Usually, students staying in res will start out in a first-tier residence (full catering), move on to a second-tier residence (senior catering or self-catering) and later, stay in third-tier accommodation (semi-autonomous self-catering).

Each residence has its own history and traditions, but they all try to provide a great experience. Safety is of great importance to UCT, so all residences have strict access control and most are covered by closed-circuit television cameras.

Students with disabilities can be accommodated in different residences. Simply contact the Student Accommodation Office and the Disability Service, and they will address your particular needs.

First-tier accommodation

First-tier residences provide accommodation for undergraduate students, who are usually under the age of 21. These residences provide students with up to 3 meals a day in a dining hall. Some first-tier residence buildings have double rooms.

These residences have common-room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self-operating laundries. Many have pool and table tennis facilities, and some have access to a swimming pool.

Second-tier accommodation

Second-tier residences provide accommodation for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. Catering residences provide up to 3 meals a day in a dining hall. Most second-tier accommodation is in the form of 2- to 4-bedroom flats. All rooms are single.

The residence governance structures allow for a smooth transition into independent senior student life while allowing you to share communal space with your peers.

These residences provide common-room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self-operating laundries. Many have a piano, pool and table tennis facilities, and some have access to a swimming pool.

Third-tier accommodation

Third-tier residences provide accommodation for senior postgraduate students.

These residences have wardens who oversee academic and social well-being. The wardens ensure that there is a good community life in the houses, flats and purpose-built residences, such as Obz Square.

Due to the geographical fragmentation of third-tier accommodation, a Residence Association works to create a quality residence life experience.

With basic furniture provided, most units are within walking distance of upper campus or close to UCT Shuttle stops, and all allow easy access to shops and public transport.

Some third-tier residences provide self-operating laundries, and all residents have access to UCT sport facilities and swimming pools.

Accommodation for students with spouses and dependents

JP Duminy residence provides accommodation for students with spouses and dependents (but this is limited to students’ own children). It is situated in Main Road, Mowbray, and houses 42 students in flats that are within easy walking distance of upper campus, the UCT Shuttle service and local retail outlets.