Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which residence should I apply for?

A: Since most study programs are offered at the Hatfield Campus, you have the option to apply for residences at the Hatfield, Hillcrest, or Groenkloof Campuses. You can explore the available residences to choose from here.

Please note:

For Faculty of Health Sciences Applicants: If you are pursuing a study program within the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will be considered for residence placement at Hatfield, Hillcrest, or Groenkloof campuses. Upon selection for a Health Science course, you will be transferred to a Prinshof campus residence, based on availability. If you request to be considered for a different course due to not being selected for Health Science, your residence consideration will still remain at Hatfield, Hillcrest, or Groenkloof campus.

For Faculty of Education Applicants: Students enrolled in Education will be accommodated in a residence on the Groenkloof Campus.

For Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Applicants: Students seeking an undergraduate Bachelor of Veterinary Science will be considered for Hatfield Campus accommodation for the first year. Only from the second year onwards, they may apply for residence placement at Onderstepoort residence. For Diploma in Veterinary Nursing students, placement at Onderstepoort residence is considered upon program admission.

 

Q: How will I know once a place has been allocated to me?

A: You will receive a placement letter via the email address provided during your application. This letter will include relevant details about your placement, the reservation levy, and more. This placement letter can also be accessed on your UP Student Portal.

 

Q: What should I do if I have been waitlisted for placement?

A: If all spaces in the residence are occupied at the time of your application, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list based on academic merit (Grade 11 or 12 marks) and application date. As cancellations occur, students on the waiting list will be placed continuously.

 

Q: What if I don't get a place in my preferred residence?

A: Due to the limited availability of spaces, it's not always feasible to allocate every student to their desired residence. If you wish to be placed in a different residence than the one allotted to you, you can email us a letter of motivation stating your reasons. Each case will be evaluated on merit as cancellations occur, but guaranteeing the request isn't possible.

 

Q: Do I need to pay a reservation fee if I'm placed in a residence?

A: Yes, a prescribed reservation levy must be paid within 30 days of receiving your placement letter to reserve your spot. This payment constitutes an initial payment of the annual accommodation fees. Failure to pay within 30 days will result in your place being given to the next person on the waiting list.

 

Q: How do I accept the allocated placement?

A: You need to ACCEPT your residence placement on your UP Student Portal and pay the required reservation levy. If the levy isn't paid within 30 days, your place will be allocated to the next person on the waiting list. If you can't pay the full reservation levy within the time frame, contact us to discuss possible financial arrangements.

 

Q: How do I cancel my allocated placement?

A: To decline your placement, you can either reject it on your student portal or send an email to the relevant address. Please note that cancellations made via telephone won't be accepted.

 

Q: Can I have a single room?

A: Single rooms are limited, and a majority of first-year and senior students are accommodated in double rooms. Your room number will be provided upon your arrival.

 

Q: What items should I bring when moving into the residence?

A: Each room is furnished with a bed, mattress, bookcase, desk, chair, cupboard (shelves and hanging space), and a mirror. Items allowed in your room include personal crockery, cutlery, fan heaters, radios, kettles, computers, printers, microwaves, and fridges. Prohibited items include stoves, electric frying pans, gas fryers, open bar/element heaters, and any items or equipment deemed hazardous.

 

Q: When can I move into the residence?

A: Your official placement letter will communicate the initial occupation date. Failing to move in on the specified dates could result in cancellation, and the next student on the waiting list will be offered the spot.

 

Q: How does residence meal management work?

A: The University's computer system allows students in residences to reserve and pay only for meals they consume. The University deducts an amount from the basic accommodation fees to cover reserved meals. Additional funds will be required for more meals. Any meal credit at year-end will be credited to your student account.

 

Q: What about parking arrangements?

A: Upon arrival, you can apply for parking facilities at your residence through the relevant House Committee member.

 

Q: Why do I need to leave during holidays, and how can I apply for holiday accommodation?

A: During April and July breaks, students should vacate their rooms as residences are utilized for guests/groups. Storage facilities will be provided at your own risk. Only academic or international students unable to return home can apply for holiday accommodation. Daily fees apply and will be debited to your account. Students needing holiday housing will be assigned to a specific residence.

 

Q: How can I secure my residence place for the next year?

A: Renewal of residence placement for the following year depends on academic merit, using the average of your first semester results. To secure a place as a senior student, you need to maintain a high average. As demand exceeds available spaces, only students with top averages are placed, while others are waitlisted. Cut-off averages vary yearly, typically ranging from 60% to 65% or higher.

 

Q: If I'm in a residence and apply for an honors program, can I also apply for a postgraduate residence?

A: You must reapply for your current residence and request a transfer after final admission to the honors program. Applying for a postgraduate residence isn't automatic and depends on availability. Applying earlier increases your chances as demand is high.

 

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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