By Julia Kelm

“Master planning at its finest in the span of a month,” said Michael Fisher, the Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance, during the Aug. 22 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hinarr Hu Moulik.

Fisher’s statement was in reference to the supposed scramble to get the Hinarr Hu Moulik housing in working order — at least, mostly working.

Construction on the East building was finished in June of this year. The West building, which will eventually house the front desk, mailroom, and laundry, is still not completed. 

The laundry room was opened to the residents as of Aug. 25, however, the rest of these important amenities will likely become available after the full complex is completed in spring 2026.

There is a new cafe and gym available for students living in the west building. However, why these two things were prioritized over laundry and mail, I’m not sure.

Beyond what is unfinished, a new key system for getting into rooms was implemented for only Hinarr Hu Moulik residents. Everyone who lives there must download an app called Mobile Access and connect using their Humboldt email. This is the primary way to access any doors, including their own rooms, in the building.

In concept, this sounds like a good idea; however, this has brought nothing but trouble for me and my roommates since moving in.

The app is extremely unreliable. The number of times I’ve found myself tapping my phone on the lock to watch the door blink, having to try again — only for it to reject me for the tenth time — is starting to drive me insane. 

This isn’t an isolated incident only affecting me or just Cal Poly Humboldt students. This app has over 300 reviews on the Apple Store, all of which have one star. Not only for the app’s glitches, but also the desperation and dependency of needing your phone fully charged anytime you just want to leave your room.

However, it’s only the lack of necessary amenities and keys that have bothered me so far while living at Hinarr Hu Moulik.

The apartments are free of mold and have a modern style that makes you feel like you’re living in something more upscale. The bathrooms also have full bathtubs, and comfy armchairs and sofas, which make you feel like you’re at home and less like a dorm.

Although everything isn’t perfect, I can’t complain about having a roof over my head at the end of the day. Even if I may not be able to get under it sometimes.

Julia is a journalism major, and is the life and arts editor for the paper. She loves film and is a regular on Letterboxd. She also enjoys going on walks in the forest, and taking pictures to relax. If you have a movie you want her to review, email her at jk328@humboldt.edu