Let's explore the different types of accommodation available, as well as the various factors to consider.
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Types of Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
Students who are studying at the institution can apply for on-campus accommodation in Gqeberha, at our South, North and Second Avenue Campuses, or in George, which offers a variety of on-and-off campus housing for students in the Southern Cape. It must be noted that most first-year residences are shared. On-campus options comprise a mixture of traditional shared residential blocks with a dining hall nearby, whilst newer residences mainly for senior students, consists of quads or floors with individual rooms and a communal living/cooking space.
Off-campus accommodation
A range of accredited flats, apartments, and houses, are also available for students who are not placed in on-campus accommodation, or who have opted to reside off-campus. These are either within walking distance of the University or situated along the University’s shuttle service route. These options allow for greater independence and can be secured via the off-campus accommodation office.
e.g. Campus key offers purpose-built, luxury accommodation designed for students, with a hospitality twist with thriving students as the goal. Spaces transform into vibrant communities where students can learn, stay, play, and connect. Their energetic on-site teams provide excellent service and dynamic hosting, adding a human touch that makes everyone feel at home and on their way to living their best life.
Private accommodation
Private accommodation is not affiliated with the institution and students liaise directly with the landlord or company to lease accommodation for a set period, which can be a room with shared living areas, a shared apartment or a house. Another option can also include garden flats behind or alongside residential homes. Amenities varies and these places can be near or some distance away from the institution and vary in cost.
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Accommodation costs
The fees you pay depend on the type of accommodation you have secured. Together with the standard residence/rental fee, you will also need to pay an upfront down-payment, breakage deposit and registration fee. Residing off-campus also carries additional costs, such as groceries, transport, pre-paid electricity, including general living expenses.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
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Budget: On-campus housing is generally more affordable, but off-campus options may offer more flexibility in terms of amenities and location but are often more expensive.
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Location: Consider the proximity of your accommodation to campus, ease of access to transport/walking routes, central vs remote location, scenery and social activities in the area.
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Amenities: Look for essential amenities like security, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, gym, swimming pool, and nearby retail centres, to name a few.
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Social atmosphere: If you prefer a lively social environment, where you can meet as many friends as possible, whist getting settled into your new normal, then on-campus housing might be a good choice. For a quieter atmosphere and a greater sense of independence, then off-campus options could be more suitable.
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Safety and security: Research the safety measures in place for different accommodation options. In the event of an emergency, it is good to know that you will be able to access relevant emergency services, if necessary.
In a first for South Africa, and possibly Africa, Nelson Mandela University used a novel ‘Peri Uno’ building method to speed up construction of much-needed turnkey student accommodation in the Sanlam Student Village and North Campus (picture above). Each residence block comprises 15 or 16 pods. Each pod, or living area, accommodates eight students in four double rooms, and comes with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, and a study room.
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Tips for Finding the Right Accommodation
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Start early: Begin your search well in advance. As accommodation is limited and competitive process, especially in smaller cities, you therefore need to look at more than one option.
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Research options and ask for recommendations: Explore online platforms and university websites for available accommodation listings. Look at community forums, consult friends and family who live in the area for possible leads, especially if you are looking into off-campus options.
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Visit the campus: If possible, visit the campus to see the different housing options firsthand. This will enable you to make an informed decision, before you arrive for the start of lectures.
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Applying for accommodation
The closing date for all on-campus residence applications is 31 October 2024 and no late applications will be considered. You will first need to be accepted by a university faculty before your application for on-campus housing will be considered. Please note that receipt of your application does not guarantee a place in any of our residences. Off-campus and private accommodation options have various closing date(s), and you will need to contact the relevant landlord for more information on the application process for those options.
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Additional Considerations if going off-campus/private
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Lease Agreements: Carefully review lease agreements to understand the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees you need to be aware of upfront, as well as when your lease starts and ends to avoid penalties.
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Roommates: If you're planning to share a room or apartment to save money, consider your compatibility with potential roommates, and set ground rules upfront to ensure that everyone know what they are responsible for and when fees are due.
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Utilities: Be prepared to set up and pay for utilities like electricity, water, and internet. At least one person in your group (if sharing), should take responsibility for these payments.
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Avoid accommodation scams
When searching for private or off-campus accommodation, be vigilant. Avoid falling victim to scams. Some individuals may offer to find you accommodation for a fee (Nelson Mandela University staff will never do this) and then not deliver. Others may advertise accommodation which doesn't exist and upon receiving payment, disappear or ghost you. Additionally, be wary of landlords who rent out a single room or unit to multiple students. Always verify the legitimacy of the accommodation and the landlord before committing to any agreements and never pay the full amount upfront, until you see the space.
Using accredited accommodation providers, or providers with a reputable track record is ultimately the best way to secure accommodation, especially for new students or students from outside the city and require guidance in this regard.
Choosing the right student accommodation is an important decision that can significantly impact your university experience. Being admitted into an on-campus residence is dependent on availability, academic merit, as well as the payment of prescribed fees. As student housing is limited, it’s important to apply early.
We hope to soon welcome you to Nelson Mandela University.
Find out more about: https://studenthousing.mandela.ac.za/
On the George Campus (pictured above), the newly built residences consists of a series of pods where eight students share a kitchen and ablution facility, and is a striking departure from the original dormitory-style accommodation. Former staff houses have also been converted to provide additional student accommodation. In these, the electric geysers have been replaced with solar geysers and heat pumps.