The Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation, commonly known as TuksRes, is an integral unit of the University of Pretoria. We believe that residence life plays a crucial role in shaping the holistic student experience, and we therefore strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive living and learning environment for all.

Looking back on the year so far, it is clear that TuksRes has had a tremendously successful year. From welcoming our newest cohort of residence students in February to ongoing efforts to promote residence life activities, as well as promoting wellbeing and support among our residents, TuksRes has been working tirelessly to create a vibrant and inclusive community on campus.

During our Welcoming and Orientation Week (WO-Week), which took place from February 4th to 12th, we welcomed our newest cohort of residence students at their various residences. This year’s WO-Week was truly one for the books, leaving a lasting impression on our First-Year students, House Committee members, and the TuksRes Department alike. A major highlight of the week was our annual TuksRes Welcoming Event, which welcomed over 2000 First-Year students to their respective residences with music, lights, spirit, and an unforgettable party. The event was a huge success, providing our new residents with an opportunity to connect with one another and get a sense of the vibrant community that they are now a part of. The lively atmosphere was a true reflection of the energy and enthusiasm that we bring to our work at TuksRes.

None of this success would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our House Committee members. We would like to give a special shoutout to these outstanding students, who have played a crucial role in ensuring that our First-Years feel safe and supported.

TuksRes is delighted to also announce the opening of a brand-new residence during for 2023, Varsity Lodge! Varsity Lodge is an impressive addition to the campus and the modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities provide students with a comfortable and luxurious living experience. The residence boasts spacious and fully furnished rooms that are equipped with everything a student needs to thrive academically and socially. From study areas to communal spaces, Varsity Lodge provides an environment that fosters a sense of community and belonging. In addition to its impressive amenities, Varsity Lodge is located in close proximity to the university's academic facilities, making it an ideal choice for students who value convenience and accessibility. Overall, Varsity Lodge is a fantastic choice for students who want to make the most of their university experience. With its top-notch facilities and prime location, it's no wonder why it has quickly become one of the most sought-after residences at the University of Pretoria.

Starting in April, TuksRes kicked off its first-ever Team Quiz Competition, which is set to run from April 4th through August 5th. The quiz competition is specifically organized to cater to the residence students, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and compete against their peers. The event is designed to create a fun and engaging atmosphere that encourages participants to demonstrate their general knowledge, as well as their understanding of current events and popular culture. With a range of categories covering topics such as sports, history, science, and the arts, the quiz competition offers something for everyone, challenging even the most knowledgeable participants to rise to the occasion. By providing an outlet for friendly competition and intellectual engagement, the quiz competition is a great way for residence students from various residences to bond and form connections with one another.

TuksRes Survivor Season 2 was held from April 26th to May 1st and proved to be yet another successful event. In fact, it is currently one of the most popular event hosted by TuksRes, with thousands of engagements online. Students had the opportunity to embark on the ultimate adventure of survival! The annual TuksRes Survivor Challenge is an exhilarating challenge that will test your physical, mental, and strategic abilities. Students competed against their fellow students in a series of epic challenges, battling for immunity and rewards while navigating the outdoors and overcoming various obstacles. Students had to put their survival skills to the test as they build shelter, start fires, and forage for food in the great outdoors. But that was only the beginning. They also had to outwit, outplay, and outlast their opponents by forming alliances, making bold moves, and voting off their competitors in intense tribal councils. The excitement does not stop there! Contestants were vying for the title of Sole Survivor, a coveted position that comes with a cash prize and the ultimate bragging rights. With challenges, twists, and turns around every corner, the TuksRes Survivor Challenge promised to be an unforgettable experience that will push you to your limits and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. The TuksRes Sole Survivor and Runner-Up 2023 received R 12 000 and R 6 000 respectively. With a high level of participation and enthusiastic support from both participants and spectators alike, TuksRes Survivor Season 2 was a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, forge new friendships, and push themselves to the limit.

Catchup on TuksRes Survivor Season 2 here: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivorTuksRes

At present, we are preparing for the forthcoming TuksRes Debating Tournament, which has been scheduled to take place from May 16th to May 20th. This is a fantastic opportunity for residence students to hone their critical thinking and public speaking skills in a competitive environment. This tournament typically runs over the course of several days and features a range of challenging topics designed to inspire lively and engaging debate. Participants are given the chance to develop and express their own unique perspectives while also engaging with and rebutting the arguments put forth by their opponents. With a focus on promoting respectful discourse and intellectual curiosity, the debating tournament fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Whether competing to win or simply observing the thought-provoking discussions, everyone involved in the TuksRes Debating Tournament can expect to come away with a newfound appreciation for the art of argumentation and the value of engaging in civil discourse.

Be on the lookout for some of our other upcoming events this year:

TuksRes Entrepreneur Day:

An exciting event that provides a platform for budding student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, pitch their business plans, and receive expert feedback from industry professionals. This day is perfect for students looking to gain valuable insights and inspiration on how to launch and grow their own successful ventures.

TuksRes Fest:

A vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture that brings together residents from across the campus community. This event features a range of live performances, food and drink stalls, and engaging activities that are sure to delight and entertain all students at the University of Pretoria.

TuksRes Swimming & Athletics Met:

A thrilling competition that invites residence students to showcase their athletic prowess in a range of swimming and track and field events. Participants have the opportunity to compete against other residence participants, push themselves to new heights, and earn recognition for their achievements in a supportive and exciting environment.

We are proud of what we have accomplished this year and look forward to continuing to build on our successes in the coming months. Thank you for being a part of the TuksRes community, we look forward to working with you to create a memorable and rewarding university experience, and to build on this momentum with you for the remainder of the year. We cannot wait to see what else is in store for our TuksRes family in 2023, #StillVibing.

• Instagram: @tuksresresidences
• Facebook: TuksRes Residences
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 90 Duxbury Road, Hatfield, South Africa, 0002

Office of the Head: Residence Management & Student Life

Mr. Lanché van Tonder

[email protected]