Digs versus Res life ‒ the pros and cons
First-year students often struggle to decide between university residences and off-campus accommodation (known locally as digs or Oppidan – the latter referring to a person who lodges in town rather than at school). While both have merits, most returning students agree that newcomers should spend at least one year in res.
It can be disconcerting to be in such a foreign environment. Grahamstown is quite an isolated little place, and people from the larger cities of South Africa sometimes find it stifling.
International students are even more likely to find it difficult to adapt to the different surroundings.
“Res made it easier for me,” says fourth-year Law student Sabreene Orabi, who hails from Harare, Zimbabwe. “It made it easier to learn where lecture venues were and, as a first-year student, I also felt safer liv- ing in res.” “I felt that my res experience was amazing,” adds Kelia Losa, a third-year Cuban student majoring in Journalism. “I felt very welcomed and found my best mates there. My wardens and sub-wardens were kind and understanding, so in that I feel very lucky.”
Residences provide a structure that is less restrictive than school, but also ensures a sense of security and care which students who have just left home may need.
History Honours student, Dylan Scott, who spent three years in res, says, “It may be better adjusting to university while not also having to cook all your own meals, clean your dishes and handle your own electricity.”
A major benefit of res is that it is convenient. You have meals prepared for you three times a day, and all the labs, lecture venues and shops are in close proximity.
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Cious Dimo, who completed her first year in 2016, highlights some of the other pluses: “There is wifi available 24/7. The common room is available for those who don’t want to use the library. Second years are extremely helpful in academics and personal issues, and ultimately it is the easiest way to make friends.”
Of course, res-life has its downsides too.
For one, the house meetings, early morning fire drills and seemingly endless noise can become tedious over time.
Inter-visiting rules (whereby you have to sign in guests) as well as the risk of getting “hours” (punishment for breaking regulations) can be a nuisance.
And then there’s hygiene. “Not everyone is clean when it comes to the showers and toilets,” says Sabreene.
These issues are virtually nonexistent for an Oppidan because, “In
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Additionally, the skills you learn in digs are very different from those that you learn in res.
For instance, budgeting and money managing are useful tools that you will need throughout your life, whereas in res it is more about coping with different personalities and communities.
However, while the independence and freedom is wonderful, there are disadvantages to having your own place.
For one, you are less likely to find help you if you get lost or can’t find your classes. And when you live in residence, “You always have some-
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There is also a good chance that you’ll need a car to travel to and from campus, depending on how near your digs is to Rhodes.
This is an added expense - and petrol can be very costly.
You might also have to pay for your own internet. Some flats are equipped with Resnet, but many others are not.
If you don’t have a car and live far away from campus, getting to the labs or library can be a real issue that might affect your academics.
Jonathan Edwards, a student majoring in English, who stays in digs, sums up our advice: “First year, definitely res. And no, you can’t make a toasted sandwich at 2am when you can’t sleep - but there is always a friend with two-minute noodles who will understand.”