Cookie Policy
Last updated: 28 July 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies we use on the Student Home platform, why we use them, and how you can control them. It forms part of our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies can be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies(stored on your device until they expire or you delete them). They can be set by us (first-party cookies) or by third-party services we use (third-party cookies).
In addition to cookies, we may use LocalStorage and SessionStorage — similar browser-based storage mechanisms that do not send data to a server automatically but store data on your device. These are noted in the tables below.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Security & Authentication
Keep you securely logged in and protect your session.
Preferences
Remember your saved properties, cookie choice, and in-progress form drafts.
Analytics (with consent)
Understand which pages are popular and how students and owners use the platform.
3. Cookies We Use
The tables below list every cookie and storage item we use, grouped by category.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Always ActiveCannot be disabled| Cookie / Storage | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sb-<project>-auth-token | Supabase (Student Home) | Stores your authentication session (and refreshes it automatically) so you stay securely logged in between pages. May be split across a couple of numbered chunks. | HTTP Cookie (Secure) | Session — refreshed automatically, cleared on logout | None — first-party |
| sv_user | Student Home | Caches your signed-in profile so pages load faster and your session stays in sync across open tabs. | LocalStorage | Cleared on logout | None — stored on your device |
Functional Storage
Functional| Cookie / Storage | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sv_cookie_consent | Student Home | Records your cookie choice (accept or decline) so the consent banner does not appear on every visit. | LocalStorage | Until you change it or clear your browser | None — stored on your device |
| sv_guest_wishlist | Student Home | Stores the properties you save/favourite while browsing signed out, so they are still there when you return. | LocalStorage | Persistent | None — stored on your device |
| sv_draft_… / sv_checklist_… | Student Home | Saves in-progress form drafts (e.g. a listing or application) and checklists so you don't lose work if you navigate away. | LocalStorage | Until submitted or cleared | None — stored on your device |
Analytics Cookies
Analytics| Cookie / Storage | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique visitors to count sessions, pages viewed, and traffic sources. | HTTP Cookie | 2 years | Aggregated usage data with Google |
| _ga_<stream-id> | Google Analytics 4 | Persists session state for Google Analytics 4 event tracking. | HTTP Cookie | 2 years | Aggregated usage data with Google |
| _gat_gtag_… | Google Analytics 4 | Throttles the rate of requests to Google Analytics. | HTTP Cookie | 1 minute | None — technical only |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our platform are set by third-party services. These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. We recommend reviewing their policies for full details:
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Your choice on this site
The first time you visit, a banner asks whether to allow analytics cookies. Choose Accept and Google Analytics loads; choose Declineand it never loads — and any analytics cookies already set are deleted. Strictly necessary items stay on either way, as they’re required for the site to work.
You can change your mind at any time using the Cookie Settings link in the footer, or the button below, which re-opens the banner:
5.2 Browser settings
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse new cookies, delete existing cookies, and be notified when new cookies are set. Note that disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in or using core platform features.
Google Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Mozilla Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari (Mac)
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Safari (iOS)
Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data
Microsoft Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Samsung Internet
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookie preferences
5.3 Google Analytics opt-out
In addition to declining on our site, you can block Google Analytics across every website you visit:
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
5.4 Do Not Track
Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals you do not want to be tracked. We do not load analytics without your consent regardless of DNT; the surest control is declining our banner or the browser/opt-out options above.
6. Cookies and POPIA
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA), cookies that collect personal information require a lawful basis for processing. Our cookie practices are as follows:
- Strictly necessary cookies — processed on the basis of legitimate interest and contract performance. No consent required.
- Functional storage — kept on your own device only; no personal information is shared. You may clear these without losing core functionality.
- Analytics cookies — processed only with your consent, which you give (and can withdraw at any time) through our cookie banner and the Cookie Settings link.
We do not use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies (such as Facebook Pixel or Google Ads). If that ever changes, we will update this policy and ask for your consent before placing them.
7. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when we add, change, or remove cookies. When we make changes, we will update the “Last updated” date above. If we add new categories of cookies that require your consent, we will ask for it again.
8. Contact Us
For questions about our use of cookies, contact us at privacy@studenthome.co.za or read our full Privacy Policy.