ABOUT

Lydia Female Residence is a Stellenbosch University affiliated residence located in the heart of central Stellenbosch and belongs to the VicMeyr Cluster. We take pride in our values and encourage our fellow Lydianers to apply these principles to their daily lives.

PRIDE | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | UBUNTU |SERVICE

OUR HISTORY

Stellenbosch University completed the construction of Lydia in late 1952, eventually opening its front doors for the first time in 1953. The residence was established in tribute to Professor Lydia van Niekerk, who was a professor of Dutch Literature and the first woman to be appointed to the chair at Stellenbosch University.

Professor van Niekerk was born on the Diepkloof farm in the district of Uitenhage. Van Niekerk studied at the universities of Leiden and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. On her return to South Africa after obtaining a D.Litt. et Phil. degree, she lectured at the Huguenot University College in Wellington.

In 1920 she was offered a professorship at the University of Stellenbosch, where she worked until her death on 2 November 1929. Van Niekerk was an important literary critic and an authority on literary subjects.

We invite you to explore our site and discover the experiences Lydia provides to each and every student. Get in touch with us to schedule a tour, learn more about us, or ask any other questions.

Extra Activities

We encourage our Lydianers to get involved in house activities such as:

Culture

Sêr/ Acapella
Molassesêr
Culture Evenings
Debating
Palesa (Toneelfees)
Spirit

Sports

Netball
Hockey
Soccer
Table Tennis
Chess
Ultimate Frisbee

Committees

Merchandise Committee
Wellness Committee
Sustainability Committee
Culture Committee
Social and events committee
Alumni Committee
Safety Committee
Door Monitor Committee
Constitutional Committee

Media and Marketing Committee
Dance Committee
Room points Committee
Spirit Committee
Critical Engagement Committee
Garden Celebration Committee
The 1953
Lydia week Committee