SA Affordable Housing January / February 2017 // Issue: 62 | Page 23

FEATURES

First year students in good on-campus accommodation have an 80% chance of passing. Image: STAG

The number of students accepted
into universities has skyrocketed
in the past two decades, but
campus facilities have not
expanded or been upgraded to
cater for these higher numbers.

“However, to solve the student housing challenge, we
need to do more than just erect buildings at a rapid speed.
The operational side also needs to be addressed. The
problem is that often people don’t realise what is actually
involved when it comes to student accommodation.
“Having a building is merely ancillary,” says McMurray.
“But proper operations is the most important part of the
business. It’s not about renting out a room. People don’t
realise what’s involved. It’s all about the management and
creating a healthy environment for the students.”
So where do we start?

AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017

21