Student Spotlight: Samyak Choudhary '25

Samyak Choudhary ’25 is a finance major at Isenberg who originally hails from India. During the spring of his junior year, this entrepreneurial student started a business called OffCampusSpaces, a web platform designed to make it easier for students to find off-campus housing. Though it originally served the UMass area exclusively, OffCampusSpaces is rapidly expanding to other college campuses nationwide. Visit OffCampusSpaces here.

How did you choose Isenberg and UMass Amherst?

I wanted a place where I could build practical skills alongside a strong academic foundation. Isenberg's emphasis on experiential learning and its supportive community really appealed to me. I saw it as somewhere that would genuinely help me grow, not just in my career but as a person. Plus, UMass Amherst has a great campus vibe and a ton of opportunities to explore different interests, so it felt like the perfect balance of structure and freedom.

How did you choose to major in finance?

I’ve always been interested in understanding how money moves and the impact it has on businesses and people's lives. I wanted a major that wasn’t just theoretical but would let me analyze real-world situations and build skills I could use practically. Finance felt like a field where I could be part of strategic decision-making, whether it’s managing investments, supporting businesses to grow, or even tackling global economic issues. It’s challenging but also versatile, which is exactly what I was looking for.

What have your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg been so far?

One of my favorite classes has been Financial Engineering (FINANCE 422) with Professor Nikunj Kapadia. It’s been a deep dive into understanding complex financial models and the mechanics of the markets, which has really broadened my perspective on finance. My favorite experience, though, was the Isenberg South Africa trip. Being able to contribute to a community through sustainable initiatives while learning firsthand about different cultures and challenges was incredibly rewarding. Both the class and the trip have shaped my outlook, blending technical knowledge with a strong sense of social responsibility.

What clubs and extracurriculars do you participate in?

I am the treasurer of the Isenberg Senior Gift Committee.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

Yes, this past summer, I interned at Eurekon, where I had the chance to assist with their pre-IPO process. I worked closely on gathering necessary information, managing documentation, and ensuring compliance with IPO regulations. It was a great experience that exposed me to the inner workings of a company preparing to go public, and I learned a lot about the financial and regulatory details involved in this process.

What motivated you to create OffCampusSpaces?

I saw how challenging it could be for students to find the right housing near campus. After talking with friends and hearing about their own struggles, I realized there was a need for a dedicated platform that went beyond just listing apartments. I wanted to build a space that made it easy for students to not only find places to live but also connect with roommates, sublet spaces, and manage other housing needs all in one place. It was all about simplifying the process and creating a reliable go-to resource for students.

For someone unfamiliar with OffCampusSpaces, can you describe the website and what it has to offer?

OffCampusSpaces is a platform designed to make the off-campus housing search easier and more reliable for students. It offers a centralized space to search for available apartments, match with potential roommates, and even find subletting opportunities—all tailored specifically for students. The idea is to simplify what’s often a stressful process by providing features that matter most to students, like verified listings and filters for affordability and proximity to campus. Whether you’re looking for a new place or trying to connect with a roommate, OffCampusSpaces aims to be your go-to resource for everything related to off-campus housing.

What has it been like to start this business while also being a full-time student?

Starting OffCampusSpaces while being a full-time student has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Balancing classes, assignments, and the responsibilities of running a business has taught me a lot about time management and prioritization. There are days where it feels like there aren’t enough hours, but seeing the platform grow and hearing positive feedback from other students keeps me motivated. It’s also helped me apply what I’m learning in real-time, which has been a unique advantage—each lecture or project can spark new ideas or improvements for OffCampusSpaces.

Are there any members of the Isenberg community that have supported or mentored you with this entrepreneurial venture?

Yes, Professor Charles J. Johnson has been a tremendous support for OffCampusSpaces. He’s shared valuable insights from his own experience, helping us navigate challenges and refine our approach. His guidance has been instrumental, especially in understanding the business landscape and making strategic decisions. Having his mentorship has made a real difference in our progress.

Do you anticipate continuing to expand OffCampusSpaces to other schools? What would be your ultimate goal for the business?

Yes, we’re expanding OffCampusSpaces rapidly, and within the next week or so, we’ll be available at around 5,600 schools across the U.S. The ultimate goal is to make OffCampusSpaces a household name for student housing, where students everywhere can find reliable options, roommates, and subletting opportunities effortlessly. I’d love for it to become as intuitive and trusted for students as searching on Google is for information.

What are you planning to do after graduation? Do you plan to continue with OffCampusSpaces?

Yes, it’s become my life’s work. I believe in its potential to make a real impact on students' lives, and I want to see it grow even further. My goal is to keep expanding, improving, and eventually making OffCampusSpaces the top housing platform for students across the globe.

Do you have any advice for other students interested in entrepreneurship and starting a business while in school?

Absolutely! My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of your time in school. Use the resources available to you—professors, workshops, and networking events are all invaluable. Don’t be afraid to start small; every little step you take adds up. It’s also important to stay organized and manage your time wisely, as balancing school and a business can be demanding. Finally, stay open to feedback and be willing to adapt your ideas based on what you learn along the way. Passion and perseverance are key; if you believe in your vision, keep pushing forward!

If you could go back and give your first-year self some advice, what would you tell them?

I’d say to embrace every opportunity and not to be afraid of stepping outside my comfort zone. College is a time to explore different interests, meet new people, and take risks. Remember that you can do anything you can think of; your imagination is the limit. I’d also remind myself that there’s no replacement for hard work—putting in the effort will pay off in the long run. It’s okay to make mistakes—they’re often the best teachers. Lastly, I’d encourage myself to prioritize building relationships and networking; the connections you make can open doors in ways you might not expect. Enjoy the journey and trust the process!