by Hannah Del Cuore
Community plays an essential role in shaping a successful university experience, and for many students, that sense of belonging
begins in their assigned residence. On-campus residences offer a “home away from home,” providing a supportive environment that helps ease the transition to university life. However, not everyone has the opportunity to live in these residences, whether due to space
limitations or financial constraints.
If you’re not in a residence, don’t worry. You’re part of the 75% of students living in private accommodation or commuting daily. Stellenbosch University (SU) has created Commuter Student Communities (CSCs) to ensure that
those living off-campus or commuting aren’t left behind in their journey to find a community and settle into university life. CSCs strive to ensure their members feel at home and connected, even without the constant presence of campus life. These communities are deeply integrated into the broader university experience, so you can rest assured that you won’t miss out on the fun, especially during welcoming week.
CSCs are designed to give students a well-rounded experience that extends beyond academics. They offer the chance to participate in cultural and sporting extracurriculars, and provide an incredible support system for those not living on campus. For international
students, CSCs offer an essential pathway to integrate into SU’s vibrant lifestyle, without the overwhelming pressure of navigating university life alone.
There are 11 CSCs on the main campus of Stellenbosch, each with its own identity, values, and traditions. In a conversation with Makhi Bunn, a student leader from Pieke, one of the co-ed CSCs, he explained, “I believe that CSCs have the most sense of community out of all the residences on campus. This is because in res, students often partake in activities because they’re physically close to one
another, making it convenient. In CSCs, students actively choose to come from far places—whether it’s Idas Valley or Cape Town–to participate in CSC activities. This makes the community feel even more special for leadership.” When asked about the welcoming atmosphere within CSCs, Bunn added, “CSCs go all out to make sure that their newcomers are welcomed by the university and ensure
they don’t miss out on any activities.” Another student leader, Nada Faleni from Aurora, shared her thoughts on welcoming newcomers: “I know for a fact that our community works tirelessly, alongside the welcoming leaders, to ensure that our welcoming programme
allows every one of our people to feel truly welcomed. Newcomers interact with our House Committees (HC) and Mentors both professionally and personally.” The welcoming programme fosters not only internal community interactions but also encourages cross-
community engagement, ensuring a seamless integration into university life. Many welcoming programmes also include critical engagement sessions, giving students the opportunity to engage in meaningful, inclusive conversations.
Tristan Cary, a student leader from Pieke, shared his experience of welcoming at his CSC: “At the start of welcoming, students are normally quite nervous and closed off, but as we started working through the programme, newcomers became more interactive and
enthusiastic. Welcoming has been really good for Pieke, and the activities have given us a chance to bond. Everything has been going really well in terms of gees and community.”
Across campus, students agree that CSCs go above and beyond to make the transition into university as smooth as possible. Joshua Jansen, a student leader from Vesta, shared, “[Being part of a CSC] really helps people from all over the country find a sense of community or family before entering university life, where there isn’t a similar social structure. Most people make friends during their
welcoming experience—I did too. It’s essential for newcomers and international students to learn the Stellenbosch culture. It would be a tragedy if CSCs didn’t exist.”
Starting university as a newcomer can feel overwhelming, and this process would be even harder without the support and structure provided by CSCs. These communities play an invaluable role at SU, ensuring that students don’t feel isolated or lost during the challenges and changes of university life. CSCs offer students a chance to network, form friendships, and truly immerse themselves in the full Stellenbosch experience. The beauty of Stellenbosch lies in the incredible diversity of its student body, and this diversity wouldn’t be possible without these supportive communities.
