Student Accommodation Options (and Pros and Cons of each)

Selecting your perfect accommodation as a student can be challenging as there are a number of factors, options, advantages, and disadvantages to consider between on and off-campus accommodation. Some things to take into consideration are the lifestyle fit, transport route, the distance of your accommodation from your university campus, and more.

Choosing your accommodation as a student can be scary, but it can also be an exciting opportunity to make your first big and important decision. In this article we will discuss a few important points that will aid you in making the correct decision and the process of selecting accommodation less challenging.

What are some things to consider?

Where are you wanting to live for the duration of your studies? You have various options such as university residence, renting out a flat, private accommodation, or even staying at home.
Is your choice within your budget? This is a vital aspect to consider as you need to be realistic with your costs. Research the pros and cons of each of the aforementioned options. If you are a student that is funded by a bursary, contact your bursary provider and see if accommodation is partially or fully covered (this will allow you to know how much you can budget).
Will the location play an important role? Do you prefer to in the city centre or in a quieter suburb? Is it important that you are within walking distance from your tertiary institution or are you willing to commute? If you are happy to commute, have you considered traffic and if it will affect your travel time/ hours of the day?
If you choose to stay on university residence, you are encouraged to do your accommodation application whilst/ after completing your course application. It is advisable, however, to contact your chosen university student housing to enquire about their various policies and procedures.

University Residence (“on-campus”)

University residence (also known as res) is a large block of flats managed by the university. Res houses many students, each with their own individually furnished rooms that are placed around corridors/ apartments. Res buildings usually offer students communal add-ons, such as a kitchen, bathroom, dining hall, laundry room, and TV area (just to name a few). Many universities offer a guaranteed spot in res, to full-time first-year students and international postgraduates, on condition that they meet the application deadline.

Students are encouraged to download and read the Policy on the minimum norms and standards for student housing at public universities.

What are the advantages of university residence?

Bills and expenses: University residence is often favourable for young, new students who are leaving home for the first time. Most bills are generally included, as well as utilities, maintenance, and meals (if you are living in a fully-catered residence) and this will allow you to know exactly what you have budgeted for. Arranging your accommodation through res can also be easy, and you can do this by applying directly to the university (usually via online portals).
Catering: If you choose to live in a catered residence, you can rest assured that your breakfast, lunch, and supper will be covered. This option is usually available for first-year students, with second-year students often having the option of self-catering residence. Self-catering residence is a great option because it allows you to choose your meals as well as enhance your cooking skills.
University socializing: Owing to university residence primarily being on or near the campus, you will also have the option to be at the center of student life social activities. This will give you the opportunity to not only socialize and make friends, but also engage in a holistic experience. Staying in res will also allow you to access convenient facilities and be in contact with the university’s accommodation team for any maintenance requirements.

What are the disadvantages of University residence?

Paying more: University res can be quite pricey, as you will be paying for the convenience of having the property managed. Owing to this, you may find that university res may cost more than that of private accommodation.
Roommates: Unlike living in an apartment with your best friend, university res is an option open to most students. As such, you cannot select your roommates, which could prove troublesome if you and the person do not get along.
Peace and quiet: University res may not be an ideal option for you if you are someone who values solitude. Often, it’s a hub for students to get together with many activities taking place (as mentioned in the “advantages”).

Private Residence (“digs”)

If after all these points, you think university residence may not be the best fit for you, you can always opt for private accommodation. Private accommodation usually houses four to five people (sometimes more) and is a great option for second-year and more senior students. Another great option that is similar to private accommodation is a student commune.

Private accommodation has similar benefits to that of university res, however, you will have to book your room directly with the accommodation provider (this can often be done easily online).

It’s important to know that some private accommodations are often connected with various institutions, whilst others are privately owned. Be sure to always do your research first and check if your chosen accommodation is university-approved or an affiliated accommodation.

What are the advantages of private accommodation?

You get to choose your roommates: Private accommodation allows you to choose who you get to live with, with second-year students often having the privilege of living in with friends that they made in their first year.
You get to choose where you live: Private accommodation will have you living a bit further away from campus, however, most popular student areas near universities are often linked to good public transport routes. Student private accommodation is also often in the center of areas that have many shops, food outlets, and entertainment centers.
You will have independence: Although private accommodation may have a few rules in place, it will be a lot more liberating than staying in university residence. An example is that you can have visitors stay as long as you like (with res often requiring students to sign them out at a specific time owing to dining hall rules).
Your lease can be less than 12 months. This is often the case as (for example) a 10 month lease covers your academic period of the year.

What are the disadvantages of private accommodation?

Bills: Although private accommodation rent is cheaper than that of university res, you will be responsible for making payment for your own bills. Staying in private accommodation will require you to pay your own bills for things such as utilities, food, Wi-Fi, and in some instances, furniture. It’s important to note that some university-approved/ affiliated accommodation will cover Wi-Fi in the rental amount, however, these places may then cost a bit more.
You will need to budget accurately: Owing to you being responsible for your finances, you will need to come up with a good budget and ensure that all your necessary expenses are paid on time.
Maintenance: Staying in private accommodation means that you will need to “put your big pants on” and often get contact your landlord/ letting agent to fix any issues or repairs. Ensure that you read and understand your rental contract to ensure that you know your rights as a tenant.
You may have to lay a deposit: Some landlords may request a payment of an upfront deposit – this can be either one or two months rent. It is vital that you make a plan to pay this amount upfront.

Renting (privately)

Renting is an option to move out and live on your own, or stay in a house-share with friends or other young individuals. There are a number of house-share rentals available through websites, noticeboards, apps, or even word-of-mouth. Renting, although similar to private accommodation, is often not catered specifically to the specific needs of students.

What are the advantages of renting?

Renting gives you the most freedom and independence in comparison to the other forms of housing. Renting allows you to become self-sufficient and allows you to pay your own bills, deal with landlords, and be responsible for your cleaning duties.
You get to choose where you get to live, be it near or far from campus.
You can choose how you live: Renting your own place allows you to determine the rules of your household, however, if you are sharing accommodation with flat mates, it is important to sit down with them and reach a consensus about various house rules.

What are the disadvantages of renting?

Renting can be quite pricey, especially if you choose to live alone. You may also need to consider aspects such as food, transport, bills, and furniture.
Having flatmates can sometimes be tricky, especially if you get into disputes with them. It can sometimes be troublesome to share a space with someone/ people who with a different lifestyle, values, and cleaning habits from you.
You will have to deal with landlords and rental agents, which can be difficult, especially if you are new to the adult world.

Do bursaries cover accommodation?

Most bursaries cover the cost of accommodation, up to a capped amount. Bursary recipients are usually given the option of which student accommodation they would like to live in. Students who opt to live at home while they study (assuming they live within close travelling distance to campus), could receive a travel allowance instead of accommodation cover.
Find out what expenses bursaries cover here.

Where can I find student accommodation?

University res

If you are interested in staying in university res, you may contact your university or visit their website for more information.

Student digs

Students looking for digs accommodation can use websites like:

These website offer student accommodation options in most major cities in South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha).

Renting privately

For private renting, students can also contact their university for a list of accredited providers. Another option is to visit property websites like Property24, PrivateProperty, Gumtree, IOLProperty.

Read our other tips and articles here:
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.

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This post was last updated in June 2023.
SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.