Sol Plaatje University (SPU) had seven residences housing almost 1,854 students as of 2025, managed by its Campus Housing and Accommodation Unit (CAHAU). The residences are named after characters in Sol Plaatje's novel Mhudi. The details below come from SPU's residences page, its 2026 financial registration guidelines and its residence FAQs.
The residences
SPU's halls of residence are Tauana, Umnandi, Hannetjie, Moroka, Mhudi, Ra-Thaga and Massouw. CAHAU aims to create a supportive living and learning environment that feels like a home away from home.
Applying
SPU's residence FAQs say residence applications are made online on the iEnabler portal, the same portal used for academic applications. You must be admitted to study at SPU to qualify. SPU prioritises placing qualifying first-years in on-campus residences, but applying is not a guarantee of placement, and the Residence office handles allocations.
Paying for residence
In 2026, self-funded students with a confirmed residence place paid R6,000 for residence before registration, on top of R6,000 for academic registration. These amounts are credited to your fee account. NSFAS-funded students on the funded list did not pay upfront.
Residence life
- Wardens: appointed part-time to build living and learning communities, working with academic departments and Student Affairs
- House committees: elected to represent residence students, from January to the end of November, and to help first-years adjust
- Residence life themes: areas of student support and development, each led by a warden
The President of the General Housing Council represents the house committees on the SRC.
Off-campus accommodation
When university-owned residences are full, SPU places students in accredited off-campus accommodation, under its policy on accrediting off-campus accommodation. SPU acknowledges that, like many institutions, it cannot house every student who needs a place.
What to expect
CAHAU says SPU's biggest growth has been in student accommodation, and its residences are designed as living and learning communities. Residence life themes cover holistic support and development, so that students graduate well-rounded.
Moving in
Move-in dates depend on the registration dates that SPU publishes on its website each year. In 2026, first-year students could register online from 26 January.
Funding and residence
If NSFAS funds you, make sure your name is on the NSFAS-funded list before registration, so that you are cleared for both academic and residence registration without an upfront payment.
Rules
SPU's residence rules say admission to residence is for one year only, so returning students must reapply.
Contacts
- On-campus residences: residence.enquiries@spu.ac.za
- Accredited off-campus accommodation: Off-Campus@spu.ac.za
See the SPU fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many residences does SPU have?
Seven, housing almost 1,854 students as of 2025.
How much do SPU residence students pay upfront?
In 2026, self-funded students paid R6,000 for residence plus R6,000 for registration.
Is SPU residence placement guaranteed?
No. SPU places students in accredited off-campus accommodation when residences are full.