University Of Cape Town Dorms

University Of Cape Town Dorms

University Of Cape Town Dorms, UCT provides different types of accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, on and off campus.
Usually, you will start out in a first-tier residence (full catering), move on to a second-tier residence (senior catering or self-catering) and later, stay in third-tier accommodation (semi-autonomous self-catering).
Each residence has its own history and traditions, but they all try to provide a great experience. Safety is of great importance to UCT, so all residences have strict access control and most are covered by closed-circuit television cameras.
Students with disabilities can be accommodated in different residences. Simply contact the Student Accommodation Office and the Disability Service, and they will address your particular needs.

First-tier accommodation

First-tier residences provide accommodation for undergraduate students, who are usually under the age of 21. These residences provide students with up to 3 meals a day in a dining hall. Some first-tier residence buildings have double rooms.
These residences have common-room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self-operating laundries. Many have pool and table tennis facilities, and some have access to a swimming pool.

Second-tier accommodation

Second-tier residences provide accommodation for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. Catering residences provide up to 3 meals a day in a dining hall. Most second-tier accommodation is in the form of 2- to 4-bedroom flats. All rooms are single.
The residence governance structures allow for a smooth transition into independent senior student life while allowing you to share communal space with your peers.
These residences provide common-room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self-operating laundries. Many have a piano, pool and table tennis facilities, and some have access to a swimming pool.

Third-tier accommodation

Third-tier residences provide accommodation for senior postgraduate students.
These residences have wardens who oversee academic and social well-being. The wardens ensure that there is a good community life in the houses, flats and purpose-built residences, such as Obz Square.
Due to the geographical fragmentation of third-tier accommodation, a Residence Association works to create a quality residence life experience.
With basic furniture provided, most units are within walking distance of upper campus or close to Jammie Shuttle stops, and all allow easy access to shops and public transport.
Some third-tier residences provide self-operating laundries, and all residents have access to UCT sport facilities and swimming pools.

Accommodation for students with spouses and dependants

JP Duminy residence provides accommodation for students with spouses and dependants (but this is limited to students’ own children). It is situated in Main Road, Mowbray, and houses 42 students in flats that are within easy walking distance of upper campus, the Jammie Shuttle service and local retail outlets.
 
UCT offers limited on-campus accommodation (about 6 000 beds for the entire student body of 29 000 students). Those who choose on-campus accommodation enjoy a diverse residence life and are conveniently located close to campus. Accommodation in the on-campus residence halls is provided in single rooms in shared apartments. Senior students share kitchen and recreational facilities in these self-catering residences.
A range of off-campus accommodation options are also available. Working with its partner, EduBed, the university provides students with a wide variety of high-quality, secure, suitably furnished private accommodation within walking distance of the campus or a UCT Jammie shuttle route.
Once you have been accepted to study at UCT, you will receive an invitation to visit the Edubed website to view the available accommodation. Edubed is a closed site and is only available to students by invitation.
 
Three  important things to know about accommodation on UCT campus:

1. UCT can offer on-campus accommodation to just over 600 postgraduates, so space is limited. If you are looking for on-campus accommodation, apply early.  You will not be considered for on-campus accommodation unless you apply.
2. The allocated bed space for postgraduate students is proportionally divided between the faculties. Each faculty has a set number of housing places for the year, and placement is dependent on individual faculty rules.
3. Some residences provide for the needs of students with physical disabilities.

Third-tier residences for postgraduates

Third-tier residences offer semi-autonomous self-catering accommodation. They have wardens who oversee the academic and social well-being of the students in the sector. The wardens ensure that there is a good community life in the houses, flats and the purpose-built residence like OBZ Square .
Since there are limited places in UCT residences, many postgraduate students find their own accommodation in private housing off campus.
UCT’s Student housing policy (2017-2021)

Five tips for finding accommodation off-campus

1. Start looking for accommodation at least two months before your planned occupation date: Accommodation in Cape Town is highly sought after.
2. The Off-Campus Student Accommodation Services (OCSAS) team helps students find accommodation. Get in touch with the OCSAS team if you need assistance (see box below).
3. UCT provides a list of private accommodation on the OCSAS website to help you find somewhere to live
4. UCT offers a free shuttle bus called the Jammie Shuttle. Cape Town is a big city with poor public transport infrastructure, so accommodation within walking distance of any Jammie shuttle bus stop saves a great deal of time and money.
5.  Beware of false advertising and scams. Use accredited landlords and sign a lease agreement before you pay a deposit and move in.

Off Campus Student Accommodation Service (OCSAS) provides a practical and viable alternative to the residence system by offering comprehensive information and guidance to off-campus accommodation.
Tel: +27(0)21 650 4934
Email: [email protected]