Hundreds of college students are searching for a place to live.

There's a long waiting list for the dormitories and a shortage of available rental units.

The dormitories are full at both HPU and UH.

But the schools are trying to help students find places off-campus, in an already tight rental market.

The UH Manoa campus will soon be filled with nearly 20,000 students.

"So many people are trying to find places to live," says Kelci Shiigi, a UH Student.

And UH housing can only accommodate about 1600 of them.

"Right now I'm number 200 on the waiting list," says Jackie Warlick, a UH Student.

That's why University officials are pointing students to this office, a one stop shop for off-campus housing.

"We've got about 211 vacant listings right here," points out Terry Howell, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator.

Or with the click of a mouse, students can save a trip to Johnson hall.

"When they find a listing they're interested in, they can pull all the detailed information that the landlord has given us," explains Howell.

We checked out some of those listings today, like the Hawaiian Island Student Suites in Waikiki.

"Right now, we have 400 (spaces). School starts in about 2 weeks, so those spots are going to go like that," states Brian McCormick, Marketing Director for Hawaiian Island Student Suites.

All of their units are reserved for students.

"As you can see, each student has their own kitchenette, their private bathroom, they're all furnished," shows McCormick.

"We are a little more expensive than the dorms, but you do have those amenities that the dorms don't," he adds.

Although there are not enough rentals on the market to accommodate all the students looking...

"That's why we have the links on our websites so students have those resources," reminds Howell.

Offering some students, and parents, peace of mind.

"Especially when you're from out of town, parents worry about your safety and security," says Shiigi.

The UH Off-Campus Housing Office is at Johnson Hall B Basement.

You can also visit their website at: www.housing.hawaii.edu/och

Or reach them at
956-7356 or och@hawaii.edu

If you're interested in the Hawaiian Island Student Suites on 2280 Kuhio Avenue, call them at 922-4661
or visit their website at www.campushousing.com/hawaii

Important Note: The university says they are not affiliated with any of the off-campus housing listings.