What this is
This mini-site supports students and early-career renters navigating high-stakes housing decisions. It focuses on transparency (what you’ll really pay), clarity (what you must qualify for), and accessibility (information that is readable, navigable, and usable for more people).
Start here
- Use the Checklist to estimate true monthly cost and your move-in total.
- Review the Platform Comparison (Zillow vs Apartments.com) for disclosure patterns.
- See Accessibility & Plain Language improvements for clearer information design.
Honors method: transparency rubric (0–3)
To keep the comparison consistent and repeatable, platforms are scored using a simple rubric: 0 = missing/unclear, 1 = partial, 2 = mostly clear, 3 = clear and easy to find.
This turns platform comparison into documented findings and actionable recommendations.