Study Abroad Pre-Arrival Guide

WELCOME TO WITS

Table of Contents

International Students Office (ISO)

About Wits

English Proficiency

• Campus Housing and Residence Life (CHRL)

• Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU)

• Development and Leadership Unit (DLU)

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC)

• Sports Administration

• Parking

• Library Services

• Disability Rights Unit (DRU)

• Student Representative Council (SRC)

• International Students Sub Council (ISSC)

• The Postgraduate Association (PGA)

• The Matrix Student Centre

• Student Clubs and Societies

• Wits Citizenship and Community Outreach (WCCO)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE (ISO)

The International Students Office (ISO) promotes and facilitates all facets of internationalisation. It aims to be the first port of call for international students and provides a wide range of services, including general enquiries from prospective students, immigration advice and advocacy, assistance with matric exemptions, advice on safety, and general advice about your stay at Wits.

ISO STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT:

• Wits remains the preferred study destination for international students

• Through our integration programmes, students from diverse cultures and backgrounds get a high-quality academic and life-changing experience

• Wits remains a highly sought after university for international academic partnerships

In cooperation with the Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO), the International Students Office also facilitates the Semester Study Abroad Programme, as well as other programmes creating opportunities for Wits students to study/conduct research at partner universities abroad.

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Private Bag X3 Wits, 2050 Republic of South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0)11 717 1055

E-mail: masego.bosilong@wits.ac.za

For more information visit: www.wits.ac.za/internationalstudents/study-abroad/incoming-study-abroad/ www.facebook.com/WitsInternationalStudentsOffice twitter.com/witsinternation

Wits welcomes study abroad students. As a study abroad student, you can experience what Wits has to offer across its faculties, while immersing yourself in a vibrant city and a dynamic society in transition in the Global South. International students may study at Wits for one or more programmes, creating opportunities for students to study/conduct research at partner universities abroad.

ABOUT WITS

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), is a leading research and postgraduate university in the commercial heart of Africa.

WITS IS:

• internationally recognised for its academic and research excellence

• an active social leader that takes a stand on social issues affecting communities, the country and globe

• an engaged university committed to local transformation and the advancement of the public good

• the intellectual hub of the continent, with over 40 major projects running throughout Africa

• a leader in the Palaeosciences Evolutionary Sciences and is a curator of priceless faunal, floral and hominid collections, including the Taung SkullChild (Australopithecus africanus), Mrs Ples, Little Foot, Austalopithecus Sediba and the Sediba fossilsrecently discovered Homo Naledi fossils

• proud of the four Nobel Laureates and the 91 Rhodes Scholars that have emanated from the university

GET AROUND

If you’re reasonably fit, most Braamfontein attractions can be accessed on foot. You can also drive yourself around. There is ample parking at Constitution Hill, and you can use the Yale Road parking at Wits University to visit the planetarium, Origins Centre, and all the university museums, galleries and theatre.

SAFETY IN JOHANNESBURG

Personal vigilance is key to remaining safe in Johannesburg. Like any other big city throughout the world, Johannesburg has its share of crime. South Africa is experiencing rapid political, social and economic change. The impact of such changes in any urban city is the same as everywhere in the world; so there is an undesirable incidence of crime, particularly petty and opportunistic crime. While statistics show a reduction in crime, it is also a place where guns and other weapons are as prevalent as in other parts of the world. We urge you to take appropriate precautions for your safety.

SAFETY ON CAMPUS

The Campus Control Division is responsible for the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, the preservation of peace and the protection of students, staff a day.

SOME SAFETY SUGGESTIONS:

What to do:

• Keep valuables in a locked place and do not carry large sums of money

• Refrain from displaying expensive jewellery and valuable items such as cameras when you walk in the street or on the seats of your vehicle

• Ensure that you carry your medical aid card at all times

• Keep your money and other valuables locked up or out of sight

• When moving around campus, especially at night, keep to well-lit walkways or use the Security escort service

• Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for opportunistic thieves who may snatch your belongings

• Report any suspicious activity to Security. It is advised that you know where you can reach someone in case of an emergency. Important and emergency numbers are provided at the back of this booklet

What not to do:

• We urge that you DO NOT carry your passport with you on a daily basis; a certified copy of the page containing your personal details and study visa should be adequate

• DO NOT walk alone at night; walk in groups with other students

• DO NOT explore unfamiliar areas of town on your own. Report any harassment or threatening situation which you may have experienced to the appropriate authorities, including the International Students Office

• Do not leave personal belongings unattended

• Do not leave valuables in motor vehicles where they are visible

IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS

If a passport is stolen or lost, the incident must be reported to the police in order to get an affidavit, and to Campus Control if passport was lost/stolen on campus. The International Students Office will then issue the student with a copy of the passport (the page containing your personal details and passport number) and a copy of the Study Visa. The student should then proceed to their embassy to apply for a new passport. As soon as the passport is available, the student should go to http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/ to apply for a replacement visa

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Wits, as an English-medium university, requires that its students be proficient in English before they are accepted. An applicant, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, must have attained a certain level of proficiency in English, namely:

• A pass in an examination equivalent to English as a home language or first additional language at the South African matriculation level (or, for certain immigrants only, English at the Standard Grade [First Language] plus an A-level pass in the immigrant s home language);

• A pass in English Language at the GCSE/ GCE/IGSCE Ordinary level (or equivalent examination);

• For admission, a pass in the:

> International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of 7.0;

> Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points.

Notwithstanding Rule G4.4.1 and Rule G4.4.2, the Senate recognises the International Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of (6.5) or the Cambridge English Language assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points to be proficient for admission. In exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the University with a minimum test score of 550 (79 TOEFL iBT/213 TEOFL CBT) for admission. Faculties

may require a higher test score or points for specific programmes.

Please refer to your faculty. In exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the University with a minimum test score of 600 to be proficient for admission.

Wits Language School (WLS) offers English training to students who wish to improve their language skills. WLS offers non-academic courses for adult learners. It offers public classes, corporate training and private tuition.

WLS takes pride in its excellent services, high quality training programmes that have sound research and academic framework and the quality of its training personnel.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses are designed for foreign and second language speakers and consist of six levels from prebeginners to advanced level. An assessment test determines at which level students would start the course.

Address:

Wits Language School, 92 Empire Road, Gate 6, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Telephone: +27 11 717 4208

E-mail: wls.languages@wits.ac.za

AVERAGE LIVING COSTS

The average exchange rate is around $1 = R17.00 - R19.00. The figures are to be used as guidelines only. Please note that prices are correct at the time of going to print. Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services in South Africa. The current VAT rate is 15%, which is usually included in the marked price. Non-South African citizens or residents may claim back VAT on items taken out of the country provided the total value exceeds a specific amount. Documentation as proof will be required at the point of exit.

AVERAGE LIVING COSTS

AVERAGE LIVING COSTS

The average rate is around $1 = R17.00 – R19.00. The figures are to be used as guidelines only. Please note that prices are correct at the time of going to print.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services in South Africa. The current rate is 15% which is usually included in the marked price. Non-South African citizens or residents may claim back VAT on items taken out of the country provided the total value exceeds a specific amount. Documentation as proof will be required at the point of exit.

* Rental is for one bedroom apartment in the city. The amount quoted excludes electricity and water, which amounts to R400.00 – R800.00 per month depending on usage.

* Data Costs: this is dependent on the network service provider and the package and preference.

IMMIGRATION

HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDY VISA

The University is not permitted to register you until you have produced your VALID Study Visa. It could take at least 6 to 8 weeks for your Study Visa application to be processed. It is also important for you to note that your Study Visa is issued to study at one institution and you would have to apply for a change of conditions should you want to change institutions.

You are required to apply for a Study Visa at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of residence. If there is no South African representative in that country, you must apply at the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission.

The following are the current requirements to be submitted to the South African Embassy/Consulate in your country to obtain your Study Visa:

1. A passport valid for not less than 30 days after intended studies

2. Payment of the prescribed administrative fee

3. Full Birth Certificate

4. Proof of South African medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the SA Medical Schemes Act

5. An official letter from the Institution confirming provisional or acceptance of that learning institute and the duration of the course

6. Undertaking from the Registrar or Principal of the learning institution with the Institutions official stamp to undertake to notify the Director-General:

• To provide proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within 60 (sixty) days of registration; or

• In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide a notification of failure to register within 7 (seven) days of the closing date of registration

• Within 30 (thirty) days, that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution; and

• Within 30 (thirty) days, when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires to extend such period of study

• The International Students Office facilitates the undertaking letter

7. Medical Report (less than six months old)

8. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, where applicable

9. Relevant certificates if married, widowed, divorced or separated

10. Details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa

11. Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, subsistence and incidental costs. Bank statements date stamped by the bank, for a period of three months or bursary. If sponsored, written undertakings from the sponsor, with an official company stamp

12. Proof of educational qualifications, academic results for the previous years (certified copies)

13. Police clearence certificate (check for clearence requirements with the relevant South African Visa Office)

Top 20 in Canada & Australia

Wits is a remarkable university that is internationally distinguished for its excellent research, high academic standards and commitment to social justice. We advance innovations borne from world-class research and publications, connecting researchers, faculties, and enabling partners to drive Innovation at Wits and the continent.

In 2022, Wits celebrated 100 years of academic and research excellence, social justice and the advancement of the public good. Our history is inextricably linked to that of mining, the City, and civic and political activism.

Wits is a leading African university that is ranked in the TOP 1% of universities in the world.

Top 80 in the EU & US

Developing Employable Graduates

About 10 000

highly employable students graduate annually

Of those employed, 96% find jobs within 6 months of graduating

Top 35 in the UK

Located in the Economic Hub of Africa

400 buildings, 7 campuses, including the Wits Rural Facility

11 Libraries, 18 Residences, 2 commercial companies –Wits Health Consortium and Wits Enterprise

Wits is ranked number 1 in the Times Higher Education Ranking of Sub-Saharan Universities – 2023

graduates in +200 000 100 years

26

Recognised by peers internationally as global leaders in their field.

6

DSI/NRF Centres of Excellence

Highest of all SA universities

97%

of our research is published in internationally competitive journals

40%

Postgraduate students now make up almost of Wits students

Wits administers R1 billion in student financial aid, scholarships wand bursaries annually. There are numerous services available for students.

Ranked

98th

in the world for Alumni Employability (CWUR)

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE WORLD, MAKE WITS YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES.

www.wits.ac.za/innovation/wits-innovation-centre/

www.wits.ac.za/postgraduate/

www.wits.ac.za/innovation/wits-innovation-centre/ www.wits.ac.za/postgraduate/

Innovation. For Good.

“Innovation is what drives us forward. At Wits, we have created a space to create, collaborate, and engage in impactful innovation, across disciplines and sectoral boundaries. We must use transform our knowledge into impact solutions, that benefit humanity, for good.”

~ Prof. Lynn Morris, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation

Witsies are at the forefront of change and are using their knowledge to change the world for good.

Take the Pelebox – an invention to cut down the time that patients spend waiting for medication in hospitals, SmartSpot – technology that improves the accuracy of TB testing, JamLab – a continental hub to support innovation in journalism and media, and PecoPower – a homegrown electrical off-grid solution for local communities - these are examples of innovation spawned at Wits that positively change the lives of people every day.

Wits is rapidly advancing innovation in health tech - from solutions to treat HIV, TB and malaria, to the development of vaccines and new drug delivery systems, from biomedical initiatives like ‘Brainternet’ and the ‘Bionic Hand’ to precision medicine, students can innovate across disciplines and faculties.

New mining technologies are being developed at the Wits Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine on campus, where researchers are working to make mines safer. An ‘innovation spine’ is being developed, which includes the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, the Wits Innovation Centre, the Wits Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation Bridge, the African Rainbow Minerals Building, and Tshimologong, Wits’ Digital Innovation Precinct.

The Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct serves as a hub for the incubation of startups, SMEs and digital entrepreneurs. Tshimologong, ‘the place of new beginnings’ develops skilled youth and digital entrepreneurs. It has incubated over 100 start-ups, 17 entrepreneurs and has over 423 community alumni entrepreneurs. tshimologong.joburg/

The Wits Innovation Centre is the heart of the Wits’ innovation ecosystem. It brings brilliant minds together to co-create, collaborate, and to find multidisciplinary solutions to complex, real-world problems. The Centre encourages, facilitates and supports the transformation from research to innovation. www. wits.ac.za/innovation/wits-innovation-centre/

The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome will open its doors to the public in 2024, which has been described as “a high-tech 360° IMAX-like theatre, just better”. It will provide an incredible theatre experience, but it will also serve a greater purpose – to assist researchers across all disciplines to visualise data in a profound way.

Wits is a member of the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), a pan-African collaboration of technology-focused universities from across the continent, which seeks to develop the high-level skills needed to advance digital transformation. It runs alongside another multimillion-rand innovative programme called the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures programme (WESAF), which adopts an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development, across multiple countries.

Wits is making major strides in quantum computing and artificial intelligence. It has access to a quantum computer and has developed guidelines to use artificial intelligence and AI generative models in the academic programme. Wits is home to a high concentration of researchers working on AI technologies, big data, and related areas. www.wits.ac.za/innovation

Origins Centre:

Houses Palaeoanthropological and Archaeological material, as well the largest rock engraving archive on the continent.

The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome (formerly the Planetarium: The nearly 100-year-old Star Projector at the Wits Planetarium is being replaced by a fully digital dome projection system.

Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall: Launched at the beginning of the Wits centenary campaign, it is the only purpose-built live music hall with a modern acoustic design in Johannesburg; designed specifically for musical performances.

Wits Theatre:

Attractions ON WITS CAMPUSES

History, heritage and science at Wits

Tshimologong Digital Innovation

Precinct: This Precinct facilitates the incubation of start-ups, the commercialisation of research and the development of high-level digital skills for students, working professionals and unemployed youth.

One of the finest performing arts facilities in the country providing support for the mounting of productions and aspects of technical teaching and practical training. The Wits Theatre has established itself as South Africa’s major venue for contemporary dance.

Art Museum

Houses 9 000 of the world’s largest and finest collections of African art and is a rich resource for research and training.

The Life Sciences Museum: The only natural history museum in Johannesburg.

State-of-the-art infrastructure and technology

Learning via electronic and online media as well as traditional face to face teaching.

Simulation Labs

eZones

Students are trained and assessed on how to react to conditions as they would under real life circumstances. Clinical skills, attitudes, knowledge and reasoning are evaluated, preparing students for transition into the real clinical environment.

A student-centred adaptive learning environment on Wits Education Campus that uses advanced eLearning tools to deliver education that prepares students for the 21st Century.

Combined with world-class teaching

We boast high academic standards

2 000

65% PhDs amongst

FEES AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

HOW TO PAY WITS

Bank: Standard Bank

Account number: 002891697

Branch code: 004805

SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ

Reference: Student/Person number

METHODS OF PAYMENT

1. Payment at Cashiers Office (Office hours 08:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday) (Immediate reflection on the Student FeeAccount)

• Students may pay via cash or debit or credit card

• Cashier will receipt payment to student account

• Cashier will issue student with receipt as proof of payment

• System will drop the hold (SFB) immediately

• Student can proceed to register via the on-line registration process.

2. Direct payment to Standard Bank (Immediate reflection on the Student Fee Account)

3. EFT payments from any other bank to Standard Bank (24-hour delay for reflection on Student Fee Account)

• Student will be required to E-mail proof of payment to the Fees Office, feesoffice.finance@wits.ac.za

• Payment needs to appear in the University bank account first in order for the fees clearance to be issued.

• Once the Fees Office has identified and allocated the payment 24 hours later, the Student can proceed with on-line registration

NB – Payments made over weekends will only appear the next working day, only after appearing in the University account will the hold be automatically lifted.

ACCOMMODATION

Exchange students are usually at placed at International House, or any on-campus accommodation sourced by us depending on availability. International House is located on the East Campus of the University and is a self-catering. The cost to stay at International House will be confirmed soon. Please note that International House is a self-catering accommodation however you may sign up to eat at the university dining halls at your cost.

The accommodation cost will be calculated from the day of arrival (check-in) until the last day of the month that the student checks out of the accommodation. I will require the arrival and departure dates for the exact cost to be calculated. Please send me your arrival date to receive an accommodation quotation. Accommodation at International House is automatically booked by me unless the student states otherwise and you will complete the accommodation form on arrival.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

- is set in a beautiful manicured garden

- Amenities include two TV lounges (one with DSTV), laundry, study room with computers and a tea room

- WiFi in all common areas

- Sports facilities on campus

- Free Wits bus service to all nearby campuses, and weekend buses to Rosebank shopping mall

INCLUDED IN THE ROOM:

• bed and mattress

• stove

• lamp

• bed linen (including pillows)

• desk

• chair

• wardrobe

• noticeboard

TO BRING:

• blankets

• towels

• iron

• kettle

• cooking utensils

• crockery and cutlery

• FOOD!

* Please make sure to give at least one month’s written notice before moving out so be sure to prepare your notice and communicate this to your International House and International Students Office within one month of moving out

* The International Students Office does not assist or provide information regarding off-campus accommodation. You may source off-campus accommodation and enter into a lease. The International Students Office or the University of the Witwatersrand has no jurisdiction over this.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

GETTING TO WITS FROM THE AIRPORT

Arrangements can be made by the International Students Office for a transfer from the airport to the University. This will be for the account of the student. If this service is required, please email the transport form to Masego.Bosilong@wits.ac.za at least two weeks before date of departure. Please go to www.wits.ac.za/internationalstudents/forms

OR

The Gautrain is aimed at providing an alternative public transport mode to car users and therefore to attract private car-users to the train. This service will help alleviate the congestion on the roads between Johannesburg and Pretoria www.gautrain.co.za

OR

Uber - www.uber.com/cities/johannesburg

DRIVER’S LICENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

It is best to organise an international driver’s licence applicable to South Africa in your home country. Such a licence must be issued in English by an authorised licensing department and be shown in your passport. An international driver’s licence is valid for one year. Information about renewal of such a license should be obtained in the country of origin before coming to South Africa. Licenses issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity (in English) issued by the Foreign Office (e.g Embassy or Consulate of the bearer’s country of origin). It is law in South Africa to carry your driver’s licence with you whenever you are driving; you could face a fine if you are found by the authorities without one.

STUDENT SUPPORT

CAMPUS HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE (CHRL)

Living in a university hall of residence can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a student’s career and many friendships forged in residence last a lifetime. Wits residences are not just places to sleep and eat – they are living and learning environments in which a wide range of services and activities are on offer, including:

• Academic support

• Professional catering service

• Sporting programmes

• Regular cleaning services

• Cultural activities

• Free laundry facilities

• Structured social events

• DSTV and indoor games

• Free inter-residence/inter-campus transport

• 24 hour security/access control

• On-site computer centres and group study rooms

• Senior staff living on the premises and on call 24/7

• Wi-Fi and/or network points in all residences

COUNSELLING AND CAREERS DEVELOPMENT UNIT (CCDU)

The Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) at Wits offers a welcoming and safe space to students and provides a high standard of services based on an ethos of student centeredness and human rights. The CCDU provides a comprehensive range of supportive services and empowering programmes. These are designed to facilitate the well-being, personal growth and career development of students.

Please contact the Unit for further information and to book for a career assessment.

CCDU provides the following to all registered Wits students:

• A comprehensive careers education and counselling service

• Confidentail professional personal counselling

• Support groups

• Psycho-educational workshops and life skills programmes

• Psychometric career assessments

• Life coaching

• Peer education and advocacy programmes

• Graduate recruitment programme and job search skills

• HIV/Aids education and support programme

• Advocacy programmes on social justice and diversity engagement.

Tel: +27 (0)11 717 9140 or E-mail: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za

DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP UNIT (DLU)

The Development and Leadership Unit (DLU) aims to create a vibrant student life experience by creating a unique out-of-classroom environment. DLU maximises opportunities for student personal growth and intense self-discovery through exciting and challenging co-curricular activities and student leadership training. DLU is located at the Matrix, 1st Floor, Braamfontein Campus East. Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9220

CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE (CHWC)

The Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) is a primary health care facility that provides curative, promotive and preventative services to registered students and staff of the University. CHWC is staffed by trained and committed health care professionals. Our vision is to strive for excellence in the delivery of health care services on campus, thus contributing to the optimal health and wellbeing of the Wits community. The health care services provided are cost-effective and convenient, accessible and comprehensive. Students who are covered by a Medical Aid are encouraged to utilise the services of a private medical practitioner at the Centre. Medical aid rates are charged. Prescriptions may be requested for medication required for chronic illnesses. There is no need for an appointment as clients/patients are and those requiring urgent attention.

Services include:

• Preventative care • Medical emergency care • Free HIV counselling and testing

• Therapeutic care • Reproductive Health services

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 16h30. The clinic is closed over the weekends and public holidays.

Lower Ground Floor, Student Union Building, The Matrix, Braamfontein Campus East

Tel: + 27 (0) 11 717 9111/13

SPORTS ADMINISTRATION

Wits University has a proud history of producing top quality sportsmen and sportswomen. Wits Sport nurtures emerging talent and as part of the initiative to produce top quality sports-people, we offer bursaries for top student athletes who excel in sport and meet the necessary academic requirements.

Outdoor sports facilities include football, rugby and cricket fields, hard court areas for tennis, basketball and netball, with two 50 metre swimming pools (the Braamfontein Campus East pool is heated), accommodating the Aquatics and Underwater Clubs. Other sporting codes include martial arts, fencing, aerobics, super-circuit and weight-training, basketball and volleyball, to name a few.

Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9415 | Website: www.wits.ac.za/sport

PARKING

The Parking Office is in charge of all aspects related to parking on the different campuses. The office prioritises the orderly admission of vehicles to campus, free flow of vehicular traffic and disciplined use of parking. Access to student parking, with a few exceptions, is restricted to the Wits Education campus car park and Braamfontein Campus West areas. Information regarding the specific areas can be obtained from the Parking Office. For any enquiries, the University Parking Office is located on Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, Braamfontein East Campus. Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 1881/2/2/4

LIBRARY SERVICES

BE ADVENTUROUS! Actively explore the Wits Library system and its many resources. You will find books, journals, videos, state of the art electronic resources and wonderful historical treasures that you need for your studies.

Meet our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff in 11 libraries on three campuses. Your student card is your library registration - it will open doors to all our libraries and allow you to borrow any items that are available for loan. Make sure you have your student card with you when you go to the library.

The Wartenweiler Library on Braamfontein Campus East has the University’s main collection of books in the arts and social sciences. Knowledge commons include computers, which cater for doing electronic research. The William Cullen Library houses reference material, government publications, theses, historical papers and periodicals. Wits places strong emphasis on collecting material relating to South Africa. Earlier collections relate to journeys of exploration into Africa, slavery, colonialism and missionary activity. They also include information on the discovery of diamonds and gold, the various Frontier Wars, the Zulu War, the two Anglo-Boer Wars and the First and Second World Wars. The University is home to an incomplete set of records of the State vs. former president Nelson Mandela and nine others in the Rivonia Trial, including Mandela’s hand-written notes during the trial.

The Wits Education Campus in Parktown includes the Harold Holmes Library, containing one of the best collections of educational material in Southern Africa.

DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT (DRU)

The Disability Unit (DRU) has been a leader in the provision of services for students with disabilities since it opened in 1986. DRU assists students with disabilities to receive academic support and reasonable accommodations to participate equally and fully in all aspects of university life. DRU endeavours to make the learning environment a rewarding and enriching one through the exceptional design of innovative learning and working environments and strives to promote disability awareness and the abilities of people with disabilities.

Services include:

• Campus orientation

• Computer centres with state of the art assistive technology

• An Adaptive Technologist who provides specialist computer training and technological support

• A Learning Disabilities Coordinator who develops and provides various study and time management degrees to assist students with learning disabilities

• Support for Deaf students through a South African Sign Language Interpreter or Real-time captioning services

• Assistance with extra-time applications for tests and exams

• Provision of materials in an accessible format (e.g. electronic, braille and enlarged text) and various other academic interventions.

1st Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, Braamfontein Campus East or 1st Floor, Admin Block, Parktown Education Campus

Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9152 | Website: www.wits.ac.za/disabledstudents

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)

The Student Representative Council (SRC) exists to address queries, concerns and complaints of Wits students. They are located on the 2nd Floor of the Matrix Building, Braamfontein Campus East.

Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9258

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SUB COUNCIL (ISSC)

The International Students Sub Council is a body that represents the broad interests of all students who are recognised and categorised within the University as international or foreign. The ISSC works closely with different stakeholders to facilitate extra-curricular activities that promote cultural and social integration and cohesion in the broader University community. The ISSC also acts as an intermediary between the student governance structures including the SRC.

THE POSTGRADUATE ASSOCIATION (PGA)

The Postgraduate Association (PGA) is a body that works closely with different stakeholders to advocate for the needs of all postgraduate students; act as a resource; provide support and services, and promote academic leadership, excellence; research output and social interaction. www.wits.ac.za/pga

THE MATRIX STUDENT CENTRE

The Matrix Student Centre and Mall houses retailers that offer a wide range of quality commercial services to students and staff. The Student Centre is the hub of student activity at Wits. Here you have a student dining room, SRC (Student Representative Council), the DLU (Development and Leadership Unit) and clubs and societies offices. Close to the Student Centre are the beach volleyball and basketball courts.

Major banks are well represented with a wide network of automatic teller machines (ATMs) at the Matrix Centre.

Available banks and requirements to open a student account

ABSA

• Savings Account

• Proof of Registration

• Proof of Residence

• Passport and valid study permit. No cash is accepted

FIRST NATIONAL BANK (FNB)

• Student Account

• Proof of Registration

• Passport and valid study permit

• Proof of residence in South Africa. Deposit - ATM

STANDARD BANK

• Student Account (maximum age 26)

• Proof of registration or Student Card

• Passport and valid study permit

• Proof of Residence in South Africa. Deposit – Autobank

STUDENT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

You will be amazed at the number and variety of student clubs and societies at Wits. Test your mettle against the Wits Debating team, go dancing with the Ballroom Dancing Society or feast with the Gourmet Society. There is something for everyone – from chess enthusiasts to budding photographers, from international students to geologists as well as a variety of religious societies to cater for your spiritual needs.

WITS CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH (WCCO)

WCCO provides Wits students with real-world experiences, and opportunities to enhance their learning and civic responsibility, while addressing community needs. Choose to work as a volunteer on campus or in your community or other communities. Work with institutions that care for children, youth, the disabled or the aged.

WHY JOIN: - Working with WCCO is a way to get involved in the greater community and help contribute to social change.

Community outreach work promotes understanding of diversity including issues of disability, racism, sexism and many others

OFFICES: WCCO, Student Union Building (Matrix), Lower ground floor around the corner from Campus Health

Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9255 | E-mail: karuna.singh@wits.ac.za

More healthcare benefits.

More affordable.

More extra value. Only R520p/m*

We’ve got your essential healthcare covered. You can go to hospital whenever you need to, see a doctor, dentist or optometrist, get your acute and chronic medication, and access emergency ambulance services.

Emotional wellness benefits

Unlimited telephone counselling sessions whenever you need help

Preventative care and wellness benefits Health checks to proactively stay ahead of potential problems

Find out more about our Umbono option on studentplan.co.za

Women's health benefits

Specialised benefits such as contraceptives (incl. IUDs) and annual Pap smear

International travel We’ve got you covered for emergency medical costs while visiting your family back home

But that’s only the beginning… You also get FREE access to: *Student