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How to Balance Freedom and Responsibility While Living in Utah Tech Housing

For many young people, moving to college is their first taste of absolute freedom. Being away from parents and school can feel like your entire world has changed. There are many new things to consider or pay attention to, which can often feel overwhelming. Many students in this predicament find it challenging to balance fun and responsibility. Often, there is a temptation to fully immerse oneself in the social scene at the expense of academics, personal growth, and even the law. Balancing the desire to have fun with the need for budgeting and self-discipline isn’t always easy. However, there are many ways to learn these necessary skills, especially if you have the right tools. While living in Utah Tech student housing, you can access resources and opportunities that make learning and personal growth more attainable. Vintage at Tabernacle , a Utah Tech student housing complex, is designed to support a balanced college experience, providing a convenient living space and a community where you can develop both academically and socially. Why Finding the Perfect Balance Is Important Finding a balance between freedom and responsibility is critical because it sets a foundation for academic success and personal growth. Students who manage their time well can enjoy social and economic benefits if they develop the skills required to succeed in higher education. Skills such as time management, discipline, stress management, and accountability will significantly benefit you throughout your lifetime. Part of this process involves establishing personal boundaries and limits. While others might tempt you to brush off your responsibilities, you can set standards by focusing on your work. For example, you might consider setting boundaries for yourself, such as: Only go out with friends at the weekend Insist on going to sleep by 10 PM on weekdays Set aside time to study in the library where there are fewer distractions Setting goals to keep you on track can help during this process. It helps turn your academic aspirations into actionable steps, making success more attainable and the tasks more manageable. Furthermore, setting boundaries helps you establish a routine. Eventually, you can get into the habit of working hard every day, which will help you achieve your goals. Manage Your Time Balancing freedom with responsibility often comes down to time management. The more you have available, the more you can indulge in fun without detracting from coursework. Creating a simple schedule can help you to maximize your time. Mapping out your classes and study sessions lets you fit fun and leisure activities around your academic responsibilities. This approach means you can use every hour of the day responsibly and get more done. Take this tip one step further by using time management tools like calendar apps, task managers, and focus apps. These tools let you track deadlines, set reminders, and concentrate better, allowing you to easily visualize and accomplish your daily to-do list. Once you have a structure in place, avoiding procrastination becomes simpler. You can tackle tasks promptly and break down coursework into manageable chunks, reducing the risk of last-minute cramming and stress. Learn to Live Well With Roommates Living with roommates can also be an adjustment. This can either become a hindrance or an asset to you. Making a positive first impression on your roommates is crucial. Being sincere and friendly allows them to understand you better and fosters relationship-building. Begin by engaging in open communication with your roommates. Take the time to learn about them individually and discuss critical matters like chores, study schedules, and quiet hours. Ensure you set clear expectations so everyone knows where they stand. Setting up a written agreement or determining a compromise if your housemates understand college life differently from you is also possible. Doing this holds everyone accountable and prevents anyone from adopting the responsibilities of others. The results can be fantastic once you have this discussion with your roommates. You can get more done without spending time or energy fighting an uphill battle against others. Create a Budget With Room for Fun Simply focusing on work deprives you of part of the university experience. The best approach is to leave space for enjoyment in your budget. You can do this by being mindful of how you spend your money. Creating a detailed budget can help you to accomplish this. Not only is this an excellent way to save up for adventures, but it also helps to teach accountability. Here are the steps to setting up a budget: List your income sources: Identify your income from part-time work, financial aid, family support, and investments to know how much money you can expect each month. Categorize your spending into specific segments: Create a list of planned expenses such as groceries, room rent, phone bills, etc. Calculate your remaining money: From your remaining funds, determine how much you will save and how much you have to spend on fun and leisure. Budgeting apps or spreadsheets are helpful for seeing how much you’re spending in specific areas. These let you monitor your expenses, identify patterns, and make adjustments when necessary. If you feel strapped for cash, finding a part-time job can help provide extra funds for leisure activities. However, this approach requires a lot of balance and dedication, as your time is already limited. Seek advice from those you trust on ways to balance responsibilities if you are thinking of working while going to school. Ultimately, enjoying yourself in college contributes to a well-rounded experience. It can also foster lifelong connections with others and reduce stress. Make Sure Your Calendar Includes Social Activities You also want your calendar to include outings with friends. Working or studying all the time isn’t best for your mental or physical health. To keep up with your studies while enjoying social events and campus activities, you could: Set goals for each week or month, detailing when you will complete assignments ahead of schedule Incorporate short study breaks into your routine to catch up with friends Make your study environment as productive as possible (by going somewhere quiet) so you can get more done during your sessions Form study groups with other students in the same classes Avoid going to every single event and only choose the ones that genuinely interest you Take Care of Yourself Finally, you can achieve a better balance of responsibility and fun by looking after yourself. Now that your well-being is entirely up to you, it’s your job to prioritize it. And while this might be challenging, there are several things you can do: Maintain good physical health. Exercise at the gym, adopt a consistent sleep schedule, and focus on your nutrition. Tend to your mental health . Find ways to manage stress and other issues that may affect your well-being. Explore support services available on campus. Allow yourself personal time. Ensure you have space in your schedule for socializing, relaxing, and participating in hobbies. Student Housing Near Utah Tech In summary, balancing freedom with responsibility while living in Utah Tech housing is essential. Getting it right helps you thrive in your studies and social life, setting you up for success and happiness in the future. Contact Vintage at Tabernacle to learn more about student housing near Utah Tech that will help you achieve your goals.

Everything You Need to Know About Renter's Insurance

Part of adulting is preparing for the future. This is why we attend college, earn a degree, and open a savings account. Another one of those necessary evils of being an independent adult is insurance. And we’re not just talking about your car. At its core, renters insurance is designed to keep the items in your home safe from harm, whether man made or natural, but it can do much more than that and may be cheaper than you think. While renters insurance is not required by law in the state of Utah, it is contractually required to rent with Vintage at Tabernacle . It’s probably cheaper than you think Unlike health or car insurance, renters insurance is one of the most affordable forms of insurance. When calculating rates, the fact that you are a person who has car insurance automatically makes you a candidate for a reduced renters insurance rate. Because of this, your car insurance provider is more than likely the cheapest option for your renters insurance needs. Many carriers will offer bundle deals for both policies, reducing your rates even further. Other factors that may affect your rates include your apartment location, local crime rates, and the age of your rental unit. According to The Zebra, the average renters insurance policy in Utah was a mere $130 for an annual policy . That’s a little over $10 a month! When you consider the potential costs your policy may save you, $130 is a no-brainer. It can save you A LOT of money What is covered under your renters insurance policy will vary from carrier to carrier, but generally you can expect the items inside and outside your rental property to be covered. This can include coverage in cases of theft, someone destroying your property while in your living space, and natural disasters, such as fire or wind damage. In some policies, renters insurance can cover much more than you’d think. For example, if a friend of yours is injured while filming the latest TikTok dance challenge while in your apartment, your renters insurance may act as your liability insurance for their medical expenses. Or let’s say, your toilet pipe bursts and floods the apartment below you: your renters insurance can protect you from incurring the costly bill. In the more traditional policies, theft is the primary coverage offered by rental insurance, which alone can be reason enough! As a student, you most likely have a powerful laptop for classes or gaming system to keep you sane. If any of these items go missing, as long as they are owned by you, they are most likely covered under your policy. If for some reason your living situation becomes unlivable (for example, due to a fire, not because your roommate is messy), you won’t have to live at home for the rest of the semester. Some policies will cover the cost you incur while living somewhere else! Be aware of what your policy covers There are a few key points to know about renters insurance. While most natural disasters are covered under policies, floods and earthquakes are not. The damage caused by these disasters can be so extensive, it would be impossible for insurance carriers to survive if they included them in their regular policy. Also, if your insurance policy covers personal property such as your computer, jewelry, or artwork, there may be a cap to how much your policy will pay out if these items are damaged. Be sure to inquire about these limits prior to signing a policy. Vintage at Tabernacle is dedicated to providing a fun, but safe, environment for you to thrive in while earning your degree. Renters insurance will provide you the peace of mind you need to focus on your studies and enjoy your time and space.

How to Secure Student Housing Near Utah Tech

18% of the 12,567 students who enrolled at St. George’s Utah Tech last year were out-of-towners. Whether you are from across the country or another town in Utah, finding housing is necessary for every college student. It’s never easy to find accommodations near a top-level university such as Utah Tech, especially if you’re not keen on the idea of cramped dorm living. However, if you know where to look, you can find quality student housing to suit your everyday needs. Located close to campus with many available amenities, Vintage at Tabernacle is a housing complex that puts its residents first. In this article, we share the best ways to secure the best student housing near Utah Tech. Start Searching Early With so many students vying for limited housing, starting your search early is always ideal. Getting a head-start on the search is especially important if you’re considering university dorms, which are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Private student housing is also incredibly popular because of its many perks, including increased freedoms, quieter areas to study, and amenities such as the on-site gyms and swimming pools available at Vintage at Tabernacle. This popularity means that property managers will often open applications for the fall semester by January or earlier. As soon as you set your sights on Utah Tech, start researching your housing options and taking note of the earliest dates you can apply. Explore website information and read student reviews to get the best feel for your choices. Be sure to apply before it’s too late! Determine Your Budget As a general rule of thumb, housing costs should account for no more than 30% of your overall budget. This percentage should include expenses like utilities, internet, and even parking in some instances. It's worth exploring affordable housing options like Vintage at Tabernacle to help manage your accommodation costs. Here, you'll enjoy perks such as high-speed fiber internet and study areas, all included in the standard pricing. Even if your budget is limited, consider shared floor plans at Vintage at Tabernacle. These layouts allow you to split costs with other students while still enjoying amenities like private bathrooms in master rooms and quiet study spaces. By living in a shared space, you can secure high-quality student housing near Utah Tech that might be difficult to afford on your own. Prioritize Options Close to Campus While it might seem easier to secure housing a fair distance from St. George and Utah Tech, it's rarely wise to do so. Living too far away from campus can make you miss out on the benefits of student life. Having to travel a long distance each day can also significantly contribute to your transportation costs and put you at risk of arriving late or missing classes altogether. It’s far better to secure student housing within walking distance from Utah Tech. It keeps you connected to campus life while living off-campus, and Vintage at Tabernacle offers just that convenience. Situated only a block from Utah Tech, our apartments provide easy access to SunTran buses, which run every 40 minutes and stop at multiple campus locations. Look at Student-Friendly Amenities The student housing you choose near Utah Tech should offer a variety of amenities that enhance both your academic and personal life. Top-notch amenities are highly sought after, so it’s important to start your search early to secure the ideal living arrangement. Vintage at Tabernacle provides a wide range of student-friendly amenities designed to support your studies, social life, and overall well-being, including: A 24-hour fitness center A student clubhouse A swimming pool Multiple study spaces Resident events And more In addition to amenities, security is essential for peace of mind. Vintage at Tabernacle offers key safety features, such as controlled access and well-lit communal areas, ensuring you feel secure. Understand the Leasing Terms To avoid potential housing issues during your academic year, it’s crucial to understand your leasing terms. Most student leases are either 9-month or 12-month agreements, though some offer summer-only options. The best choice will depend on factors like how long you plan to study at Utah Tech and whether you’ll stay during breaks. Many leases also have specific clauses that could involve penalties for subletting or early termination, as well as restrictions on renewing the lease for the following year. To ensure flexibility, it’s ideal to secure housing with adaptable lease options like those at Vintage at Tabernacle. Our leases are designed to meet your specific needs, with terms that accommodate your academic schedule and adjustments for unexpected changes. Plus, everything can be easily managed through an online portal , making it simple to access and reference your lease at any time. Tour the Student Housing Complex While factors like proximity to campus and student-friendly amenities are crucial for securing the best student housing, it's equally important to ensure the space feels comfortable and meets your needs. To make sure you're making the right choice, always tour the housing complex before committing to an apartment. This is your chance to not only show interest but also to assess the quality and usability of features like study areas and communal spaces firsthand. Pay attention to details like overall cleanliness and which floor plan layout best suits your lifestyle. It’s also the perfect time to ask key questions about application deadlines and specific lease terms. At Vintage at Tabernacle, we offer both virtual and in-person tours , allowing you to explore the space at your convenience. These tours help you get familiar with the layout and amenities in advance, ensuring a smooth transition and peace of mind that you've made the best decision for your student housing. Apply ASAP! Apply for student housing as early as possible. Even if you're only able to join a waitlist, expressing interest early significantly improves your chances of securing a spot. When you apply, make sure you have key documents ready, including identification, proof of income, and guarantor information if needed. You'll also need to specify details such as: Your preferred lease term Desired floor plan College year Preferred roommates, if any And more Additionally, you may be required to pay certain fees upfront, such as a deposit and your first month's rent. These details will be outlined in your paperwork, and it's essential to send payments to the property manager promptly to ensure your spot is confirmed and your housing is ready when the semester begins. Secure Student Housing Near Utah Tech Student housing can greatly impact your university experience, and applying for the best possible accommodation early is key to having an outstanding study year. Vintage at Tabernacle is a top choice for Utah Tech students and is located in the heart of St. George to ensure proximity to your classes. Secure premier student housing near Utah Tech today by contacting our team and save up to $50 per month on all remaining floor plans. Don't miss this opportunity to lock in quality housing at a great rate!

How to Stay Motivated All Semester Long

College can be one of the most fun and rewarding times of your life, but it can also be challenging. You might start the semester out strong, excited about your new classes, and willing to put in your best effort. However, many students find it can become overwhelming after the first few assignments or tests, leading to decreased motivation and sluggish ambition. School, work, and managing your social life can feel like they’re piling up all at once with your scholarly obligations. How does anyone remain motivated throughout the entire semester? What’s the best way to stay strong until the last final is complete? To keep that energy strong, remember these six motivators: 1. Surround Yourself With Motivated Friends One of the toughest parts of college is balancing your social life with your responsibilities. University campuses are designed to help you connect with other people, so there are often fun activities every night of the week. Many students live with their friends, and it’s difficult to say no to an invitation when you have homework to do. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with people who are a positive influence. You can also utilize study areas at your student housing complex to work with roommates and friends who live close. When you have friends who prioritize their schoolwork, you don’t have to choose between doing your homework and hanging out. You can walk to the library together or order pizza while working on homework at home. When you combine working on homework and hanging out with friends, it will be easier to finish all your assignments because you have someone else to motivate you. Sometimes working on homework with friends can be distracting, so if you’re prone to interrupting your work to chat, try putting headphones in and establishing how long you’ll work before taking a break to talk. 2. Don’t Be Afraid To Take Breaks When You Need Them One of the biggest causes of student burnout is not allowing yourself to relax early in the semester. While it’s great to give your best effort at the beginning of the school year, it’s important to make time for friends and hobbies. Otherwise, you’ll likely lose motivation. Allowing yourself some rest is essential for maintaining your mental health . Try to plan a fun activity at least once a week, even if it’s for a short amount of time. Be sure to see your friends regularly. Make sure you’re also taking small breaks throughout the day. Go for a quick walk after you’ve done an hour or two of homework, or visit the gym in between classes. The activity you choose to do during your break isn’t as important as making sure you’re taking breaks. Your brain needs time to rest. Without it, you may feel some burnout before the semester is through. 3. Use The Help That’s Available Most colleges have an abundance of resources designed to set students up for success. Writing centers traditionally have tutors available to help with writing assignments for any subject. T.A’s are there to help you learn the material. You can even reach out to your professor if you feel you’re struggling with a subject and ask for advice on improving. Don’t be afraid to be honest with your professors, they understand most hardships students suffer throughout a college experience. Most professors become teachers because they want to help. There are also mental health and counseling services available to students. These services can help you deal with stress and develop stronger coping mechanisms. College is a high-stress period of life, which is why universities provide these resources. Take advantage of as many as you can. 4. Get Organized When it feels like there’s too much on your plate and you can’t possibly manage it all, it’s time to become a pro at organization. It’s easier to manage all your responsibilities when you’ve written them down and created an action plan. Get an organizer or calendar to help prioritize and schedule events, homework, or important moments throughout the week. When you write everything down and create a timeline for accomplishing each task, you might see you have more time than you realized. You’ll likely be able to include some free time in your schedule, but first, you have to have it all written down. 5. Improve Time Efficiency One of the biggest things that cause students to feel overwhelmed and lose motivation is a lack of time. Many students don’t realize they would have more time if they got rid of any unnecessary distractions. It’s all-too-common for students to waste time in the morning and before bed scrolling through their phones. This time would be better spent getting in a workout or scheduling out the day. To help yourself avoid distractions, turn your phone off at least an hour before bed and during study sessions. Don’t turn it on again in the morning until you’re up and ready for the day. Another trick for improving time efficiency is to watch or listen to lectures, readings, or notes for an upcoming test while at the gym. You’ll be able to get your workout in, while also increasing your chances of acing your upcoming quizzes and assignments. It’s important to maintain your health while in school, so it’s nice to be able to fit workouts into your study time. 6. Keep The Big Picture In Mind When you’re feeling like college is too much to handle, remember why you’re doing it. Think about your career goals and the life you want to have. Even though the finish line might seem far away, every assignment you turn in, and every test you study for, brings you one step closer to graduation and your dream career. Be sure to celebrate every small accomplishment because they are all important in taking you closer to your goals. If you’re feeling uncertain about your dream career and unsure about the path you’re on, this could easily lead to burnout. Take some time to discuss your path with an academic or career counselor to make sure you’re heading in a direction you’re excited about. When you finally graduate, you’ll look back on all the hard work you did throughout the years and feel proud of yourself.

Perks of Off-Campus Student Housing Near Utah Tech

In addition to its fame as Utah’s most affordable university, Utah Tech’s best selling point is its location in the heart of St. George. Here, students can enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine each year, as well as over 300 miles of mountain biking and countless rock climbing routes. For ambitious students looking for a new adventure, Utah Tech has it all. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to enjoy those opportunities from the confinement of campus. Consequently, many students opt for off-campus living, making it easier to explore their surroundings while enrolled at the university. Below, we share the many benefits you can enjoy when you spread your wings in St. George and select off-campus student housing. Greater Independence and Freedom Campus life at Utah Tech offers many benefits, including a wide range of clubs and communities that cater to every student’s interests. However, living on campus often means sharing a room and adhering to strict university rules and regulations, even when it comes to your conduct and the type of furniture you can use. In contrast, off-campus living offers a more relaxed environment where students can enjoy greater independence and freedom. Some of the key benefits include: Privacy: Off-campus accommodations often include private rooms and even private bathrooms, making it easier to take a moment for relaxation or private study whenever you need. Autonomy: Living off campus allows you to escape university rules during your downtime, giving you autonomy over everything from your bedtime to how you arrange your space. Enhanced Living Experience Off-campus living offers a richer, more personalized university experience, allowing you to enjoy your college years on your own terms. Staying just a block away from Utah Tech, you'll remain closely connected to the university community, easily accessing all the on-campus opportunities for socializing , including recreational facilities and a diverse array of clubs and organizations. When you’re ready to unwind, a short walk across the street brings you back to your own space, where you can relax and recharge. Living off campus, specifically at Vintage at Tabernacle, also provides a level of comfort and convenience that you won’t find on campus. Each apartment is equipped with luxurious features such as extra storage, in-unit laundry, and a 65-inch TV. Beyond the apartments, students can enjoy amenities that include: 24-hour fitness center Generous swimming pool Hot tub On-site clubhouse Underground parking And much more Proximity to Campus Living off-campus doesn’t mean you need to risk arriving late for lectures. Vintage at Tabernacle is about as close as you can get to Utah Tech’s campus without actually living on-site. In fact, it would only take you about eight minutes to walk from Vintage at Tabernacle to the student activity center. Off-campus apartments also place you right in the heart of the city, so you’re just as close to local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and St. George’s famous bike trails as you are to your classes. You could even catch a concert at The Greater Zion Stadium in just 15 minutes! Even if you don’t fancy the walk to Utah Tech or town each day, there are plenty of other great ways to get around in St. George. Vintage at Tabernacle offers easy access to the city’s excellent public transit system, SunTran. Buses are free for Dixie State University students who show their student ID, and they arrive every 40 minutes. Convenient routes with stops around campus include: Route # 1 (Red Cliffs) Route # 2 (Riverside) Route # 3 (West Side Connector) Opportunities for Social and Academic Growth Your university years should be a time of growth, and off-campus living can facilitate that growth in ways you might not even foresee. Off-campus housing can create opportunities for both social and academic development, including: Networking While Utah Tech offers excellent opportunities for socializing, you may find yourself connecting with the same groups or students who share similar interests. Off-campus settings provide the chance to network with a broader range of students from different fields, age groups, and backgrounds. Study environments Studying on campus can be motivating, but it often comes with challenges like outside distractions and limited hours in libraries or shared spaces. Off-campus living offers the flexibility to create your ideal study environment , where you can enjoy increased comfort, fewer interruptions, and even access to exclusive study facilities for a quieter, more focused study experience. Extracurricular activities near campus and Vintage at Tabernacle Living off campus also introduces you to local extracurricular activities beyond what Utah Tech offers. This is a great way to explore the area and take a break from your studies. Consider joining local hiking groups or participating in activities like creative writing workshops to enrich your university experience and discover new passions. Off-Campus Housing At Utah Tech University You want to make the most of your university experience, and choosing off-campus housing is one of the best ways to do that. Unlike cramped and restrictive dorm living, off-campus apartments at Vintage at Tabernacle offer luxury accommodations with the freedom to truly find your footing away from home—all within just an eight-minute walk from Utah Tech’s campus. With amenities like multiple study facilities, on-site parking, and a 24/7 fitness center, off-campus living can greatly enhance your college years, allowing you to study, socialize, and relax on your terms. Plus, you’ll still be close enough to campus to take advantage of social opportunities like clubs, communities, and recreational facilities. Our luxury apartments at Vintage at Tabernacle offer these benefits and more, with a variety of floor plans to fit your needs and budget. We offer 9-month and 12-month lease options and would be happy to help you find your ideal off-campus home. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact us today !

The College Kitchen

College is around the corner and you’re packing the final items in your suitcases, boxes, and bags. You know a full kitchen in your apartment can save money with homemade meals, which begs the question, what do you really need in your kitchen? Here is a list of the 10 most essential items you’ll want handy to get you started. 1. Plates/bowls/cups/silverware Disposable cups, bowls, plates, and cutlery are convenient, but your budget may say otherwise. Bring some permanent, washable accessories to alleviate the need for extra trips to the store. Washing instead of replenishing every other week can save money while providing slightly more sophistication as a newfound college student. It’s also handy to have at least one good paring knife for slicing meats and veggies for more intensive preparations. 2. Pots/Pans You’ve likely already noticed how essential a good pot and pan can be for practically any meal. If not, pick some up for pastas, rice, chicken, grilled veggies, meats, soups, and plenty more to help wean off the Top Ramen for a change. Your microwave is helpful, but a thoughtfully prepared meal can help college feel just like home. 3. Toaster A basic toaster can provide timely convenience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner snacks on the go. A toasted bagel sandwich can compliment any hectic schedule, or even some eggo waffles for a quick breakfast before class. Don’t underestimate this helpful appliance found for cheap at any local grocery store as you furnish your new pad. 4. Mixing bowl Often forgotten but frequently needed, mixing bowls provide the means for preparing meals, storing movie night popcorn, or mixing salads for larger gatherings. You might even find it useful to sit idly by your bedside in case of “after party” emergencies—better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! 5. Cake pan or casserole dish/cookie sheet From the adventurous to the simple meals, a casserole dish and cookie sheet can accommodate dozens of preparations. Want to throw some frozen fries in the oven? Whip out the cookie sheet and aluminum foil. Looking for some lasagna for the evening? Time for the casserole dish. These essentials are more commonly used than you may think, so keep them close and accessible when the occasion calls. 6. Mixing spoon/Spatula The proper bowls and containers are a need of their own, but when it comes to mixing or extracting, spoons and spatulas can save time, money, and food. Avoid using metal eating utensils on pots and pans, as they can scratch non-stick surfaces and damage cutlery. Using mixing spoons and spatulas for the right task can make your cooking experience faster and more enjoyable without added struggles. 7. Oven mitts/pot holder Why hunt for a rag or towel to remove hot accessories when you can have an oven mitt or pot holder on hand? Many are equipped with loops to attach to your oven for added convenience, so consider the extra $4.99 purchase to prevent burns and damage to yourself or countertops. You’re more likely to receive your security deposit without unnecessary kitchen catastrophes. 8. Washcloth/hand towel Cleanup is easier with the right washcloth or hand towel in the kitchen. Frequently wipe and clean countertops, tables, and desks throughout your daily routines. You may be a college student, but cleanliness can speak volumes when entertaining guests. 9. Garbage can The receptacle we use the most; garbage cans don’t actually come with houses or apartments—shocker—but obtaining one is as simple as the $19.99 price tag practically anywhere you look. Consider stainless steel for its simplified sanitization compared to any material on the market, which won’t cost a significant amount more. 10. Salt and pepper Start small with your spice collection and stick to the salt and pepper. These two spices can amp practically any homecooked or frozen meal. Seasoning vegetables, potatoes, eggs, chicken, hamburger meat, or essentially any common foods can be enhanced with a little salt and pepper. Purchasing bulk amounts allows you to refill containers at far cheaper costs than purchasing individual shakers throughout the year. If you have roommates, have a chat before move-in day to coordinate what appliances, accessories, and utensils you’re each bringing. A kitchen with 6 toasters isn’t just unnecessary, it can clutter your living space faster than the freshman-15. A kitchen can accommodate dozens of conveniences depending on how you plan to cook, clean, or prepare. Your wallet doesn’t have to suffer the added costs of expensive cookware if you plan accordingly. Start small and work your way up with your college kitchen; you may find cooking at home more enjoyable than you ever imagined.