#1: Choose a Movie Theme

If you’re planning on making it a night with more than one movie, choose a theme. For example, watch all movies about dogs or romantic comedies involving weddings. Serve food and snacks around that same idea for an extra special treat.

#2: Snack It Up

Speaking of snacks, don’t be afraid to create a fun snack bar. Choose each member of your household’s favorite candy or salty snack. Arrange them on a table in fun jars or even make homemade popcorn with an air popper. Or purchase premade popcorn flavorings to toss on your own mini-bag. The possibilities are nearly endless!

#3: Get Comfortable

Of course, you’ll need proper attire for this at-home movie night. Purchase new pajamas or matching tees for each movie viewer. This is a great way to really make just a normal night of watching television a lot more of an event, which is important during times where getting out and enjoying a night on the town isn’t as easy as it once was.

#4: Make It a Weekly Event

Another tip is to make it a weekly event. If everyone in your apartment home knows it is happening, they can start looking forward to movie night. While you might not be able to go to all of the trouble of buying new outfits or setting up a smorgasbord of snacks each week, the time together is what is most important.

Are you ready to find your new Flagstaff apartment? Please contact our University Square team today to learn about our available floor plans and amenities.

The post 4 Ways to Make At-Home Movie Night Extra Special appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

The Canyons 

Taking a day-trip to the Grand Canyon is only the start of your canyon trips in the areas surrounding Flagstaff. You can also have an incredible experience at Walnut Canyon or Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. You will find beautiful pictures and great memories in all of these locations!

Coconino National Park 

Arizona is absolutely full of outside activities, and Coconino is one of the best. You can take this trip as you are going to the Grand Canyon, or it can be an incredible trip on its own. There is an endless amount of scenery and a curvy road for a great driving experience; not to mention, it's just a short drive from Flagstaff!

Wet Beaver Creek 

Indulge in your inner outdoorsman at Wet Beaver Creek. Fish, hunt and camp to your heart's content at the creek and in some of the surrounding areas. The weather is great for most of the year, so you can experience the wonder of nature year-round.

Lowell Observatory 

If you are looking for a way to connect to the stars, the Lowell Observatory will give you exactly what you need! You can look through a number of different telescopes and take an up-close look at Jupiter, Pluto and even neighboring galaxies, depending on when you go. They also have incredible constellation tours and an extremely knowledgeable staff. This is a perfect place for a first date or a family trip, so keep it in mind no matter where you are in life.

Your scenic Flagstaff apartment awaits you. Contact us to get started with a University Square residence!

The post 4 Reasons Why Flagstaff is the Best appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Horror Movie Night

Download a couple of creepy films, either old classics or newer horror screamers and spend a weekend night clutching pillows to hide behind. Pop some popcorn and open some drinks and you'll be set to scream the night away.

Hiking

Now that you've settled into campus, why not spend a day exploring your new neighborhood? Lace on some walking shoes, grab a backpack and plan to spend the day finding out what your community has to offer.

Community Spooks

Check the local paper for fun community spooky activity. Who's got the scariest haunted house around? Are there haunted hay rides or haunted horse trails? Grab some friends and spend an evening scaring yourself with the local offerings.

Volunteer

Make yourself feel good by doing good! Look for local senior centers, food banks or other charitable organizations and offer your services a couple of weekends a month. You may end up building houses for the homeless or serving Thanksgiving dinner to a crowd of adorable kids. Whatever the group, you'll get a great feeling inside by helping those who need a helping hand.

Get Active!

Get active on campus to have fun while doing something meaningful. Is there a cause that means a lot to you? Whether it's helping with shelter dogs or advocating for a political party, doing something meaningful is one of the best ways to spend your free time.

We've got a vibrant and active community at University Square. Call our office to see how well you'd like living here.

The post 5 Student-Friendly Fall Activities appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Write in a Journal

Keeping a journal gives you a chance to put your thoughts and ideas on paper while also working on your writing skills. It also provides you with an opportunity to think about the day you’ve had and everything that happened during that time, which can help improve your memory. 

Play Mentally Stimulating Games

Whether you’re a fan of crossword puzzles, video games or both, spend time playing games that challenge your cognitive skills. This could mean solving puzzles and even engaging in some problem solving if you play strategy games. 

Have Meaningful Discussions

Being social and engaging in intellectual discussions with others on certain topics helps keep you on your toes in a mental sense. Chatting with other people can provide you with different perspectives on subjects and give you a chance to have healthy debates. 

Break Out the Maps

If you’re traveling this summer or just exploring the local area, use a map to get around instead of depending on GPS. Reading a map requires more brain power than letting GPS tell you where to go.

Read Thought-Provoking Material

Put a number of books that require some critical thinking skills on your part on your summer reading list. You should also include works of fiction that encourage you to use your imagination. 

Our community offers off-campus NAU housing in a calm, scenic environment. Contact us to learn more about our Flagstaff apartments and community amenities.

The post Keep Your Brain Sharp with These 5 Tips appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

4 Great Road Trip Games

• Cows on My Side. A road trip classic, this game is best played in rural areas with plenty of cows. The rules are simple: if you see cows on your side of the road, yell, "Cows on my side!" to score a point. If you spot cows on the other side, yell "Cows on your side!" to steal the other person's point.
• The Alphabet Game. Another longtime pleaser, the alphabet game is great for all ages. Beginning with the letter 'A,' try to find all of the letters of the alphabet in order on road signs and billboards. If possible, find all letters without relying on license plates.
• The Story Game. If you're feeling imaginative, select a car driving by and get a good glimpse of its driver and passengers. Use these people to create an intriguing story about where they are going and what they plan to do when they get there. If you're with a group of people, let the passengers in your car take turns coming up with details. This game can also be played when you're alone in the car and bored.
• Vehicle Scavenger Hunt. Assign a certain number of points to different types of vehicles, such as ice cream trucks, limousines or convertibles. Every time you see one of the vehicles on the list, shout it out and claim those points for yourself.

When you return home from your road trip, you'll be glad to get back to a comfortable apartment. To learn more about our floor plans and amenities, contact us today. 

The post 4 Road Trip Games You’ll Want to Play appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Summer is the prime time to travel, which is why our summer bucket list includes taking a road trip! If that’s on your list of things to do this summer, remember that part of the thrill of the journey is getting there. A road trip means a long ride, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable on your journey. We’re here to help with a list of essential items for your summer road trip!

Audiobooks
Pick out a fun audiobook you and your passengers can listen to. (We’re a little partial, but Jim Dale’s reading of the Harry Potter series is kind of the best thing ever.)

Snacks
Rather than the traditional junky road food, be sure to stock up on some healthy treats—apples, granola bars, etc.—that will keep you full in between stops!

Facial Spray
Road trips can wreak havoc on your skin’s moisture, so grab a face or skin mist to carry with you on the road. Check out this article from Refinery 29 that covers some of the best facial mists to keep you hydrated this summer!

Travel Wipes
It’s not always easy to get out of the car to freshen up or wash your hands. Travel wipes help solve the problem of sticky skin on the go! We love Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes … They may be baby wipes, but they’re really perfect for any age. Use them to wash your hands, refresh your face, and, yes, pep your pits.

GPS
This is kind of a given, right? While you should always have a map, you should also invest in a good GPS to help make your travels a little easier. You can rely on your phone, but you probably want a stand-alone device, especially if you’re using your phone for anything else (music, movies, entertaining passengers, etc.) to preserve your battery. If you’re using your phone, check out Waze, an awesome social traffic reporting app that gets you live updates on road conditions from fellow travelers!

Travel Charger
Speaking of devices, you definitely want to make sure you bring a good car charger! Especially if you’re riding with more than one person, we recommend at least a dual USB car charger. We like the Anker PowerDrive 5, a 5-port USB car charger that will soon become your ultimate travel companion!

Tummy Drops
Traveling can take a big toll on your tummy … and that’s where Tummy Drops come in. The ginger drops contain a special blend that some folks swear by for general stomach upsets and motion sickness. And bonus: these drops are Gluten-free and non-GMO, making them an awesome natural option!

Car Emergency Kit
Everyone should have a first aid kit in the car. And you definitely want to have a kit for roadside emergencies. The AAA Excursion Road Kit is our favorite, because it has both these must-have items in one package. It includes first air supplies, batteries, booster cables, accident forms, tools, duct tape, and more to ensure a safer trip while you’re on the road!

Drinks
Some folks may think that a long drive means drinking less to avoid potty breaks, but the reality is you NEED to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of water and juice to keep yourself and any passengers refreshed on the road.

Cooler
Along with snacks and drinks, you may want to bring a travel-sized cooler to keep your items fresh on the road. Grab some ice, or an insulated cooler, and keep it tucked in the back seat for easy access for your passengers, or in the front passenger seat if you’re driving alone.

Digital Camera
Again, you could use your phone, but we recommend you keep a separate camera with you to document your trip. You never know what you’ll see, and a camera will help you preserve those treasured moments forever! (PS: Have you seen these Fuji Instax cameras? Make it a retro road trip with some instant camera action!)

Car Vent Clip
We’re not saying you stink or anything, but after a few hours in the car the air is bound to get a little stagnant. Give your car a fresh scent, and yourself a little travel pick me up, with a Febreeze car vent clip!

Car Games
Especially on a long trip, you’ll want to make sure you plan to entertain yourself and anyone traveling with you. There’s always the license plate game, but we recommend trivia, car karaoke, or any other game that’s going to keep you all entertained for a while!

Road Trip Playlist
No road trip is complete without the ultimate playlist! Get together with your traveling buddies and create a playlist of songs to keep you jamming until you reach your final destination. If you’re traveling alone, have your friends send you some of their favorite songs so you can take them with you in a small way.

Safe and Fun Travels! Share your road trip memories with us on Instagram!

The post Summer Road Trip Essentials appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Besides going to see her and giving her a hug and a kiss, here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas that go beyond the flowers and candy.

Something a Bit Different for Mom

Cord Tacos – Mom’s get a lot of grief about not being hip with the latest technology, but most of them are more up on the latest tech than they get credit for. They have headphones and speaker cords to deal with too, you know? Check out these handy cord tacos, the perfect solution for hard to deal with cords. Made of 100% premium leather, it’s a gift that Mom will get a lot of use out of.

Alta Wireless Fitness Tracker – Chances are, either your Mom is already into staying fit, or she wants to be. Help her get on the right track with this high-tech fitness tracker. It’s compatible across all the popular platforms, boasts a five-day battery life, and does everything you need a fitness tracker to do. She’ll be impressed, guaranteed.

Deep Sea Sand Art – Remember these from back in the day? Your Mom will. A constantly changing beautiful seascape to adorn any desk or wall.

Need Some Inspiration? Reach Out!

Need some more great Mother’s Day gift ideas? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at University Square apartments in Flagstaff. We’ve got a lot more.

The post 3 Gifts to Send Mom for Mother’s Day appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

DIY Decor Hacks 

• Fabric Headboard– headboards are usually pretty boring and can be downright ugly. If you have a headboard that has seen better days, consider wrapping it in your favorite fabric. All you need is fabric and a staple gun, super easy. For exact instructions, check this out. 
• Papier Mache Side Table– How about a side table made of recycled material? It's a great way to reuse cardboard and scrap paper. This table is light but study and easy to make. The instructions can be found here. 
• Saw Horse Coffee Table– What's better than a coffee table that you can easily take apart and move around your apartment? This coffee table allows you to use a variety of inexpensive wood; depending on your specific taste. It doesn't require many tools and you can do it in an afternoon. Here is a PDF file on how to build this rustic yet stylish piece of furniture. 

There You Have It

Three simple furniture pieces you can decorate your apartment with here at University Square. These three creative ideas cost very little money and only require a little time and imagination to complete. Try one of three DIY decorating hacks this weekend. Let us know how it went!

The post 3 Easy DIY Décor Hacks You’ve Probably Never Tried appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Chances are, when you first move into a new apartment, you see every surrounding door as a new stranger. Well we’re here to encourage you to look at those doors differently: as unique opportunities to meet new people. One thing that sets us apart is our sense of community, and we want to encourage you to embrace your part in it. We’re a puzzle, and you’re an essential piece! Not sure where to start? Here are five tips to help you meet your neighbors:

Check the Mail. You get your mail key on your first day here … which means you have an opportunity to start meeting people from Day One! When you check your mail, also check out who’s around you. It only takes a moment to catch the eye of the other person checking their mailbox and say hello. Introduce yourself!

Hit the Gym. One way to easily meet people with mutual interests? Head to the gym! Leave your iPod at home and be open to starting up a conversation with the other folks working out with you.

Walk the Dog. Head to the dog park and swap tips (or horror stories) with the other animal lovers there. Walking the dog isn’t just the way guys in 90’s movies pick up girls anymore … It’s a great way for anyone to spark up a conversation!

Count on CARES. Are you shy when it comes to meeting new people or starting conversations? Our awesome CARES Team is here to help with that. With free events every month, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors. And the CARES Team is more than happy to chat with you and help get you started meeting new people and feeling more at home!

Take Chances. Walking to your car and pass a neighbor? Say hi. Taking the trash to the dumpster and pass a neighbor? Say hi. Doing the laundry? Say hi! If you feel comfortable with it, leave your door open while you’re home, and say hello to anyone who catches your eye through the door. Stop by the Welcome Center and talk to whoever else is waiting. Don’t be afraid to turn every day into an opportunity to meet someone new!

The post How to Meet People at Your Apartment! appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Here are five trending shades that are quite popular these days to theme your interior decor around:

• Blue and white: White and different shades of blue have always been a popular combination. The blue could be royal blue, light blue, sea blue or darker shades of navy. It gives a soothing effect and can be matched up with coastal decoration and sea-inspired ideas.
• Coffee and cream: This is one of the trendiest combinations. The mix of brown and beige gives a warm and comfortable feeling to the ambience. Based on the color used, the furnishing and accents can vary depending on your personal style and preference.
• Jazz it up with black and white: This combination is powerful and classic. It gives a feeling of cheerfulness and optimism. It also leaves plenty of room to add colorful accents in the form of vases, flowers, pillows, etc.
• Powerful gray and white with metallic accents: The timeless beauty of gray shades, when combined with metallic accents, can give a lovely look to your rooms. The rooms will look more futuristic and modern.
• Go green: Green is always associated with eco-friendliness, and it gives a nice natural look to the rooms. It can be combined with other neutral shades to give a lovely, picturesque effect.

These were 5 of the trendiest colors and color combos that are ruling interior design right now. Experiment with all kinds of shades in the rooms of your apartment, and incorporate them through rugs, linens, wall decor, and table toppers. The color that you use will reflect your personality, so use the color that defines you. And, give different designs to it to make them look unique. You will feel your mood change while you move through your rooms.

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