Statistics

• More than 35,000 users have used RoomSync to find their roommate
• FbFund finalist in 2009
• RoomSync works with more than 35 universities to provide Facebook-based roommate self-selection on campus
• RoomSync is the only Facebook application for roommate matching at universities

FAQ

What is RoomSync?

RoomSync (www.roomsync.com), formerly known as RoomBug, is the service for selecting college roommates.

How exactly does RoomSync work?

Once a student has signed to live on-campus, they will be given access to the RoomSync application on Facebook. Once inside, they can fill out their lifestyle preferences such as preferred bedtime, visitor frequency, etc and describe their ideal roommate. They then search for roommates at their university by referring to lifestyle preferences and Facebook profile information. Users can also search for a specific word in a profile like 'soccer', or by academic major and preferred residence hall. Users can then request each other as roommates inside the application. The housing administrator will receive the roommate request.

What criteria can students use to evaluate roommates?

RoomSync takes several factors into account to facilitate roommate matching, including:

• Lifestyle preferences such as preferred bedtime, visitor frequency, etc
• Facebook profile data (interests, activities, favorite books, etc)
• Academic major
• Residence Halls

Which universities allow their students to find their roommates via RoomSync?

RoomSync is the leader in roommate matching software among academic institutions, with installs at more than 35 universities across the country. University clients include:

Ashland University
Birmingham Southern College
Cedarville University
Emory University
Greensboro College
Hanover College
Kent State
Mercy College
Michigan State University
Notre Dame de Namur
Oakland University
Oxford College
Pepperdine University
Stony Brook University
Shippensburg University
Temple University
University of Florida
University of South Florida
Wichita State
William Paterson University
Western Kentucky University
West Chester University
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
SUNY Canton
Florida International University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Purdue University
New Mexico State University
Eastern Washington University
East Carolina University
St. Bonaventure University
University of Maryland
Wayne State University
Eastern Illinois University

How does RoomSync compare with other offerings out there?  

RoomSync is the only roommate matching software that operates entirely through Facebook and access extensive Facebook profile data such as Facebook likes, interests, activities and favorite books. Studies have shown that what people put in their Facebook profile is highly accurate to what they are like in real life, making Facebook profiles the perfect roommate matching resource.

Is RoomSync free for students?

Yes.

What is RoomSync’s business model?

RoomSync is one of the only Facebook applications to realize a revenue source outside of advertising. RoomSync charges universities and student-focused communities a subscription fee so that RoomSync is offered for free to residents as a value-added service.

Is there a mobile app for RoomSync?

Currently we do not offer any mobile access for the RoomSync application. A mobile application is currently under development.

When was RoomSync founded and by whom?

RoomSync was founded in August of 2007 as RoomBug (later renamed to RoomSync) by Robert Castellucci, Alex Edelsburg, Michael Hacker and Ariel Himmelstern

Has RoomSync ever taken investment ?

To date, RoomSync has no outside investors and is wholly owned by the founders.

What happens if roommates are unhappy with their RoomSync match?

Users have complete control of who they select as their roommate. Studies have shown that RoomSync reduces roommate conflict, so the chances of a user being unhappy with their match is less likely than with another matching method. Each matching decision is reviewed by the university and users would have to appeal to their community and request a change in roommate match.

Screenshots

For screenshots of the application, visit our Features Tour.

Video Footage

1-minute explanation YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBgjoxghjxs

B-roll of the RoomSync app:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFAD4509AA836C408

B-roll of students using and talking about RoomSync:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5D9F993A45064AFC

Founder Bios

Robert Castellucci, Co-founder & VP of Marketing

Rob is an avid Facebook user and has been a member of the website since August 2004. He has extensive experience in social media, consulting with companies across the country on utilizing Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools. Prior to founding RoomSync, Rob worked as an Associate at Synogen, a seed-stage venture fund specializing in the commercialization of medical devices. Rob is very active in the local Gainesville community, serving on several entrepreneurial and economic development initiatives including Innovation Gainesville, Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership and Change, and Envision Alacuha. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Marketing and Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.

Alex Edelsburg, Co-founder & VP of Technology

Alex is the lead developer of the RoomSync application. Alex focuses on important strategic development issues and application functionality, leading the way in both the specification and implementation of major updates and new features. Prior to RoomSync, Alex worked at Microsoft and held roles in web and IT administration for various clients in Florida. Alex received his formal technical training from Duke University, where he earned Bachelors degrees in both Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science. He later returned to Duke to complete his Professional Masters in Engineering.

Michael Hacker, Co-founder & President

Michael helped transition RoomSync from idea to reality by assembling the founding team. Using his acquired skills from his first company and his knowledge of web programming and design, Michael is able to bridge the gap between business and application development. Michael received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Additionally, he is currently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration at the University of Florida.

Ariel Himmelstern, Co-founder & VP of Information Security

Ariel is in charge of Information Technology for RoomSync. Ariel maintains the security of the servers and works with the development team to ensure the integrity and functionality of RoomSync data. Prior to co-founding RoomSync, Ariel worked with Rabinovici and Associates ensuring the security of client servers, including the servers of noted companies such as Kodak. While working with RoomSync, Ariel is furthering his security knowledge by completing a Dual Degree Program between Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.