International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Akinmerese Oluwatobi, Ifekandu Chiamaka, Obibi Kevin
Abstract: The traditional hostel allocation process in many Nigerian private universities has long been marred by inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and administrative bottlenecks. This project presents the design and implementation of an Online Hostel Allocation System aimed at digitizing and streamlining the process of student accommodation. The system was built using a robust technology stack comprising Laravel for back-end logic, Vue.js for front-end interactivity, Inertia.js as middleware, Tailwind CSS for styling, and Docker for containerization. The development followed a structured methodology that included requirements gathering, system modeling, implementation, testing, and evaluation. Key modules developed include student registration, hostel browsing, intelligent roommate pairing, secure payment integration, and an administrative dashboard. Each module was designed with user experience, scalability, and data security in mind. Testing and feedback from both students and administrative staff confirmed the system’s reliability, ease of use, and potential for wide-scale deployment. It eliminates the need for physical queues and manual paperwork while providing a fairer and more transparent allocation process. The project contributes significantly to the growing need for digital transformation in higher education by offering a scalable and user-centered solution to hostel allocation challenges. This work concludes with practical recommendations for expanding the system’s functionality, including mobile app development, multi-language support, and integration with existing university portals. Ultimately, the system enhances the accommodation experience for students and simplifies hostel management for institutions, offering a modern solution to an age-old problem.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18324735
