Student accommodation

The problem is so critical in fact, that the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, has established a committee to review the provision of student housing in the public university education system.

The minister said that the current provision of student housing in residences is approximately 100 000 for a student population of 530 000. On average, just under 20% of students, nationally, will be able to find accommodation on campus.

Yet on-campus accommodation may not necessarily be accessible. “Of-campus providers are cropping up but students are becoming more discerning,” says Rubin. “While they demand value for money for accommodation, they are no longer prepared to accept low-quality accommodation with limited amenities, just because they are studying.”

Since 2005, APM has been converting inner city properties around Braamfontein into classy student units, complete with high quality finishes such as granite kitchen counters and wooden flooring. And it was one of the first developers to incorporate additional luxuries such as Wi-fi access and plasma TVs as part of the deal.
The company now has over 2 000 student beds, including one- and two-bed apartments, as well as studio apartments, complete with modern bathrooms and communal kitchens, in a mixture of developments.

One of these is The Argyle Precinct, an entire city block within walking distance of Wits, now transformed into 427 up-market, one-bedroom and studio apartments designed with student living in mind.
Then there’s Parktown Views, another of APM’s developments, houses over 150 students, and the most recent development is the historic YMCA building on Rissik and Smit Streets. Contemporary, sleek and with all the trimmings, the new YMCA was completed by intake 2011 and adds another 240 apartments to the pool of student accommodation.

“Our developments also take into account that it’s important for students to live somewhere that is conveniently situated for day-to-day activities such as lectures, sport and socialising, as well as routine necessities such as shopping and doing laundry,” says Rubin.
The buildings are also designed with the student tenant in mind. “Security, administration and management remain central to our operational model,” says Rubin. Each building is professionally managed, ensuring it is optimally maintained, clean, safe and secure. “We have 24-hour security and tightly controlled access, and can also provide underground parking,” he says.

Yet despite all these facilities and additional benefits, APM’s student units cost little more than university residence accommodation, priced between R1 650 and R2 500 per student per month.

For more information please ring Simon on 072 117 2137, 011 442 1881 or visit www.aengus.co.za