FAQ’s

Q: Is a top-up payable if a Bursar or NSFAS student selects a room?
A: Yes, a top-up is payable if the amount covered by the Bursar or NSFAS is less than the monthly rental of the selected room.

Q: Are there any additional fees besides the rental after signing the agreement?
A: Yes. A cleaning fee is charged in three instalments during the year. Residents may also be charged for:

Any damages caused (inside the unit or in common areas)

Excess usage of electricity, laundry services, or overnight stays beyond the included allocation

Q: Is there a deposit required?
A: No, a deposit is not required.

Q: How much must I pay before moving in?
A: You must pay the full booking fee and the first month’s rent or top-up by the lease commencement date. Thereafter, monthly rent is due on or before the 1st of each month.

Q: Can I make payment arrangements for my fees?
A: Unfortunately, no payment arrangements can be made.

Q: When is rent due?
A: Rent is payable in advance on or before the 1st of each month. Your first rental payment must be made on or before the lease start date.

Q: When will I receive my refund?
A: You may apply for a refund via the application portal after your lease expires. Required documentation must be uploaded for verification. Once submitted, the refund process may take up to 21 working days.

Q: What is the cleaning fee for?
A: After a tenant vacates, the unit will be deep cleaned and fumigated by qualified professionals.

Q: How much is the cleaning fee?
A: Please refer to your signed lease agreement available on the application portal for the specific fee applicable.

Q: Can I change my bursar?
A: Yes, but the change will only take effect once we receive a valid confirmation letter from your new bursar.

Q: Do I have to pay for maintenance?
A: General maintenance is covered. However, residents will be liable for the cost of any damages caused to their unit or shared/common spaces.

Q: What if I don’t feel comfortable submitting my bank statements and payslips?
A: As we are a FIC-compliant establishment, submission of these documents is mandatory. However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this requirement, please contact [email protected] for further assistance.

Q: How do I book my room?
A: Visit thrivestudentliving.co.za to view available properties and room types. Then, complete your application on fg-nexus.co.za by entering personal details, and uploading the required student and guarantor documents, completing the affordability form.

Q: Is there a booking fee payable?
A: Yes. You can choose to pay it as a once-off or in monthly instalments, but the first payment must be made before signing the lease.

Q: Who is required to pay the booking fee?
A: All applicants must pay the booking fee, except NSFAS-funded students from University of Johannesburg.

Q: Can I book a sharing room with my friends or siblings?
A: Yes, provided everyone completes their application, selects the same room, and signs at the same time. Note: mixed-gender sharing is not permitted.

Q: Can I choose my room?
A: Yes, subject to availability. Delayed application completion may result in your preferred room being secured by another student.

Q: Can I schedule a room or building viewing?
A: Yes. Viewings can be scheduled on thrivestudentliving.co.za.

Q: Can I rebook the same room next year?
A: Yes, but you must apply early when applications open to secure the same room.

Q: Can I change rooms after signing my agreement?
A: Yes, but a room change fee and cleaning fee may apply. Any damages will also be charged.

Q: Can I track my application progress?
A: Yes. Log in to fg-nexus.co.za to monitor your application progress.

Q: Do I have to be a student to apply?
A: Yes. Only registered students at South African tertiary institutions may apply.

Q: Can I store my belongings when moving buildings?
A: Yes. Temporary storage can be arranged at your current building.

Q: What’s included in the monthly rent?
A:
Capped electricity, water, laundry cycles, and overnight stays
Uncapped Wi-Fi
Fully furnished room and kitchen amenities (microwave, stove, fridge)

Q: How long are lease terms?
A: Lease durations are 10, 11, or 12 months.

Q: Why do returning students pay a booking fee again?
A: The booking fee is charged annually as part of the renewal process.

Q: Do I need to re-upload documents each year?
A: Yes. Updated documents are required annually.

Q: Why must I upload bank statements if I’m bursary-funded?
A: Bank statements are required to verify affordability in the event that bursary payments are delayed, interrupted, or if the cost of the selected room exceeds the amount covered by your bursary.

Q: Can I move in without paying rent if I’m bursary-funded?
A: Yes, as long as the bursar confirms the payment date and there is no top-up.

Q: When is rent due?
A: Rent is due on or before the 1st of each month.

Q: Can I bring an air fryer or stove?
A: Air fryers are allowed unless restricted due to communal kitchens. Two-plate stoves are not permitted.

Q: Will I have power during load shedding?
A: All Thrive properties provide communal backup power. However, to find out whether your selected property offers full backup power (including in-unit electricity), please check the building’s webpage for specific details.

Q: Can I cancel my agreement after moving in?
A: Yes. However, an early cancellation penalty will apply.

Q: Can I cancel before moving in?
A: If the student has not paid their rent and has not moved in by the lease commencement date, the lease will automatically be terminated as per the terms of the lease agreement. However, if the first month’s rent has already been paid but the student has not yet moved in, a one calendar month notice period is required before the lease can be terminated, and an early termination fee may still apply.

Q: Is the booking fee refundable?
A: No. The booking fee is non-refundable.

Q: Do the laundries include irons and boards?
A: Ironing boards are provided; you must bring your own iron.

Q: How big is the fridge-freezer?
A: Standard 154ℓ fridge top freezer.

Q: Is there a computer lab on site?
A: Yes, equipped for academic use with unlimited Wi-Fi.

Q: Do you offer short-term leases for short courses or summer school?
A: Yes, subject to availability. Apply via fg-nexus.co.za.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes. Parking can be booked during the application process, subject to availability.

Q: If I’m funded for 10 months but signed an 11-month lease, who pays the difference?
A: Your guarantor will be responsible for paying the additional month's rent.

Q: What furniture and appliances are included?
A: Rooms come with bed, desk, bookshelf, chair, cupboard, microwave, stove, fridge, and more. Refer to the property webpage for details.

Q: Can I change my lease period?
A: No, lease periods cannot be changed after signing.

Q: Is free streaming (e.g., Netflix) included?
A: No. Streaming services are not provided.

Q: Is the accommodation NSFAS-accredited?
A: Yes, all Thrive properties are NSFAS-accredited with either the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand, or the University of Cape Town. Please check your selected building’s page for details on which institution it is accredited with.

Q: Must I clean my own room?
A: Yes. Hygiene inspections will be conducted quarterly.

Q: Are cleaning and laundry services offered?
A: Only at Brooklyn Studios and Hatfield Studios. Yes, cleaning and laundry services are available at Brooklyn Studios and Hatfield Studios only. Please note that these services come at an additional cost and are not included in the monthly rental.

Q: Can I apply in person?
A: No. All applications are online, but on-site support is available.

Q: Do you offer accommodation for the second semester?
A: Yes, depending on availability in June/July.

Q: How far is the building from campus?
A: Visit thrivestudentliving.co.za to check property proximity.

Q: Do I need to be accepted to a university to apply?
A: Yes. Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance is required.

Q: Do NSFAS students need to be approved to move in?
A: Yes. If not yet approved, you can apply as private paying and switch once funding is confirmed.

Q: How long does it take to receive application feedback?
A: From a few hours to a day depending on volume of applications received.

Q: How long if I’m on the waiting list?
A: It depends on room availability or pending lease cancellations.

Q: Does paying the booking fee secure my room?
A: No. Only signing the lease secures your room.

Q: Can I sign the lease before uploading documents?
A: No. All required documents must be uploaded first.

Q: What if I don’t want to upload my payslips or bank statements?
A: As we are a FIC-compliant establishment, submission of these documents is mandatory. However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this requirement, please contact [email protected] for further assistance.

Q: Can I apply to multiple Thrive buildings?
A: No. Apply to one building at a time. You can request to change your building before application approval.

Q: Do you accept GCRA-funded students?
A: Yes, if the building is accredited by your institution.

Q: I need a resident quotation for a bursary application. How do I get it?
A: You can download a quote from the Thrive portal after submitting your documents on the application portal.

Q: I get an error: “Credentials already exist” — what now?
A: You need to reset your password at fg-nexus.co.za/forgot-password.

Q: How can I update my details or change my guarantor?
A: Contact the applications department for assistance.

Q: Can I use my guarantor as my emergency contact?
A: Yes. Just ensure your next of kin is different.

Q: Can I upload Word documents or photos?
A: Only PDF or JPG formats are accepted.

Q: Can I delete uploaded documents?
A: No, but you may re-upload new documents and inform your agent which to use.

Q: Do you offer events or a student life programme?
A: Yes! Thrive hosts academic, wellness, social and work-readiness events throughout the year.

Q: How will you support my mental well-being?
A: Each building has a trained Student Life Manager on-site and access to a therapist. We also partner with campus wellness teams.

Q: Do you host orientation events for first years?
A: Yes. Our seven-day Welcome Week prepares new students for university life.

Q: Is on-site support available in emergencies?
A: Yes. A live-in Student Life Manager and 24/7 reception security team are available to assist.

Q: Do you offer sports opportunities?
A: Yes. Thrive residents can join local and campus sports events and teams.

Q: How secure is the accommodation?
A: We have biometric/facial recognition access, 24/7 reception security, CCTV, and secured parking.

Q: How many overnight stays are permitted?
A: Each resident receives four (4) free overnight visits per month. Unused overnight visits roll over monthly and accumulate throughout the year. A specific visitor is limited to eight (8) overnight visits per month. Once you exceed your four (4) free monthly visits, an additional overnight visit fee will apply and can be paid through our secure online platform. Residents are also permitted up to two (2) day visitors per day.

Q: What are the visiting times for day visitors and overnight stays?
A: Both day and overnight visitors may check in from 07:00 a.m. Day visitor access ends at 23:59 p.m. Overnight visitor access expires at 12:00 p.m. on the final day of the visit.

Q: What is the procedure for arranging day visits and overnight stays?
A: Log in to your application portal, navigate to the “Visitor” tab, and follow the prompts to book.

Q: Can I extend my rental period if I need to stay longer or write a supplementary exam?
A: Yes. You may book a short stay via the application portal (https://fg-nexus.co.za/), subject to availability.

Q: As a current resident, can I rebook the same room for the following year?
A: Yes. Be sure to book during the open application period to secure your current room — otherwise, you snooze, you lose!

Q: Can I change rooms after I’ve signed my agreement?
A: Yes, but a room change fee will be required. You will also be billed for any damages and a cleaning fee may apply.

Q: Do I have to vacate the building during recess periods?
A: No, you are not required to vacate during recess if it falls within your lease period.

Q: If I move to another Thrive building in the same region, can I store my belongings at my current property?
A: Yes, you can book storage at your current building.

Q: Are there noise rules or quiet/study times?
A: Yes. Quiet hours are enforced during exam periods and two weeks before exams commence.

Q: Can I smoke in the building?
A: Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Smoking marijuana is prohibited in all areas, including smoking zones.

Q: Where can I find a copy of my signed agreement?
A: Log in to your application portal and go to the “Lease Information” tab or visit https://fg-nexus.co.za/.

Q: Does the laundry have an iron and ironing board?
A: Ironing boards are available in the laundry room. You must bring your own iron.

Q: What will I need to bring for my stay?
A: Here's a recommended packing list:
• Towels, toiletries & medication (e.g. painkillers, antiseptic)
• Clothes and shoes
• Bed linen (duvet, pillow, fitted sheet)
• Kettle
• Plates, mugs, and glasses
• Cooking utensils, pots/pans, can opener, food containers (induction-compatible)
• Cleaning supplies (dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, softener)
• Laundry bag, basket, and iron
• Mop, broom, and bucket
• Clothes hanger
• Padlocks (1 for studio, 3 for shared units – 40mm)
• Extension cord
• Double adapter
• Study lamp (optional)
• Heater (if not provided by the building)

Q: How big is the fridge-freezer?
A: Standard 154 ℓ fridge top freezer at all properties.

Q: Do you have a computer lab?
A: Yes, with free access to computers and unlimited Wi-Fi for academic use.

Q: Is there parking available, and how does it work?
A: Yes. Parking is subject to availability. You must select the parking option when applying for your room via the application portal.

Q: What furniture and appliances are included in the room?
A: Standard furnishings include a bed, cupboard, desk, chair, pin board, bookshelf, and bin. Kitchens include a microwave, fridge, and stove (if applicable). Please refer to your building's webpage for property-specific details. Personal furniture is not permitted.

Q: If a TV is provided, does the accommodation include free streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)?
A: No, online streaming subscriptions are not provided.