Helping Post-Secondary Students Navigate
Off- Campus Housing with Ease
TIMELINE
Fall 2024
ROLE
Visual Designer
TEAM
Allison Kalist
Cohen Peters
Elizabeth Ciceu
Fintan Sharpe
TOOLS
Figma / FigJam
Adobe Illustrator
CONTEXT
Scattered information creates uncertainty
Most students move off‑campus after first year, but the process is confusing and overwhelming. Information is scattered across multiple platforms, leaving students overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
THE PROBLEM
How might we make securing off‑campus housing after first year simpler and less stressful for students?
With no reliable central source of information, students struggle to compare options or make confident decisions, turning a basic transition into an overwhelming task.
KEY INSIGHTS
A lack of housing platforms tailored to student needs
While researching housing options in Ontario’s university towns, my groupmates and I noticed most platforms weren’t made for students. Listings felt overwhelming, profiles were vague, and it was hard to tell who or what was a good fit.
Bamboo Housing
No roommate matching feature
Places 4 Students
Outdated interface + untrustworthy reviews
More than 70% of students reported using over 20 different sites before finding housing.
(Based on 60+ survey responses)
SOLUTION
Enhanced explore page
The design includes a list/map toggle for quick location or property comparison, advanced filters for lease length, new listings, and key amenities, and detailed listings with landlord info, reviews, and direct messaging to build clarity and trust.
Detailed Roommate Profiles
Strengthens the roommate‑matching process by making lifestyle habits, preferences, and budgets clear upfront. With routines and values openly shared, students can avoid common conflicts and find roommates who fit more naturally with how they live.
Rent Price History Chart
Enhances pricing transparency by comparing current rent with historical trends, helping students identify fair market rates. Showing how prices shift over time builds trust and supports more confident, informed decisions.
DESIGN DECISIONS / PROCESS
Expanded Sign-Up Preferences
We added detailed preference selections during sign-up to better support both international and domestic students. Users can now indicate specific needs like accessibility features, preferred locations, and even landlord registration, making it easier to find housing that truly fits.
Smarter Roommate Matching
Profiles now include lifestyle filters like sleep schedules, smoking or drinking habits, and lease duration preferences. This allows students to match with roommates who align with their routines and communicate clearly before committing.
CHALLENGES
Too many cooks in the kitchen
Multiple people were working on the visual design of the app. Different styles = chaos + inconsistency
REFLECTION