University of Cape Town Department of Student Affairs

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

STUDENT HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

LIVING AT UCT

A Guide to UCT’s first tier residences

Handbook 2.1

STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO RETAIN THIS LEAFLET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. Dear Prospective Student

This leaflet serves to inform you how our residences function and operate. Along with this leaflet you will have received an offer of a place in a UCT residence. Please read this information together with that in the Undergraduate Prospectus and the Student Accommodation General Application Information Handbook 1 which was previously sent to you. It also seeks to familiarise you with the dynamics of residence life in general. Student Housing and Residence Life at the University of Cape Town strives to ensure that a living and learning environment is the foundation of our residence culture. Every effort is made to ensure that your residence life experience will foster your holistic development as well as being fully supportive of your academic programme. The first tier residences have in place various structures and programmes that seek to underpin the dictum “home away from home” On your arrival you will be warmly welcomed by your warden, house committee members, sub wardens and other student leaders in your residence. The residence governance structures are mandated to facilitate a non disruptive transition into “independent” living. However, you will be able to enjoy a rich diversity of cultures that is very much community orientated and driven. Each residence has its own distinctive ethos by virtue of its history and tradition. None the less they all strive to achieve excellence in all spheres of residence life. Should you have any queries or concerns about the specific residence to which you have been allocated, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant warden or residence supervisors on the telephone numbers provided for the appropriate residence. Wardens and residence supervisors are amenable in arranging for you to view your allocated residence but this arrangement must be made well in advance. It is the express wish of Student Housing and the residences management structures that your residence life experience will be as rich and rewarding as you have anticipated.

UCT'S Residence System

UCT has a three-tier residence system that provides different services, governance and management at each tier. The policy and criteria for admission to UCT student housing assume that a student will initially enter a first tier (catering) residence and subsequently move to a second tier (senior catering or self-catering) residence or into third tier (semi-autonomous self-catering) accommodation.

Mixed gender residences are separated according to floors or, where relevant, flats. Persons with disabilities can be accommodated in different residences. If you are a person with a disability you are advised to make early contact with the Student Accommodation Office and the Disability Unit. The Disability Unit will assist you in assessing with your particular needs.

All residences have strict access control and most are covered by closed circuit television.

First tier residences provide accommodation for undergraduate men and women students, who are usually under the age of 21. These residences provide students with up to three meals a day in a dining hall. Some buildings have double rooms. If you are placed in one of these, you may send the attached room mate matching request to [email protected] or fax 021 650 4014. First Tier residences provide common room space for television, meetings and social interaction, as well as self- operating laundries. All First Tier residences have access to a swimming pool and the various sporting facilities across the campus

What to Bring to Residence All student rooms in residences, houses and flats are equipped with basic furniture - a bed, mattress, cupboard, desk, chair, bookcase, wastepaper bin, curtains and notice board. No sheets, blankets, pillows or towels are provided. On arrival please bring four passport photographs, which are needed for meal tickets, your card with personal details and sometimes for orientation. Do not bring extra furniture, but do bring your own bedding (duvet, duvet cover, sheet, pillow, pillow case) and towels. You must also bring a strong padlock for your door (a 40 mm Viro or Cisa with at least two keys is recommended). In addition, you may like to bring a desk lamp (essential), rug, coffee mugs, radio, plants, cushions, or anything that will make you feel at home. Posters for your walls also help. Centralised laundry facilities are available in most residences and are managed by the House Committee. A system of compulsory laundry levies or a coin or token system is employed. Limited housekeeping services are provided in all junior and senior catering residences. All the public areas and bathrooms are cleaned daily. Students make their own beds and should keep their rooms clean. Electrical cleaning equipment (polishers and vacuum cleaners), chemicals, mops, buckets, brooms, etc. are available from the Residence Supervisor. Students may not keep pets in any University residence, house or flat." Please note the rules that apply to the use of electrical appliances in residences (see details in the General Application Booklet and also in Handbook 3, General Rules & Policies). You are expected to read the residence rule book and dining hall rules. Ignorance of these rules is no excuse if they are broken. You are also advised to bring a torch in case of a power cut. Candles are not permitted as they pose a serious fire hazard. You might also like to bring a heater, radio, portable television, an iron, pictures, cushions, pot plants, etc

Important to note the following: You may not use an electrical appliance which draws more than 1 kilo watt of power. You may not possess or use a microwave oven in your room. You may not have a refrigerator larger than 110 litres. Please be advised that because of the limited storage space in residences, refrigerators cannot be stored during the mid and end of year vacation periods. The limited storage space means that you will only be allowed to store a limited number of boxes. You are also required to clear your room of all your possessions during the mid year vacation and at the end of the year.

Late arrival in residence Late arrival in residence i.e. once the residence opens for the term is generally discouraged. If you are in the precarious position of having accepted housing, and you are unable to take up that place within the designated time, you will have to request an extension via the Student Accommodation Office. There is no guarantee that your place will be reserved indefinitely.

How Residences are Organised All first tier residences have a warden who lives on site, and some of the larger residences also have deputy wardens. These residences also have elected student governing bodies called house committees. The house committee shares with the warden responsibility for the academic and social needs and interests of students.

Wardens, together with house committees, carry responsibility for residence students and aim, with their co- operation, to create friendly and comfortable environments in which students are able to pursue their academic objectives and to achieve personal growth. Wardens take an interest in students' ideas and issues and, together with the house committees, are involved in the planning and organisation of residence life.

Wardens, along with the house committees of their residences, have a responsibility to see that the rules of the residence and of the University are observed. Wardens, sub-wardens, and disciplinary committees made up of students from the residence are responsible for dealing with those students who break the rules.

Wardens act as guardians, in the strictly legal sense, to all minor students in the residence in the event of an emergency. However, wardens may not stand surety for loan and bursary applications.

House committees organise numerous activities throughout the year in order to maintain a balanced residence experience. Informal tutoring by senior students is also available in most subjects. Many residences operate a mentoring system for new students, and peer helpers are available as a first port of call for emotional, personal or academic difficulties. House committees, sub wardens, peer helpers, tutors and mentors all undergo extensive life- skills training from the residence development officers (RDOs), which enable them to help and counsel students with problems.

Each residence has a residence supervisor who ensures that the rooms are properly maintained and those keys, telephones, laundries, and other essentials for comfortable living are available and in working order. Larger residences also have receptionists during the day to deal with telephone calls, mail and general enquiries.

Residences also have a number of sub-wardens who are students appointed by UCT to assist the warden in the evenings and over weekends. The sub-wardens share a duty roster so that there is always someone on call to handle problems which may arise.

First Tier Accommodation

Baxter Hall

Warden: Tel/fax 021 650-3930 Supervisor: Tel 021 650 3931

Baxter Hall was established in 1957 and 233 women are accommodated in mainly single rooms. The nine pavilions are each divided into 6 flats, each containing between 3 and 6 rooms. An attractive feature is the two central quads, with lawns, trees and park benches. The residence also has satellite television and dedicated study areas. Situated close to the main road between Rondebosch and Mowbray, there is easy access to shops, computer lab/learning centre, swimming pool and squash courts, as well as the various University campuses via the Jammie Shuttle. Access is gained via Chapel or Cecil roads.

Clarinus Village (Incorporating Clarendon and Carinus)

Wardens: Clarendon: Tel 021 406-6493 Carinus: Tel 021 406-6655 (h); 021 406 6382 (w) Supervisors: Clarendon: Tel 021 406-6322 Carinus: Tel 021 406-6656

Clarinus Village nestles on the slopes of Devil's Peak at the back of Groote Schuur Hospital. It accommodates 622 students in both single and double rooms: Clarendon houses 264 male and Carinus 361 female students.

Previously these were a nurses' home and college, so that the buildings have the infrastructure conducive to a living and learning environment. There are four television rooms (including M-Net and satellite), a study centre for both group and individual work, and a 35-station computer lab. Other facilities include a gymnasium and vending machines. A "spaza shop" stocks essential items such as toiletries and snacks.

College House

Warden: Tel 021 650-3933 (h); 021 406 6389 (w) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3934

The original College House was the first men's residence in southern Africa and has a long tradition. Situated in Main Road, Rosebank, next door to Glenres, and identified by the two lions on either side of the gate. It houses 118 men in single and double rooms. It is close to shops and public transport. Meals are taken at Leo Marquard Dining Hall.

Fuller Hall

Warden: Tel/fax 021 650-3940 Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3941

Fuller Hall, which houses 229 female students mostly in single rooms, is situated on the Upper Campus, close to the library, computer labs, Sports Centre and lectures. Along with Smuts Hall, our brother residence, Fuller was one of the first buildings to be erected on the Groote Schuur site in 1928, and is a national monument. Georgina's, our coffee bar, offers a place to relax in the evenings and is run as a business by a group of students. It also offers a venue for cultural activities.

Graça Machel Hall

Is located on the Protem site on the lower campus. Access is gained via Cecil or Chapel roads. The residence is adjacent to the Jammie Shuttle lower campus terminus which provides transport to all campuses. The accommodation is designed around 3 large courtyards with a total of 382 rooms, 194 single, 94 double and 4 rooms for disabled residents. Each room is equipped with a handbasin while disabled residents share a bathroom.

The residence is designed so that 8 residents (2 double & 4 single rooms) share a kitchenette / lounge / communal area as well as bathrooms (toilets, showers, handbasins). These kitchenettes / lounges / communal areas are grouped to create cores linked by stairs and provide a comfortable social space.

Glendower (GlenRes)

Warden: Tel 021 650-3943 (h); 021 650 4318 (w) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3944

Glenres opened in 1993. Many of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms. It is situated in Main Road, Rosebank, next to College House, and accommodates 135 men. It is close to shops and public transport. Meals are taken at Leo Marquard Hall. Kilindini

Warden: 021 650-3933 (h) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3934

Kilindini is a large house on the corner of Main and Chapel Roads, next to the Rosebank Methodist Church and College House. The 33 male residents are accommodated in single rooms and eat their meals at Tugwell Hall..

Kopano

Warden: Tel 021 650-3450 (w); 021 650-3937 (h) Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-3490 Supervisor: Tel 021 650-393

Situated on the Lower Campus, with easy access to cricket, soccer, rugby, squash, athletics and the swimming pool, Kopano houses 367 male students in 5 blocks, mostly in single rooms with internet connections. The four TV rooms cater for satellite TV and M-net, and there is also a pub. The upper campus and Rondebosch shops are each a 10-minute walk.

Leo Marquard Hall

Warden: Tel 021 650-3953 (h); 021 650 3463 (w) Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-4502 (h); 021 406 6753 (w) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3954

Opened in 1975, Leo Marquard Hall is located close to the Baxter Theatre and next door to Tugwell Hall. It houses 420 male students. First-year students are accommodated in double rooms. Facilities include group study rooms, tutors for academic assistance and satellite television. There is easy access to the Baxter Student Learning Center, Lower Campus squash courts and swimming pool and gym.

Rochester House

Warden: Tel 021 442-5507 Deputy Warden: Tel 021 442-5508 Supervisor: Tel 021 442-5501/2

Rochester House is a newly acquired modern, purpose-built residence, which is situated just north of Groote Schuur Hospital. The residence consists of a number of blocks, each with single rooms and all with TV lounge access and limited kitchenette facilities available.

This residence accommodates over 458 undergraduate students. High quality on-site facilities include a dining hall, swimming pool, functions areas, computer lab and squash courts. A shuttle service operates to the Upper and Health Sciences campuses. .

Smuts Hall

Warden: Tel 021 650-3084 (w) 021 650-3962 (h) Supervisor: Tel 021 650 3963

Smuts Hall, along with Fuller Hall, is part of the graceful set of buildings which form the original core of the Groote Schuur Campus. 230 male students are accommodated, mostly in single rooms.. Two rooms have been adapted to cater for disabled persons.

Smuts Hall is next to the Sports Centre and directly above the playing fields which can be used for both formal and informal games of rugby and soccer. Situated on the Upper Campus, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library with all its facilities is a mere 100 metres or so away.

"The George" is a favourite place to watch television or a video and to play pool or table tennis.

Tugwell Hall

Warden: Tel 021 650-3968 Deputy Warden: Tel 021 650-4400 Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3969 Tugwell Hall is a large, modern residence with predominantly sharing facilities, built in 1974 and situated on the Lower Campus next to Leo Marquard Hall. It can accommodate 405 female students.. Rondebosch is a 5-minute walk from the residence. There is easy access to the Baxter Student Learning Centre, Lower Campus squash courts,swimming pool and gym. It is a 15-minute walk from Upper Campus, but shuttles are available.

First year students share partitioned double rooms which have built-in furniture and hand basins. Most returning students are accommodated in single rooms.

The Grapevine, our lounge, offers a place to relax in the evenings with friends. It also offers an arena for cultural activities, such as poetry readings, book club meetings, student fellowship, quizzes and music. See our website for further information.

University House

Warden: Tel 021 650-3893 (w); 021 650-3971 (h) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3972

Built in 1946 as a temporary structure to house returning servicemen following World War II, University House houses 112 men in six blocks. All rooms are single. Situated off Rhodes Avenue, Mowbray, opposite Mostert's Mill, the residence is within easy walking distance of the Upper Campus and Mowbray shopping area. It is adjacent to the hockey astro-turf and small gymnasium.

Varietas

Warden: Tel 021 406-6227/6168 (w); 021 650-5809 (h) Supervisor: Tel 021 650-3967

Varietas is situated between University House and Forest Hill, adjacent to the hockey astro-turf and close to Mowbray shops and transport. Across from Devil's Peak, a prominent feature of Table Mountain and a nature reserve inhabited by zebra and wildebeest, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. 146 students are housed in 2 or 3 bedroomed flats, and meals are eaten at University House.

CATERING IN STUDENT HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE

Meal Plans: Applicants offered a place in a catering residence must indicate when returning their letter of acceptance (reply form) what their chosen meal plan is for 2007. Applicants can choose between breakfast, lunch and dinner (plan 1), lunch and dinner (plan 2), breakfast and dinner (plan 3), or breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday only (plan 4). Where an applicant fails to choose, the maximum of 21 meals per week (plan 1) will default and be charged. The meal plan selected may not be changed during the semester but changes are possible at midyear. Students are not permitted to heat, prepare food or cook in their rooms.

These meal plans are differentiated by different colour meal tickets which are issued to students on signing in to their specific residence. For ease of identification students are asked to provide a passport size photograph which is attached to the meal ticket. UCT currently operates a self service system for everything except cooked meals and the various cold options on offer. Students are able to help themselves to a variety of cereals at breakfast time, bread, butter, condiments, milk, tea and coffee, a variety of salads at lunch time, soup and gravy as well as bread etc. At lunch and dinner there are always 2 meat options and a vegetarian as well as a variety of cold plate options (e.g. cheese or meat). Breakfast options include yoghurt and fruit juice as choices with two hot options. Given that we are in a mass catering system we unfortunately cannot cater for special religious or dietary/medical requirements. It is recommended that students with these special needs apply for accommodation in our self catering residences.

For those students who are not able to make it back to residence for lunch we have a meal voucher system in place. A meal voucher can be taken instead of lunch and spent at the vendors that operate on Upper, Medical and Middle Campuses. A lunch pack can also be arranged instead of taking a meal voucher.

In 2007 there will be nine dining halls operating with some being shared by more than one residence as follows:

1. Baxter Hall caters for its own students 2. Clarendon and Carinus eat in the Clarendon dining hall. What is unique to this residence is that Carinus also has a dining hall adjacent to the Clarendon dining hall. 3. Fuller Hall dining hall caters for both Fuller and Smuts students. 4. Graça Machel Hall caters for its own students 5. Kopano dining hall caters for its own students . 6. Rochester House also caters for its own students. 7. Leo Marquard dining hall caters for Leo Marquard and College House. 8. Tugwell dining hall caters for Tugwell, Glenres and Kilindini students 9. University House dining hall caters for University House and Varietas.

Meal times over weekdays during term time are:-

 Breakfast 07h00- 08h30  Lunch 12h00-14h00  Dinner 17h30-20h00

Breakfast times over weekends are from 08h00-09h30 and during study week from 07h30-09h00 should the students opt for this. Students are required to leave the dining hall fifteen (15) minutes after service time ends to facilitate cleaning and setting up the dining hall for the next meal. Our catering service is currently outsourced to Royal Sechaba. Due to the fact that we run a manual catering system and it is recognized that students miss some meals an 8% discount has been factored into catering fees upfront hence students only pay 92% of the cost of catering in any given year. Refunds are therefore not given as the 8% translates to approximately 64 meals a year.

Comments, complaints, suggestions and any catering related matters are dealt with on a monthly basis through each Food Committee. An elected food representative who is a House Committee member represents students on the committee. The UCT Catering Manager chairs the meeting, which is also attended by the Royal Sechaba Project Manager and the Catering Manager of the specific kitchen. Minutes of these meetings are sent to the Director of Student Housing and the respective Wardens of the Residence concerned. Students can use the comments book as the channel to voice their concerns or compliments daily. Items identified are taken seriously and form part of the management of the contractor.

It is important to note that a meal billing system is currently being piloted in the Rochester House dining hall and it is intended to implement such a system in all dining halls in 2007 or as soon as is feasible.

SHUTTLE SERVICE The Jammie Shuttle service is available free to all UCT students. A fleet of buses operates between all residences, campuses and public bus, train and parking facilities in the local vicinity. A scheduled service is available on weekdays, weekends and holidays, both during term times and vacation, as well as a late night service.

PC AND INTRANET/INTERNET ACCESS FOR RESIDENCE STUDENTS

As coursework and research has increasingly required students to have access to PC’s and the intranet/internet, so we have attempted to accommodate this requirement where it has been practically possible. With the co-operation of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, we have provided a combination of network points in individual rooms in residences and residence-based computer labs in the more remote sites.

PARKING FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS IN FIRST TIER RESIDENCES: Whilst registered for the first undergraduate year of study, a student shall not bring, cause to be brought, or park on University property (ALL CAMPUSES INCLUDING RESIDENCES), any vehicle other than a motor cycle.

ADVISORY ON IMMUNISATIONS Vaccinations are an important preventative measure to reduce the risk of disease to individuals and to prevent the spread of infections in communities e.g. students in Residence. Should you become ill with a preventable infectious disease this may have an impact on your academic performance especially if it occurs just prior to or during examinations.

For these reasons we encourage all students to reduce your risk of infection and therefore recommend the following immunisation before you come to Residence.  Tetanus booster  Measles, Mumps and Rubella  Hepatitis A and B  Influenza vaccine which must be given annually before end of May.

Many students have received their basic childhood vaccinations (BCG, Polio. DPT and Measles) but booster doses may well be required. Please consult your Health Care Professional for additional advice or contraindications to vaccinations. You may also contact the clinical staff of the Student Wellness Service for advice on (021) 650-3000 during office hours.

Please note that in terms of current University policy such immunisations are entirely voluntary.

Welcome On arrival in February you will obtain a Welcome pack that would include Handbook 3.1 which explains to you in more detail the programmes and support structures available to you in the residences. These include inter alia: Orientation, Mentors, Peer Helpers and Life Skills workshops.

Disclaimer

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this handbook and other information sent from the Student Housing office. We reserve the right at any time, if circumstances require, to amend any of the published details to ensure the policy objectives adequately met. Student Accommodation Office Student Housing & Residence Life Protem Cottage No. 9, Lower Campus University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Tel No (021) 650 2977 Fax No (021) 650 4014 E-mail: [email protected]

1st TIER Junior Catering Accommodation Room mate matching form

I have accepted accommodation for 2007 in:

NAME OF RESIDENCE: ______

Surname: ______Student No: ______

First Names:______Date of birth: ______

Degree: ______Year of study: ______

School and place of matriculation ______

Home language: ______Religion: ______

Nationality______Home Town: ______

1. Do you know of anyone moving into the same residence with whom you would like to share? YES / NO If yes give his/her name: ______Note: 1st Tier residences are not co-ed.

2. Are you opposed to sharing a room with a student from a different social or religious background? YES / NO. If YES, please explain: 3. Do you smoke? YES / NO

4. Do you prefer studying late at night? YES / NO

5. Are you able to work with noise / music? YES / NO

6. Please list your hobbies / interests ______

7. Please include any other information which you feel is relevant:

PLEASE RETURN THIS REQUEST FORM TO: The Student Accommodation Office