EDUrain is a software program for college students to find affordable off campus housing, roommate matches with other students in the area and a free way to build credit.
Webster University partnered with EDUrain and recommends it to students beginning their search for new living situations off Webster’s campus.
As a gay man who was on his own in college, founder and CEO Bryon Pierson created this program originally for LGBTQ+ students that were cut off from their parents to build a community in off campus housing. He wanted to give students opportunities that he never had. However, as the program grew, it attracted students of all backgrounds. Now, EDUrain has over 15,000 users.
Students create a profile and gain access to resources like a renters guide videos series, where things like renters insurance, scams and leases are explained for first time renters. They can select the school they attend and see housing options with EDUrain’s vetted landlords that are close and fit their budgets.
However, Webster University does not vet landlords listed on EDUrain. The company has their own vetting process to ensure the living opportunities on their site are safe and reliable.
An aspect of the program that draws in students is the roommate match feature. EDUrain worked with Webster’s Housing Director, Rachael Amick, to develop a roommate match up program similar to the one Webster uses.
“College is all about moving from living at home all the time to full adult living on your own, and that’s a scary big leap,” Amick said. “I would say the benefit for students is that it centralizes information where they can go in one place and see not only postings for landlords who say that they are wanting to rent to students, but also there’s educational materials embedded in where they’re building out constantly different resources for how to be a good renter.”
EDUrain employs a diverse group of people with different ethnic backgrounds to work for their company, and looks to expand their employee base to students. That way, when problems arise, the people helping students on the other side of the phone are also students. Webster and EDUrain are in the process of setting up a system to work together to provide paid internships to students.
“I want to be able to raise a new generation of talent. Give people a stable work environment, a happy work environment,” Pierson said.
Amick sees the future of EDUrain and Webster helping many students find a place to live off campus.
“Our first interests will always be looking out for our students,” Amick said. “I think it’s just a really exciting opportunity to grow and offer more resources.”
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