By Suzette Apollus Windhoek The new academic year is about to start for thousands of students wanting to pursue their tertiary education at the university of Namibia (Unam). Registration officially started yesterday, Monday, January 30, 2006, whilst lectures for the first semester will officially commence on Monday, February 13, 2006. A recent survey done by the University of Namibia indicates that both Namibian and foreign students prefer to study at the university because it is a reputable and internationally recognised institution. Upon registration, at least 50 percent of all fees including the registration, tuition and hostel fees should be paid. Namibian students should expect to pay about N$3 605, and N$7 625 if they wish to stay in the hostel. Non-Namibian students from the SADC region can expect to pay N$3 955, and N$8 545 if they are hostel residents, whilst students belonging to non-SADC countries can expect to pay between N$6 855.99 and N$13 715. The university of Namibia can currently, however, only accommodate 1 081 new students. A special committee consisting of a social worker, the Dean of Students and members of the housing committee will be responsible for allocating places to students depending on the need and merit of each individual. This year, the university will introduce a compulsory breakfast for all hostel students for which they have to pay upfront at the beginning of each semester.