Orlando G. Jones Jr., lives at University Apartments now, but hasn’t yet decided where he’ll be next year.

The first-year law student could live in an apartment, or in the Northern View Community, a new university housing project that will open for the 2007-2008 academic year.

“It’s going to be a last resort; the pricing is pretty steep and I could be closer to school for that amount of money,” he said.

The Northern View Community is designed for students with dependents, graduate, professional students and students with special needs, but the added benefits tenants will see – full kitchens, high-speed internet, a playground, game room, large recreation field, among other amenities – will come at a higher cost than the University Apartments.

One-bedroom apartments start at $699, including bills and Internet access fees, with a 12-month contract. Prices are higher with a nine-month contract.

For a one-bedroom apartment at University Apartments with all utilities except Internet access and phone service, prices range from $592 to $657 a month, depending on the contract length and type of apartment.

NIU officials listed the prices last fall, and according to Brian Hemphill, vice president for Student Affairs, there has been no change in price for the apartments since the estimated price in the fall.

However, officials did not mention the $150 pre-payment, and that $25 must be paid up front as a non-refundable application fee. Even if a student chooses not to live in the Northern View Community, he or she will not receive their $25 back.

Kelly Wesener, the executive director of Housing and Dining, said all students can apply to live at the Northern View Community, but the buildings were built with a specific focus, which will be kept in mind.

“The Northern View Community is being built with the focus of providing housing for students who have dependents, graduate and professional students, as well as students who have special needs that can not be accommodated in the residence halls,” she said. “Students that fit this population will get first consideration, with senior and junior undergraduates also receiving priority in the tenant selection process.”

A female resident of University Apartments who wished to remain anonymous said she had planned on moving there, but due to the limited number of one-bedroom apartments, did not win one.

The Northern view Community’s Web site states that NIU financial aid packages may be used to help fund the cost of rent, but Kathleen Brunson, director of Student Financial Aid, said there are still some things that need to be discussed and finalized with the appropriate parties.

In the best-case scenario, financial aid could be applied the same way as it is for residence halls, she said.