Hatfield Square

By Rory Macnamara

Respublica Student Living has changed the face of student accommodation with its purpose-designed all-inclusive residences where students can thrive, socially and academically.

©SA Affordable Housing | Rory Macnamara

Respublica Student Living develops, owns, and manages student accommodation in Johannesburg, Midrand, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town, offering apartment and studio-style accommodation built with students in mind, within easy access to public and private tertiary institutions. Its flagship project in Pretoria’s Hatfield precinct, Hatfield Square, stands tall after taking just four years to build.

Its all-inclusive offering to residents, known as ‘Respublicans’, includes shared social spaces, computer centres, free laundromats, fitness, and entertainment centres, as well as free parking and uncapped Wi-Fi. Stringent biometric access controls demonstrate the high priority the company places on the safety of its residents.

Canteens are available for those days when cooking is too much of a chore, and the company’s various residences also compete against one another in sports and cultural competitions, when permissible by Covid-19 regulations. In the meantime, every residence has adapted to allow for social distancing, with hand sanitiser stations at frequent intervals, along with frequent updates and reminders about pandemic conditions being shared with students.

“Respublica’s ResLife programmes take care of the soft skills a student needs to succeed in tertiary education and supports those about to graduate with job seeking skills too.”

Stringent security measures ensure safety, while computer centres, dedicated study areas, and uncapped Wi-Fi create the ideal space for students. Shared social spaces, laundromats, fitness centres and inspiring spaces encourage interaction and wellness.

Accommodation is offered at various price points that cater to individual needs and preferences, including shared rooms in apartments, or shared apartments, with communal kitchens forming the hub of social interactions. Studio apartments are also available, with all accommodation including basic furniture – students just need to bring their own linen and personal items.

It’s this varied offering of accommodation options pitched at a range of price points that sets Respublica apart from other similar facilities, and, making it appealing for students who would otherwise be compelled to choose informal ‘digs’.

‘Digs’ usually have many hidden extra expenses, so while their monthly rental may look inexpensive, residents still have to add the costs of electricity, water, internet connectivity, laundry, and cleaning services onto their budget, while considering that the building may not have the reassurance of access control to enhance their safety.

Every student, regardless of whether they are sharing a room with one or two other students, or whether they are in a single-occupancy studio apartment, has the same access to all the residences’ facilities and services, creating the perfect platform for students to focus fully on their studies, and achieve academic excellence.