The shortlisted student ideas

First year student of International Business and Finance, Nitya Laxmikant Bhattad, submits an idea for an app aimed at students.

 

Nitya was awarded third place in the competition.

She explains her idea to us…

Hello Nitya, will you share your idea with us?
Leeds Library Life is a colourful, student-first mobile app that replaces the University’s text-heavy site with an accessible, community-focused hub. It combines study space booking, event and volunteer management, a book-exchange marketplace and a student-author showcase with reading and wellbeing challenges. 

Features include dyslexia-friendly fonts, audio navigation, dark mode, icon-led menus and gamified rewards. Designed for inclusivity and belonging, it connects commuters, international, and neurodivergent students while promoting sustainability, creativity and student pride.

An interesting digital idea! What inspired it?
This idea was inspired by my own experience as a student using the Library website. While it is functional and informative, it often feels overwhelming, text-heavy and disconnected from how students actually engage digitally. 

Not just a place to find information, but a place to belong.

Tell us why this is important to you and students?
I want to bridge that gap. Seeing how many students struggle with accessibility, belonging and discovering opportunities motivated me to imagine a digital library space that feels more human, visual and inclusive – not just a place to find information, but a place to belong. 

It’s been great to hear your enthusiasm for digital improvements. We’d love to know which campus library is your favourite?
The Brotherton Library. I love the historic architecture and its grand interior. I find it inspiring and peaceful to study in. 

Vote for Nitya’s idea

If you like Nitya’s idea “Leeds Library Life app” then you can vote for it to win the Students’ Choice Award.