Residences become home

Two peas in a pod: Best friends and roommates Nomvuso Maitin and Anthea Thompson set up their new 'home' in Graça Machel Hall.

There was never a doubt that they would choose the same university, they say.

They've been best friends since grade 8 and shared the same classes at school; the KZN double act even went on to earn seven As each in matric. Actuarial science first-year student Nomvuso Maitin and BSc mathematical science first-year student Anthea Thompson now have yet another thing in common; they're residence roomies in UCT's Graça Machel Hall.

Their story is just one of the thousands you'll hear as freshers check in to residence life this week. With the addition of newly completed Obz Square, about 6,600 students will take up residence accommodation this year.

Despite the heat and the expected queuing, registration was a cinch, said father John Winfield. "It's lekker to see how enthusiastic the orientation teams are," he said. "What a wonderful welcome."

And even with most expressions reading something betwixt anxious and excited while moms make beds and unpack suitcases (for the boys) for the last time, by the end of orientation - including the Freshers' Braai, Big Bash and Sax Appeal - the send-offs should be long forgotten. On 13 February it's all systems go for the start of the academic year.