Off-campus students are gearing up for a new season of looking for the perfect apartment or house for next year.

Some NIU students said cost, size, quality and privacy are the most important factors they use in picking out apartments.

“If it is more expensive but cleaner, I’d take it anyway,” said Maureen Leonas, a junior accounting major.

Leonas, who lives in the residence halls now, said she and her roommates are looking for an apartment for the fall semester.

“When you’re looking at apartments, you have to envision yourself living there,” said Brenda Kahle, a senior elementary education major. “If you don’t think you could—keep looking.”

Kahle said she feels a quiet environment for studying, air conditioning and good landlord maintenance are other important things she looks for when she starts her search.

The right location, cleanliness and value seem to be important factors in students’ searches, said Gary Tadd, owner of Pine View Apts., 432 Russell Rd.

One DeKalb landlord said if two apartments are equal, students are usually willing to pay up to $30 more for apartments closer to campus. However, if a nicer apartment can be found farther away, they will choose it.

“As long as there is a bus, I don’t really care,” Leonas said.

Leonas said apartments that have such extras as pools, saunas and weight rooms are also worth a little extra.

Students need to get all the facts about the places they’re looking at and not be taken, Tadd said. Checking out the Student Association ratings can help students find out if the landlords offer everything they are looking for, he said.