Nest
– Helping International Students Find a Sense of Belonging in NYC
Moving to a new city can be exciting. However, for many international students in New York, it also brings challenges—cultural barriers, social isolation, and a lack of local connections. Nest is designed to bridge this gap by fostering real-life connections through storytelling, mentorship, and curated experiences, helping students feel at home in the city.
Understanding the Users
🎯 Target Audience
International freshmen at New York City universities
📌 Key Insight
Cultural differences create barriers to social integration, leading to loneliness and isolation.
🔍 Challenges Identified
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Language barriers and cultural shock.
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Limited opportunities to connect with local students.
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Social media often amplifies loneliness rather than resolving it.
Problem Statement
"International students in NYC struggle with loneliness due to cultural barriers and social disconnection, limiting their opportunities to integrate into the local community."
Early Ideas & User Feedback
Social Matching App
– Algorithm-based matching of students based on shared backgrounds and interests.
❌ Issue: Felt too dependent on pre-defined stereotypes.
Storytelling Platform
– Users share experiences to help newcomers explore NYC.
✅ Positive: Engaging and inspiring.
❌ Concern: Privacy issues with personal details.
Mentorship Program
– Pairing freshmen with experienced international students.
✅ Positive: Provides structured guidance and support.
❌ Concern: Needs better safety measures and structure.
Final Concept: A Hybrid Approach
- Combining Storytelling & Mentorship
01
New users are paired with experienced mentors who provide practical guidance on adapting to NYC — from navigating public transport to finding local hotspots. This personal support builds trust and helps new students feel at home.
"Feeling lost? Your mentor can walk you through campus life, introduce you to local events, and even show you the best coffee spots!"
02
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Discover NYC through authentic stories shared by other students — from trying your first bagel to navigating the subway. The app recommends personalized experiences based on your background and interests, making the city feel more familiar.
"A fellow student from China shared her first Broadway experience – now it's your turn to explore!"
Create and share your own NYC story — add photos and reflections, and connect with others through comments and reactions. Your story becomes part of a growing, supportive community.
"I finally tried bagels with cream cheese – why did no one tell me they’re this good?"
04
Turn connections into lasting friendships — from attending events with new friends to forming weekly meetups. Building shared experiences strengthens social bonds and creates a sense of home.
"Our group started out as classmates – now we have a weekly movie night!"
Key Features in the Final Design
Explore NYC through real user stories
– Find meaningful activities based on experiences shared by other students.
Mentorship Program
– Get guidance from experienced international students.
Smart Event Matching
– AI-powered recommendations for activities based on availability and interests.
Location-based Integration
– Uses Google Maps to recommend places and events near students' campuses.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
User Testing Insights
High engagement with the storytelling feature
Users appreciated the mentorship pairing but requested clearer structure and safety measures
Minimized online interactions were well received, reinforcing real-life connections
