University campus housing is used to support recruitment, transition, personal growth and development, academic achievement, retention and graduation of students. On campus housing is used here as an integrated approach to total student experience. Our residence community comprises undergraduate students from year 1 to year 5.
The operations of student accommodation are governed by the student code of conduct and the Student Housing Policy. We endeavor to uphold international student accommodation standards by affiliating to Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-i). The Botswana International University of Science and Technology is a member of ACUHO-i.
On campus accommodation is available to students on both a single bed and a shared room basis. All the BIUST student residences have 24/7 WI-FI connectivity and accommodation applications are processed online. Priority for on campus housing is given to deserving first year students, new transfer students and international students. To meet the demand for on campus accommodation, a model of high-density living has been adopted to maximize the number of students that could be accommodated. However, there are reserved designated rooms to be used by the clinic as isolation rooms to manage instances where there is an outbreak of communicable diseases.
The unit is tasked with implementing the Living and Learning Communities (LLC) programme. The objectives of which are as follows:
- To assist students to adjust into relevant university communities that are conducive for learning and comfortable living.
- To create an interactive process between staff and students and provide a learning environment in a community spirit and setting that is home away from home.
- To provide an opportunity for students to know each other as members of a community that strives to make their community safe and secure.
The University employs Resident Assistants (RA). These are the best preforming students with a GPA of more than 4.0. They are tasked with fostering, mentoring and developing a community with and among students living in the halls of residences. RAs serve as peer educators, first point of contacts when students have problems in residences, and they are also trained in first aid to aid in case of an emergency while awaiting professional assistance.
Wardens: In addition to Residents Assistant, BIUST also employs Acting Wardens who augment what the Residents Assistants do. The Wardens look after the student residences and are responsible for also driving the LLC program. “A learning community is a group of people who share common academic goals and attitudes, who meet semi regularly to collaborate on classwork”. All these activities that take place outside the classroom are coordinated by the Warden.
