Welcome to StudentPlug ("Platform", "Service", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", or "your") and StudentPlug.

By accessing or using StudentPlug, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by:

• These Terms of Service
• Our Privacy Policy
• Any additional guidelines, policies, or rules applicable to specific services

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our Platform.

To use StudentPlug, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, OR
• Be a matriculant (Grade 12 student) who has written or will write final exams, OR
• Be a current student at a recognized South African university
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your account credentials
• Comply with all applicable South African laws and regulations

Service Providers (accommodation providers, transport drivers, political organizations, etc.) must be 18+ years of age and possess all required licenses, permits, and insurance as applicable to their services.

3.1 Account Types

StudentPlug offers the following account types:

• Student Accounts: For university students (free)
• Matriculant Accounts: For Grade 12 students preparing for university (free, limited features)
• Service Provider Accounts: For accommodation providers, event organizers, etc.
• Transport Driver Accounts: For verified student transport drivers
• Political Organization Accounts: For registered student political organizations (R199/month)
• Election Commission Accounts: For university election bodies (free, verified)

3.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your password
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use
• Ensuring your account information remains accurate and up-to-date
• Not sharing your account credentials with others
• Not creating multiple accounts for the same person

3.3 Account Verification

StudentPlug implements a verification system to ensure platform safety. Depending on your account type, you may be required to provide:

• University email address
• Student ID card or number
• Academic transcripts (for study buddies)
• Driver's license and PRDP (for transport drivers)
• Business registration documents (for service providers)
• Official election commission documentation (for election bodies)

StudentPlug provides an all-in-one platform for South African students, including:

• Accommodation Services: Browse, book, and review student accommodation
• Study Services: Study buddies (peer tutoring), study groups, homework Q&A
• Events Platform: Discover and attend campus events, social activities
• Transport Services: Safe student rides, campus shuttles, ride-sharing
• Student Politics: Elections, petitions, political organization platforms (public universities only)
• Messaging: Direct messages and group chats
• Marketplace: Buy and sell student items

Note: StudentPlug is a platform that connects users. We are not a party to any agreements between users, nor are we responsible for the actual provision of services (e.g., accommodation, tutoring, transportation).

5.1 For Students

• Browse accommodation listings verified by StudentPlug admins
• Request viewings and communicate with landlords
• Book accommodation subject to landlord approval
• Leave reviews after occupancy

5.2 For Accommodation Providers

• List properties must be verified by StudentPlug before being visible to students
• Provide accurate, truthful, and complete property information
• Maintain properties in habitable, safe condition
• Comply with all applicable housing laws and regulations
• Honor bookings and agreements made through the platform
• Not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics

5.3 Disclaimers

StudentPlug does not own, control, offer, or manage any accommodations listed on the platform. We are not responsible for:

• The accuracy of property descriptions
• The condition or safety of properties
• Disputes between students and landlords
• Lease agreements or financial transactions between parties

All users should conduct their own due diligence before entering any accommodation agreement.

6.1 Service Overview

The Study Buddy Marketplace allows verified students to offer peer tutoring services at platform-controlled rates:

• R50 per single session (60 minutes)
• R120 for 3 sessions per week package

6.2 Study Buddy Requirements

To become a Study Buddy, you must:

• Be a verified student at a South African university
• Provide academic transcripts showing 70%+ in the courses you wish to tutor
• Pass admin verification review
• Maintain good standing and positive ratings

6.3 Platform Fees

StudentPlug charges a 25% platform fee per session. The remaining amount is paid to the Study Buddy.

6.4 Session Confirmation

Both the student and Study Buddy must confirm session completion. Disputes will be reviewed by StudentPlug admins.

6.5 Cancellation Policy

• Sessions may be rescheduled by mutual agreement
• No refunds are provided after session confirmation
• Repeated no-shows may result in account suspension

7.1 Service Types

• Instant Rides: On-demand transportation
• Campus Shuttles: Scheduled routes between campus and common locations
• Ride Sharing: Split costs with other students (30% discount)

7.2 Driver Requirements

All transport drivers must:

• Hold a valid South African driver's license
• Provide a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
• Maintain vehicle roadworthiness certificates
• Carry appropriate insurance coverage
• Pass StudentPlug background checks
• Maintain good ratings and conduct

7.3 Pricing

• Base fare: R10
• Per kilometer: R5
• Per minute: R1
• Shared ride discount: 30%
• Platform fee: 25% (drivers receive 75% of fare)

7.4 Safety Features

• GPS tracking for all rides
• SOS emergency button
• Driver and rider ratings
• Trip sharing with emergency contacts

7.5 Disclaimers

Important: StudentPlug is a technology platform that connects students with drivers. We do not provide transportation services directly. Drivers are independent contractors. Users assume all risks associated with transportation services.

8.1 Event Creation

Verified users may create and promote events on StudentPlug. Event creators are responsible for:

• Providing accurate event information
• Ensuring event safety and compliance with laws
• Managing RSVPs and attendees
• Event logistics, venue, and permissions

8.2 Prohibited Events

Events may not include:

• Illegal activities
• Hate speech or discrimination
• Violence or dangerous activities
• Unauthorized commercial activities

8.3 Liability

StudentPlug is not responsible for events listed on the platform. Attendees assume all risks. Event creators are solely responsible for all aspects of their events.

9.1 Availability

Student Politics features are available only to students at the 24 South African public universities. Private institutions are not included.

9.2 Political Organizations

• Subscription: R199/month
• Must be verified by StudentPlug
• May register candidates for elections
• May create petitions and campaign posts

9.3 Elections

• Managed by verified Election Commissions
• One vote per student per election
• Voting is anonymous and secure
• Students must vote at designated voting stations (with GPS verification)

9.4 Political Conduct

All political activities must:

• Comply with university regulations
• Avoid hate speech, violence, or discrimination
• Not interfere with election integrity
• Respect democratic principles

9.5 Election Integrity

StudentPlug takes election integrity seriously. Any attempts to manipulate votes, create fake accounts, or interfere with elections will result in immediate account termination and may be reported to authorities.

10.1 Free Services

Student accounts are free and include access to all student features.

10.2 Platform Fees

• Study Buddy Sessions: 25% platform fee
• Transport Services: 25% platform fee (drivers receive 75%)
• Political Organizations: R199/month subscription

10.3 Payment Processing

Payments are processed securely through third-party payment providers. StudentPlug does not store payment card information.

10.4 Refunds

• Study Buddy sessions: No refunds after both parties confirm completion
• Transport rides: No refunds after ride completion
• Political org subscriptions: No refunds for partial months
• Disputes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

10.5 Payouts

Service providers (Study Buddies, drivers) receive payouts according to our payout schedule. Payment may be delayed for verification or dispute resolution.

11.1 Your Content

You retain ownership of all content you post on StudentPlug (reviews, messages, photos, posts, etc.). However, by posting content, you grant StudentPlug a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content in connection with operating the platform.

11.2 Content Standards

All content must:

• Be accurate and truthful
• Not violate any laws or rights of others
• Not contain hate speech, harassment, or discrimination
• Not be obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit
• Not promote violence or illegal activities
• Not spam or contain malicious code

11.3 Content Removal

StudentPlug reserves the right to remove any content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable, without notice.

11.4 Copyright & Intellectual Property

Respect intellectual property rights. Do not post content you don't have the right to use. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, contact us immediately.

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Provide false or misleading information
• Create fake accounts or impersonate others
• Harass, bully, or threaten other users
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Circumvent verification or security measures
• Scrape or data mine the platform
• Use bots, scripts, or automated tools
• Interfere with platform operations
• Engage in any illegal activity through the platform
• Discriminate based on protected characteristics
• Share your account or credentials with others
• Use the platform for commercial purposes without authorization
• Post spam or unsolicited commercial communications

Violation of these prohibitions may result in account suspension or termination, and may be reported to law enforcement authorities.

13.1 Verification Process

StudentPlug implements verification procedures to enhance platform safety. However, we cannot guarantee the identity, qualifications, or background of any user.

13.2 Background Checks

Transport drivers undergo background checks. However, StudentPlug does not guarantee the safety of any transportation service and is not liable for driver conduct.

13.3 User Responsibility

You are responsible for your own safety. Exercise caution when meeting users in person, sharing personal information, or using services provided through the platform.

13.4 Reporting

If you encounter any suspicious activity, safety concerns, or violations of these Terms, report them immediately to StudentPlug.

15.1 Between Users

Disputes between users (e.g., students and landlords, students and Study Buddies) should be resolved directly between the parties. StudentPlug may provide mediation assistance but is not obligated to do so.

15.2 With StudentPlug

For disputes with StudentPlug, you agree to first attempt to resolve the matter informally by contacting us.

15.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any legal action must be brought in the courts of South Africa.

15.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits.

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using StudentPlug, you consent to our privacy practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

Key points:

• We collect personal information necessary to provide services
• We use industry-standard security measures
• We comply with South African data protection laws (POPIA)
• We may share information with service providers and as required by law
• You have rights regarding your personal data

17.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account settings. Termination does not relieve you of obligations incurred prior to termination.

17.2 By StudentPlug

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, including for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse of the platform or other users
• Extended inactivity
• Any reason we deem necessary to protect the platform or users

17.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the platform immediately ceases
• Your content may be deleted
• You remain liable for all obligations incurred prior to termination
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive will continue to apply

StudentPlug reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms on the platform
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for significant changes

Continued use of StudentPlug after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree with changes, you must stop using the platform.

For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding these Terms of Service or the StudentPlug platform, please contact us: