Privacy Policy

1. Data we collect

Depending on how you use Student Rooms, we may collect:

• Students: name, email, phone number, password (stored for authentication), campus, favourites, reviews, "looking" posts, subscription and payment references (EcoCash phone and reference for semester pass or add-ons), and inquiry messages;
• Landlords and agents: name, email, phone number, password, account type (owner or agent), company or agency name, location, room listings (photos, rent, area, map coordinates, descriptions, contact details), featured-order payment references, and dashboard activity;
• All visitors: page views and basic usage data via our analytics system (see Cookies and analytics below);
• Communications: messages you send us via email, WhatsApp, or Contact Us, and scam or listing reports you submit.

2. How we use your data

We use personal data to:

• Create and manage student and landlord accounts;
• Display room listings, map pins, distance-to-CUT calculations, and "looking" posts;
• Enable students to save favourites, send inquiries, and (with an active semester pass) view direct owner contact details;
• Process and verify subscription and featured-listing payments;
• Operate landlord directory and campus-area reference content;
• Send operational messages related to your account or listing activity;
• Improve platform security, performance, and content;
• Measure aggregate site usage through analytics;
• Respond to enquiries, investigate reports, and enforce our Terms of Use.

3. Who sees your data

Room listings and "looking" posts display information you choose to publish (such as area, rent, photos, and contact details according to listing type and subscription rules). Agent listings may show contact details more broadly than direct-owner listings, which may require a paid semester pass for full contact access.

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with service providers who host or maintain Student Rooms under confidentiality obligations, or when required by law or to protect rights and safety. WhatsApp and phone contact happen outside our platform once you use a poster's details.

4. Maps and location data

When landlords add a map pin or coordinates, we store latitude, longitude, and optional map URLs to show listings on browse maps and calculate approximate distance to CUT. Exact address details may be shown on listing pages. Location data is provided by listing posters; we do not independently verify property boundaries or addresses.

5. Data retention

We retain account and listing data while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and maintain backups. Payment and subscription records are kept for verification and audit purposes. Analytics records are retained in aggregated form for reporting. You may request deletion of your account data by contacting us (see Contact below).

6. Cookies and analytics

We use a first-party analytics system and cookie consent tools shared across VASTConnect sites. This may set a cookie named vc_vid (visitor identifier, valid up to one year) and record:

• Pages visited and page titles;
• Referring URL (if provided by your browser);
• Browser user-agent string;
• A partially hashed version of your IP address (not stored in full).

Analytics helps us improve Student Rooms. You can manage cookie preferences via the "Cookie settings" link in the footer or through your browser settings; some features may still function without analytics cookies.

7. Security

We apply reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including access controls and secure hosting practices. Passwords are stored using industry-standard hashing. No online system is completely secure; you use Student Rooms at your own risk and should use a strong, unique password.

8. Your rights and requests

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data, or object to certain processing, subject to applicable law in Zimbabwe. Contact us at the address below. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

9. Children

Student Rooms is intended for university and college students and registered landlords or agents. If you believe a minor has provided personal data without appropriate consent, contact us so we can review and remove it where appropriate.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date will change when we do. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy where permitted by law.

11. Contact

Privacy and data requests: hr@vastconnect.co.zw · 0772 533 899 · Contact Us