Bristol Student Launches Cribster, an AI-Powered Flatmate Matching Platform for University Housing
Solving the Student Housing Crisis with Technology
University of Bristol student Daniel Virin, 22, has launched Cribster, a new AI-powered platform aimed at matching students with compatible flatmates and easing the pressure of the UK student housing market.
After his own struggles with student accommodation, Mr. Virin began designing Cribster in 2022. The platform uses a custom algorithm to pair students based on shared values, habits, location and budget preferences, aiming to improve wellbeing and reduce tenant disputes.
From Frustration to Innovation
“The rush to secure housing results in signing for poor-quality properties or settling for incompatible flatmates,” Mr Virin explained. “It can make or break your university experience.”
His inspiration stemmed from the stress of house hunting and hearing too many stories of students facing toxic living situations. “Freshers are thrown into this before they’ve even made solid friendships,” he added.
Cribster’s Student-Centered Approach
The platform allows students to create profiles detailing their lifestyles, hobbies, and expectations. Cribster then matches them with other students who are likely to be a good fit — similar to dating apps, but for housemates.
Shriya Pillay, a fellow student at Bristol, said the platform is much-needed. “Finding flatmates can be half the struggle of house hunting. I’ve seen people feel so uncomfortable at home that they avoid the kitchen altogether.”
Real Results and Real Friendships
Student Jovan Navjee successfully used Cribster to find his current housemates, with whom he’s now formed strong friendships. “Having the right flatmates has made a huge difference in my overall university experience,” he said.
Funding and Future Development
Cribster recently received £4,500 in funding through the Jim and Peggy Wilkinson Awards and a Development Stage competition. Mr Virin, working alongside his engineer twin brother Asher, is now developing a mobile app version of the service.
Mr Virin also won an Outstanding Plus Award in 2024 for “innovative and solution-focused entrepreneurship,” according to Mark Neild, Associate Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Daniel made a compelling case for the value and need of Cribster.”
Empowering Student Wellbeing Through Tech
Cribster is part of a growing wave of student-led tech solutions that address real-world problems from a peer perspective. As the housing market continues to squeeze university cities like Bristol, student wellbeing remains central to the conversation — and Cribster is stepping up to make a difference.
Category: Technology, Education, Student Life, Startups
Tags: student startup UK, AI in housing, university flatmate app, Cribster housing Bristol, UK student accommodation, student tech innovation, Bristol entrepreneurs, AI roommate finder
