Applications
Residence allocation
The residence allocation processes for new applicants have been reviewed and systematically revised. This has evolved over the years in line with the university’s transformation goals. Successful new applicants are allocated to a building, which is notified on the offer letter, based on actual capacity and the specific objective of diversity in the residences.
This is a primary goal in the placing of students into residence. A secondary goal will take into account the specific programme and building / faculty proximity such as is the case in Health Sciences. Here specific residences like Clarinus Village and Rochester House are the designated residences to which Health Science degree students are allocated. A further proviso is one which aims to ensure programme organisation, such as Performing Arts, considers the best proximate allocation of those students. The allocation process will also where practically possible, aim to ensure academic advantage is maintained, that is, that no one student of a programme is isolated from fellows pursuing the same or similar degree studies.
Discretion will be exercised where a strong case exists for a particular placement that would make a significant difference to the well-being of the student concerned, for example, physical disability; specific health problems; the placement of siblings together, affordability (allowing for choice of a double room), etc. Adequate motivation and validation will be necessary to support and substantiate a request, which exceeds the parameters of the process of residence allocation being followed.
We wish parents and applicants to trust that the process being followed is fair and transparent. Where an applicant is eligible for a residence offer, he or she will be offered a place provided we have the capacity to do so. The question of which residence place is offered should not be consequential, as ultimately the successful candidate will be secure and supported in a clean, diverse, academic and development oriented environment of the UCT.
Each residence has unique features and amenities of which successful applicants will be given more information, when offered a place. Residences at UCT are not all located on the main campus, yet provide good quality accommodation, facilities and support programmes and resources to residents. Buildings that are a short distance from the main campus are serviced by a regulated shuttle operated for the university community. All residences have similar access control and security patrols. Each residence has an established governance and management structure.
The letter offering accommodation will specify the name of the building to which you have been assigned, where possible. However we do over offer, based on the anticipated participation rate. To ensure we are able to meet all allocations, we also make unspecified offers which are an effective residence offer but which initially offers a successful applicant a place in ‘transit’.
Transit accommodation
Transit accommodation is a form of accommodation utilised at the start of the year when we are still unsure of exactly how many students will take up their offers. Approximately 5-10% of our new students are placed in temporary, dormitory type accommodation in a residence, for a transitional period of 2-3 weeks. Transit accommodation is an important contingency ensuring that the available accommodation is maximised to the benefit of new students. Where an applicant is offered transit accommodation, he or she will be notified in writing prior to arriving at the university. These students will participate fully in residence life provided the offer is accepted in time. Applicants should be assured that transit accommodation is secured within our existing complexes and all services, residence rules and security features apply to such an accommodation offer.
When transit students are moved into actual rooms, in our residences, the arrangements are all managed by the student housing staff to ensure as smooth a transition to their ‘new’ residence as possible. It is also sometimes possible to stay in the same residence in which the person has been in transit. This is again determined by the actual available space as well as all other preceding allocation criteria outlined above.
For further information on housing allocations, please download the Student Housing General Application Information. (Handbook 1).