Students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology are struggling to find places to stay as the new academic year begins. Many have been waiting outside campus gates with their bags and belongings, hoping to get a room in university housing. This has created a difficult situation for students who traveled from far away to start their studies.
Around 150 students were found sleeping on the streets near the District Six campus over the weekend. The university moved them into temporary housing to help with the emergency. These students include those waiting for appeal results, those who never applied for residence but now need it, and some whose applications were rejected. The situation is not easy for students who cannot afford to rent private accommodation.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley explained that the university provides housing for nearly half of its 37,500 students. The institution has 16,200 beds in university-owned residences and another 4,000 private beds available. First-year classes are scheduled to begin on February 8, with new students expected to arrive from February 6 onwards.
Student organizations report some progress in solving the problem. The Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania shared that 166 students with confirmed NSFAS funding who were staying temporarily at Adowa Living Residence will now be placed there permanently. This decision came after discussions between students, the Student Representative Council, and university management. Talks continue to find more accommodation options, especially for students at the Bellville Campus.
The situation at CPUT stands in sharp contrast to other universities in the Western Cape. The University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, and Stellenbosch University all report smooth operations as they prepare for the new term. UCT has 8,700 beds available and can house 79% of eligible students who applied for accommodation. All students with housing offers are being placed in residences as they arrive on campus.
UWC has reached full capacity across its programs and is ready to start classes next week without any major problems. Stellenbosch University completed registration for first-year students this week without difficulties. Their main challenge is affordability rather than availability of rooms. Students at Stellenbosch receive information about their housing status well in advance and are encouraged to arrange accommodation before arriving.
The ongoing uncertainty at CPUT raises concerns about student safety and well-being. Many students cannot afford private housing and depend on university residences. The lack of confirmed accommodation creates stress and pressure as the academic year gets underway. Questions are also being raised about equal access to education when some students face housing challenges while trying to pursue their studies.
The university continues working to resolve the situation and find solutions for affected students. However, those still waiting outside campus gates remain anxious about where they will sleep and how they will manage their studies without stable housing. The simple need for a safe place to stay has become a major obstacle for students eager to begin their education journey at CPUT.
