With treats and trinkets at their disposal, nearly two dozen housing providers vied for students’ attention at the annual Off-Campus Housing Fair Tuesday.

Robert Wiese, president of Rent Iowa, the event’s sponsor, said holding the fair early in the semester gives students time to make the right decisions.

“It’s a great way for students to find out what housing is available,” Wiese said. “February is the start of the housing season, so now is a good time for people to get a lot of information all in one place.”

Terry Faura, junior in anthropology, was one of the students looking at new housing options. She said she was a bit disappointed by the fair.

“I really felt pressured into renting an apartment,” she said. “Although I appreciated all the information that I got, I wasn’t ready to commit.”

Russ McCullough, vice president of Ev Cochrane and Associates, 207 Stanton Ave., said his company is offering many new amenities to keep attracting students. The company was touting its new apartment complex in Campustown with a rooftop bar and grill, hot tub and fitness center.

Companies like Newbury Management Company and Sterling University Plains set up booths with company information and allowed students to enter raffle contests to win prizes.

Jacky Sklenar, assistant manager of Sterling University Plains, 4912 Mortensen Road, said the company is almost entirely dependent on students, so they market exclusively to them. They gave out pamphlets describing their amenities, including a hot tub and swimming pool.

Lad Grove, owner of Grove Real Estate, 218 SE 16th St., said his property business is unique to Ames because it allows all types of animals with few restrictions.

“I think students are looking for more amenities now than they did years ago,” Grove said.

Although the fair’s purpose is to lure students away from campus, John Shertzer, residence life coordinator, said he applauds the event.

“It’s a positive event for students,” he said. “We just hope they remember their housing options on campus.”