Developing a Secure and User-Friendly Student Housing Software

The Client

HostU is a US-based startup that aims to simplify the way university communities access medium-term housing solutions by providing an easy-to-use platform that streamlines the rental process.

HostU recognizes the challenges faced by students who participate in internships, study abroad programs, and exchange initiatives, which often lead to the burden of paying rent for two places at once. By providing a centralized platform that simplifies the subletting process, HostU aims to reduce this financial strain and offer a seamless solution for students' housing needs.

HostU was founded at the Northwestern University's Entrepreneurship center. In 2023, Thirteen Castles, a prominent technology-focused investment firm, led an equity investment in HostU to support the startup's growth.

I couldn't be happier with our decision to partner with Binary Studio. Their technical prowess combined with passion for our project has resulted in a student housing platform that exceeds our expectations.

I wholeheartedly recommend Binary Studio to anyone looking for a reliable, skilled, and dedicated software development partner.

Developing a Secure and User-Friendly Student Housing Software-1

Bella Le Sage

Founder and CEO of hostU

Developing a Secure and User-Friendly Student Housing Software-2 USA

Objectives

HostU founders identified a problem faced by students living off-campus: the mismatch between 12-month lease requirements and their short-term housing needs. Existing solutions proved inefficient, unreliable, and expensive.

To address this challenge, they decided to create HostU – a dedicated student housing platform. They tested the concept with a simple prototype that allowed property owners to list available spaces and students to specify their housing needs, with a basic system facilitating connections via email.

The prototype received positive feedback and secured investment, prompting HostU to seek a software development partner. They approached Binary Studio, recommended for their expertise in real estate and other competitive industries, to manage the development and release process.

The collaboration focused on two main objectives:

01

Transform the existing prototype into a minimum viable product (MVP)

The primary objective was to build a dedicated student housing app that allows renters and hosts to easily communicate, create new listings, and make payments.
02

Expand features and improve user engagement

As the product gained traction, HostU wanted to refine the matching algorithm to better connect users based on their preferences. Additionally, they aimed to develop features and strategies to improve user engagement.

Solution and Outcome

After analyzing the existing proof of concept, Binary Studio determined that the platform needed to be built from scratch. Our full stack engineer started working with the product founder and advisory team, proposing a new tech stack that would allow for the fastest possible product release while ensuring simple and cost-effective maintenance in the future.
At an early stage of the project, a project manager joined the team to assist in establishing efficient processes and specifying clear requirements. Their involvement helped to ensure smooth communication and alignment between the development team and the client's objectives.

React

TailwindCSS

Remix

NodeJS

Express

SocketIO

Prisma

Kysely

PostgreSQL

Redis

BullMQ

DigitalOcean Spaces

CDN

Stripe

Twilio

DocuSign

Stage 1
The initial concept was built using React and Firebase. To develop a robust and responsive web application, Binary Studio proposed continuing with React for the front-end to leverage the existing styles and take advantage of React's performance. We added a server-side component using Remix and Node.js, with PostgreSQL as the database and Prisma for efficient database interactions. For deployment, we selected the Digital Ocean App Platform.
In the first stage, we focused on developing core features of the platform: matching algorithm and a real-time chat.
The algorithm automatically selects listings that match the renter's criteria based on price range, location, and number of rooms.
The custom chat system, built from the ground up by our engineer, enables users to send messages, share photos, make bookings, and agree on rental dates seamlessly.
To enhance communication and keep users informed, we also integrated Twilio services for sending email and message notifications.
Stage 2
In the next stage, we focused on integrating a payment system. We chose Stripe, allowing users to securely add their credit card information, make the initial payment, and set up automated monthly payments for the duration of the rental period.
To further enhance the platform's performance and user experience, we made significant improvements to the matching algorithm and expanded the infrastructure.
To optimize performance and reduce the load on PostgreSQL, we incorporated Redis, an in-memory database, for caching temporary data.
Background tasks, such as, third-party integrations, notifications, and automated payments, are handled by BullMQ. This component allows these tasks to run independently of user actions, ensuring smooth and efficient execution.
We used DigitalOcean Spaces for storing user-uploaded images and files, which are automatically pushed to a CDN for faster loading times. Images are compressed and converted to a standard format before uploading to optimize performance.
Stage 3
In the third and current stage of development, Binary Studios’ team expanded with another full-stack engineer to handle the development of new features and enhancements.
One of the key milestones in this stage was integrating DocuSign, a popular agreement management solution. It streamlines the rental process by automatically generating a sublease agreement once a rental is approved and the prepayment is made. It addresses the challenge of ensuring that all bookings and payments are completed within the platform, providing a secure environment for transactions.
We also developed a custom admin panel that provides key metrics and statistics on app usage, enabling the HostU team to make informed decisions and monitor the platform's performance.
Looking forward, our roadmap includes expanding the platform's functionality to allow hosts to rent out individual rooms within a single property. This feature will provide greater flexibility and opportunities for both hosts and guests.

Crafting a Tailored Student Housing Experience

Our collaboration with HostU resulted in a platform that addresses the unique housing needs of university students and faculty. The platform combines a matching algorithm, verification process, and user-friendly interface to streamline the rental process and provide a secure, efficient way for users to find or sublet accommodations.
Throughout development, our team worked closely with HostU to align solutions with their vision. A strong sense of product ownership and transparent communication allowed us to navigate challenges and deliver a reliable, user-friendly application.
The HostU platform prioritizes simplicity and security, positioning it as a trusted solution for university students and faculty seeking medium-term housing. It aims to improve the student housing market by providing tailored matches and fostering trust among users.

About Binary Studio

Binary Studio is a boutique software development company, regularly praised for its unique blend of engineering excellence and product ownership that enables its clients to build robust and scalable software products.
With our development team made up of top 0.5% international tech talent, we build web and mobile platforms using Node.js, .NET, React Native, Flutter, and integrating AI and ML. We also offer full-cycle QA and project management services to ensure the efficient delivery.
Our clients see us as a trusted partner dedicated to turning visions into great products. This is proven by 200+ delivered projects, more than two decades of business excellence, and stellar customer reviews.

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