Here at University Square Apartments, we’re proud to be part of the Flagstaff community. For us, this means giving back when and where we can! One of our favorite local organizations to support is Hope Cottage!

Hope Cottage provides an invaluable resource for some of the most vulnerable members of the Flagstaff community. The beautiful and welcoming facility provides shelter, meals, clothing, and more for women and children who come to them for help. We love their goal of providing “assistance to heal from the inside out.”

Hope Cottage offers a number of volunteer opportunities to the Flagstaff community. Just a few ways you can help out include: helping to support a food drive, preparing meals, helping to maintain the facilities, serving as a mentor or teacher, distributing food boxes, and more! We look forward to having the opportunity to join with Hope Cottage in serving the people of Flagstaff!

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Hope Cottage, visit their Volunteer Page! Join us in showing our Flagstaff neighbors that we do more than love to live here … we live to love here!

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1. I Will Step Out On Limbs

Remember that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Indy has to take a leap of faith? It’s not easy—in fact, it can be downright terrifying—to take risks when you can’t see the path ahead, but it is usually worthwhile. It sounds contradictory, but don’t be afraid to try something that terrifies you this year, whether it’s a new food, a new hair color, or a new job opportunity!

2. I Will Forgive Myself

We all make mistakes. But as Shakespeare said, to err is human; to forgive—even yourself—is divine. Even when you fumble at the ten yard line, you can still recover; maybe not that play, but the next one. And you’ll be wiser for it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and smarter. So stop ticking off mistakes as points lost and start tallying them as lessons learned and experiences gained.

3. I Will Eat Something AMAZING

No, seriously. Get out there and try a new dish. If life is all about the living, then a good meal should be about more than just filling your stomach. Maybe, just maybe, it should be about pampering your taste buds. And yes, that means you, too, weight-loss-resolvers: just because you’re dieting or on a new healthy eating plan does not mean you should completely cut off your sweet tooth.

4. I Will COOK Something Amazing

Yes, you. Whip out the skillet and go at it. Raid your pantry for unexpected dishes. See what happens when you just toss some things in the same pot, even things you think might not usually go together. Check out sites like Yummly for quick and easy recipes. And once you’ve mastered a few dishes, take one night—just ONE, out of 365, is not asking too much—and cook yourself a three course (minimum) meal, including dessert.

5. I Will Dance

Hello, Pandora mix! Hello, speakers! Hello, open floor space! Hello, closed blinds! Do a little dance, make a little noise, and get down tonight. Dance alone, or dance with friends. Learn a line dance from YouTube (we recommend The Wobble, but that’s just us!). Take a night and learn the Thriller dance in its entirety. Buy a copy of Just Dance for your gaming system (or find some tutorials on YouTube). Just do it. Get up and move. You’ll feel better.

6. I Will See Something I’ve Never Seen Before

Go on a road trip. Watch a documentary. Sit and observe a crowd of people. Get yourself out there to see something beautiful and new, even if it’s just your first time actually watching the sunrise.

7. I Will Let Myself Get the Feels

It’s okay to cry. Your laugh is amazing. Verbal road rage is (relatively) okay … as long as the windows are up and your passenger seats are empty. Stop bottling up your feels. Just let ‘er rip. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling, even if you have to put a cap on it. A good five minute cry works wonders. A nice, long laugh after a lousy day is bliss.

8. I Will Face a Fear

Real talk. The person who wrote this is deathly afraid of clowns, and yet has resolved to either go to a circus or watch a movie with a (non-homicidal) clown before June. Why? Because fear can be crippling, and it really bugs us that some THING can hobble our ability to live. It’s not easy, but facing a fear is a big deal. Even if it’s just allowing yourself to really take a look at that spider in the corner before you scream. Even if it’s just peeking out the window from a great height before you scream. Even if it’s just sitting through one clown juggle before you scream. The scream is okay; it’s a release of pent up fear energy. It’s keeping it in that’s keeping you back.

9. I Will Remember How Awesome It Was To Be a Kid

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Maybe it was swinging as high as you can on the swing set, or playing with your food, or splashing in mud puddles, or playing in the rain. Guess what? Growing up doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing those things. Pick a favorite childhood thing—finger painting, video games, adventures in the land of make believe—and relive it as an adult. Grab your cardboard sword and slay an imaginary dragon. Invest in a Play-Do set and reinvent the universe. Watch an episode of Sesame Street. Be a kid again, if only for a day.

10. I Will Let It Be

When you find yourself in times of trouble … let it be. When the world is crashing in, let it be. When you feel like an outsider, let yourself be. Be yourself, and let your life be lived. Embrace your world for what it is, changing what you can and accepting that while some things can’t be changed it doesn’t mean they have to ruin the wonderful world you live in. Let 365 days of living, of loving life, of being you, of making change, of being change, of feats and failures, trials and triumphs … be. Go boldly, not gentle, into that bright day, that good night, that wild world. And when the broken hearted people living in that world agree, there will be an answer: Let it be.

Welcome, 2016 … We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our doors!

The post 10 New Year’s Resolutions We Can All Live With appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Please join us for our Canned Food Drive. We will be gathering donations through Thursday, December 10th. All your donations will be taken to the Flagstaff Family Food Center!

Stop by our office for details or if you have any questions, and thank you in advance for your donations!

 

The post ‘TIS A GIFT: Giving Thanks Through Giving appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

This week, we’re giving thanks for the gift of “furever” friends! Did you know that this weekend is National Animal Adoption Weekend? It’s actually called National Pet Adoption Weekend, but we all know that the animals we bring into our homes are more than just “pets”: they’re family, part of our support systems, and sometimes our very best friends. All across the country people are showing love for their furry companions, so we thought we’d take a look at what makes having an animal in your home so great!

1. Have a Heart

Did you know that having an animal is good for your heart? Having an animal has been shown to reduce the chances of a heart attack, lower blood pressure, and other heart-healthy advantages! It must be the way they warm our hearts just by being around!

2. You’ve Got a Friend in Me

The animals we bring into our homes are like family … and studies show they’re almost as close to us, with about 91% of animal caretakers saying they feel very close to their animals. And not only are we close to them … they also help us to get closer to others! Whether it’s hanging out at a dog park or chatting up fellow cat lovers, there’s something about animals that, let’s face it, makes it hard not to talk about them! Don’t believe us? Check out the hashtag #catsofinstagram and see how many people across the country are loving each other’s cat pics alone!

3. Bark = Meow = Love

As the saying goes, “To err is human, to forgive, canine.” Okay, maybe not, but nobody shows unconditional love like a dog. Nobody makes you feel more special with just a little bit of attention than a cat. Even a goldfish can make you feel loved. Studies have shown that animal owners have higher self-esteem and lower bouts of loneliness. Why? Because as much as we love our animals, they give ten times the love back.

4. Get Res-paw-nsible

Remember when you were younger and your parents told you having an animal was a big responsibility? Whether that was their reason for getting or denying you an animal, it’s still true today. Having an animal is a BIG responsibility, whether it’s a Betta in a bowl or a Lab on a leash! But they are literally the best “chores” in the house! Instead of thinking of taking care of an animal as a “chore,” think of it as a chance to learn how to care for others more than yourself. Think especially hard about this when it comes to emptying out the litter box.

5. Get Fit!

Animals help us stay more active! Whether you’re taking your dog or cat for a walk (cats on leashes? We love it!) or just playing in the house, animals get us up and active more than we would be without them. And we’ve all seen the YouTube videos of dogs jogging along with their owners on treadmills, or cats joining in a yoga routine. Who knows … you and your furry friend may go viral one of these days just by working out together!

So celebrate the furry friends in your life! Shower them with special treats this weekend. Celebrate the Adoption Weekend with a donation to your favorite animal shelter or local humane association. And if you don’t have an animal, but are thinking about adding one to your household, just keep these five things in mind:

1. Think about the cost. Make sure you have enough in your budget for monthly food and care needs, including regular visits to the vet, possible grooming, toys, etc.
2. Think about your time. Do you have time for an animal? We’re talking time to walk and feed her, take him to the doctor, play time, and so forth. How will an animal impact your work, family time, etc.?

3. Think about your space. What kind of animal would work best in your home? A smaller space might mean a cat or fish. A larger space might accommodate a dog or cat. And keep in mind … things change. You might wind up upgrading or downgrading your space, adding a roommate, etc.

4. Think about your lease. What does your lease say about adding an animal to your home? When in doubt, just stop by the Welcome Center … we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about bringing your furry friend home!

5. Think about the law. As much as we love all animals, some simply aren’t allowed. Whether it’s your lease or state law that restricts what kind of animal you can have, don’t commit to an animal before you’re sure it’s legal for you to have it in the first place!

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One way to make yourself feel at home at University Square? Get to know the streets where you live! If there’s any place that we’d call a five-senses city, it’s Flagstaff. There’s so much to see, do, and experience it can be hard to know where to begin. Thankfully, we’re here to help you get to know Flagstaff with all five senses! Check out our suggestions below!

See Flagstaff

One thing Flagstaff natives and visitors enjoy in almost equal measure is the beauty of our four-seasoned landscape! See if for yourself and take in all of Flagstaff’s natural landscape by getting out and about around town. Don’t miss a hike through Walnut Canyon, or the short drives to Wupatki National Monument, Coconino National Forest, or the Grand Canyon. See the stars that make Flagstaff a top-rated dark sky city from the stellar view at Lowell Observatory. Or head down to Heritage Square where there’s always something worth seeing!

Hear Flagstaff

For a night of fantastic music, you can’t skip over the Museum Club, one of Flagstaff’s highest rated stops in Flagstaff. Check out the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra or Flagstaff Playhouse for live theater and musical entertainment. And don’t miss karaoke nights at Granny’s Closet, the Monte V, the Green Room, and other local venues!

Touch Flagstaff

Don’t leave Flagstaff fun up to chance … head to Twin Arrows Casino where your gamble could really pay off! Get some shopping done at the Old Town Shops, or some of Downtown Flagstaff’s favorite shopping outlets: the Flagstaff Soap Company, Crystal Magic, and more are all within easy distance of your home, and well worth the short trip. Head into the green and blue with a boat tour or rafting adventure with Hatch River Expeditions, a Grand Canyon Whitewater tour, or Arizona Raft Adventures. After a long day out, you might need the soothing touch of a calming massage. Flagstaff has you covered with spas like Massage Envy and Diamond Point Spa!

Taste Flagstaff

Want to know one of our favorite things about Flagstaff? So. Much. Food! Head downtown for sushi at Karma, or check out Hiro’s Sushi right across from Safeway and within easy walking, biking, or driving distance of your home! Go Greek at Taverna, or Thai at Dara Thai on San Fran. Looking for some classic favorites? Head to Smashburger or Five Guys for a great burger, Lumberyard for to-die-for mac and cheese, or Brews and Cues for a classic pot pie with a side of sweet potato fries! Get your night cap at Vino Loco or any of a ton of downtown hot spots!

Smell Flagstaff

We’re going back to nature for this one! One of our favorite day trips is up into the Ponderosa pines; people say it makes Flagstaff smell like a vanilla-scented paradise, and we’re not going to disagree. One way to really breathe it all in is with a scenic chairlift ride! This serene, 25-minute ride takes you to the tip-top of Arizona to view all our state has to offer from the heart of Flagstaff! We’re already up pretty high … imagine breathing in the air at over 11,000 feet! It’s a great chance to tempt all your senses, with fresh crisp air, magnificent views, the sweet sounds of nature, and more!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy and get to know Flagstaff?
 

The post Welcome Home: 5 Great Ways to Get to Know Flagstaff appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Did you know September is Maintenance Appreciation Month? We’re so lucky to have an awesome Maintenance Crew! This week, we’re putting the focus on our Maintenance Supervisor, Bruce!

Bruce is an awesome Maintenance Supervisor. He is some one that will go above and beyond. Our maintenance issues are always fixed the same day, unless we have to order parts or there is an emergency. Bruce has stated before that he loves the grounds at University Square; it’s almost like working in a park every day.

Whether you saw it or not, during the month of August Bruce was often there to save the day as we prepared University Square to welcome all our new residents! During a time when we were swamped with apartment turns, we had to make a last minute move to help a resident out. Bruce came in on his day off, off the clock, to get the apartment ready … because that’s how much he cares about helping our residents!

We’re so lucky to have Bruce as part of the University Square family! If you see Bruce out and about on property, be sure to stop him and say thanks for all he does to make our community great! Or just say “Hi” … we guarantee you it will make your day a little better!

The post University Square Celebrates Maintenance Appreciation Month! appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Just like Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home! We’re happy you decided to call University Square your home in Flagstaff, and know there must be a ton of reasons you chose us over your other options. We thought we’d share our top five reasons we know our residents love it here!

5. Find Your Yappy Place

We love all our four-legged friends living at University Square! Bring yours by the office; we like to get to know your furry friends by name. And we have treats for them when you come by!

4. A Walk in the Park

USA has the most beautiful grounds EVER! Take a stroll through the property and enjoy the view. One of our favorite things is getting to breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the trees every day here at the Square. We know you’ll love it, too!

3. The Square CARES

Yep, we care about all our residents … That’s why we have CARES! Miss mom’s cooking? Come to one of our CARES dinners. Or all of them! They’re always free, and they’re one of the easiest ways to get involved in the Square community!

2. We Are Family …

Living at USA is like being part of one big happy family! We love the community we see among our residents. We know you’ll love it, too. And don’t forget, we’re always here for you, too! Part of what we love about the Square is getting to be part of your community, and for us that means being here to make sure your time as part of that community is the best it can be.

1. Putting the “U” in USA

University Square is your home away from home, and we love being part of that! The number one thing that makes the Square great? YOU! Yes, this is your home … but do you have any idea how much you mean to us? We wouldn’t be here without you, and the fact that you chose this as your home is an honor we don’t take lightly! We’re always glad when we see our residents feel at home here, and we’re glad to serve you every day.

Those are just a few of the reasons we love our Square community … but we all know there are SO many other things to love! What do you love about University Square?!

The post Why We ♥ University Square! appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

It’s Move In Month! August is a huge move-in month here in Flagstaff, and we’re seeing it here in our community, too! We’re so happy to have you all joining our community, and look forward to serving our new residents and continuing to serve our current residents. This month, we’re focusing on ways to make your new community feel more like home.

There’s nothing scarier than moving to a new place. Whether you’re just moving out of your parents for the first time, moving across the country from all your friends, or simply relocating to a new apartment community, the big move is daunting more for the personal change than the change in location. But did you know there are a lot of easy ways to meet new people in your neighborhood? It just takes a little courage and a willingness to put yourself out there! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Classmates and Coworkers

Whether you’re in Flagstaff for school or a new job, there’s no doubt some of the first people you’ll meet after your move are your new classmates and coworkers. So why not reach out to them? Suggest a study group. Invite your coworkers to hang out at a local restaurant or happy hour. As you get to know these people, pinpoint shared interests and begin forming connections based on those!

2. Welcome Mat

No doubt as you move into your new place you’ll run into at least a few of your neighbors. Say “hello” to anyone you pass in the community, whether it’s your next door neighbor, a neighbor on a nearby building, someone you pass at the mailboxes, or that other late night laundry washer. Don’t be afraid to be the first to make introductions, and create a sense of openness and welcome that will in turn encourage your new neighbors to reach out to you.

3. Surf the Web

Not too long ago we shared tips on using social media sites to meet new people. While it can feel a little awkward, there are plenty of helpful sites that will get you out into your new neighborhood meeting people in no time. Check out Meetup.com, where you can find a ton of great groups based on shared interests that meet weekly or more right where you live!

4. Get Furry

We know this kind of falls into the same circle as “using your little brother/sister to pick up a date” but … come on, everybody loves a new furry neighbor. Take your dog to the dog park or walk him around property. Hang out with your cat and let her meet your neighbors. Ask someone in the neighborhood to share their best tips on keeping all that animal fur off the carpet and your furniture. Who knows … maybe your puppies new best friend will lead you to your new best friend.

5. Be “That Guy/Girl”

We all know “That Guy” who we always run into at the bookstore, or “That Girl” who always sits at the end of our favorite bar. Become that person by finding your favorite restaurant or shop and joining the crowd of regulars! Don’t be afraid to accept that invite into a conversation. Ask the other person you always see there how long they’ve been coming to this new favorite spot of yours, and what else they love about your new town. And remember, you can become “That Guy/Girl” right here … once you start running into the same people at the laundry room or fitness center, spark conversation! Grab your morning coffee and hang out in a common area, and be “That Guy/Girl” who makes anybody else who joins you feel welcome!

Remember: A night in with Netflix may seem like an ideal way to spend your evenings, but you’ll never meet new people that way! Accept invitations to hang out. Ask to borrow a cup of sugar, and be willing to lend out your toolbox. And don’t forget, we’ve already made it a little easier for you to meet your neighbors! Our awesome CARES Team provides a number of fun and free events every month that you can easily join in, and that present a perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors and make friends right where you live!
 

The post Five Ways to Meet New People in Your New Neighborhood appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Did you know there are tons of places around Flagstaff that would love your unused end tables and unwanted futon? Whether you’re moving out of your apartment or just trying to reduce the amount of stuff you have laying around, we’re here to help you turn your “trash” into charitable “treasure”! Here are five great places you can donate anything from clothes to furniture and support those in need in your community!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff

Clothes for Kids’ Sake is a donation-based fundraising program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. And it’s not just for clothes donations! BBBS collects clothes, furniture, and housewares from all around the local community for this drive. Items are then delivered to Savers, where they’ll help support BBBS’s youth mentoring programs! You can find donation bins all around town, including at some of our sister communities! If you can’t find a local bin, just call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (928) 774-0649 to schedule an at-home pickup for your donation.
 

Goodwill

Goodwill lets donors know upfront: their donations help “[change] lives in our community!” One hundred percent of donations to your local Goodwill stays in the community—that means you’re directly helping to fund employment, job training, and more to fellow Flagstaff residents in need! You can drop off donations in local bins, or just visit their convenient drive-thru donation center right off of Route 66 and Milton!

Full Circle Trade & Thrift

Full Circle works with a ton of local businesses partnering with local nonprofits to help keep Flagstaff’s economy going strong! Their work helps to build the local economy, create new jobs, and ensure local wages. Full Circle accepts donations of gently used but no longer needed belongings at the store or drop off locations. And if giving up some items leaves you longing to fill some space in your apartment, don’t forget to check out the shop!

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of furniture, appliances, and more. The ReStore program sells affordable goods to fun Habitat operations. The items you donate helps keep landfills empty and encourages a cycle of recycled use for the items that helped make your apartment a home. Purchases from ReStore are used to fund local building projects … So not only are you clearing out your loved items to be loved by someone else, but you’re also using items that made you feel at home help build homes for others! Recycling has never looked so good!

Sharon’s Attic Thrift Store

Sharon’s Attic helps provide case management, transitional housing, life skills training, children and youth programs, and more to many in Flagstaff who need it most! Your donations to Sharon’s provides much needed aid to homeless victims of domestic violence. They provide a wish list of items the organization currently needs, so check your home for items that might meet those immediate needs. Otherwise, help by donating your gently used furniture, bedding, and more!

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Did you know March is Optimism Month? To celebrate, we’re focusing on a ton of tips for bringing extra touches of bliss into your life and home!

Did you know March 20^th is the International Day of Happiness?! Even if you didn’t particularly celebrate this awesome holiday, it’s never too late to celebrate … especially a day all about making yourself and those around you a little happier!

The International Day of Happiness is all about reconnecting, and establishing connections, with those around us. If there’s one thing that stands in the way of our happiness, it’s a feeling of loneliness … Which is why making connections is so important!

We’re so happy to be able to bring our residents the awesome connection of our CARES Teams! We’re proud of the work they help us do to keep you and everyone who lives in our community engaged with each other. So for this Day of Happiness, we not only thank our CARES Teams but also you … Thank you for being part of what makes each of us connected to our small corner of the Flagstaff community! You’re part of our Happy Movement!

Want to help make the world a happier place? Here are some ideas you can put into action right now!

1. Do Happy

Being kind not only makes others happy … it also helps to increase our own happiness! And kindness is contagious, so when you take time to do something nice for someone, they are more likely to pay it forward. So go out and do something to make someone happy—a friend, a family member, or even a stranger! You never know how far your kindness can go!

2. Speak Happy

Have you met your neighbors?! Make sure you introduce yourself—getting to know the people who live near you helps create a sense of belonging for both you and them! If you’re not the most outgoing person, try stopping by one of our CARES events and introducing yourself to someone new!

3. Think Happy

We all know how easy it is to criticize. Be different and try to think positive! Look for the good in the people around you and remember: everyone has value! And thinking good thoughts about those around you helps keep your mood from falling anytime other people are around. There are billions of them … and all of them would probably rather think happy thoughts than ones that bring them down!

4. Share Happy

Besides being kind to others in our everyday lives, you can also help make the world a happier place by sharing your happy with the world. And thanks to the crazy connectivity we enjoy with social media, it’s easier than ever to share your happy! Share a funny picture. Share a song that makes you want to dance. Share a quote that inspires you. Share happy, and you’ll grow happy!

5. Party Happy!

Looking for a more unique way to go social with your happy? Check out the Global Happy Party happening online right now!

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