KNUST Fresher: What You Need To Know About The Traditional Halls

With the new academic year set to start on September 6, many KNUST freshers will have accommodation in the various halls of residence.

With many decades of rich history, the moments and experiences in the traditional halls are cherished by students for many years.

In this article, I put together a list of the halls of residence, a little history and some things you should look out for.

REPUBLIC HALL “REPU” (THE MONGOLS)

What to look out for: The Infamous Cockrel, Lot’s of Fun during the Hall Week, Repu Market, Repu Chapel

There’s a lot to write about the Mongols so you may really want to take a look around yourself. 

Republic hall has 198 rooms in the main and 96 rooms in the annex block.

It has a Basketball court, Chapel, Salons, Gift Shops and a Market among others. Repu is also home to the Student Representative Council (SRC) Office. Here’s what one student said about the hall.

“What I love about Republic Hall is the architecture; the whole hall is a labyrinth you can spend your afternoon getting lost about in. Do well to stop by the JCR and get a drink….or play pool, or play FIFA” 

If one thing makes Republic Hall popular nationwide, then it is the Hall week celebration. The publicity is enough to attract students and non-students from all over the country along with some of the biggest sponsorships

UNITY HALL “CONTI” (THE CONTINENTALS)

Drone Shot of Unity Hall by ROMedia Aerials

What to look out for: Conti Market, Aboagyewaa!, The Statue holding its knee, ‘Morale’ Nights

When you walk a little down the street behind Republic Hall, you’ll see  “The Twin Towers”.  Two large blocks standing on opposite sides – Block A and Block B of Unity Hall.

With 432 rooms, the Unity hall is the largest on-campus and also in West Africa.

“Don’t miss ‘strong morale’ on Fridays with the boys drumming and dancing non-stop for over 3 hours”

The hall has a Barbering Salon, Supermarket and one of the liveliest JCRs (Junior Common Room) on campus.

INDEPENDENCE HALL “INDECE” (THE SPARTANS)

‘Spartans’ is what the proud members of the Independence Hall are popularly known as. The hall consists of 198 rooms in the main hall and 96 rooms in the 8 storey annex. The Independence Hall is well equipped with a gym, chapel and salon. 

At the Indece supermarket, you can get almost anything that you may need – from toiletries to stationery and beyond

QUEEN ELIZABETH II “QUEENS” (THE ROYALS)

What to look out for: Queens Gɔbɛ, Queens Market. 

[Gɔbɛ is the perfect mixture of beans, gari and fried plantain]

Walk five minutes up the street from Indece and you’ll see Queens. 

Members of Queen Elizabeth II Hall are usually known as “Royals”. The facilities in the hall include a Tennis court, Study room, Gym, Chapel, Salon and Market 

 “Royals are some of the most welcoming people on earth….the reason why that makes the market centre. Get kelewele or yam straight from the fire, fried rice at it’s junky best and the all other fun delicacies that make your wallet dry and your mouth water.”

Dela

UNIVERSITY HALL “KAT” (KATANGA)

What to look out for: Friday Night Morale, The Priest by the pool

The hall, popularly known as ‘Katanga hall’ has, 198 rooms on the main block and 95 in the annex. 

In front of the hall is a sculpture of a student reading with his legs crossed symbolic of undying academic prowess, similar sculptures can also be seen inside the hall.

The hall’s JCR is one of the most vibrant on campus. There’s almost always a game of pool or FIFA  there.

 Take the opportunity to check out the epic painting of the story of mankind from the ‘Garden to Glory’ on the wall in the dining hall.  

The hall has a gym, a chapel, hair salon and basketball court.

The ecstasy associated with Fridays is on another level.

Don’t be left out on Friday Nights with the electrifying atmosphere of ‘Morale’ 

(Ladies, sorry. This is for men only)

AFRICA HALL (THE DOMITES)

What to look out for:  Statue Woman holding a cap and a certificate

First opened in 1967, Africa hall was before last year an all-female residence with 192 rooms available to the students. 

The hall has a chapel in the basement, salons, a JCR and a market too. 

Let me know which of the halls you’ll be in next semester in the comments

Share this article with all your Fresher friends.

Photo Credits: Nii Adotey Addo, Delalorm Kpeli, Kennedy Gyenfi, Samuel Bempah, Bernard Kwaku, Quarme Captain.