Syracuse University Introduces New Digital Platform to Assist Students with Off-Campus Housing Search

Syracuse University today announced the launch of a new digital platform to increase access to safe and affordable off-campus housing options for Syracuse students.

The new platform, which will be live by the end of November, is designed to ensure that all available properties are listed accurately, registered with the City of Syracuse and compliant with housing ordinances. Listed properties will also include detailed information on the rental units and available amenities.

“Students helped us identify the need for an easy-to-use resource to aid in the search for off-campus housing,” says Peter Vanable, dean of the Graduate School. “The site will be a great resource for all students seeking off-campus housing and, especially, for first-year graduate international students who often seek to finalize housing arrangements from afar, before arriving in the United States. The new digital platform will assist in strengthening the University’s relationship with area property owners and help our students to confidently select housing that will meet their needs.”

Students will be able to search for off-campus housing using detailed search criteria and photos of the properties. The website will incorporate Google Translate capacities and allow users to find roommates, post sublets and access a message board, among other features. The platform will also include educational resources for students and their families about living off campus and a feedback mechanism.

The initiative is the result of a working group the University convened to assess off-campus student housing. Led by Vanable, the working group included representatives from the Graduate Student Organization, the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience, the Office of Real Estate Services and Asset Management, the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Auxiliary Services. Off Campus Partners, LLC, a company with a proven track record of linking college/university renters and properties, will develop and manage the operation of the site.

All SU students, faculty and staff will have access to the site.