Amid the glossy photos and video presentations by area realtors and the bustle of housing tours, students began to secure next semester's living arrangements this weekend.

More than 47 different organizations participated in the sixth annual Housing Fair. Melissa Keller, president of the Organization for Town Independent Students, said the fair was created for people considering coming to University Park for the first time who want to know their options.

"The majority are looking for off-campus housing," Keller said, adding that the event is convenient because many realtors attend.

Steve Landucci (sophomore-biology) and Mark Mykulowycz (sophomore-hotel, restaurant and institutional management), who plan to be roommates, were comparison shopping as they waited for an 11 a.m. bus tour of area apartments Saturday.

Landucci, a North Halls resident, said he is tired of living in the dorms and wants to find an apartment close to campus.

"I'm pretty much open to anything," he said.

Gail Hurley, Residence Life director, said many students asked her how to sign up for a dorm room. She said they were curious about the different activities and benefits of dorm life.

"They want to know about the different activities like the interest houses and the (University Scholars Program)," Hurley said, turning to answer a student's question about becoming a resident assistant.

At a neighboring booth, Melissa Sieg, a realtor for Century 21/Corman Associates, 312 W. College Ave., said the fair provides good exposure and produces many good student contacts.

Sieg said although not many leases are actually signed at the fair, students and realtors do a lot of business in the next two weeks.

Apartment decisions involve both parents and students -- each of whom are looking for different qualities, Sieg said.

"Students who are alone are looking for availability to campus and safe accommodations, parents are looking for something different," she said.

Mary Beth Farrah (junior-marketing) from the Harrisburg campus and Angie Spickler (sophomore-agriculture economics) from the York campus have not included their parents in the decision-making process.

"We're pretty much saying what we're going to do -- we're paying for it," she said as Farrah nodded in agreement.

Farrah and Spickler plan to transfer to University Park next fall and they agreed it is difficult to decide where to live without seeing the apartments first.

They decided to take advantage of the OTIS-sponsored bus tours of several apartment complexes. ARHS also conducted walking tours of the dorms.

"I think (the students) are here so they can find affordable housing," said Kevin Howard, the fair director. "They want to know what kind of activities are around -- people want more to their living experience than just a place to sleep and eat."

The housing fair was sponsored by the Office of Off-Campus Living along with the Association of Residence Hall Students, the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments and OTIS.