Fort Hare Residence and Accommodation

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has residences on its campuses, and residence space is limited and not guaranteed. Residence life follows the General Rules for Residences in Fort Hare's general prospectus. The details below come from Fort Hare's student support FAQs, its application information and its 2026 general prospectus.

How to apply

Fort Hare's student support FAQ says that residence applications are made through the NSFAS Accommodation Portal. If you apply for university accommodation, you may need to submit proof of your residential address with your application.

Registering your room

All students must register their rooms within 72 hours, or three days, of their registration dates. If you do not, you forfeit the room. If you register later than the set dates, you must make an arrangement with the residence department.

Room allocation

You live in the room that the Residence Office allocates to you. Single rooms are allocated based on available space and academic seniority, not on the year you arrived. Students may reserve rooms for the next year, but the Residence Manager can re-allocate a reserved room.

Room keys

Collect your room key from the Accommodation Officer or sub-warden. You may not copy it. Return it at the end of the semester or when you cancel your registration, or the lock is replaced at your cost.

Your responsibilities

• You are responsible for university property in your room and for keeping it neat.
• Damage and missing items are charged to your account.
• You may cook only in designated areas. Stoves, microwaves and refrigerators are not permitted in rooms.
• Parties may be held only in designated areas, not in rooms.
• Keep music and TVs at a volume that does not disturb others.
• Carry your student card, and never lend it to anyone.

Visitors and vacations

You may have an overnight personal visitor, under the university's conditions, and visitors allocated a room pay according to set rates. Residence occupation during short and summer vacations is controlled, so check the rules before you plan to stay.

House committees

Students in each residence hall elect a House Representative Committee, under the SRC constitution. It helps keep good order and is usually the link between students and residence staff.

Paying for residence

Residence fees form part of your fees. If you pay yourself, at least 50% of your fees are due by the end of June. Students also pay a damage deposit, which can be reclaimed later. Read more on the Fort Hare fees page.

Campuses

Fort Hare teaches at Alice, Bhisho and East London, and each campus offers different fields. Make sure you apply for accommodation at the campus where your programme is taught.