Sol Plaatje University SPU Residence

At Sol Plaatje University (SPU), the provision of quality student housing is integral to academic excellence. The university’s residences are designed not just for living but also for fostering growth, development, and success in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Student Housing Philosophy SPU recognizes that student housing is a critical need in higher education. While the university cannot provide residence accommodation to all needy students, it is committed to managing its residences to ensure a high quality of living and learning. Emphasis is placed on communal living that respects diversity and promotes a broad-minded environment.

Facilities and Amenities in SPU Residences

• Academic, recreational, and social spaces.
• Equipped with WiFi.
• 24-hour on-site security.
• Laundry rooms.
• Dining halls with a Meal Management System.
• Designated smoking zones outside residence buildings.

Organization of Residences SPU residences are managed by a team consisting of:

• Residence Manager.
• Residence Administrator.
• Warden.
• Sub-warden.
• House Committee.

University-Owned Accommodation SPU has made significant strides in expanding its student accommodation. As of 2022, it boasts six residences housing nearly 1800 students. These residences are named after characters from Sol Plaatje’s novel “Mhudi” and include Tauana, Umnandi, Hannetjie, Moroka, Mhudi, and Ra-Thaga Halls of Residence.

SPURes Life The SPU community is dynamic and multicultural. Residence life at SPU is designed to foster a community where diversity is celebrated and balanced with common bonds. The university is committed to creating an environment that respects individual rights while emphasizing communal responsibilities.

House Committees (HC) The HC plays a vital role in student governance, representing students in residence and working towards fostering a culture of respect, discipline, and inclusion. The HC’s objectives include promoting student development, fostering traditions, and advocating for a conducive living and learning environment.

Wardens Wardens ensure that SPU residences are communities of excellence for living and learning. They collaborate with various university departments and student leaders to create a diverse range of academic and extracurricular activities, providing pastoral care and ensuring adherence to university rules and policies.

Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation SPU also offers accredited off-campus accommodation, primarily for senior students. The university facilitates and influences these accommodations but does not manage them directly. The contractual relationship is between the student and the landlord, and SPU strives to maintain a standard of quality and affordability in these accommodations.

For further inquiries regarding on-campus residences, contact residence.enquiries@spu.ac.za. For off-campus accommodation queries, email off-campus@spu.ac.za.

Note on Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation

• SPU does not enter agreements with off-campus accommodation providers.
• Accreditation is an annual process and can be revoked if standards are not maintained.
• The list of accredited accommodations is valid only until 31 December 2022.

For a list of accredited off-campus accommodations, students can download it from the university’s website.