The Student Support and Services Handbook can be downloaded at UCT Handbooks.
Student cards: New postgraduate students need to produce their identity document to obtain an official student card bearing the student’s details, student number and photograph from Campus Protection Services. Students must keep this card in order that it can be revalidated for use in the following year. A charge is levied for replacement of cards.
Returning postgraduate student cards will be automatically reactivated once the registrations are processed.
Libraries: UCT Libraries offer state-of-the-art technology, vast collections of reading and research material, and the specialised services of friendly, efficient, and helpful staff. In keeping with its central role in the academic life of the university, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library lies at the heart of Upper Campus, while its eight branch libraries are set in locations convenient to the faculties. The Libraries house more than 1.2 million print volumes, while their "virtual" presence – consisting of bibliographic and full-text databases, electronic books and journals, and a growing institutional digital repository – may be accessed via the Libraries’ web site, both on and off campus.
Photocopying and printing: At the Student Document Centre, located at Chancellor Oppenheimer Building. See all UCT Managed Print Services (MPS) here.
UCT Writing Centre: The UCT Writing Centre supports postgraduate students from all faculties of the university with their writing of research. The Centre focuses on the structures and processes of academic writing. Its four interventions include:
- One on one consultations
- Writers circles
- Taught Masters courses
- Seminars and workshops
The Writing Centre is located in the Hlanganani Building, Level 6, Upper Campus.
Access requirements: for venues, learning material and other are available via UCT Disability Service. The unit works towards the removal of any physical, policy, information and attitude barriers that might prevent students and staff from fulfilling their potential.
Transport: The UCT Shuttle service is only available to the UCT community, therefore passengers are assured of safe, friendly, clean and comfortable transport at all times. The buses are environmentally friendly and equipped to cater for sight and hearing-impaired students. See UCT Shuttle timetables and route maps.
Parking: At P&S Building (off Ring Road) Phone: Administration Office: 021 3640/3312. Students, from their second year onwards, may park on campus in unmarked bays for students. The parking areas that you are allowed to use are indicated on the parking disc, which is purchased from the Traffic Administration Office after you have registered. Cash, credit card and debit card may purchase parking discs only. Information on set of student traffic rules is available at the Traffic Administration Office. Bays for disabled students can be obtained through the UCT Disability Service (a doctor's certificate is required).
Security and emergencies: Campus Protection Services (CPS) provides a 24-hour security service for students with satellite offices at various UCT locations. Phone the 24-hr hotline at 021 650 2222 or 021 650 2223. See UCT emergency contact numbers for more information.
Medical consultations and counselling: Full-time students are entitled to use the University’s facilities at UCT Student Wellness Services for medical consultations. Students not receiving financial aid pay medical aid rates for consultations, but certain services are free.
UCT Residence Accommodation: See Student Housing & Residence Life at UCT for student residence information. Many students who fail to secure student accommodation or are in their second or subsequent years of study stay in leased or private accommodation close to UCT. UCT has Off Campus Student Accommodation Services (OCSAS) that advertises vacancies in private accommodation, see the website for more information.