Rebuilding Hallbookers
Note: This post was originally published in 2019.
When we inherited the original Hallbookers site, just over 12 months ago, we knew straight away we needed to make some changes.
Don’t get me wrong. We had a great platform that allowed our audience to search hundreds of private student halls across the UK. Plus, one that enabled new students to benefit from the wisdom of past students by reading and leaving reviews.
The problems were that it didn’t offer a wide enough choice, that the review system was clunky and that it came in a slightly tired-looking package. In the world of website design, five years is a long time and we knew the look and feel had to undergo a major overhaul.
Updating the design and features
So we brought in a young designer, Liam Newbon, a recent graduate from Derby University, and he went to work on the aesthetics. Meantime we streamlined the search process, added a bespoke map function, created The Monitor — a new and relevant blog area — and, perhaps most importantly, made leaving a review much, much easier.
The new Hallbookers experience
We’re really pleased with the new site. It looks great, lists over 1000 properties, is super easy to use, and crucially is now a powerful and effective vehicle for the sharing of your collective wisdom.
So please come take a look. It’s completely free to use. Be a part of that collective community of wisdom — either as a reader or leaver of reviews — and help us power this platform for balanced, independent student choice.
Here’s wishing you success in your studies and comfort in your halls!
Neil
Operations Manager
