NIU students are scrambling to find apartments and sign leases as the number of available residences decline.

“There are still plenty of apartments out there, it’s going to be a little more limited,” said Kathy Laing of Laing Management.

Laing Management, Mason Properties, A & D Management, Amber Manor and Star Properties are some complexes that still have spaces open. Many of the larger apartments and townhouses are already leased but two- and three-bedroom apartments are still available.

Townhomes were the first to fill up. Larger groups took care of their leases before Winter Break, even as early as November, Laing said. The peak time for Star Properties was also November.

“Hurry up and find something, because the selection is getting much more limited,” said Joe Sosnowski, office manager of Star Properties.

Making a quick decision is just as important as knowing your roommates, said Sandy Campbell, project coordinator of Mason Properties.

Going up to a random person on campus and asking if he or she is interested in sharing an apartment is not a good idea, Laing said.

Another aspect to keep in mind is taking a reasonable amount of time to make a decision, Laing said.

“Don’t be pressured by any high sales,” she said.

A high sale is when a person is pressured by the rental office to sign a lease now or he or she will lose their chance. It may be true, said Laing, but if you are not completely satisfied with the apartment, don’t sign a lease – there are other apartments.

Students should look around and should not settle for the first apartment, said Laing. Laing also advises students to know the rental offices and find out which one meets your needs and is friendly.

Junior communication studies major Amit Thaker is currently with Horizon Management and is looking to sign a lease with another rental office.

“I have actually started to look for apartments. I am still exploring my options and trying to see which one is more beneficial,” Thaker said.