Living in a university residence is a significant part of the student experience, and for those at the University of Pretoria, it can be both wonderful and challenging. While some students have positive experiences, others face obstacles that impact their day-to-day life.
PDBY spoke to Phophi Makhado, a second-year BSc Food Science student residing in House Khutso. She said, “My experience in House Khutso has been nothing short of amazing, welcoming, respectful, and truly enriching.” Many students love how vibrant residence culture is, and how their strong support systems have made their transition into university life easier. But does that alleviate any of the living challenges?
One concern Makhado raised was the R100 daily meal allowance, which she believes is insufficient to cover all meal needs: “It usually [covers] just one full meal and a light lunch snack, or at best, two meals – lunch and dinner.” She continued by saying that increasing the meal allowance from the current R14 400 to R16 000 would significantly ease financial pressures for students who struggle to afford extra meals.
Nosikhumbuzo Jali, the SRC representative for Residences (Student Life), said that, “Maintenance issues such as faulty fixtures are frequently raised by students, but [these] are promptly addressed by [the] building coordinators to minimise disruption.” The SRC plays a vital role in facilitating the improvements within residences, with Jali noting that the council works closely with residence committees to address student concerns. She further explained that “the SRC is involved in ongoing initiatives that focus on upgrading living spaces, enhancing security, and fostering community engagement”.
The university has implemented several measures to improve residence facilities, such as renovations and the installation of essential systems like generators and backup water supplies. With all of the challenges that UP residences face, there are still positive things that happen in the on-campus accommodations.
