2 ) Check to see who and how many you are sharing with.

3 ) Hostels are noisy and disruptive place to study.

4 ) Check the safety of the accommodation, there are night classes and you may need to get home in the dark.

5 ) Check how and who is maintaining the premises.

6 ) Confirm parking facility (if you have a car). Parking in the street is not recommended.

7 ) You will be asked to submit a deposit when you pay your first months rent. Make sure you get a receipt and that the landlord is clear what is required to get the full amount back.

8 ) It is sometimes better to work through a letting agency that can assist between you and the landlord.

9 ) Submit a list of any damages you see in the premises when you move in ( as this may be taken off your deposit when you move out).

10 ) Beware of staying with first year students, they have the most parties and failures

11 ) Try and get a premises with Dial up/ ADSL, this will help you do home work at night and not need to go in at night to the university.

Most of the student accommodation is in the Summerstrand area of Port Elizabeth as it offers close proximity to the Nelson Mandela University, shops and beach entertainment areas.

Most shops and required facilities can be reached by foot in the Summerstrand area. There is a Pick n Pay, First National Bank, CNA, liquor store, Port Elizabeth casino and internet cafe close to the university.

The university hostels have tended to be a problem due to noise and security. Granny flats or homes are the better option and can be rented in Summerstrand. This also provides a safer environment for the student to stay near a home or family.

10 000 students stay off campus at the Nelson Mandela University. Parents do prefer to accomodate there children in protected environment and therefoe choose smaller and homes.