Student Living has shown to become more and more expensive as the years go by. Every year our students require more expensive equipment and books in order to keep up with the expectations of what it take to be able to finish their tertiary education. This constant change in expenditure creates a problem for our parents, they don’t know what we as students require and how much they will have to budget for. This is especially true for our parents that didn’t have the fortunate advantage of going to university or college back in the day.
As such I have constructed a quick table to showcase what our we will have to budget for. This does not include the actual class money of the courses, seeing as the courses differ greatly.
Please note that these are but mere estimated figures and it will differ depending on your our lifestyle expectations. The figures range from entry level items to mid level item cost.
1. Getting settled into your new home
Johannesburg is privileged with some of the top universities and technikons in South Africa, the three biggest are Wits University, the University of Johannesburg and Wits Technikon. All three of these institutions have residential student accommodation, however with the increase in student applications each year it has become a bit of a problem getting into any of their existing dormitories. Parents find themselves concerned with where will their child be living next year?
The best advice that can be given to this is to apply for the dormitories as soon as possible, perhaps even a full year in advance. For those of us that forgot or couldn’t make it happen there are a lot of off campus student accommodation available. Which ever way you and your parents choose to go there will be some expense to creating your new home.
Here are some of those once-off Home creation expenses.
KITCHEN ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Fridge |
R 2200.00 |
Makro & House and Home |
Microwave |
R 550 – R 650 |
Makro, House & Home, Hifi Corp |
Cutlery & Crockery |
R 700.00 |
Mr Price Home |
Kettle |
R120 – R 200 |
House and Home |
Toaster |
R150.00 |
House and Home |
Pots & Pans |
R250.00 |
MR Price Home |
Note: In regards to the Kettle and toaster, I find it best to buy a combo set. They tend to be better quality products and together they work out cheaper.
BEDROOM ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Bed and Base set |
Single Bed Set = R1600 Three Quarter Set = R1800 |
Bed King |
Bed Linen and 2 Pillows |
R 800.00 |
MR Price Home |
Note: It is important to first find out if your student accommodation comes with a base and/or mattress set. Some student res gives these items to their renters other leaves it up to each individual to make their own choice.
BATHROOM ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Towls |
R100.00 |
Mr Price Home |
Bathroom Accessories |
R310 |
Mr Price Home |
Note: The bathroom Accessories are not absolutely needed. This includes items like a laundry bag, dustbin, soap holder, est.
LIVING ROOM ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Couch |
R 2000.00 – R 2500.00 |
House & Home, MR Price Home |
Carpet |
R 300.00 |
MR Price Home |
TV |
R 3500.00 |
Hi Fi Corp |
Note: These are of course luxury items and will make no difference whether you as a student does well in your course or not. It will however make your little space feel more like home. You are also advised to first find out what your student accommodation offer in this regard. Some residential units come with a shared living room where most of these items are already supplied.
STUDY ROOM ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Study Desk |
R 1400.00 |
House & Home, MR Price Home |
Study Chair |
R 750.00 – R 800.00 |
House & Home, MR Price Home |
Desk Lamp |
R 170.00 |
Mr Price Home |
Entry Level Laptop |
R 5000 – 8000.00 |
Incredible Connection, Hifi Corp |
Inkjet Printer |
R 1000.00 |
Incredible Connection, Hifi Corp |
Stationary |
R300/ semester |
CNA |
Text Books |
R 6000.00/year |
Ask the Prof. |
Note: It is important that you rather spend the budget in making sure that you have all the necessary tools to succeed in your course. As such a small laptop and good study chair is quite essential. You will be spending many hours in front of the books and on the internet researching all your assignments, a good chair will prevent long term back problems.
EXTRA ITEMS |
Cost |
Where to find it |
Summer Fan |
R150.00 – R250.00 |
House & Home |
Winter Fan |
R150.00 |
House & Home |
ONCE-OFF TOTAL: R19 850.00
So this is some what off a big once off. If this is not an option for you then don’t worry too much. Mafadi has great student accommodation options that include many of the ‘first fix’ furnishes you may need. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate, go have a look now and make that booking today. The spaces are going fast, especially with these amazing student spaces available.
2. Monthly Expenses
We all need to eat, drink and party. This is of course also why we are spending time apart from the folks. As such there will be monthly expenses to this.
Expenses |
Cost |
Notes |
Accommodation |
R 2500.00 – R 4000.00 |
Dedicated student accommodation tends to be cheaper compared to just renting a bachelors flat. |
Food |
R 2000.00 |
|
Pocket Money |
R 1000.00 |
|
Transportation |
R 800.00 |
This will vary a lot depending if you use public transportation or have a small car. Also consider the location of your student accommodation. |
Cellphone |
R 150.00 |
|
Internet |
R 100.00 |
IBurst seems to be the cheapest, using your phones’ internet is going to cost you in the long run. Several of Mafadi’s Student accommodation even includes free WiFI |
Medical Insurance |
R 400.00 – R 1000.00 |
It of course depends on what you get for medical insurance. |
MONTHLY TOTAL: R6 950.00
This article should give you a good indication of what you will need to get started with your studies. The once off expenses can of course be minimized by a great extend and not everything needs to be bought brand new. It is an old student tradition to receive family hand me downs from mom, dad and ouma.
The main concern for you will be to find a nice place to call home, make lots of friends and study your hiney off. You are there to prepare for the future, hopefully this will help with that.