The University of Ghana has announced to the general public and particularly to all freshmen (Freshers) for the 2023–2024 academic year that it will allocate beds and rooms to students. According to the communication, the allocation of beds and rooms will be done on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
All first-year students are to note that the UG practices a randomised bed allocation system for fresh students. This means the university uses a random selection method within its digital systems to allocate beds to students who apply for them. To secure a bed, apply as soon as midnight by visiting the portal. Beds on campus allocated through the randomised bed allocation system can all be allocated a few minutes after the portal is opened.
Freshmen are to pay at least 50% of their fees and opt-in for this service on the STS portal (https://sts.ug.edu.gh/)
University of Ghana (Freshers) Beds/Rooms Allocation: -The Important Information and History Behind It
Also, the university has in place an arrangement for students’ accommodation for the 2023–2024 academic year as approved by the Residence Board. It has deliberated on accommodation arrangements for the 2023–2024 academic year and made the following decisions:
- As was indicated at the beginning of the 2022/2023 academic year, and in consonance with the In-Out-Out-Out policy which came into effect in the 2022/2023 academic year, the traditional halls will be progressively reserved for fresh students only. All first-year undergraduate students who were given accommodation in traditional halls for the 2022/2023 academic year would have to apply for accommodation in the UGEL Halls, private hostels or any of the off-campus accommodation facilities from the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Students with Special Needs and Levels 300 and 400 students who resided in traditional halls for the 2022/2023 academic year, will continue to retain their residence until completion.
- A new random bed assignment system designed by UGCS will be implemented for the 2023/2024 academic year, beginning with the allocation of beds to continuing students in the UGEL halls. This forms part of recommendations by a committee set up by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) to develop a new, transparent and equitable room allocation/balloting system for students.
- Random assignment of beds to students will be conducted openly to allow all stakeholders to observe the transparency in the process.
- The new bed allocation system will provide 60% of available spaces in the UGEL Halls for Level 200/second-year undergraduate students, and 20% each for undergraduate students in Level 300 and Level 400.
- The new system will also be used to assign all beds in the traditional halls to first year/Level 100 students beginning their programmes in the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Students interested in being considered in the random assignment of beds would have to opt-in after completing their academic registration. A web link (https://sts.ug.edu.gh/) will be embedded in their online registration processes for the purpose. Those who have already completed their academic registration can use this link https://sts.ug.edu.gh/ to get into the portal.
- As part of the new system, nearly all beds will be assigned randomly through the new system developed by the UGCS; only a limited number of beds will be reserved at the hall level for critical needs (e.g. students with special needs). Therefore, all students seeking University accommodation are highly encouraged to ensure their early registration, and completion of the form by which to indicate interest in being included in the random assignment exercise.
While the University makes efforts to increase its residential facilities, Management would like to reiterate that accommodation is not tied to admission into the University. Students who are, unfortunately, not successful in securing any of the available spaces on campus would have to make alternative accommodation arrangements.
The University wishes to reiterate that under no circumstance should any student or parent/guardian pay money to anyone for a bed. This is illegal and both the seller and buyer will be violating the regulations of the University and will be sanctioned accordingly.
Students must also take note that “perching” is illegal and that defaulting students will face the necessary disciplinary procedures and sanctions if found guilty.