Do you ever spend time checking something out, only to wonder why you didn't think of it? CampusLIVE is one of those sites that I wish I came up with just because it is so darn convenient. On the surface, it is a very simple idea that gathers up all of the information that you might want, as a student, about a college campus, in one easy place.
Beyond the basic aggregation of information (think links to email, library, local restaurants, class schedule, public transportation, etc.) it also allows you to connect with anyone who has created a profile at your school. You can link it up with your Facebook profile, but you'll have access to anyone on campus, not those you've added as a friend. The site features a stream of what is going on all over campus, so you'll be able to learn about happenings everywhere, not just with your friends. You can also add your class schedule & connect with people in your specific classes more easily. A major benefit if you are looking to find a study partner in the sea of hundreds in your Freshman lecture (or trying to find someone to get notes from if you miss a class).
CampusLIVE also has a badge element for completing different actions around the site, you get points as you do things. By creating a profile I unlocked the "Live I" badge in a few simple steps. There are also challenges to complete, some sponsored by local stores, where you can win prizes.
For local businesses, by advertising here or sponsoring a page you'll gain access to a captive local audience, one that you probably want to convert to sales. If a nearby college is part of CampusLIVE you'll be able to gain access to this demographic in a place they are already frequenting. The site doesn't have as much going on when you compare it to Facebook, so your advertising is more likely to be noticed. You'll also have the option to run specials just for those using the site.
I grabbed a few screenshots using UMASS Amherst as my college of choice (there are over 230 schools to pick from), since I recently completed my MBA through their Isenberg School of Management.
The local restaurant listings must to be sponsored. Noticeably missing is The Hangar, a UMASS campus staple for wings, you wouldn't leave them off a list that's for sure:
Challenges has the most potential to be useful to local businesses or even national brands:
