Student launches site to match flatmates using AI

Daniel Virin, a 22-year-old student at the University of Bristol, has launched an innovative website called Cribster, which uses artificial intelligence to help students find compatible flatmates. The idea for Cribster came to Daniel in 2022 when he faced the challenges of searching for suitable housing in Bristol's competitive student market. With funding from his university, he developed an algorithm that matches users based on their preferences, including budget, location, values, hobbies, and daily habits. The goal of Cribster is to optimize the use of available housing by creating groups of compatible students, filling vacant rooms, and alleviating the pressure on student accommodations. Shriya Pillay, another student at the University of Bristol, shared her experience regarding the housing crisis in the city. She expressed that students often feel immense pressure to secure accommodation before the academic year begins. 'I remember starting to look for housing and flatmates just a couple of months into my first year at university,' she recalled. Shriya noted that finding flatmates can be just as challenging as finding a place to live. While many students opt to stay with their first-year flatmates, she recognized early on that her group would be parting ways, prompting her to seek new living arrangements. To connect with potential flatmates, she turned to social media, but she was apprehensive about encountering the 'housing horror stories' she had heard from others. 'I've had friends who felt uncomfortable in their own kitchens because of their flatmates,' she said. 'Such situations can significantly impact other aspects of your life, as these are the people you interact with daily. ' Daniel is currently working on developing a Cribster app with the assistance of his twin brother, Asher, who is an engineer. He believes that a student's living situation can greatly influence their university experience. 'Your home should be a safe space where you can escape the stress and anxiety of university life,' he explained. However, the rush to secure housing often leads students to sign leases for subpar properties or to choose flatmates who are not a good fit, resulting in tension and disputes. He emphasized that freshers, who are just beginning their university journey, are often thrust into this stressful process before they have had the chance to build friendships. Daniel also pointed out that the sense of urgency leaves many students vulnerable to scams and harassment on existing platforms that are not tailored for their needs. Jovan Navjee, a student who used the Cribster website, shared his positive experience. He found three of his best friends through the platform, and they have developed genuine and lasting friendships. 'Since moving in, we've really clicked, and having the right flatmates has made a huge difference in my overall university experience,' he stated. Daniel's project recently received £4,500 in funding from the University of Bristol as part of the Jim and Peggy Wilkinson Awards and the Development Stage competition. He is now focused on creating the Cribster app with the help of his brother Asher. Daniel was also honored with an Outstanding Plus Award for demonstrating innovative and solution-focused entrepreneurship. Mark Neild, an associate professor in innovation and entrepreneurship, praised Daniel for making a compelling case for the value and necessity of a product like Cribster. Daniel's work addresses a critical aspect of student wellbeing, making it an important contribution to the university community.