Undergraduate and graduate students, who frequently move between dorms, apartments, and homes regularly need to furnish new living spaces, and they are always seeking affordable or free textbooks and other study materials. International students, in particular, arrive at university and need to quickly acquire essential items to settle into their new environment; when their studies conclude, they also need to easily offload items before returning home.
The FreeShare App is a free, secure platform that facilitates the university community’s exchange of items like books and furniture. It promotes sustainability, reduces waste, and connects individuals looking to give away or find items, especially at the end of academic terms. The app ensures a safe, transparent experience through user communication, arrangement of pick-up/delivery, and a rating system. Moreover, when uploading images of each item to be shared, the app uses AI to easily add information about materials.
The FreeShare App is intended as a furniture and book exchange tool, allowing university community members to distribute items they no longer need. Users can search for required items by type, size, and other characteristics, arranging pickups or drop-offs that fit their schedules. When uploading an item, users provide an image, description, and the time and area where the item will be available for pickup. Once a user accepts a request, they can share the specific location for the pickup with the recipient. The app’s interface facilitates smooth communication among users, enabling efficient hand-offs. After receiving items, students can leave reviews and ratings to inform others about their experiences.