University Of Cape Town Accommodation
University Of Cape Town Accommodation
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. University Of Cape Town Accommodation
READ: Student Accommodation Near University Of Pretoria
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.
READ: SU Student Accommodation
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 the 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 sports facilities and swimming pools.
Accommodation for students with spouses and dependents
JP Duminy residence provides accommodation for students with spouses and dependants (but this is limited to students’ own children). It is situated on Main Road, Mowbray, and houses 42 students in flats that are within easy walking distance of the upper campus, the Jammie Shuttle service, and local retail outlets.
Off-campus accommodation
Many postgraduate students stay in private housing off-campus because UCT-based accommodation is limited. Finding a place to live in Cape Town can be a long and competitive process, so start your search early.
- Start your search at least two months before you plan to get here.
- Seek accommodation within walking distance of one of the UCT-free Jammie shuttle bus stops. This will save you time and money.
- Pay careful attention to the lease agreement before you sign it.
- Make sure you budget for things like WiFi, water, and electricity which might not be included in monthly rental costs.
READ: Stellenbosch University Accommodation
Off-campus student accommodation services (OCSAS)
For assistance with locating off-campus housing, contact OCSAS. They have a database of landowners interested in renting out their homes to students. You can evaluate options that fit your demands and financial situation with the help of the OCSAS team. Visit the OCSAS web pages for a list of private landlords offering student accommodation. Many of the properties listed here are within walking distance of the main campus and the Jammie Shuttle route.
Although not all of the rental homes listed by OCSAS are accredited, tenants and landlords can ask for a site inspection to ensure the home matches the listing. The OCSAS stays out of tenancy negotiations. However, it does offer advocacy services for tenants and landlords in relation to lease conditions such as deposits, rental, and lease durations.
On-campus accommodation
There is housing available at UCT for a little over 600 postgraduate students. Students from South Africa and Black Africa who have been accepted for Honours degrees are given preference for these spots. Postgraduate students are eligible for second-tier accommodation and third-tier accommodation. This housing is available on-campus to postgraduate students and must be applied for separately during the admissions process.
There are residences that can accommodate students with disabilities. The Student Accommodation Office and the Disability Service can help you address your specific needs. The student housing office is located on the middle campus. You can visit them or email them at: res@uct.ac.za. The student housing frequently asked questions can be found here.
Living on campus extends your education beyond the classroom, and you may take advantage of a variety of amenities and services, such as computer laboratories, network access, and social and recreational activities. Visit the Department of Student Affairs website for more information on student accommodation:
- student housing
- applying for residence
- UCT’s residence system
- Off-Campus Student Accommodation Services (OCSAS)
- residence life
Information about student housing is also available in the UCT undergraduate prospectus.
USEFUL LINKS