Crunch time is coming for students looking for off-campus housing.

To help in the search, Ohio State’s Off-Campus Student Services will host the 2004 Housing Fair from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., today and tomorrow on the 2nd floor main lounge of the Ohio Union.

More than 40 local real estate firms and property owners will be present, according to OCSS, to answer any questions and clarify concerns students have during the process of searching for a house or apartment. In the past, companies held raffles and giveaways, and also served food at the event.

“Tables for each of the companies will be set up in a circular format in order to allow students to easily go from table to table and see everything,” said Dilna Cama, spokeswoman for OCSS. “Other OSU services will be present as well to help students make the best choice, according to their individual needs, as to where they should live.”

Some of the real estate companies and apartment complexes that will be at the fair include Buckeye Real Estate, Olentangy Commons, Pella Real Estate and University Manors. For Rent magazine will be handing out new issues of their publication to students.

Several student services and other organizations will be present at the housing fair to assist students in their decision. The Student Housing Legal Clinic will be there to answer questions concerning leases and terms of housing. OSU will have a safety and risk assessment table with information about safety concerns for off-campus living.

COTA will be available to inform students living further away from campus about bus routes running throughout the city. FedEx is the sponsor of the event and will offer information about student employment and other special offers they have, according to OCSS.

“These events serve primarily as a way for us to inform students of what we have to offer,” said Mario Fitros, an agent for Pella. “It’s more promotional than anything for the real estate companies. We’ll come with our banner and photos of a few places we have available, and hopefully just talk to students and see if we can find what they’re looking for. We will be focusing on speaking to students about housing for fall.”

While some companies will be highlighting the houses and apartments they have available, others, like Buckeye Real Estate, will focus specifically on fall quarter housing.

“During these events we usually highlight all the units we have available, both now and for the fall,” said Julie Hutchinson, spokeswoman for Buckeye Real Estate.

Students seem to find the event helpful in narrowing down what they are looking for in a house or apartment.

“I’ve gone to the event before, and it was pretty informative,” said Ryan Fretz, a junior in engineering. “I think it helps, especially if this is your first time renting an apartment and you are unsure as to how the whole procedure works.”