TL/DR –
Three University of Michigan students, Julius Stuhec, Charles Zhong, and Pranav Thotakura, have developed an app called MDex that keeps users informed about free offerings at campus events. The app has been downloaded over 1,700 times since its release on August 23. The developers plan to expand the app to campuses across the US after refining it based on user feedback and rebrand it under the name FreeDex LLC.
University of Michigan Students Create MDex App to Share Campus Freebies and Events
University of Michigan’s welcome week ended with students receiving freebies like t-shirts and tote bags. To share similar activities and opportunities, three students developed an app named MDex. This app allows students to post details of upcoming events offering free food and merchandise, enabling others to be notified of these gatherings instantly.
The creators, Julius Stuhec, Charles Zhong, and Pranav Thotakura, launched the app on Aug. 23. The aim of this initiative is to foster a fun and inclusive campus community. Stuhec shared, “Our mission at MDex is to optimize community connections, and we use campus freebies as a vehicle to facilitate these connections. We aim to connect students to the vast resources on campus through a free, pre-organized feed.”
Stuhec and Zhong, who were transfer students, conceived the idea of MDex from their experiences. They found integration into the campus community through free events and wanted to offer the same for other students. Stuhec’s former roommate, Thotakura, was inspired to join after missing out on free offerings at campus events.
Development and Launch of MDex
After deciding to create MDex, the trio set an ambitious release date for the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. “Our goal was to launch the app for the school year, which was somewhat challenging. However, we learned how to develop an app and managed to accomplish it,” Stuhec shared.
Since its launch, MDex has over 1,700 downloads and more than 100 different organizations posting event information. A recent update on the app’s website confirms these figures.
MDex’s Impact on Campus Life
Users like LSA junior Brandon Palomino-Alonso have found MDex particularly useful for finding free food on campus. Freshman Ayah Dagher appreciates the frequent updates and exhaustive information about events on the app.
Stuhec believes the app’s unique approach to sourcing campus events sets it apart from other platforms. He explains, “Organizations can post on our app. The process is as simple as ordering an Uber ride. Once we verify the event, it’s immediately posted on the app, and users are notified instantly.”
MDex’s Future Plans
The creators hope to spread the word about MDex among students. Stuhec said their current focus is on refining the app rather than marketing it. In response to user feedback, they’re working on an update to allow students to customize their feeds according to their interests and majors.
The trio has registered as a business under the name FreeDex LLC and plans to expand their product to campuses nationwide. “Our goal is to expand this community of MDex users all across the U.S. and connect students cross-campus,” Stuhec stated.
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