly unique items. You can
see style, page 18
colors on your tapestry
even use the “shop local” feature to browse sellers in the St. Louis area.
7743 KINGSBURY BLVD., CLAYTON, MO
A rare find . . .
in the City of Clayton in a secure, residential
neighborhood just minutes from Washington
University Campus.
Enjoy the following ammenities:
Controlled Building Access
Enclosed, Secure Parking
Indoor Storage
Fitness Center & Club Room
Beautiful Courtyard & Grilling Area
Walk to Restaurants, Shops & Post Office
Rental Rates:
WITH 50 % OFF FIRST MONTH’S RENT
One Bedroom, from $1,320 to $1,575 per mo.
Two Bedroom, from 2,020 to $2,990 per mo.
Option to purchase available.
(314) 725-4084 or (314) 721-7779
www.fountainviewinoldtown.com
18 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
style from page 17
covered walls will reflect off the mirror, adding additional depth and brightness
to your living room. The wood accents of your rustic furniture will ensure that your
apartment has that comfortable lived-in feel.
Romantic/whimsical
If pink was always secretly your favorite color (even though you told everyone it
was blue), or if you’d rather live in a fantasy world than in this one, you should furnish
your first apartment according to your whimsical personality and your rampant imagination in order to feel most at home. Though pink may be your favorite color, avoid
covering every surface in bubblegum tones—this is your first apartment after all; try
to stick to timeless designs and color schemes for a more sophisticated feel. Favor
whites and creams when choosing furniture for a whimsical, ethereal feel—a creamcolored bedroom set will allow you to really let your personality shine through your
fabric choices. Try a sleigh bed with a decorative curved headboard—it’s important to
look for soft, curved lines in your furniture. Invest in some pretty throw pillows with
abstract floral patterns in soft pastel shades, and use these to decorate your bed and
sofas. Try color palettes of soft pinks and greens or calming pastel blues and yellows.
Hang some black and white landscape paintings on the walls and purchase a few
decorative standing lamps with dim lights, and then decorate your surfaces with tea
candles or beautiful candleholders for a sophisticated fantasy-land feel.
FUNKOFMAVINTAGE | FLICKR
Refined and elegant
If you love the polished look of classic black-and-white color combinations, if
you’re a traditionalist at heart or if you’re just trying to refine your tastes, this is the
way to go. Choose either dark brown or black accented furniture in timelessly classic
designs. In other words—nothing too fancy, too modern or too flashy. Pick a comfy
dark leather sofa (think 1940s men’s club), and decorate it with some throw pillows
or blankets with simple patterns in soft, light colors—like cream or eggshell. Decorate
the walls with large dark-rimmed picture frames that feature small art prints in the
center surrounded by white matting. Some unique table lamps will bring instant
character to your rooms, and make sure to choose lower wattage bulbs for softer,
elegant lighting. Choose a four-post bed with pearl embroidered bedding for a room
that could be featured in a magazine; or go with a bedframe with an upholstered
headboard for a more casually refined look. Choose some accent colors to spread
throughout your apartment to break up the black, white and brown—like the luxurious European-esque combination of deep reds and soft golds, or try forest greens
with touches of tan and beige.
youngthousands | FLICKR
Modern Chic
Think 1960s meets contemporary cool. Try to choose some standout Mod- or Art
Deco-style furniture with touches of brightly colored lacquer ware as accent pieces.
Glass furniture can also go a long way when trying to achieve that modern chic
look. When decorating in this style, you don’t need a lot of fluff—minimize the throw
blankets, the pillows and the fabrics, and let the shape and design of your furniture do all the talking. Try a coffee table or work desk with a glass top and metal
frame. When it comes to lighting, the brighter the better—try a standing lamp with a
globe-shaped lacquered lightshade in strong colors like blue or orange. Your chairs
and sofas should also feature dashes of bold colors—try a bright, red tulip chair or a
black-and-white striped daybed. Because the furniture should be the true star of your
apartment, avoid adding too much decoration to the walls—try hanging a series of a
few circular mirrors with black frames side-by-side across one wall and keeping the
others bare or featuring a large abstract painting instead. The key to modern decorating is to channel a minimalist aesthetic while incorporating some unique conversation pieces. Feature architectural designs with sharp angles and straight lines, but
throw in a few curved pieces that will bring it all together. Lastly, make sure to have
a mostly black or white color scheme so you don’t end up with too many clashing
colors in one room.
CBCASTRO | FLICKR
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Off-Campus Life
19
Where to buy groceries
The best place to purchase
groceries is largely dependent upon your method of
transportation and the area
you call home. If you are living on the South 40 or in the
Village and must rely on your bike or your legs, then the
best choice is Schnucks on Clayton Road. It’s close, cheap,
clean, has free samples and is in a safe neighborhood. For
the lazier people among us, Paws and Go (Bear Mart) and
the Village Market have a small selection of necessities,
but beware of the high convenience fee.
With access to a car, WeCar or U-Pass, many new options
become available. Schnucks has three nearby locations
on Clayton Road, Olive Boulevard and Ladue Road. The
Clayton location has a deli, a butcher, a seafood station, the freshest produce and the best wine and alcohol
selection. The stores on Olive and Ladue normally have
Adam Rubin
Cadenza Reporter
slightly better prices to make up for lack of peripherals.
Regardless, any Schnucks is a solid choice for your main
supermarket. Normally, your preferred location will boil
down to whichever is closest.
For those who like spending more time behind the
wheel, Dierbergs on Eager Road and Target in Brentwood
Promenade Court are great alternatives. Dierbergs is a
more upscale supermarket with access to better products
and an especially good deli. However, expect the prices to
increase accordingly. Target makes up for a smaller selection with lower prices. The atmosphere is fun, but if you
don’t like the idea of Target brand food, you’d best keep
visits limited to non-grocery purchases.
If your parents gave you a credit
JOSH GOLDMAN | STUDENT LIFE
see Groceries, page 20
The Schnucks in Richmond Heights is
open 24-hours a day.
The GenTry’s LandinG
More Than You’d Imagine For Less Than You’d Expect
In the heart of downtown, across from the Arch
• Spacious apartments, Incredible Arch/Riverfront Views!
• Studios, 1 and 2 Bedrooms from $509–$1395
• 24-Hour Lobby Attendant and Camera Surveillance
• Rooftop pool, Observation Deck and Sauna
• Two Fitness Centers, one brand new, state-of-the art
• Community Room and Business Center with WiFi
• Laundry Facilities and Dry Cleaner on-site
• Grocery and Deli on-site
• Garage Parking - additional fee
• Convenient to Airport, two blocks from Metrolink
Be sure to ask about move-in specials!
Co
NEW me vie
wo
LY
APA REMOD ur
RTM
E
ENT LED
S!
Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9–7
Saturday 10–5
Sunday 12–5
Contact Information
314.231.5444
314.231.6542 fax
400 North 4th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
www.gentryslanding.com
20 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Groceries from page 19
card with no spending limit, you may want to head to Whole Foods. The food is
normally of much higher quality, with strong vegetarian options as well as many
prepared hot meals for mid-shopping snacks. Unfortunately, the prices are substantially higher than anywhere else. For those on a budget, it is wise to restrict your
visits to only trips for specialty items and the occasional splurge.
If you are lacking a certain variety in your kitchen, then a trip to Trader Joe’s in
Brentwood Promenade Court may be in order. The store specializes in foreign and
exotic foods that are unavailable at other stores. TJ’s is slightly more expensive
than Schnucks but offers such tasty food that it is well worth the extra dollar.
For the freshest produce, you should visit Soulard Farmer’s Market on Carol
Street or the Market in the Loop, an outdoor farmer’s market on Delmar Boulevard.
They offer fresh and unmodified products straight from the farm. However, out-ofseason products will be pricey and small. Also, expect the produce to spoil faster
than those from the supermarket. Still, the items are affordable and the Market
in the Loop is within walking distance for many students. Both markets have odd
hours, with Soulard open Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 6
a.m. to 5 p.m., and Market in the Loop open Thursday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m., so check your calendar before heading over.
As a final tip, try to hit Costco or Sam’s Club early on in the semester. Buying in
bulk will allow you to save money in the long run but only if you have the time
to use it all. But keep in mind you must have a membership card to shop at either
store.
JOSH GOLDMAN |
STUDENT LIFE
Whole Foods Market offers the freshest produce around of any store
and also offers many hot prepared entrees for purchase. The higher
quality of the goods at Whole Foods is worth the additional cost.
GREAT APARTMENTS
1 ,2 & 3 BDRM APARTMENTS
in the U. City LOOP
Studio, 1,2 & 3 BDRM APARTMENTS
In the CENTRAL WEST END
We have many different styles of
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to mid-century and modern.
All have central air, secure entries, off
street parking, 24 hour maintenance
line, friendly mngmnt, laundry room,
cable/internet ready and much more!
HELIX REALTY
314 367-SOHO
helixrlty @ prodigy.net
Visit our website-helixrlty.com
AMENITIES
}
GREAT MANAGEMENT
GREAT PRICING
•
•
•
•
•
FREE HEAT AND HOT WATER
FITNESS CENTER
LAUNDRY FACILITIES ON-SITE
FREE DVD LIBRARY
MAJOR BUS LINE ACCESS
• 1BDR/1BTH FROM $505
• 2BDR/1BTH FROM $650
*Prices Subject to Change
}
PRICES
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
21
Finding the time to cook
While Washington University students are privileged to have
some of the best campus food in the country, when you decide
to live off campus, a typical meal plan may not make the most
sense for your new, more independent lifestyle. Here are a few
dining guidelines for those of you making this tough transition.
Because of your busy schedule, you might not have time to cook yourself meals every day. For this reason,
cooking in bulk is generally best—after all, who doesn’t love leftovers? Stick to dishes that can incorporate
all of the basic food foods. Casseroles are a great option in this case: you can combine starches like pasta or
rice with meats like chicken, beef or sausage. Add fresh vegetables and some cheese and sour cream, then
bake it in the oven. The result is a surprisingly delicious, well-balanced meal that can last all week.
Stir-fry is another great solution, as it allows you to make use of whatever ingredients you may have on
hand—who needs a recipe? Just get the skillet going with a little oil, and combine all your items, including
sauces and spices. If you find it hard to utilize your fresh vegetables before they spoil, try using frozen veggies. They’re guaranteed to keep, often come pre-chopped and may even be prepared in a grilled or sautéed
fashion, giving them extra flavor.
Most of the area’s grocery stores have a variety of high-quality options when it comes to prepared foods.
You’ll find soups, sandwiches, salads, entrées and even pre-marinated meats that come vacuum sealed with
all of the fixings, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing spices and leafing through your mom’s old
recipes. When it comes to meat, grilling is likely out of reach here at school, but you can achieve a similar
result by pan-searing, all without the need for large and expensive equipment.
Frozen food carries a certain stigma, probably rooted in the “TV-dinner” days of the 1950’s. However, with
today’s frozen options, there is no shame in getting your dinner out of the microwave; many meals are gourmet fare that use real ingredients and not their chemical brethren. The absolute king of the frozen meal is
Trader Joe’s. The question most of the time is what can’t you get frozen? Fancy-sounding entrées? Check.
Meals from various cultures covering the globe? Check. Even prepared frozen pasta-and-sauce? Check.
Trader Joe’s is an excellent location to stock up on delicious frozen meals to act as your “back-up” plan; you
know, just in case you’re too tired to cook, you don’t have much time, or all the fresh food has gone bad.
Hana Schuster & Evan Fredman
student life editors
HANNA XU | STUDENT LIFE
TORONTO & PARCADE
Apartments
Location! Location! Location!
The Toronto & Parcade Apartments are located in St. Louis’ most cosmopolitan neighborhood,
the Central West End. Nearby you’ll find galleries, restaurants, side walk cafes, museums,
shopping and Forest Park. Located close to Washington University, St. Louis University and
within walking distance to Barnes Jewish Hospital complex and the St. Louis Cathedral.
The monthly rent includes: Appliances, Heat/AC, Sewer, Trash and Water.
Laundry located in the basement.
Secure building with on-site manager and maintenance.
Efficiency from $470 - $515 Studio from $515 - $565 1 Bedroom from $635 - $665
For more information, call Danny at (314) 378-6471
4398 West Pine St. Louis, MO 63108
22 STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Off campus
without wheels
Moving off the Washington University
campus is a daunting idea, especially
when you don’t have your own car to
navigate the city and purchase essentials. For many people, finding an roommate with a car is a necessity. But if
no one in your apartment has his or her own set of car keys, you can still get
around St. Louis with relative ease.
One of the first things you should do is register for a free U-Pass so you can
take the MetroBus or MetroLink. These public transportation systems can take
you downtown for Cardinals games, to shops such as Target and Bed Bath &
Beyond at the Brentwood I-64 station or to the Galleria Mall. MetroLink trains
arrive every 20 minutes during regular hours.
“Getting around St. Louis can get cumbersome with the MetroBus and
MetroLink system alone,” said senior Larissa D’Abreu, a Forsyth Boulevard
resident. D’Abreu regularly takes the MetroBus to Schnucks for groceries or
hitches a ride when other friends drive to the store. When D’Abreu or her
friends need to go elsewhere, they rent the WeCar.
The WeCar is a group of hybrid vehicles that members of the community
can rent for an hourly rate. Eight cars are currently scattered around the
Danforth Campus for the convenience of customers once they are registered
for the program and reserved a vehicle. The cost of $5 per hour for a sedan or
$8 per hour for an SUV includes gas and mileage.
Groceries are one of the biggest hassles with living off campus. The
Schnucks on Clayton Road has a bike rack for students with small purchases that will fit in a backpack. For larger quantities of purchases, there’s
a Dierbergs Grocery located next to the Brentwood I-64 MetroLink station,
while Culinaria, a supermarket run by Schnucks, is situated by the 8th & Pine
MetroLink station downtown. Bringing large eco-bags will let you buy as
much as you can carry.
As for getting to class or going home, there are plenty of options to negotiate the 10-to-15-minute jaunt. “I either walk, ride my bike, take Campus
Circulator, take Campus2Home or beg someone to give me a ride,” said junior
Kelly Gessner, a Waterman Avenue resident.
Campus2Home is a transportation service departing from the Mallinckrodt
Center and from Brookings Drive that takes students and Wash. U. staff to
their apartments located in the campus vicinity. Gessner normally studies in
the DUC while waiting for the next shuttle, which comes every half hour from
6 p.m. until 4 a.m.
Students currently living off campus recommend signing up for the WeCar
especially while you are at home. Students who are 18 to 20 years of age will
need a notarized form from their parents to enroll in the program. There is
no registration or membership fee with the online application form. Once the
paperwork is received by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, it takes three to six business
days before your key fob and membership card are mailed to you. Once you
are registered, you can reserve a vehicle online.
“It seems to be a reliable and very inexpensive alternative,” D’Abreu said.
“[Living off campus] is definitely doable if you pay attention to the public
transportation that’s offered,” Gessner said.
If all else fails, make sure you live near a friend with a car.
Johann Qua Hiansen
Staff reporter
KATE OBERG | STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
23
Places to go,
things too see
Like Uncle Ben told us in “Spiderman,”
“With new locations come a great number
of entertainment venues.” Cadenza has followed this advice through thick and thin,
and we think it’s time we shared what we’ve learned with the world. Here are the
movie theaters, stages and establishments that get our entertainment juices going.
PERCY OLSEN
SENIOR CADENZA EDITOR
For Movies
AMC Esquire 7
The Esquire is near the corner of Clayton Road and Big Bend Boulevard, right
next to Schnucks. While smaller theaters, like the Tivoli and the Hi-Pointe, show
less-mainstream flicks, the Esquire will be your fix for your latest Brad Pitt/
Angelina Jolie vehicle. And let’s face it, sometimes it feels good to indulge in some
sappy, happy or crappy cinema.
It’s an AMC, so the theater offers moviegoers a host of venerable drink-and-popcorn combos that don’t actually save you money. There is no “vibe” to speak of, but
the facilities are nice, and the audience skews young. It’s not the best movie theater
in St. Louis, but it could be worse. Plus, it’s the closest theater to the South 40.
Hi-Pointe Theatre
Situated a little southeast of the Esquire, the Hi-Pointe sits tucked away behind
Chinese Express and the giant Amoco
see places, page 24
sign on McCausland Avenue. Since there
reaL PrOPerty assOCIates, InC.
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Park east aPartments
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1 Bdrm/1 Bath from $675
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Individual utilities with Central AC.
Features Include: Entry System,
Remodeled kitchens, Stove, FF Refrigerator,
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Track Lighting, On-site laundry. Patio
or Balcony.
additional Charges: Surface Parking.
JOSH GOLDMAN | STUDENT LIFE
The one screen at the Hi-Pointe Theatre shows some of the best art
house movies that you can find, in addition to other films that do not
play at every mainstream movie theater.
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[email protected]
24 STUDENT LIFE
places from page 23
is only one screen, the theater can only house one or two films at a time, but
thankfully, they’re almost always movies that you won’t find at the Esquire. If you
live on the South 40, the Hi-Pointe offers students a nearby theater and the chance
to catch a less-publicized flick while you relax in the vintage atmosphere. Oh, and
make sure to pet the cat. That’s not code or anything. There’s actually a cat.
Tivoli Theatre
Sitting on the Loop, the Tivoli is arguably the student body’s most-beloved
movie theater. It shares a retro aesthetic with the Moonrise Hotel, the Pageant
and Pin-up Bowl (we’ll get to those last two later), but more importantly, it carries
great movies. Unlike the Esquire, which only shows hyper-commercial films, and
the Hi-Pointe, which mainly dabbles in the artsy, the Tivoli does not discriminate
studio from indie. If the movie’s good, it will show at the Tivoli, case closed.
Galleria 6 Cinemas
This theater is conveniently located downstairs by the food court in the St. Louis
Galleria, which is right off the Brentwood MetroLink stop. I wasn’t used to paying
less than $10 for a movie after 6 p.m., but here, students pay $6 all the time. The
theaters are average sized, and the seats recline. And, if you’re afraid your movie
is going to be sold out, you can just get there early because you are in a mall. My
biggest complaint is that there is no trivia before the movie starts; rather, you get
advertisements to buy wine and beer at the concession stand. And, coming from
a state where selling beer on a Sunday only became legal five years ago (yeah,
Puritans!), I figure it’s a pretty fair trade off.
Chase Park Plaza Cinemas
This is my favorite movie theater—located in the hip niche of St. Louis known
as the Central West End. My friends and I usually go to the movies and then get
dessert and coffee at a quirky café after. The five theaters themselves are cozy and
adorable, with ornate, hand-painted walls. There is stadium seating, and the seats
recline. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch the manager as he doubles as an organ
player before the movie starts. And as you leave the theater, they give you free
candy!
To get to the Chase Park Plaza, take the MetroLink to the Central West End stop,
and take a right out of the station. Walk about four blocks, and take a right on
Lindell Boulevard.
Moolah Theatre & Lounge
The Moolah is an amazingly weird place. It is literally a large living room with
couches set up sporadically in front of a movie screen. There are typical movie
theater seats too, but the couches are the reason you go to the Moolah. The theater
shows mainstream movies during the day. But the best is when you go there at midnight to see offbeat cult films like “The Warriors,” “Labyrinth” and “The Big Lebowski.”
For Performances
The Pageant
Across the street from the Tivoli is the Pageant, a great venue for intimate
performances. Obviously, nobody goes to a performance at the Pageant expecting a stadium rock concert, but you may be surprised by how cozy the situation
is in comparison to, say, the Fox Theatre. For starters, there is very little seating.
The main room forms a sort-of bowl. People who want to sit can (on stools on the
outer rim), but if you’re going to the Pageant for a concert, you’ll want to dive right
into the bottom of the bowl, where a (surprisingly calm) mosh pit forms below the
elevated stage.
Cicero’s
Cicero’s is on the western edge of the Loop and in easy walking distance of the
South 40. It mostly hosts local and indie bands in the small venue upstairs. You
could go to this place almost every day and see a new act, and best of all, nearly
every show is $10 or less.
Edison Theatre
There’s no venue more convenient than the Edison Theatre—it’s in Mallinckrodt!
It’s sort of ridiculous to go over everything that shows at Edison, but I’ll try. Let’s
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011
see, there are dances, plays, musicals, book readings, pageants, comedy nights...
basically, if it can be performed, it will be at the Edison Theatre. So go already! It
would be a shame if the only performance you saw in Edison was “Choices” the
first week of your freshman year. It’s a gem in our own backyard (the theater, not
“Choices”).
Gargoyle
Wash. U.’s very own on-campus venue, the Gargoyle is located on the bottom
floor of Mallinckrodt. A student-run committee books local and national acts, and
most shows are free with your Wash. U. ID. Be sure to take advantage of this hot
spot on campus.
Billiken Club
The Billiken Club is Saint Louis University’s equivalent of the Gargoyle. It’s a
bit farther than other venues but gives you a chance to put your amazing U-Pass
to use. Take the MetroLink to Grand, and walk about 10 minutes to SLU’s Busch
Student Center. Recent shows featured Reptar, Safety Words and Oberhofer.
Upcoming shows are posted at thebillikenclub.wordpress.com.
For Fun
Vintage Vinyl
There’s no feeling in the world like finding that one great, unknown CD. But that
feeling doesn’t exist at Vintage Vinyl...because you’ll find five of them. The store
has a fantastic selection of CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and, of course, vinyl. Your friends
may call you a music snob when you return to your dorm with the latest album by
Titus Andronicus, but loneliness is a small price to pay for a refined musical taste.
Pin-Up Bowl
For those of us who are under 21 years old (which includes most of us fledgling
Cadenzers), Pin-Up Bowl sort of represents the perfect night out once we get to
the other side. You see, there’s bowling, and there’s a bar. Yeah. That pretty much
sums it up. And it’s a full bar, by the way. We’re not talking about a pitcher of beer
and some pizza here, we’re talking about a full menu of cocktails, drinks and food.
And bowling! And a retro motif. Man, it would be cool to go there.
For Bar Acts
St. Louis hosts an impressive local music scene, with some especially standout
hip-hop, punk and jam acts. These bands play in bars all around the city. Particular
neighborhoods are known for their nightlife, and you can bounce from bar to bar
on a Friday night checking out different acts. You’ll have to look hard to find the
under-21 shows, but they’re often worth it. Besides the Loop, some popular neighborhoods for Wash. U. students include the Central West End and Grand, which are
both accessible by Metro. Midtown has a great scene down Washington, and when
you get older, you can head over to Laclede’s Landing.
A PA R T M E N T S
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Stop by the Jail n Bail at the Housing Fair
February 10th
2nd Floor DUC
10am - 3pm
All proceeds from the Jail n Bail event go to Habitat for Humanity.
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2nd floor of DUC