When it came to signing a lease this fall, Jill Marik, sophomore in DGS, considered apartment prices too high and turned to private-certified housing as an alternative.

“For what I was being quoted at the time, (leasing an apartment) wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I thought I was better off going with private housing with my meals included again, as opposed to living in an apartment, paying a ton for the unit, utilities and food.”

But once spring came around, Marik said the price for a two bedroom unit at 309 E. Green St. went down by about $200 a month. By that time, however, she had already committed to private housing.

Such is the case for many students who sign leases in the fall under the impression that prices are static.

Ethan Bruning, freshman in ACES, signed his lease for fall 2012 last October. Bruning said he got caught up in the “pressure to sign as soon as possible in fear of all the good properties filling up.”

Esther Patt, director of the Tenant Union, said because most property management firms have an array of sites to choose from, most rental units are available well into the spring semester. She said students are often unaware that properties are still available later on in the year.

According to classified advertisements in October 2010, The University Group stated that four-bedroom apartments on Sixth Street started at a rate of $300 per person. In April 2011, the rate for the same unit was lowered to $200 per person. The University Group could not be reached for comment.

Tim Haas, leasing director for Roland Realty, referenced a chart that outlines lease prices for his company. According to the chart, a four-bedroom unit at 309 E. Green St. sells at a normal price of $825 a month, but the special offer in the spring drops the rate to $756.25 per month.

Ed Coyne, vice president of The Bromley Group of Companies, said living costs at Bromley Hall don’t fluctuate as much. He said rates only change by one or 2 percent for new residents, and that for returning students rates are locked in.

Marik, among other students, expressed frustration with the lack of guidance she received when it came to apartment shopping.

Despite feeling like there may be no help when apartment shopping, Patt said students should consult the Tenant Union with questions.

Patt stressed that students should not feel obligated to sign a lease in the fall.

“Students that are extremely picky may want to sign early, but the notion that nothing will be left in the spring is false,” Patt said. “Prices are good, and it is always a plus to wait and make sure your situation does not change during the spring semester.”