The number of students who applied for residence accommodation in 2016, at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabath increased by 11%.
According to a statement from the University, 15 573 applications were received this year compared to 13 536 in 2015, and the 3.4% growth from 2014 to 2015.
The accomodation challenge at NMMU in 2016 was compounded by the increase in applications as a result of the introduction of free on-line registration for residences and the consequences of the #FeesMustFall campaign.
In November 2015, the NMMU Council resolved to offer academically-deserving but financially poor NMMU students 2015 debt relief and 2016 down payment relief, which led to larger-than-usual numbers of returning students.
NMMU Acting Dean of Students, Mxolisi Ncapayi said that as of last week, 75 students were still being temporarily housed in one of the University's many accredited off-campus facilities.
"The University usually offers provisional accommodation to slightly more students than the number of beds available as many of these students do not take up the offer because of outstanding debt or their inability to raise the down payment required by registration, All this changed, when the University rightfully offered debt and down payment relief. This decision was made after our provisional accommodation plans were finalized and many more students were able to return to campus" he said.
Ncapayi also added that one of the biggest challenges was the placement of senior students who, on returning to NMMU at a slightly later date, have had to share rooms instead of moving into single rooms as they had expected.
"Some of these students were temporarily placed in both on-campus junior residences and an accredited off-campus property and those in off-campus property are being brought back to on-campus residences as spaces become available." he said.
The University has 3237 beds in Port Elizabeth and George. An audit of all students presently residing in on-campus residences showed that only a further 10 students were likely to be accommodated on-campus, and that more permanent arrangements will have to be made for those who are being temporarily housed in an off-campus residence.
Many of these students are being assisted with meal vouchers as per an earlier promise by NMMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Derrick Swartz.
However Ncapayi said no student offered accommodation this year would be turned away.
"Again, we'd like to give the assurance, that no student who was offered accommodation in 2016 will be turned away." he said.
