International Business University (IBU) has taken a significant step to address the issue of affordable student housing by partnering with SpacesShared, an innovative online home-sharing platform. This collaboration is a testament to IBU’s commitment to providing its students with safe and affordable living options. By teaming up with SpacesShared, IBU is introducing a range of creative solutions to the housing challenges faced by students, offering a win-win situation for both students and hosts.
SpacesShared, launched in 2023, is a platform that prioritizes the safety and security of its users. It implements a comprehensive verification process, including identity checks, address verification, and criminal background screenings for both hosts and students. The platform, which manages everything from applications to agreements, rent, and relationship management, is a modern interpretation of the age-old tradition of opening homes to enrich lives and communities.
Speaking on the partnership, Joanne Shoveller, President of IBU, said:
The collaboration with SpacesShared embodies our commitment to fostering a supportive environment for our students while engaging with members of the community. SpacesShared utilizes an online platform and a dedicated team to connect students in search of safe and affordable housing with adult and older adult hosts. This initiative not only addresses the housing needs of students but also offers the hosts an opportunity to contribute to the next generation’s success while alleviating issues such as loneliness and inflation.
IBU and SpacesShared also invite those interested in exploring home-sharing to a free information session about the program on Thursday, April 25, between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at IBU’s downtown campus, 80 Bloor St., 9th floor.
Rylan Kinnon, CEO of SpacesShared, aptly captures the essence of the partnership, stating:
We are committed to offering safe and affordable home-sharing opportunities for Hosts and Students. Our platform is a fully self-contained system that facilitates and streamlines the entire process, enhancing convenience. Our programme has led to many success stories, proving its value to both students and hosts.
As Ontario’s first independent home-grown business university, IBU is committed to educating business leaders who can seize opportunities in a global business environment of hyper-change. As an independent university, the platform can respond nimbly to society’s and employers’ evolving needs, developing graduates with carefully tailored competencies and skill sets for changing job requirements. In addition to offering degrees, IBU is partnering with academic institutions and companies to deliver certificates, professional credentials and micro-credential programmes aligned with market demands.
IBU’s unique value proposition of “personalized learning” creates a tailored life-span approach from application to graduation. Each student’s Personalized Learning Plan includes a close faculty-student experience, class sizes of 30 students, dedicated student advisors, industry mentors, and a curriculum guided by the skills, learning outcomes, and competencies identified as high value by employers. The resulting learning environment, whether online or in person, is intimate, responsive, and focused on individualized learning so that all students can succeed.
