Nelson Mandela University has both self-catering as well as fully-catered residences. The self-catering residences are traditionally for senior students while the catered residences are for first and second year students. The dining rooms in the catering residences offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus plus a range of a la carte items. A student can pre book a meal from the range of available a la carte items on the booking and billing system (Meal Management System).