Syracuse University plans to launch an off-campus housing tool in November to help students search for safe and affordable living options.  

Members of a university workgroup said SU will work with landlords and city officials to make sure the housing listings are accurate and that the properties are compliant with code regulations. Students will also be able to find roommates and subletters.    

Participating students will fill out a questionnaire detailing their preferences for amenities, accommodations, distance from campus and other factors. The questionnaire will then generate results based on the desired criteria. 

Jack Wilson, president of the Graduate Student Organization and member of the committee organizing the platform, said the new tool is designed to serve as the main source for students to find off-campus housing.   

“We’re hoping this allows these new students to be less vulnerable to the peculiarities of the housing market,” he said. 

Wilson added that the housing search can be difficult for students who are unfamiliar with the area or unable to view properties in person. The platform will create an environment where students can be informed of their options but also be confident that the housing options are safe, he said. 

A map will pinpoint available locations, and the site will provide details and accurate photos on specific units. A guide to approaching landlords with questions and signing leases will be featured on the site.   

SU is working with the website developer, Off Campus Partners, and the city to approve the properties before they are listed. Landlords will pay a fee to advertise their properties on the site, and they are expected to operate in good standing. 

Amy Sloane-Garris, executive director of graduate enrollment, said students need to have a resource that can provide them with reliable information in the housing search process.  

The committee started researching in fall 2017 to determine the parameters for the website and make a request for proposals from different listing websites, she added. 

“It’s going to be very helpful for students to make an informed decision,” Sloane-Garris said.

Published on October 10, 2018 at 8:46 pm

Contact Kate: kjminuti@syr.edu