Abstract
Opportunities for creativity and innovation are always factors that need to be considered when it comes to student
accommodation since students are clients in any form of accommodation provided. The study was undertaken to evaluate the
factors that affect students’ choice of occupancy in privately owned residences in a South African higher education institution as
well as provide insight to housing providers on what factors to give attention to and improve. Students always look for residences
that are within a walking distance to campus, meaning it should be close to campus, secure, within a friendly environment or
location and have unlimited internet service for academic reasons. The study used primary data obtained through the survey
method with the use of structured close-ended questionnaires which were distributed to students living in a privately owned
residence. Convenience sampling was used with 55 questionnaires distributed and 50 were returned and worthy to be analysed.
Literature was used to obtain factors that were utilised for data collection. Overall, student housing providers including private
housing providers should take caution on the factors that affect students choice of occupancy in privately owned residences, thus
consider what influences and attracts students to stay in privately owned residences and implement creative and innovative
initiatives to better the residences. This study will help accommodation providers (existing and new developments) to enhance
residences, attract more occupants without compromising their needs.