UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE
LIVING AT UCT
A Guide to UCT’s first tier residences
Handbook 2.1
STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO RETAIN THIS LEAFLET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Dear Prospective Student
This leaflet serves to inform you how our residences function and operate. Along with this leaflet you will have received an offer of a place in a UCT residence. Please read this information together with that in the Undergraduate Prospectus and the Student Accommodation General Application Information Handbook 1 which was previously sent to you. It also seeks to familiarise you with the dynamics of residence life in general. Student Housing and Residence Life at the University of Cape Town strives to ensure that a living and learning environment is the foundation of our residence culture. Every effort is made to ensure that your residence life experience will foster your holistic development as well as being fully supportive of your academic programme.
The first tier residences have in place various structures and programmes that seek to underpin the dictum “home away from home” On your arrival you will be warmly welcomed by your warden, house committee members, sub wardens and other student leaders in your residence. The residence governance structures are mandated to facilitate a non disruptive transition into “independent” living. However, you will be able to enjoy a rich diversity of cultures that is very much community orientated and driven.
Each residence has its own distinctive ethos by virtue of its history and tradition. None the less they all strive to achieve excellence in all spheres of residence life. Should you have any queries or concerns about the specific residence to which you have been allocated, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant warden or residence supervisors on the telephone numbers provided for the appropriate residence.
Wardens and residence supervisors are amenable in arranging for you to view your allocated residence but this arrangement must be made well in advance.
It is the express wish of Student Housing and the residences management structures that your residence life experience will be as rich and rewarding as you have anticipated.
UCT'S Residence System
UCT has a three-tier residence system that provides different services, governance and management at each tier. The policy and criteria for admission to UCT student housing assume that a student will initially enter a first tier (catering) residence and subsequently move to a second tier (senior catering or self-catering) residence or into third tier (semi-autonomous self-catering) accommodation.
Mixed gender residences are separated according to floors or, where relevant, flats.
Persons with disabilities can be accommodated in different residences. If you are a person with a disability you are advised to make early contact with the Student Accommodation Office and the Disability Unit. The Disability Unit will assist you in assessing with your particular needs.
All residences have strict access control and most are covered by closed circuit television.
First tier residences provide accommodation for undergraduate men and women students, who are usually under the age of 21. These residences provide students with up to three meals a day in a dining hall. Some buildings have double rooms. If you are placed in one of these, you may send the attached room mate matching request to or fax 021 650 4014.
First Tier residences provide common room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self-operating laundries. All First Tier residences have access to a swimming pool and the various sporting facilities across the campus
What to Bring to Residence
All student rooms in residences, houses and flats are equipped with basic furniture - a bed, mattress, cupboard, desk, chair, bookcase, wastepaper bin, curtains and notice board. No sheets, blankets, pillows or towels are provided.
On arrival please bring four passport photographs, which are needed for meal tickets, your card with personal details and sometimes for orientation.
Do not bring extra furniture, but do bring your own bedding (duvet, duvet cover, sheet, pillow, pillow case) and towels. You must also bring a strong padlock for your door (a 40 mm Viro or Cisa with at least two keys is recommended). In addition, you may like to bring a desk lamp (essential), rug, coffee mugs, radio, plants, cushions, or anything that will make you feel at home. Posters for your walls also help.
Centralised laundry facilities are available in most residences and are managed by the House Committee. A system of compulsory laundry levies or a coin or token system is employed.
Limited housekeeping services are provided in all junior and senior catering residences. All the public areas and bathrooms are cleaned daily. Students make their own beds and should keep their rooms clean. Electrical cleaning equipment (polishers and vacuum cleaners), chemicals, mops, buckets, brooms, etc. are available from the Residence Supervisor.
Students may not keep pets in any University residence, house or flat."
Please note the rules that apply to the use of electrical appliances in residences (see details in the General Application Booklet and also in Handbook 3, General Rules & Policies).
You are expected to read the residence rule book and dining hall rules. Ignorance of these rules is no excuse if they are broken. You are also advised to bring a torch in case of a power cut. Candles are not permitted as they pose a serious fire hazard.
You might also like to bring a heater, radio, portable television, an iron, pictures, cushions, pot plants, etc
Important to note the following:
You may not use an electrical appliance which draws more than 1 kilo watt of power.
You may not possess or use a microwave oven in your room.
You may not have a refrigerator larger than 110 litres. Please be advised that because of the limited storage space in residences, refrigerators cannot be stored during the mid and end of year vacation periods.
The limited storage space means that you will only be allowed to store a limited number ofboxes. You are also required to clear your room of all your possessions during the mid year vacation and at the end of the year.
Late arrival in residence
Late arrival in residence i.e. once the residence opens for the term is generally discouraged. If you are in the precarious position of having accepted housing, and you are unable to take up that place within the designated time, you will have to request an extension via the Student Accommodation Office. There is no guarantee that your place will be reserved indefinitely.
How Residences are Organised
All first tier residences have a warden who lives on site, and some of the larger residences also have deputy wardens. These residences also have elected student governing bodies called house committees. The house committee shares with the warden responsibility for the academic and social needs and interests of students.
Wardens, together with house committees, carry responsibility for residence students and aim, with their co-operation, to create friendly and comfortable environments in which students are able to pursue their academic objectives and to achieve personal growth. Wardens take an interest in students' ideas and issues and, together with the house committees, are involved in the planning and organisation of residence life.
Wardens, along with the house committees of their residences, have a responsibility to see that the rules of the residence and of the University are observed. Wardens, sub-wardens, and disciplinary committees made up of students from the residence are responsible for dealing with those students who break the rules.
Wardens act as guardians, in the strictly legal sense, to all minor students in the residence in the event of an emergency. However, wardens may not stand surety for loan and bursary applications.
House committees organise numerous activities throughout the year in order to maintain a balanced residence experience. Informal tutoring by senior students is also available in most subjects. Many residences operate a mentoring system for new students, and peer helpers are available as a first port of call for emotional, personal or academic difficulties. House committees, sub wardens, peer helpers, tutors and mentors all undergo extensive life-skills training from the residence development officers (RDOs), which enable them to help and counsel students with problems.
Each residence has a residence supervisor who ensures that the rooms are properly maintained and those keys, telephones, laundries, and other essentials for comfortable living are available and in working order. Larger residences also have receptionists during the day to deal with telephone calls, mail and general enquiries.
Residences also have a number of sub-wardens who are students appointed by UCT to assist the warden in the evenings and over weekends. The sub-wardens share a duty roster so that there is always someone on call to handle problems which may arise.
First Tier Accommodation
Baxter Hall
Warden: Tel/fax 021 650-3930
Supervisor: Tel 021 650 3931
Baxter Hall was established in 1957 and 233 women are accommodated in mainly single rooms.
The nine pavilions are each divided into 6 flats, each containing between 3 and 6 rooms. An attractive feature is the two central quads, with lawns, trees and park benches. The residence also has satellite television and dedicated study areas.
Situated close to the main road between Rondebosch and Mowbray, there is easy access to shops, computer lab/learning centre, swimming pool and squash courts, as well as the various University campuses via the Jammie Shuttle. Access is gained via Chapel or Cecil roads.
ClarinusVillage
(Incorporating Clarendon and Carinus)
Wardens: Clarendon: Tel 021 406-6493
Carinus: Tel 021 406-6655 (h); 021 406 6382 (w)
Supervisors: Clarendon: Tel 021 406-6322
Carinus: Tel 021 406-6656
ClarinusVillage nestles on the slopes of Devil's Peak at the back of GrooteSchuurHospital. It accommodates 622 students in both single and double rooms: Clarendon houses 264 male and Carinus 361 female students.
Previously these were a nurses' home and college, so that the buildings have the infrastructure conducive to a living and learning environment. There are four television rooms (including M-Net and satellite), a study centre for both group and individual work, and a 35-station computer lab. Other facilities include a gymnasium and vending machines. A "spaza shop" stocks essential items such as toiletries and snacks.
College House
Warden: Tel 021 650-3933 (h); 021 406 6389 (w)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3934
The original College House was the first men's residence in southern Africa and has a long tradition. Situated in Main Road, Rosebank, next door to Glenres, and identified by the two lions on either side of the gate. It houses 118 men in single and double rooms. It is close to shops and public transport. Meals are taken at Leo Marquard Dining Hall.
Fuller Hall
Warden: Tel/fax 021 650-3940
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3941
Fuller Hall, which houses 229 female students mostly in single rooms, is situated on the Upper Campus, close to the library, computer labs, Sports Centre and lectures. Along with Smuts Hall, our brother residence, Fuller was one of the first buildings to be erected on the Groote Schuur site in 1928, and is a national monument.
Georgina's, our coffee bar, offers a place to relax in the evenings and is run as a business by a group of students. It also offers a venue for cultural activities.
Graça MachelHall
Is located on the Protem site on the lower campus. Access is gained via Cecil or Chapel roads.
Theresidence is adjacent to the Jammie Shuttle lower campus terminus which
provides transport to all campuses. The accommodation is designed around
3 large courtyards with a total of 382 rooms, 194 single, 94 double and
4 rooms for disabled residents. Each room is equipped with a handbasin
while disabled residents share a bathroom.
The residence is designed so that 8 residents (2 double & 4 single
rooms) share a kitchenette / lounge / communal area as well as bathrooms
(toilets, showers, handbasins). These kitchenettes / lounges / communal
areas are grouped to create cores linked by stairs and provide a
comfortable social space.
Glendower (GlenRes)
Warden: Tel 021 650-3943 (h); 021 650 4318 (w)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3944
Glenres opened in 1993. Many of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms. It is situated in Main Road, Rosebank, next to College House, and accommodates 135 men. It is close to shops and public transport. Meals are taken at Leo Marquard Hall.
Kilindini
Warden: 021 650-3933 (h)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3934
Kilindini is a large house on the corner of Main and Chapel Roads, next to the RosebankMethodistChurch and College House.
The 33 male residents are accommodated in single rooms and eat their meals at Tugwell Hall..
Kopano
Warden: Tel 021 650-3450 (w); 021 650-3937 (h)
Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-3490
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-393
Situated on the Lower Campus, with easy access to cricket, soccer, rugby, squash, athletics and the swimming pool, Kopano houses 367 male students in 5 blocks, mostly in single rooms with internet connections. The four TV rooms cater for satellite TV and M-net, and there is also a pub. The upper campus and Rondebosch shops are each a 10-minute walk.
Leo Marquard Hall
Warden: Tel 021 650-3953 (h); 021 650 3463 (w)
Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-4502 (h); 021 406 6753 (w)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3954
Opened in 1975, Leo Marquard Hall is located close to the Baxter Theatre and next door to Tugwell Hall. It houses 420 male students. First-year students are accommodated in double rooms. Facilities include group study rooms, tutors for academic assistance and satellite television. There is easy access to the BaxterStudentLearningCenter, Lower Campussquash courts and swimming pool and gym.
Rochester House
Warden: Tel 021 442-5507
Deputy Warden: Tel 021 442-5508
Supervisor: Tel 021 442-5501/2
Rochester House is a newly acquired modern, purpose-built residence, which is situated just north of GrooteSchuurHospital. The residence consists of a number of blocks, each with single rooms and all with TV lounge access and limited kitchenette facilities available.
This residence accommodates over 458 undergraduate students. High quality on-site facilities include a dining hall, swimming pool, functions areas, computer lab and squash courts. A shuttle service operates to the Upper and Health Sciences campuses. .
Smuts Hall
Warden: Tel 021 650-3084 (w) 021 650-3962 (h)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650 3963
Smuts Hall, along with Fuller Hall, is part of the graceful set of buildings which form the original core of the Groote Schuur Campus. 230 male students are accommodated, mostly in single rooms.. Two rooms have been adapted to cater for disabled persons.
Smuts Hall is next to the Sports Centre and directly above the playing fields which can be used for both formal and informal games of rugby and soccer. Situated on the Upper Campus, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library with all its facilities is a mere 100 metres or so away.
"The George" is a favourite place to watch television or a video and to play pool or table tennis.
Tugwell Hall
Warden: Tel 021 650-3968
Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-4400
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3969
Tugwell Hall is a large, modern residence with predominantly sharing facilities, built in 1974 and situated on the Lower Campus next to Leo Marquard Hall. It can accommodate 405 female students.. Rondebosch is a 5-minute walk from the residence. There is easy access to the Baxter Student Learning Centre, Lower Campus squash courts,swimming pool and gym. It is a 15-minute walk from Upper Campus, but shuttles are available.
First year students share partitioned double rooms which have built-in furniture and hand basins. Most returning students are accommodated in single rooms.
The Grapevine, our lounge, offers a place to relax in the evenings with friends. It also offers an arena for cultural activities, such as poetry readings, book club meetings, student fellowship, quizzes and music. See our website for further information.
University House
Warden: Tel 021 650-3893 (w); 021 650-3971 (h)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3972
Built in 1946 as a temporary structure to house returning servicemen following World War II, University House houses 112 men in six blocks. All rooms are single. Situated off Rhodes Avenue, Mowbray, opposite Mostert's Mill, the residence is within easy walking distance of the Upper Campus and Mowbray shopping area. It is adjacent to the hockey astro-turf and small gymnasium.
Varietas
Warden: Tel 021 406-6227/6168 (w); 021 650-5809 (h)
Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3967
Varietas is situated between University House and Forest Hill, adjacent to the hockey astro-turf and close to Mowbray shops and transport. Across from Devil's Peak, a prominent feature of TableMountain and a nature reserve inhabited by zebra and wildebeest, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. 146 students are housed in 2 or 3 bedroomed flats, and meals are eaten at University House.
CATERING IN STUDENT HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE
Meal Plans: Applicants offered a place in a catering residence must indicate when returning their letter of acceptance (reply form) what their chosen meal plan is for 2007. Applicants can choose between breakfast, lunch and dinner (plan 1), lunch and dinner (plan 2), breakfast and dinner (plan 3), or breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday only (plan 4). Where an applicant fails to choose, the maximum of 21 meals per week (plan 1) will default and be charged. The meal plan selected may not be changed during the semester but changes are possible at midyear. Students are not permitted to heat, prepare food or cook in their rooms.
These meal plans are differentiated by different colour meal tickets which are issued to students on signing in to their specific residence. For ease of identification students are asked to provide a passport size photograph which is attached to the meal ticket. UCT currently operates a self service system for everything except cooked meals and the various cold options on offer. Students are able to help themselves to a variety of cereals at breakfast time, bread, butter, condiments, milk, tea and coffee, a variety of salads at lunch time, soup and gravy as well as bread etc. At lunch and dinner there are always 2 meat options and a vegetarian as well as a variety of cold plate options (e.g. cheese or meat). Breakfast options include yoghurt and fruit juice as choices with two hot options. Given that we are in a mass catering system we unfortunately cannot cater for special religious or dietary/medical requirements. It is recommended that students with these special needs apply for accommodation in our self catering residences.