University of Free StateStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Free State. Free for students.

University in Bloemfontwin, Free state. Operating on a semester system.

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Institution Type

1

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Quarter 4 2026

The semester, explained for University of Free State

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Quarter 4 2026
Campus terms
17
Local details
10

Academic calendar

Quarter 4 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Oct 23, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

6 entries
  1. Quarter 3 2026
  2. Quarter 4 2026Relevant now
  3. Quarter 1 2027
  4. Quarter 2 2027
  5. Quarter 3 2027
  6. Quarter 4 2027

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

17 terms

A

Armentum
A well-known men's residence; the name is used both officially and as a common identifier.

I

IRAWA
The official student newspaper, short for Irawa Post.

J

Jool
The Afrikaans term for RAG; refers to the annual carnival and charity fundraising week.

K

Kestell
Huis Kestell, a residence often referred to simply by the surname.
Kovsie
A student of the University of the Free State, or a collective term for the university community.
Kovsie Gear
The official campus store where students buy apparel, stationery, and snacks.
Kovsie Spirit
The shared sense of pride and culture among UFS students.
KovsieFM
The campus community radio station.
KovsieSport
The department managing all university athletic teams and facilities.

N

NJ
Njalo-Njalo, a co-ed residence on the Bloemfontein campus.

R

RAG
Raise and Give, the student-led charity organization (known as 'Jool' in Afrikaans).

S

Ser
Short for Serenade, a major inter-residence singing and performance competition.
SRC
Student Representative Council, the highest student governance body.
Step
A synchronized dance or rhythmic performance tradition unique to UFS residences.

T

The Bridge
Thakaneng Bridge, the central student hub containing various fast-food outlets and shops.

V

Villa
Villa Bravado, a men's residence often referred to by this shorthand.
Vishuis
Huis Visser, a prominent men's residence known for its strong traditions.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

10 details
Blackboard
The digital Learning Management System (LMS) used for course content and assignments.
Callie Human
The Callie Human Centre, a large hall used for graduation ceremonies, exams, and indoor sports.
Equitas
The building housing the Faculty of Law.
Gateway
The official orientation program for first-year students (freshmen).
KovsieBus
The shuttle service that transports students between the Bloemfontein, South, and Qwaqwa campuses.
KovsieID
The multi-purpose student identification card used for building access and meal payments.
Main Building
The historic administrative building (Hoofgebou) at the heart of the campus.
P-lot
General shorthand for the various designated student parking areas on campus.
Sasol
The Sasol Library, the main academic library on the Bloemfontein campus.
The Odeion
The School of Music building and its associated concert hall.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Quarter 4 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Oct 23, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
17 approved campus terms and 10 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Get to know your university

Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of Free State

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

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Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

DormWay is still mapping student communities at this campus.

We only show recommendations once we have enough public sources for University of Free State.

These are things we discovered. We are constantly looking for more.

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Recommendations are based on public campus sources. We do not endorse student organizations.

Using DormWay at University of Free State

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Life in Bloemfontwin for University of Free State Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Bloemfontwin.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg

Median Rent

$400

Cost of Living Index

55

Student Population

40,000

City Transportation

Walkability

45

Bikeability

35

Public Transit

Bus system, Minibus taxis

Nearest Airports

Bram Fischer International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Semi-arid

Avg Annual Temp

60°F

Avg Snowfall

0.5 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

UFS Reserved Parking 17

surface_lot

Located on Dekaan St, Park West.

Odeion School of Music Parking Area

surface_lot

Primary departure point for South Campus shuttles.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Free State

UFS urges students to report misconduct

The university is encouraging students to use available reporting and support structures to speak up about sexual misconduct and harassment following a round-table discussion on consent and student safety.

Sep 15, 2026

Read More

Fulbright US Scholar joins UFS Faculty of Law to advance financial crime expertise

A Fulbright US Scholar has joined the Faculty of Law to collaborate on research and teaching related to financial crimes and legal expertise.

Sep 14, 2026

Read More

UFS historians advance global research on social justice and the afterlives of slavery

Researchers from the UFS Department of History are leading international collaborations to explore the historical impacts of slavery and its connection to modern social justice.

Sep 11, 2026

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From the Free State to the Vatican: UFS academic inspires global dialogue on governance and hope

Prof Liezel Lues, President of the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration, shared insights on resilient and ethical public institutions following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.

Sep 8, 2026

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Free State

School Holidays

September 25, 2026

All Campuses

Commencement of the spring school holiday period for the university community.

UFS Senate Holiday

September 25, 2026

All Campuses

Official university holiday as approved by the UFS Senate.

Academic Break

September 28, 2026

All Campuses

A week-long academic break for students and staff, running until October 2, 2026.

Postgraduate Application Deadline

September 30, 2026

Bloemfontein Campus

Final date for submitting postgraduate applications for the Bloemfontein Campus.

IARSLCE 2026 Conference

October 11, 2026

University of the Free State

International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) conference titled 'The Fierce Urgency of Now: Building Solidarity and Trust amid Emerging Realities'.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Free State

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

1 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

Harmony Home

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Email Domain

@ufs.ac.za

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