Nestclub

Web AppConnecting Hostel Owners with Students

DESCRIPTION

Nestclub is a web platform that connects college students with nearby hostels, easing the stressful process of finding accommodation.

CONTEXT

Inspired by my own difficult hostel search experience, I built Nestclub to centralize hostel listings, including photos, rent, and amenities, so students can explore options online before visiting in person.

Launch Nestclub
Nestclub Interface

Challenge

Finding a hostel near college is difficult and stressful. Students often visit multiple places physically, with limited options and no centralized database.

Process

I gathered data manually by visiting hostels, then listed verified options on a clean, scrollable interface. Initially, I built a dashboard for hostel owners, but due to low adoption, I switched to using WhatsApp/SMS for coordination.

1.
Field research: visited hostels, collected data manually
2.
Built MVP with Flask backend and MongoDB
3.
Designed modern front-end for students to browse listings
4.
Pivoted from owner dashboard to WhatsApp communication

Solution

Nestclub offers a clean, modern UI for students to explore hostels based on amenities, rent, and distance. Originally, inquiries were routed through me to preserve commission tracking. Later, I opened it up by listing direct phone numbers for ease of use.

Takeaway & Reflection

Building Nestclub taught me full-stack development, real-world user empathy, and the challenge of deploying tech where users aren't tech-savvy. I pivoted and adapted often, learning that solutions must work for the audience, not just in theory.

Nestclub was sunset after its educational purpose was fulfilled, but the lessons it taught me remain foundational to my growth as a builder and designer.