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In order to meet the demands of its young, technologically-savvy youth and student users, WYSE Travel Confederation member StudentUniverse today announced the launch of a multi-million dollar makeover.

A fully responsive and redesigned website experience, plus a new version of the world’s first mobile application with student airfares and updated branding (including a new logo) will ensure continuity in the experience for students across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The announcement comes 16 months after its acquisition of WeHostels.

“Our success over the years has come in part from understanding what young travellers need and expect from us,” said Chad Mooney, chief operating officer. “They lead the trends in the travel industry and are always only a few years away from becoming the next generation of business travellers. We’ve doubled down on technology and laid a foundation to continue our growth.”

New Website

StudentUniverse is rolling out a responsive website optimized for all devices through the entire purchase path. This will ensure a continuity in experience for students across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The new site offers tools that provide travellers with more information during the booking process. This includes curated results prominently displaying the cheapest and fastest itineraries alongside the recommended itinerary, which factors in price and travel time, among other factors. When an itinerary is chosen, baggage fees, change and cancellation fees and eligibility requirements specific to that itinerary are displayed. Flight and hotel results include a wider selection of filtering capabilities, available on all devices.

Mobile Application

In keeping with its new mobile focus, StudentUniverse will be launching a new version of the world’s first flight-booking app to include student and youth airfares. Users can find and purchase flights on the app, save items in a cart, which they can return to from any device, or share itineraries from the app with friends and family. App users can easily access their itineraries on the go.

“Flights” by StudentUniverse will be available for free download on iOS and Android platforms soon.

“Mobile is one of the fastest-growing channels in travel. Our audience is doing everything from their phones, and yet when it comes to booking a flight, it can still be a painful process,” said Lucas Lain, Director of Mobile Development at StudentUniverse. “This application makes booking a cheap flight on a mobile phone as seamless as ordering food or requesting a cab. It is a must-have for student travellers looking to find cheap flights.”

New Logo + Branding

StudentUniverse is upgrading its image along with its technology. The new site features an image-heavy, modern design and a new logo. The new icon is a reflection of the company’s mission to make global experiences possible for young travellers. Dubbed the “crossroads,” it represents freedom and choices, movement and travel. It signifies possibilities, beginning journeys and learning from them.

“This is more than a coat of paint for us. It’s a reflection of our users, who inspire us with their stories every day,” said Paul Jacobs, Vice President of Marketing. “They are engaging in meaningful travel experiences, going abroad to immerse themselves in other cultures for higher education, work experiences, volunteer programs, and to learn things that they cannot find in a classroom. We believe that travel is an essential component of a modern education and we advocate to make more of those experiences possible.”

About StudentUniverse

StudentUniverse is the world’s leading travel booking site for students and youth. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers exclusive pricing and terms on flights, hotels, and tours. Its Travel Services division handles client requests for groups and custom itineraries.

StudentUniverse launched in 2000. Its headquarters are in Boston with offices in London, Toronto, New York and the Philippines. StudentUniverse believes that travel is essential to a modern education. Millions of students use the service every year.

For updates on StudentUniverse, follow their corporate Twitter and blog.