Both Arcadia’s off-campus and on-campus housing options are located within close proximity to the bustling community of Rondebosch, which caters to the 30,000 university students in the area. Arcadia students are housed in self-catering, single bedrooms with shared common spaces. Meal plans are not included, but restaurants, grocery stores and amenities are close by (please check out our fees and budget estimates for additional expenses).
Basic furniture (a bed, closet, bookcase, desk and chair) as well as bedding, kitchenware and cutlery will be provided, but bathroom toiletries (such as towels) will not be provided. Shared, centralized laundry facilities and unlimited internet access will also be available (Wi-Fi speeds vary and may be slower than the US). The Arcadia staff ensure that all student housing is in a safe neighborhood and that the buildings are secure.
Both students studying at UWC and UCT have the option to live in off-campus private student accommodation. This secure accommodation features self-catering, single bachelor flats with a private en suite bathroom and kitchenette, all secured by biometric security. Students have access to shared common areas (including lounges and a gym) in a vibrant, student-centered apartment building housing both local and international university students. This off-campus housing option is within 15-20 minutes distance to UCT (either walking or using the UCT Jammie shuttle) and within 30-40 minutes (depending on traffic) to UWC. Arcadia provides transportation to UWC via private or public transport, depending on student preference.
The option of on-campus housing is only available to students studying at the University of Cape Town (subject to availability each semester). UCT on-campus housing is within 15 minutes walking distance of UCT’s upper campus and benefits from all the security features of the UCT campus community. Students live in single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms and a common area shared by four to six students. Students residing in UCT residences live amongst the vibrant community of their fellow UCT students from South Africa and around the world and have the opportunity to join in social activities organized by the “house committees” of each student residence, including hiking, evening events and community braais (South African barbecues).
If you have any special needs regarding your accommodation – dietary, medical, physical – please let us know on your Housing Form and be sure to speak with your Program Manager to find out what is available on your program. Any information received will be treated as confidential and only shared with individuals involved in your housing placement.
We will do our best to honor your housing preferences, however we cannot guarantee any specific housing assignments. Since housing considerations can vary, we have to reserve our right to change accommodation options at any time.
Arcadia University Housing Policy is detailed in our Student Handbook.