Enjoy your freedom but know that living on your own - often for the first time - in a university residence, comes with responsibilities. This was how Xhanti Maqubela, University of Western Cape (UWC) SRC’s Accommodation Affairs Officer greeted students at the First-Year Residence Orientation at the University’s Unibell residence on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.

The 2770-bed residential complex, consisting of three units, opened in April 2023 and has been a favoured home for Udubs students because of its close proximity to the University campus and nearby shopping centres in Belhar.

“Many of you have been granted freedom now that you are living at res. That freedom comes with responsibility,” said Maqubela.

His message targeted first-years, many of whom would now be independent and on their own in a new city for the first time. Maqubela told students to familiarise themselves with their residences and informed them of the do’s and don'ts of being housed at Unibell.

In between the speeches from some of UWC’s senior officials, students danced to amapiano and hip hop hits.

Professor Matete Madiba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, also stressed the importance of accountability. She said education, and the ability to attend higher education, changed the trajectory of her life and that of her family.

“I know there are families at home, maybe siblings, maybe those that you’ve left at your high school that are still coming. It’s like a home, not just a village, but a larger community is looking up at you, so do not disappoint,” she said.

“Make sure that for this year at UWC residences, for the first-years we talk about a 100% pass out. Make sure that, at the end of this year, we talk about a 100% retention. You mustn’t even think of dropping out.”

She said UWC’s staff and officials are cheerleaders for students, and want to ensure their success away from home.

“We believe that you’ve got big dreams, and big goals, and we are with you in journeying towards those goals,” said Prof Madiba.

The coordinator for Unibell 1 residence, Khanyisa Marasi, introduced himself to students with a dance. He then took on a serious tone as he called on the new arrivals to get to grips with the house rules governing the residences. He said he and his staff are available to assist those who encounter problems - anything from light fixtures to microwave ovens.

The furnished Unibell units are kitted out with WiFi, communal cooking areas and lounges with televisions, a pool table, a laundry, braai facilities, and a kiosk - all in a secure complex.

WATCH: UWC Residential Services hosted first-years at the 2025 Residence Orientation yesterday