CampusBuddy.com makes use of Facebook for widespread networking

"It actually kind of made my decision for me," said Labrecque. "It made the difference between two different schools I was considering."

Kristiana Furtado, a sophomore majoring in English who has an account on CampusBuddy, still finds the website helpful in her matriculating.

"I began using the website so I could post my class schedule somewhere my friends could see it," said Furtado. "Then I realized you could also connect with other CampusBuddy students who have also taken or are taking the same course as you. On CampusBuddy, you can also rate your campus, different departments at the university and other places around the town: places you like to eat at, somewhere you study, or just like to get together with some friends. The site offers a lot more insight to our campus and it's put together all in one place so you don't have to search the net for everything."

"It helps you get in contact with other students who have taken the class before you and get their input on it," said Amanda Cripps, a junior majoring in English/Journalism. "It could save you a semester you regret."

How it Works

Signing up with CampusBuddy begins with logging in under your Facebook account with the Connect option. Once logged in, an account holder can set up their profile. Profile facts include a user's current residence hall, affiliated school organizations, college and major. Filling in currently enrolled courses with teaching professors allows for a chart to visually illustrate a user's weekly schedule. Filling out all of this information connects the user to other classmates and students who share the same interests.

As a user becomes more active, they are awarded with star points.

"The CampusBuddy star point system acknowledges contributions given to the community," said Moradian.

Users can earn stars by reviewing and engaging in online forum discussions. The star system allows a user to contact more fellow students and access premium data.

Other practical features on CampusBuddy include a forum, a textbook search engine and the "Academic Edge" premium package.

Under the CampusBuddy forum, college students everywhere from Harvard to UNH can openly discuss every aspect of college life from study abroad programs to finances to the best spot for late night food on campus.

The "Textbooks" tab is a search engine linked to campusbooks.com. This unique feature allows students to shop for their required textbooks online, browsing the varied prices of 20 plus textbook websites from Chegg.com to Barnes and Noble.

 For a fuller, more in-depth review of grade distributions, there is the Academic Edge feature. Academic Edge allows instant and unlimited search and view of grade distributions for specific courses and professors, but for a price. The services of Academic Edge come with subscription packages ranging in price between $4.99 for 3 months to $24.99 for 4 years.