Student Hostels Accommodation Codes

Student Hostels Accommodation Codes

Being at private university or college can be one of the most exciting and challenging times of life. Often it’s when students move away from home for the first time, so making sure accommodation is safe, good quality and caters for their needs is crucial.

Many students choose university-managed halls and hostels and, to make sure this accommodation is of a good standard, the Student Hostels Accommodation Code has been developed by Uganda National Association of Private Schools and Institutions (UNAPSI).

The Code protects students’ rights to safe, good quality accommodation, wherever they are studying, and makes sure they get the best out of their time living in university or college residences. It outlines everything students can expect from their accommodation as well as their responsibilities as tenants.

Independent private universities and schools accommodation buildings will be requested to abide by these codes.  The Code will raise standards of accommodation and aims to continue to enrich the residential experience for students in Uganda.

How it will be enforced

Each university, college or school will be independently audited every two years to ensure that its management arrangements for student accommodation are up to the high standards expected by the Code. This will ensure that the Code is accountable and transparent. To ensure that the auditing processes are as rigorous as possible, auditors will follow a four step process for each investigation. This will involve;

• Talking to students or student representative bodies.
• Inspecting documentary evidence.
• Conducting a physical inspection of a sample of the accommodation.
• Investigating any formal complaints made by students.

How the Code will Protect your Rights

The Student Accommodation Code is designed to protect your rights to safe, good quality university and college accommodation, wherever you are studying, and to make sure you get the best out of your time living in university or college residences. It outlines everything you should expect from your university-managed accommodation as well as your responsibilities as tenants.

The Code protects your rights to:

-          A Healthy, Safe Environment

-          Timely repairs and maintenance

-          A clean, pleasant living environment

-          A formal, contractual relationship with your landlord

-          Access to health and wellbeing services

-          A living environment free from anti-social behavior

The Student Accommodation Code will set high standards in the student accommodation sector but all of these codes aim to ensure that students have safe, good quality accommodation.