Students have already begun making living arrangements for the coming fall.

Popular options include living in an on-campus residence hall or apartment, moving off campus to an apartment complex or finding a house.

The Preiss Company is one of the largest rental companies in the area, owning 10 apartments or townhouse units near N.C. State.

Elizabeth Little, a leasing consultant for Preiss, said a great majority of the company’s clientele is made up of N.C. State students and many have already signed for next year.

“These months, January and February, are our busiest,” Little said. “Eventually we’ll have to quit leasing because we won’t have anything left. Historically, we usually fill up around May.”

Little said students who lease early are at an advantage, as they typically receive lower rates.

“Rates are based on supply and demand,” she said. “The earlier you sign the cheaper.”

As of yesterday, University Woods, one of the units owned by Preiss, was already 41 percent full while University Village, another one of the company’s properties, was 34 percent full.

There are many factors to take into consideration when moving off campus, with location being one of the most important.

Safety of the area and proximity to campus or to a Wolfline bus stop makes a great impact on day-to-day activity.

Alison Thomas-Hollands, a junior in animal science, said she found the commute from her apartment off Trailwood Drive to be a hassle.

“If you include all the waiting time, it takes about 40 minutes,” Thomas-Hollands said, referring to her commute time. “It can be frustrating, especially since it means I have to wake up much earlier. The CAT bus is also very unpredictable, so it often takes longer.”

Thomas-Hollands will be taking this into account while searching for a new apartment for next year.

“I’d like to be closer to campus, or at least on a Wolfline stop.”

The number of desired roommates can be another limiting factor in choosing the right housing option, as well as the choice between furnished and un-furnished housing.

Gorman Crossing, for instance, is close to a Wolfline stop, but can accommodate at most three people per unit. University Oaks has no furnished units available for rent.

“Since we do manage so many properties, we have a little bit of everything,” Little said. “That’s definitely an advantage we have over competitors.”

Although most upper classmen choose to live off campus, some decide to stay in the residence halls or in on-campus apartments.

Jodie Greene, junior in chemical engineering, said she could sum up her decision to stay on campus in a single word: convenience.

With classrooms, dining halls, the gym and the library only a short walk away, students choosing to stay on campus often have less hassle getting around. Having all bills and expenses in one easy payment is also helpful.

Greene said her decision to stay on campus was also influenced by the fact that many of her friends also decided to live in the residence halls. As a resident of the University Honors Village, Greene appreciates the intimate community.

Next year, however, she will be moving off campus.