UniSwap is a verified campus marketplace that empowers students to buy, sell, and exchange essentials like books, gadgets, and accessories within their own or nearby colleges. By verifying each user through college ID and limiting access to trusted circles, UniSwap ensures a safe and reliable environment tailored to the student lifestyle.

Features

• Verified Access: Only students with a valid college email/ID can join and transact.
• Smart Listings: Post, search, and filter listings based on category, price, location, and campus.
• Secure In-Person Meetups: Buy and sell within your campus or nearby colleges.
• Chat & Negotiation: Built-in messaging for offer negotiation and meetup coordination.
• Community-First Design: Focus on trust, affordability, and convenience.

Tech Stack

• Frontend: Next.js + Tailwind CSS for responsive UI and fast rendering.
• Backend: Node.js with Express.js powering secure APIs.
• Database: MongoDB for flexible, scalable data storage.
• Authentication: Clerk for secure and easy user onboarding via college verification.
• Hosting: Vercel (frontend) + Render/Fly.io (backend APIs).
• Cloud Tools: Firebase Firestore for real-time updates (e.g., chat, order status).

Implementation Details

Marketplace Engine

• Add/edit/delete listings with image uploads and rich details.
• Dynamic filtering by price, category, and college.
• Status updates (available/sold) managed via Firestore.

User Verification

• College email sign-up via Clerk for authentication and trust.
• Optional manual ID upload for advanced verification.

Chat System

• Real-time messaging using Firebase for buyers and sellers.
• Notifications for new messages and completed transactions.

Admin Dashboard

• Admin tools to manage flagged posts, users, and verify manual ID uploads.
• Analytics dashboard for tracking engagement and listings.

How It Works

1. Sign Up: Register with your college email or upload college ID.
2. Post Listing: Add your items with images, price, and category.
3. Discover: Browse listings from your college or nearby campuses.
4. Chat & Deal: Negotiate via chat and set a safe meetup.
5. Exchange: Complete the deal in person and mark it as sold.

Challenges & Learnings

• Balancing open listings while maintaining verified, safe interactions.
• Managing cross-campus visibility without compromising trust.
• Handling image uploads, data validation, and mobile responsiveness.

Future Enhancements

• In-app payment gateway for added safety and tracking.
• Pickup & delivery integration for hassle-free exchanges.
• Gamified rewards for frequent users (e.g., cashback, vouchers).
• College club collaborations to promote student entrepreneurship.