Compare Platforms
The Modern Alternative to StarRez
Why Housing.Cloud for Colleague
The Modern Alternative to StarRez
Why Housing.Cloud
for Colleague
One platform where everything is included. No modules, no add-ons,
no surprises. See why schools are making the switch.
One platform where everything is included. No modules, no add-ons,
no surprises. See why schools are making the switch.
One platform where everything is included. No modules, no add-ons, no surprises.
See why schools are making the switch.
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
One platform.
Everything included.
One platform.
Everything included.
One platform.
Everything included.
StarRez
StarRez
Modules, add-ons & separate invoices.
Modules, add-ons & separate invoices.
Modules, add-ons & separate invoices.
Compare Platforms
The Modern Alternative to StarRez
One platform where everything is included. No modules, no add-ons,
no surprises. See why schools are making the switch.
Housing.Cloud
One platform.
Everything included.
Trusted by schools that switched from StarRez, THD, and Mercury
Trusted by schools that switched from StarRez, THD, and Mercury
Trusted by schools that switched from StarRez, THD, and Mercury
Make the Move. Get it All.
Make the Move. Get it All.
Make the Move. Get it All.
Make the Move. Get it All.
Here's What You Get
Once You Make the Move
Here's What You Get
Once You Make the Move
Why Housing.Cloud for Colleague
Here's What You Get
Once You Make the Move
Why Housing.Cloud
for Colleague
Whether you're switching from THD, Mercury, or StarRez itself — the implementation lift is the same either way. Same data migration. Same new workflows. Same retraining. So the only real question is: what do you get on the other side?
Whether you're switching from THD, Mercury, or StarRez itself — the implementation lift is the same either way. Same data migration. Same new workflows. Same retraining. So the only real question is: what do you get on the other side?
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
Every capability below ships with the platform. Day one.
Resident Portal
Resident Portal
Roommate Matching
Roommate Matching
Room Selection
Room Selection
Help Desk
Help Desk
Reporting
Reporting
No-Code Auto-Assignment
No-Code Auto-Assignment
Room Selection
Reporting
No-Code Auto-Assignment
Access Control
Access Control
SMS + Email
SMS + Email
Billing & Finance
Billing & Finance
Key Management
Key Management
Furniture Tracking
Furniture Tracking
Testing Sandbox
Testing Sandbox
Access Control
Furniture Tracking
No add-on fees. No module charges. No surprises.
No add-on fees. No module charges. No surprises.
All included
Sold Separately
Legacy Vendors
Legacy Vendors
Key Management
+
$
add-on module
SMS / Text Messaging
+
$
paid integration
paid integration
Furniture Tracking
+
$
add-on module
Testing Sandbox
+
$
expensive add-on, limited
access
Plus separate charges for cloud hosting, time-based inventory configuration,
API access, and more.
Plus separate charges for cloud hosting, time-based inventory configuration, API access, and more.
Plus separate charges for cloud hosting, time-based inventory configuration,
API access, and more.
With the other vendor we evaluated, we'd be nickel-and-dimed for every application or process we wanted to incorporate into our day-to-day operations.
With the other vendor we evaluated, we'd be nickel-and-dimed for every application or process we wanted to incorporate into our day-to-day operations.
With the other vendor we evaluated, we'd be nickel-and-dimed for every application or process we wanted to incorporate into our day-to-day operations.
With the other vendor we evaluated, we'd be nickel-and-dimed for every application or process we wanted to incorporate into our day-to-day operations.
Julio Garcia
Julio Garcia
Julio Garcia
— Associate Director of Residence Life, New Jersey Institute of Technology
— Associate Director of Residence Life, New Jersey Institute of Technology
— Associate Director of Residence Life, New Jersey Institute of Technology
— Associate Director of Residence Life, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Assumption
Assumption
"Moving from THD/Mercury to StarRez is seamless because they own them"
"Moving from THD/Mercury to StarRez is seamless because they own them"
Reality
Reality
It's a full data migration and reimplementation project — not plug-and-play. Schools should expect the same lift as any other migration.
It's a full data migration and reimplementation project — not plug-and-play. Schools should expect the same lift as any other migration.
It's a full data migration and reimplementation project — not plug-and-play. Schools should expect the same lift as any other migration.
Assumption
Assumption
"StarRez offers more features"
"StarRez offers more features"
Reality
Reality
Most of those features are buried in modules, add-ons, and extra fees that aren't clear until you're deep in the process. With Housing.Cloud, what you need is already built in.
Most of those features are buried in modules, add-ons, and extra fees that aren't clear until you're deep in the process. With Housing.Cloud, what you need is already built in.
Most of those features are buried in modules, add-ons, and extra fees that aren't clear until you're deep in the process. With Housing.Cloud, what you need is already built in.
Assumption
Assumption
"Switching systems is too disruptive"
"Switching systems is too disruptive"
Reality
Reality
Five steps. Three teams. As fast as 90 days. Housing.Cloud runs the process, your housing team shapes the workflows, and your IT team is guided throughout.
Five steps. Three teams. As fast as 90 days. Housing.Cloud runs the process, your housing team shapes the workflows, and your IT team is guided throughout.
Five steps. Three teams. As fast as 90 days. Housing.Cloud runs the process, your housing team shapes the workflows, and your IT team is guided throughout.
Why Schools Choose Housing.Cloud
Why Schools Choose Housing.Cloud
Why Schools Choose Housing.Cloud
Why Schools Choose Housing.Cloud
Why Schools Choose Housing.Cloud
Built for the Student Experience Era
Built for the Student Experience Era
Built for the Student Experience Era
Built for the Student Experience Era
Built for the Student Experience Era
Housing isn't just about managing beds anymore. It's about the student experience — and the tools your team actually needs.
Housing isn't just about managing beds anymore. It's about the student experience — and the tools your team actually needs.
Housing isn't just about managing beds anymore. It's about the student experience — and the tools your team actually needs.
Student Experience Is Your Competitive Advantage
Student Experience Is Your Competitive Advantage
Student Experience Is Your Competitive Advantage
Student Experience Is Your Competitive Advantage
Our modern, mobile-first student portal helps schools put their best foot forward. Intuitive out of the box — no heavy institutional lift to make it look good. 38% of students cite roommate matching frustration; only 20% rate their portals 5 stars.
Our modern, mobile-first student portal helps schools put their best foot forward. Intuitive out of the box — no heavy institutional lift to make it look good. 38% of students cite roommate matching frustration; only 20% rate their portals 5 stars.
Our modern, mobile-first student portal helps schools put their best foot forward. Intuitive out of the box — no heavy institutional lift to make it look good. 38% of students cite roommate matching frustration; only 20% rate their portals 5 stars.
System of Support,
Not Just a System of Record
System of Support, Not Just a System of Record
System of Support,
Not Just a System of Record
System of Support,
Not Just a System of Record
We help you proactively support students through RA dashboards, interaction tracking, risk flags, and flexible workflows — not just assign beds. StarRez tracks data; we help you act on it.
We help you proactively support students through RA dashboards, interaction tracking, risk flags, and flexible workflows — not just assign beds. StarRez tracks data; we help you act on it.
We help you proactively support students through RA dashboards, interaction tracking, risk flags, and flexible workflows — not just assign beds. StarRez tracks data; we help you act on it.
Admin-Built,
Student-Aware
Admin-Built, Student-Aware
Admin-Built,
Student-Aware
Admin-Built, Student-Aware
Designed by housing professionals with no-code workflows. Staff can make changes without waiting on IT; students get intuitive, mobile-friendly experiences.
Designed by housing professionals with no-code workflows. Staff can make changes without waiting on IT; students get intuitive, mobile-friendly experiences.
Designed by housing professionals with no-code workflows. Staff can make changes without waiting on IT; students get intuitive, mobile-friendly experiences.
True Partnership,
Not a Ticketing Queue
True Partnership, Not a Ticketing Queue
True Partnership,
Not a Ticketing Queue
True Partnership,
Not a Ticketing Queue
Every customer works with a named team, guided onboarding, and transparent success criteria. No more feeling stuck in a vendor inbox.
Every customer works with a named team, guided onboarding, and transparent success criteria. No more feeling stuck in a vendor inbox.
Every customer works with a named team, guided onboarding, and transparent success criteria. No more feeling stuck in a vendor inbox.
All-In Pricing = No Surprises
All-In Pricing = No Surprises
All-In Pricing = No Surprises
All-In Pricing = No Surprises
What you see is what you get. No surprise charges for adding roommate logic, ESA workflows, or policy changes. We're transparent from day one.
What you see is what you get. No surprise charges for adding roommate logic, ESA workflows, or policy changes. We're transparent from day one.
What you see is what you get. No surprise charges for adding roommate logic, ESA workflows, or policy changes. We're transparent from day one.
Focused,
Supportive Implementation
Focused, Supportive Implementation
Focused,
Supportive Implementation
Focused, Supportive Implementation
We scope it clearly and drive it with you, not to you. Hands-on, white-glove support at your pace — 3–6 months vs. their 12+. We help you find the right time and guide you step by step.
We scope it clearly and drive it with you, not to you. Hands-on, white-glove support at your pace — 3–6 months vs. their 12+. We help you find the right time and guide you step by step.
We scope it clearly and drive it with you, not to you. Hands-on, white-glove support at your pace — 3–6 months vs. their 12+. We help you find the right time and guide you step by step.
Feature Comparison
Feature Comparison
Feature Comparison
Feature Comparison
What's Included
— and What Costs Extra
What's Included
— and What Costs Extra
What's Included — and What Costs Extra
What's Included
— and What Costs Extra
What's Included
— and What Costs Extra
Everything your housing operation needs is built into Housing.Cloud from day one. With StarRez, many of these are separate paid modules or add-ons.
Everything your housing operation needs is built into Housing.Cloud from day one. With StarRez, many of these are separate paid modules or add-ons.
Included
Included
Conditional / Varies
?
Conditional / Varies
?
Paid Add-On
$
Paid Add-On
$
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
Everything Included
Everything Included
Everything Included
Everything Included
All core housing features. One price. No surprises.
vs
StarRez
StarRez
9
9
9
9
+
+
+
+
Paid
Paid
Paid
Paid
Add-Ons
Add-Ons
Add-Ons
Add-Ons
Modules, integrations, and fees on top of base price.
Student Experience & Success
Feature
Feature
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
StarRez
Resident Self-Service Portal
Resident Self-Service Portal
Resident Self-Service Portal
Included
Included
Included
Included
Roommate Finder / AI Matching
Roommate Finder / AI Matching
Roommate Finder / AI Matching
Included
Included
Included
Included
Visual Room Selection (Floor Plans)
Visual Room Selection (Floor Plans)
Visual Room Selection (Floor Plans)
Included
Included
Included
Included
Mobile-First Experience (No App Required)
Mobile-First Experience (No App Required)
Mobile-First Experience (No App Required)
Always Mobile-Friendly
Always Mobile-Friendly
Always Mobile-Friendly
Inconsistent — Depends on Implementation
$
Inconsistent — Depends on Implementation
$
Modern Student UI
Modern Student UI
Modern Student UI
Included
Included
Varies by School Configuration
?
Varies by School Configuration
?
Request Management
Request Management
Request Management
Included
Included
No Equivalent
$
No Equivalent
$
No Equivalent
$
Feature
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
Operational Excellence
Feature
Feature
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
StarRez
Housing Help Desk / Task System
Housing Help Desk / Task System
Housing Help Desk / Task System
Included
Included
No Equivalent
$
No Equivalent
$
Inventory & Occupancy Management
Inventory & Occupancy Management
Inventory & Occupancy Management
Included
Included
Split — Time-Based Config Is Paid Extra
?
Split — Time-Based Config Is Paid Extra
?
No-Code Reporting & Analytics
No-Code Reporting & Analytics
No-Code Reporting & Analytics
Included — No-Code
Included — No-Code
Included — No-Code
Included — Limited Functionality
?
Included — Limited Functionality
?
No-Code Auto-Assignment (Self-Serve Rules)
No-Code Auto-Assignment (Self-Serve Rules)
No-Code Auto-Assignment (Self-Serve Rules)
Included — No-Code
Included — No-Code
Included — No-Code
Requires StarRez Engineers
$
Requires StarRez Engineers
$
All-In-One Platform — The Key Differentiators
Feature
Feature
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
StarRez
Billing & Finance (SIS Charge Sync)
Billing & Finance (SIS Charge Sync)
Billing & Finance (SIS Charge Sync)
Included
Included
Conditional — Not Universal
?
Conditional — Not Universal
?
Key / Key Card / Fob Management
Key / Key Card / Fob Management
Key / Key Card / Fob Management
Included
Included
Paid Add-On
$
Paid Add-On
$
Access Control Integration
Access Control Integration
Access Control Integration
Included
Included
Conditional
?
Conditional
?
SMS + Email Communications
SMS + Email Communications
SMS + Email Communications
Included
Included
SMS = Paid Integration
$
SMS = Paid Integration
$
Furniture Tracking
Furniture Tracking
Furniture Tracking
Included
Included
Paid Add-On
$
Paid Add-On
$
Testing Sandbox (Always Available)
Testing Sandbox (Always Available)
Testing Sandbox (Always Available)
Included — Always On
Included — Always On
Included — Always On
Expensive Add-On — Limited Access
$
Expensive Add-On — Limited Access
$
Feature
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
Enterprise & Technology
Feature
Feature
Housing.Cloud
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
StarRez
SIS Integration (Banner, Colleague, etc.)
SIS Integration (Banner, Colleague, etc.)
SIS Integration (Banner, Colleague, etc.)
Included
Included
Included (setup fee)
Included (setup fee)
Cloud Hosted (AWS)
Cloud Hosted (AWS)
Cloud Hosted (AWS)
Included
Included
Separate Hosting Fees
?
Separate Hosting Fees
?
SOC 2 Type II
SOC 2 Type II
SOC 2 Type II
Certified
Certified
Certified
Certified
WCAG 2.1 AA / VPAT
WCAG 2.1 AA / VPAT
WCAG 2.1 AA / VPAT
Compliant
Compliant
Compliant
Compliant
Open APIs
Open APIs
Open APIs
Included
Included
May Charge for Access
$
May Charge for Access
$
Feature
Housing.Cloud
StarRez
Beyond Core Housing
Beyond Core Housing
Beyond Core Housing
Beyond Core Housing
The Platform Grows With You
The Platform Grows With You
The Platform Grows With You
The Platform Grows With You
The Platform Grows
With You
Every school gets the complete housing operations platform at one price. For departments that manage more than core housing, these integrated products replace expensive standalone tools — all connected to your housing data, all on one platform.
Every school gets the complete housing operations platform at one price. For departments that manage more than core housing, these integrated products replace expensive standalone tools — all connected to your housing data, all on one platform.
Not hidden add-ons. Purpose-built products for broader res life needs.
Not hidden add-ons. Purpose-built products for broader res life needs.
Replaces tools like PackageX
Replaces tools like PackageX
Mailroom & Package Management
Mailroom & Package Management
Track packages from arrival to pickup, notify residents automatically, and manage mailroom operations — without paying for a separate vendor.
Connected to resident data
Connected to resident data
Connected to resident data
Replaces bespoke
visitor systems
Replaces bespoke
visitor systems
Visitor Management
Visitor Management
Log visitors, manage check-in policies, and keep an auditable record — built into the same platform your front desk already uses.
One front-desk login
One front-desk login
One front-desk login
Replaces manual
recruitment workflows
Replaces manual
recruitment workflows
Student Staff Hiring
Student Staff Hiring
Post positions, collect applications, and manage the hiring pipeline for RAs and student workers — connected to your staff assignments and scheduling.
Wired to scheduling
Wired to scheduling
Wired to scheduling
Coming August
Coming August
Replaces patchwork duty
& check-in systems
Replaces patchwork duty
& check-in systems
Wellness
Wellness
Schedule wellness check-ins, manage on-call rotations with automatic escalation, and give every responder a live shift dashboard.
Uses existing resident data
The value isn't just the product — it's that it lives on the same platform as your core housing operations.
The value isn't just the product — it's that it lives on the same platform as your core housing operations.
One login. Shared data. No integrations to maintain.
One login. Shared data. No integrations to maintain.
One login. Shared data. No integrations to maintain.
Coming Q4 '26
Housing Cloud Retention Engine
Housing Cloud Retention Engine
— keep more students, year over year.
— keep more students, year over year.
Customers
Customers
Customers
Customers
Hear From Schools That Made the Switch
Hear From Schools That Made the Switch
Hear From Schools That Made the Switch
Hear From Schools That Made the Switch
Hear From Schools That Made the Switch
Real feedback from housing teams that moved to Housing.Cloud
Real feedback from housing teams that moved to Housing.Cloud
Real feedback from housing teams that moved to Housing.Cloud
Switched from StarRez
Switched from StarRez
We were paying extra for everything — Housing.Cloud's pricing was simpler and clearer.
We were paying extra for everything — Housing.Cloud's pricing was simpler and clearer.
We were paying extra for everything — Housing.Cloud's pricing was simpler and clearer.
We were paying extra for everything — Housing.Cloud's pricing was simpler and clearer.
Jeff Mackay
Jeff Mackay
Vice President for Student Affairs / Dean of Students, Linfield University
Switched from THD
Switched from THD
We switched mid-year and students didn't even complain — it was smoother than StarRez ever was.
We switched mid-year and students didn't even complain — it was smoother than StarRez ever was.
We switched mid-year and students didn't even complain — it was smoother than StarRez ever was.
We switched mid-year and students didn't even complain — it was smoother than StarRez ever was.
Katie Grooms
Katie Grooms
Director of Residence Life, Susquehanna University
Customer
Customer
It changed how we operate — staff is less burnt out, students are happier, and we're actually using our data.
It changed how we operate — staff is less burnt out, students are happier, and we're actually using our data.
It changed how we operate — staff is less burnt out, students are happier, and we're actually using our data.
It changed how we operate — staff is less burnt out, students are happier, and we're actually using our data.
Donald R. Bigelow
Donald R. Bigelow
Director of Residential Life, SUNY Brockport
Limited-Time Offer
Limited-Time Offer
Limited-Time Offer
Making the Switch?
Making the Switch?
Making the Switch?
Making the Switch?
Making the Switch?
We're offering a transition incentive for schools moving from StarRez, THD, or Mercury. Ask about savings on service fees — we'll make sure the move makes sense for your budget, not just your team.
We're offering a transition incentive for schools moving from StarRez, THD, or Mercury. Ask about savings on service fees — we'll make sure the move makes sense for your budget, not just your team.
We're offering a transition incentive for schools moving from StarRez, THD, or Mercury. Ask about savings on service fees — we'll make sure the move makes sense for your budget, not just your team.
See Housing.Cloud in Action
See Housing.Cloud in Action
See Housing.Cloud in Action
The best way to compare is to see it for yourself. Book a demo and we'll walk you through what your team actually gets.
See Housing.Cloud in Action
The best way to compare is to see it for yourself. Book a demo and we'll walk you through what your team actually gets.
See Housing.Cloud in Action
The best way to compare is to see it for yourself. Book a demo and we'll walk you through what your team actually gets.