It’s that time of year again for students to decide whether to renew their housing contracts for next year.

Housing renewal forms for the upcoming year will be distributed to residents by their resident advisers.

“We are estimating that 38 to 40 percent of students living in the dorms this year will renew their contract for next year,” said Toni Greenslade-Smith, director of housing assignments.

“This is a minimal increase from last year when 38.7 percent of students returned to the dorms, but the number of students returning each year has been on the rise over the last five years,” she said.

About 8,700 undergraduate and 475 graduate students live in the residence halls.

Students have their own reasons for returning to the residence halls each year.

“Safety should be top priority for students because choosing somewhere safe to live is important,” said Jenny Klein, director of residence life.

Klein sent out a letter to parents informing them that the primary concern of her office is the safety of students, no matter where they choose to stay next year.

Students interested in returning to the residence halls next year must submit the renewal contract to their respective hall’s front desks before the midnight deadline on Feb.12. Students renewing their contracts will notice a reservation fee of $200, which is applied toward their spring quarter fees.

“Students who turn in their contracts before the Feb. 12 deadline have the option of canceling their contracts up until July 1, but will only receive back half of their reservation fee,” Greenslade-Smith said.

These contracts are straightforward and easy for students to complete in a short period of time.

“I don’t think it is a hassle,” said Joshua Michael, a junior living in Taylor Tower.

After the July 1 cancellation deadline, the remaining vacancies are distributed to entering freshmen.

Soon students will have several new housing options to choose from with the addition of three more housing facilities on campus.

These buildings, located on the corner of Worthington Street and 10th Avenue, are scheduled for completion before the start of fall quarter.

“These additions will provide housing for 350 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students,” Greenslade-Smith said. “Other possible future projects are currently under discussion.”