College students love nothing more than free stuff, and that's what attracted Oxford College of Emory University students to Wednesday's College Business Expo.

"My sister and I were just making our way through to the dining hall," said sophomore Melony Bethala. "I didn't realize the whole town would be here."

More than a dozen businesses brought coupons and giveaway items to the tables set up on Oxford's College Green.

Marvlyn Kirk, assistant director of development for college relations, invited the businesses to showcase their products.

"This was supposed to accomplish educating the faculty and students about the businesses and services in Rockdale and Newton counties," Kirk said.

AT&T National Retail Account Executive John Krebs invited students to enter to win a $50 RadioShack gift card on behalf of AT&T.

Krebs wanted students to see Samsung's new mobile phone, the Sync, which features video share or one-way live video.

"It's always a good thing to come out and sort of spread the news," Krebs said.

Freshman Haynes Cheuning said he enjoyed the RadioShack display the best because it featured high-tech communication gadgets, remote control cars and a flying toy resembling a dragonfly.

"I saw the brochure for the expo in the lunchroom and I though it would be cool," Cheuning. "So here I am."

Other popular booths included those set up by Belk in Conyers and Town Center Breads and Coffee located in Clark's Grove.

Belk's Clinique makeup specialist Debra Lewis helped female students determine their skin type for a free sample of their three-step skin care line contained in a complimentary cosmetic bag. The line stretched several yards at times.

Town Center Breads and Coffee owner Linda Skrobot gave students complimentary iced coffee and cinnamon walnut raisin bread, as well as handed out coupons for in-store coffees.

"We had a beautiful stuffed focaccia," Skrobot said, "but the ants got in it."

 Many young ladies also crowded around the Classic Embroidery table to view Tracy Camp and Tammy Hodges' collection of colorful, monogrammed bags.

"I do it out of the basement of my home," Camp said.

Covington Athletic Club, Covington YMCA and Contours Express were all raffling trial memberships or three-day passes to their workout facilities, which many students preferred over free candy at other tables.

Kirk said she hopes more businesses will attend next year.

"It's basically an opportunity to advertise for free," Kirk said.