The fifth annual Housing Fair drew mixed reactions from students this weekend, ranging from disappointment with a low number of realtors to satisfaction with Friday's 6,000-person turnout.

Designed to facilitate students in their search for housing accommodations, the Housing Fair, held at the HUB, brings together real estate agents, transportation and utility companies, government representatives and other organizations to answer questions and provide information.

Although pleased with the overall turnout at the fair, many exhibitors agreed students streamed in slowly Friday.

"It's probably the weather," said Pat Bloom, a rental consultant for Toftrees, 808 Cricklewood Drive.

But Sherri Rutolo, coordinator of the Housing Fair, said Friday's turnout was the largest the fair has ever seen on opening day. More than 1,400 students visited the fair Friday -- well over the nearly 500 people who usually attend the first day, she said.

Targeted for students from Commonwealth campuses, Saturday featured walking and bus tours to acquaint people with the area. The Association of Residence Hall Students and the Organization of Town Independent Students also gave Quick Tip help sessions on issues that face students living both downtown and on-campus.

The fair was sponsored by ARHS, OTIS and Council of Commonwealth Student Governments, Rutolo added.

While organizers were happy with this year's fair, several people who attended were less enthusiastic, complaining about the apartments represented and the steep rates the "big" realtors advertised.

"It's not quite what I was looking for," said Brad Helsel (junior-chemistry), who said he was looking for a private room in a house.