StayNest – Full-Stack Student Accommodation Booking Platform

Overview

Finding safe and affordable student accommodation is often a time-consuming process. StayNest is a full-stack web application that simplifies this experience by allowing students to discover verified properties, explore locations on an interactive map, save favorite listings, request bookings, and share reviews. Property owners can manage listings, availability, and booking requests through a dedicated dashboard.

Problem Statement

Students frequently struggle to find reliable accommodation because information is scattered across multiple platforms, availability is unclear, and communication with property owners is inefficient. StayNest addresses these issues by providing a centralized, secure, and user-friendly accommodation management platform.

Key Features

Student Features

Browse verified accommodation listings
View detailed property information and image gallery
Interactive property location using Leaflet maps
Save and manage favorite properties
Submit accommodation booking requests
Post ratings and reviews after viewing properties
Secure user authentication

Property Owner Features

Create, edit, and delete property listings
Upload multiple property images
Manage room availability
Receive and manage booking requests
View student reviews
Dashboard for property management

Technology Stack

Frontend

React.js
React Router
Tailwind CSS
React Leaflet
React Icons

Backend

Node.js
Express.js

Database

PostgreSQL

Authentication

JWT (JSON Web Tokens)

API

RESTful APIs using Axios

How It Works

Students register and log in.
Browse available accommodations.
View detailed property information.
Explore the property location on an interactive map.
Save properties to Favorites.
Select a move-in date and submit a booking request.
Leave ratings and reviews.
Property owners manage listings, bookings, and availability from their dashboard.

Core Functionalities

Role-based authentication (Student & Owner)
Property management system
Booking request workflow
Favorite property management
Interactive maps
Image gallery
Review and rating system
Responsive user interface
REST API integration

Project Architecture

Frontend (React)
↓
REST API (Express.js)
↓
PostgreSQL Database
↓
JWT Authentication

Future Improvements

Online payment integration
Real-time chat between students and owners
Email notifications
Advanced property search and filtering
AI-based accommodation recommendations
Mobile application support

Outcome

StayNest provides a seamless and secure platform that connects students with property owners, making the accommodation search and booking process faster, more transparent, and easier to manage.