Month: July 2018

College Apartment Study Zone Tips

Posted on by abenson

Designing the right study space for your college apartment

The new school year is just around the corner. To keep you from getting stressed out about all the homework and tests, its important to have a place at your college apartment where you can get all your work done without distractions. We put together some tips to help put your college apartment study zone together so that you can start the year off on the right foot.  

Choose the space

When you are setting up your study zone, you want to pick a spot that will have minimal distractions, provides sufficient lighting, and isn’t an area that is used for social activities. If you are sharing an apartment with a roommate, consider creating your study area in your bedroom near a window so that you get natural light during the day.

Pick Furniture

When selecting furniture, think about what will work best for you. A desk doesn’t work for everyone, so if a bean bag chair, hammock, or exercise ball is your thing, go for it. Since you will be studying for long hours, find something to sit on that is comfortable but not so comfortable that you could fall asleep in it.  

Lighting is Important

Some nights you might be up late into the night, so it will be important to have a lamp that will provide ample light. During the day, try to use as much natural light as possible as it could boost your mood.  

Keep Your Space Organized

To stay focused and in the zone, you will want to keep your space organized and clean to keep your stress levels at a minimum. If there is clutter everywhere, your mind may start wandering elsewhere. Consider using floating shelves, organization trays, or drawers to organize your books, utensils, and assignments. Use a calendar or planner so that you can plan when you will start and finish your upcoming assignment.  Keep highlighters, pencils, and pens within an arm’s reach.  

Get Rid of Distractions

It’s fun to hang pictures of friends and family around your apartment but consider keeping them away from your study area as they could cause you to start reminiscing and losing your focus. Consider hanging a motivational quote or calendar instead. Find a place where you can keep your phone that is out of sight. If your phone is right next to you, it will be too tempting to scroll through Instagram or check that text about last Friday night.  

Personalize your Area

Ultimately, you should set your space up so that it works for you. Make your space a place where you feel calm and don’t get stressed about returning to. Add touches that make it an inviting area and help you feel your best.

Fun tip: According to a Huffington Post article, orange can help you concentrate. The color helps you focus, concentrate, and organize which makes it the perfect pop of color for your study space.
 

Looking for an apartment that is close to campus? Take a look out our apartments in Moorhead, Fargo/West Fargo, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, Watford City, & Williston.

 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Stonemill Pond

Posted on by abenson

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Stonemill Pond

Located in a growing area of Moorhead, MN, the Stonemill Community proves to be one of a kind. There is something for everyone from college students to retirees.  The community offers 3 different apartment options, townhomes, twin homes, and a clubhouse at the center of it all. Designed to be truly lifestyle driven, the community offers many onsite amenities and is in a convenient location in Moorhead. Nearby is the Stonemill Trail Park which has a basketball court, gazebo, field space, and a playground. Within waking distance of the community is the local Hornbacher’s grocery store along with great restaurants, a fitness center, and Caribou Coffee.

   

Stonemill Clubhouse

The Stonemill Clubhouse is where the community comes together. It offers an onsite fitness center, community room that is great for hosting events and gathering with neighbors to chat over coffee, a leasing office, and a patio and grill that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The clubhouse has held multiple events for residents to attend, which include: Pumpkin Painting, Ornament Decorating, and a Community Picnic.

   

apartmentsStonemill Pond Apartments

Stonemill Pond Apartments consists of 3 apartment buildings that offer studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. Each open floor plan apartment offers high ceilings, a private patio or balcony, large walk-in closets, and high efficiency appliances. In the 900 building, there is an onsite fitness center that the community is welcome to use.

   

villasStonemill Villas Apartments

Stonemill Villas are a hybrid of an apartment and a townhome as you get your own private entrance. The villas offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans that offer state of the art soundproofing, stainless steel high efficiency appliances, and a private patio and balcony. These apartments are the perfect option for pet owners since you have your own private entrance.

   

signatureSignature Apartments at Stonemill Pond

The newest addition to the community is the Signature Apartments. This was the final addition and offers upscale amenities including granite countertops, central air conditioning, stainless steel appliances, laminate hardwood floors in the kitchen and living areas, and a private walk out patio or balcony. The hallways are adorned with artwork and one side overlooks the entire community while the other overlooks the park.

   

townhomeStonemill Townhomes & Twin Homes

Stonemills townhomes offer 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms while the twin homes offer 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  Both offer a gas fireplace in the living area and an island kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and granite countertops. The townhomes and twin homes have central air conditioning, extra storage space, and a patio off the dining area. These home are pet friendly and are a great option for pet owners since each has a walkout patio making it easy to bring your pet outside when necessary.

 

Bike Trails Near Our Communities

Posted on by abenson

Bike Trails Near Our Communities

It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the sunshine — and what better way to do it than to go on a bike ride? All the cities our communities are in offer great multi-use paths that are perfect for biking. So grab a bike, a helmet , and a friend (or go solo!) and check out one of the many great trails near you.

Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Bike Trails

The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area offers many bike paths that can be accessed from a majority of our communities. Biking along the Red River and Sheyenne River is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If mountain biking is your preference or if you want to try something new, then be sure to check out Iwen Park, MB Johnson Park, or Gooseberry for a fun adventure! See the map.

Mandan Bike Trails

All our Mandan communities have quick and easy access to the Old Red Trail as well as the Lewis and Clark Trail. Other trails to check out include the Sunset Park Trail and the Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail. See the map.  

Minot Bike Trails

Minot has trails across the city that will bring you to various parks and points of interest including trails along the river. For mountain biking, check out the Bison Plant Trail, which is 3.1 miles long and has a nice stretch along the Souris River. See the map.  

Jamestown Bike Trails

Whatever length of trail you are looking for, Jamestown offers something for you with anything for ¼ mile to 10 miles or more. See the complete list.    

Williston Bike Trails

The city of Williston offers trails across the city with plans to add more. Our Williston communities have easy access to the existing trails. See the map.    

Watford City Bike Trails

Watford City offers a multiuse path that is 2.4 miles long that starts behind the Children’s Play Park on Main Street at Centennial Park. The area also has several mountain biking options including the Bennet Creek Trail, Magpie Trail, and the Long X Loop. No matter where you live, there are trails near you. Be sure to follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet. Do you have a favorite biking trail? Share it with us by visiting our Facebook page.