Students from Huis Kerkenberg residence recently moved into a modern new digs on the premises of the Tygerberg campus.

The blue and grey building that used to be our home was once used as a sanctuary for the families of patients at the Tygergberg Hospital due to its convenient location adjacent to the medical centre. Back then it was called "Huis Daan du Toit".

In 2000, Stellenbosch University bought this big blue beast of a building located across the road from the Tygerberg Campus, home to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. They renovated the building and in 2001 the student residence "Huis Kerkenberg" was officially opened.

It might not have been the most beautiful building from the outside, but the warmth and love experienced inside was unmatchable. For us, the students, it felt like an extension of our family homes.

The move

Over the years there was a growing desire among students from Huis Kerkenberg to become part of the bigger "Campus Family". We didn't want to miss out on the vibrant student community that lives on the actual Tygerberg Campus, and the safety of students moving back-and-forth to the residence off campus was also a concern. Eventually the decision was made to move Huis Kerkenberg onto the campus.

We could not have asked for a better 15^th birthday present! The official move to the new digs took place in mid-July 2016 and the student's excitement about the new res could easily be seen by the speed at which they were moving into the new res. The initial plan was to move piece-by-piece throughout the week, but by noon on the first day, about 75% of the students were already settled in at our new home.

The community

This is a new beginning for Huis Kerkenberg – a time for building on what was and starting something new.

There may be some uncertainty as we have to adapt to our new surroundings, but I see it as an opportunity to grow and develop into a better version of what we were before.

In true Kerkie Spirit, we will pull together and cease this golden opportunity!

Donrich van Schalkwyk is the former Huis Kerkenberg Primarius