RockChalkLiving.com PRESENTS PAGE 2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2013. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Most of us have chosen our new cribs for the semester or year, but there are still things to keep in mind as we adjust to new settings or settle in to familiar territory. As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. I'm not a doctor, but I still believe that living by that phrase has saved me more times than I know or want to admit. In this issue, we've laid out some solutions to a few situations that are more common than you think — the ones that happen to someone else, not you, like house fires, robberies and running out of gas. The reality is that we're all vulnerable to one or more of these unfortunate positions, and it's imperative that we're prepared with a plan of attack. On a lighter note, we've included some DIY projects and recipes for the creative crafter or chef. To save trips to the store (or for the more forgetful student), we have 10 essential products and an A-to-Z list of things to remember when moving in. No matter your housing situation, we hope you learn a thing or two about staying safe in your home and personalizing your space. RECYCLE THIS SPECIAL SECTION MONEY Cost comparisons around town DUNCAN MCHENRY dmchenry@kansan.com 1200 OHIO ST This house, an off-campus rental property on Ohio Street, contains three separate units. Each one can house three people, although they are technically designed with two bedrooms. Prices: Rent is $816 per month and can be split between two or three occupants. This breaks down to $272 per person between three residents — a very good deal considering the location. Utility costs vary depending on the time of year, but range from $80 to $110 total per person each month. Square footage: Around 2,500 square feet in total living area. Amenities: In-house washer and dryer, steel spiral staircase, large front porch area and proximity to campus and downtown. Pets: No pets allowed, although this varies between rental property owners. HAWK'S POINTE III----951 ARKANSAS ST. Prices: Monthly rent for a 4BR/2BA is around $385 per person. Cable and Internet is provided, but other utility bills cost about $50-$60 per person. Hawk's Pointe III is one of three Hawk's Pointe apartment complexes in Lawrence. This one, located just east of The Oread hotel, is very popular with students because it's right along Jayhawk Boulevard. Square footage: A 4BR/2BA unit is 1,120 square feet, and 1BR/1BA units come in either 505 or 550 square feet. Studio and 3BR/2BA units are also available. Amenities: Proximity to campus, on-site laundry, Wi-Fi provided and 24-hour on-call maintenance. Pets: Pets are generally allowed for an extra fee each month. THE CONNECTION--3100 OUSDAHL ROAD The Connection is an eight-to-15-minute drive south of campus, depending on traffic. Despite the distance, many students enjoy The Connection's numerous amenities, such as a large outdoor pool area and sand volleyball courts. Prices: Monthly rent for a four-bedroom unit breaks down to about $440 per person. Residents only pay their monthly electric bill, which costs about $60, and The Connection covers other bills as well as Internet and cable TV. Square footage: A 4BR/4BA unit is 1,573 square feet, and a 2BRA/28A is 931 square feet. Amenities: Apartments come fully furnished, individual bathrooms, walk-in closets, private balconies, 24-hour fitness center, lit basketball court and two swimming pools. Pets: Pets are generally allowed for an extra fee each month. For the full price comparison, visit kansan.com Edited by Emma LeGault home today! STUDENT'S PREMIERE HOUSING SITE SEARCH DON'T SETTLE