Development of a Hostel Management System with Security for Off-Campus Student: A Case Study of the University of Ilorin

Abstract

This study focuses on the design and implementation of an online off-campus hostel management system for students at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The system aims to address the challenges students face in securing off-campus accommodation due to the increasing student population and limited on-campus housing options. The traditional process of finding off-campus housing is often time-consuming, disorganized, and stressful, involving physical visits to multiple properties and reliance on informal networks. To address these issues, the study employed the Waterfall software development model, a linear and structured methodology that ensures systematic progression through distinct phases, including requirements analysis, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. The requirements analysis phase involved gathering detailed functional and non-functional requirements from stakeholders, including students, landlords, and administrative staff, to ensure the system met their needs. During the design phase, a comprehensive architectural blueprint was developed, including database schemas, user interface layouts, and system architecture diagrams. The implementation phase utilized modern web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL to create a responsive and user-friendly platform. Rigorous testing was conducted to validate the system's functionality, security, and reliability, ensuring it met all specified requirements. The system was then deployed to a production environment, and a maintenance plan was established to address future updates and improvements. The proposed system offers a centralized platform connecting students, landlords, and agents. Students can search for housing based on their preferences, including location and budget, and view property details such as descriptions and photos. Landlords and agents can advertise their properties to a wider audience. The study highlights the benefits of the online system, including reduced stress for students, increased efficiency for administrators, and improved access to off-campus housing options. It suggests that the system has the potential to enhance student's overall university experience by facilitating a smoother transition into off-campus living. Future development may include features like automated payments to further enhance the system's functionality. By employing the waterfall model, the study ensured a structured and disciplined approach to development, resulting in a robust and reliable platform that addresses the housing challenges faced by students at the University of Ilorin.