For a number of off-campus students, there is the perception that access in terms of information, events, and residence life is granted exclusively to students who reside on campus. However, this is not the case, thanks to the existence of day residences at the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Nontando Kalipa, Student Representative Council (SRC) member responsible for day residences, “day residences were created by the university specifically for off-campus students to bridge the gap between students who live off campus and those who live on campus”. Day residences at the UFS are intended to offer first-year and senior students living off campus access to on-campus resources, such as mentors. “When you stay off campus, you are lucky if you can catch information; but when you are affiliated with a day residence, that’s when you get to develop holistically,” she explained.

However, day residences are much more than keeping off-campus students in the loop. They offer a sense of belonging, especially to first-year students who reside off campus. “When you leave home as a first-year student, sometimes you might feel alone and feel like no one is here to assist you. So basically, a day residence is the family that makes things easy for you when you are on campus; of course, you could do everything on your own, but you don’t have to,”
expressed Sibongiseni Mncela, former SRC member for day residences. There are currently several day residences on the Bloemfontein Campus, namely Arista, Sonnedou, Veritas, Legatum, Marjolein, Imperium, and House Kagiso. All these day residences have various values and principles, which are sure to resonate with both first-year and senior off-campus students. Consequently, off-campus students are given the freedom of selecting the day residence that best speaks to them.

It is important to note that there has historically been a negative perception of what residence culture is. In fact, students feared that being part of a residence in general meant undergoing cruel and dehumanising initiation practices. However, this is not the case at all. In fact, the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice at the University of the Free State, along with day residences, completed an extensive residence culture review. As such, students can be involved in any day residence without the fear of being violated in any way. 

Consequently, there are a number of benefits associated with being part of the day residence culture. First-year students can be assisted with the registration process while they are trying to figure things out, and they are also exposed to leadership, sporting, and cultural opportunities. Furthermore, off-campus students can engage in dialogue regarding topical issues that affect the student body, as well as debating. “We are not trying to imitate high school; rather, we are trying to groom you into being a holistic individual,” stated Kalipa. In addition, off-campus students can be assisted with setting up timetables, and they can also be connected with organisations such as the Centre for Teaching and Learning, as well as Student Counselling and Development. “In one way or the other you need guidance, you need people next to you and you need someone to support you, and that’s what day residences are,” she explained. In fact, once students have selected their respective day residences, they can visit the gazelle at any time of the day to meet with friends or to relax prior to attending class.