Amid the rising number of triples in the dorms and increased freshman enrollment, it seems safe to conclude that AU's new off-campus housing Web site is a much-welcomed amenity.
Launched in June 2007, the new service is the brainchild of former Student Government President Ashley Mushnick. Administered by Off Campus Partners Inc., the database is available to AU students who wish to or need to live off-campus. It is much smaller and manageable than Craigslist, and it helps AU students meet and coordinate living arrangements with other students from George Mason University, Marymount University, George Washington University and Northern Virginia Community College.
But as comprehensive of a list as it may be, the new Web site doesn't exactly offer students the counseling they may need to comprehend D.C.'s immensely complicated lease laws. And while the database contains a useful message board and sports a sizable help and contact section for students lost in legalese, it doesn't provide them any tailored or face-to-face help. The Web site is pre-programmed, and students must seek answers to their specific questions elsewhere.
Although we strongly support the new housing Web site, it is also important that we warn students to keep a watchful eye. As is the case with every online listing service, not every housing option is perfect and faultless. Students should be sure to check out their prospective new home - and their potential roommates - before committing to anything, regardless of who operates or sponsors the Web site.
