University of the Free State UFS Housing

Exploring Your Accommodation Choices

At the University of Free State (UFS), a variety of living arrangements await students, both on and around the university’s campus. Acceptance into academic programs does not guarantee housing, so exploring your options early is advisable.

Campus Living

UFS’s on-campus housing is segregated by gender, with dormitories dedicated to both junior and senior students. The accommodations range from single to double occupancy, all with communal bathroom facilities. For those who qualify, there are also on-campus apartments available to senior students. Each room comes furnished with the essentials – a bed, desk, chair, and curtains – and boasts central heating and internet access for a comfortable living and learning environment. Women’s residences benefit from added security through access control. https://www.ufs.ac.za/residences

Residences Beyond Campus

For those preferring or needing to live off-campus, UFS sanctions several types of housing: shared apartments or houses, family homestays, or private garden cottages. To ensure these students are not excluded from university life, they are organized into “city residences,” facilitating their participation in sports and cultural activities. Detailed information about conditionally accredited service providers is available at UFS Off-Campus Accommodation.

Cost Overview

Living expenses are varied:

• Junior residences typically cost between R2,000 to R3,000 monthly, meals not included.
• Senior residences range between R2,360 to R3,620 monthly, without meals.
• The Kovsie Inn offers rooms including breakfast, priced from R3,600 to R4,800.

Application Procedures

Prospective students should ensure that their application for on-campus housing is correctly filled out and submitted along with their admission forms to prevent any hold-ups. To apply and find out more about the accommodations, visit the UFS website, navigate to the ‘Students’ tab, select ‘Residences,’ and follow the prompts for either Female or Male accommodations.

The On-Campus Experience

Securing on-campus accommodation offers a plethora of benefits:

• Savings on travel expenses
• No need for personal furniture
• Constant community presence for social engagement
• Proximity to local amenities like shopping malls

Additional Financial Considerations for International Students

International students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) pay the same tuition rates as South African nationals. Those from non-SADC regions incur a 50% additional charge per module. Moreover, an annual international administration levy is charged, separate from the registration fees, and is non-refundable.

Payment Schedule

It’s crucial for international students to be aware of key payment dates:

• Initial fees are due five days before registration in January.
• The full amount for the first semester is due by March 31st.
• Complete tuition fees must be settled by June 30th.

Official registration is contingent upon these fees being reflected in the student’s account. For detailed information on the fee structure for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and to confirm official registration, students should refer to the UFS’s invoicing and payment policies.