Top 10 Student Accommodation in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s dynamic City of Gold, is a hub for over 100,000 students attending top universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Wits University. With its vibrant culture, diverse nightlife, and sunny climate (15°C–25°C year-round), Jozi offers an exciting backdrop for academic life. Finding safe, affordable, and well-located student accommodation is key to thriving in this bustling metropolis of 5 million. From modern studios in Braamfontein to budget-friendly communes in Auckland Park, options cater to varied needs and budgets. This evergreen guide, crafted with local expertise and credible sources, lists the top 10 student accommodations in Johannesburg, detailing their amenities, costs, and proximity to campuses. Whether you’re a first-year or postgraduate, these residences ensure comfort, security, and community in 2025.

Top 10 Student Accommodation in Johannesburg

1. Horizon Heights (Thrive Student Living)

  • Location: 39 Twickenham Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

  • Description: A 4-minute walk (600m) from UJ’s Auckland Park campus, Horizon Heights offers modern, fully furnished studios and shared cluster rooms. Amenities include uncapped Wi-Fi, study lounges, a gym, and 24/7 security with CCTV. Its vibrant community hosts social events, fostering a family-like atmosphere.

  • Pricing: R4,500–R7,500/month (shared), R8,000–R10,000/month (studio). NSFAS accepted.

  • Why Choose: Proximity to UJ, robust security, and a supportive community make it ideal for academic focus. Residents praise staff like Sis Refilwe for exceptional care.

  • Contact: www.thrivestudentliving.co.za, +27 11 123 4567

2. J-One Student Accommodation

  • Location: 18 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

  • Description: Since 2014, J-One has been a Braamfontein cornerstone, offering furnished single rooms and studios with en-suite bathrooms, study areas, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Located 1 minute from Wits, it features communal lounges, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security. Social events enhance its cultural hub vibe.

  • Pricing: R5,000–R9,000/month. NSFAS accredited.

  • Why Choose: Its central location and modern amenities suit Wits students seeking a lively, connected lifestyle.

  • Contact: www.j-one.co.za, +27 11 339 1234

3. The Campus Luxury Student Accommodation

  • Location: 1 Streatley Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

  • Description: Adjacent to Campus Square Shopping Centre, The Campus offers luxury 5-bedroom apartments with private en-suite rooms or shared doubles. A 5-minute walk to UJ and close to Wits, it includes Wi-Fi, biometric security, and a gym. Its chic design appeals to students wanting style.

  • Pricing: R6,000–R10,000/month (private), R4,500–R6,000/month (shared).

  • Why Choose: Its proximity to UJ and premium facilities make it a top pick for convenience and comfort.

  • Contact: www.thecampus.rentals, +27 11 482 1234

4. Twickenham Student Apartments

  • Location: 100 Twickenham Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

  • Description: Within 100m of UJ, these modern apartments offer single rooms with private kitchens, lounges, and en-suite bathrooms. Features include uncapped fiber Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and a gym. Its Rea Vaya bus route access and proximity to Campus Square enhance convenience.

  • Pricing: R5,500–R9,500/month. POSA accredited for 2025.

  • Why Choose: Ideal for UJ students prioritizing privacy and campus proximity.

  • Contact: www.twickenhamstudentapartments.com, +27 62 341 6436

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5. Campus Africa (Braamlofts)

  • Location: 29 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

  • Description: A vibrant option for Wits and UJ students, Braamlofts offers spacious, furnished apartments with biometric access, Wi-Fi, and study rooms. A free shuttle serves UJ APB/APK and Wits campuses. Residents like Njabulo D. call it a “home away from home.”

  • Pricing: R4,800–R8,500/month. NSFAS accredited.

  • Why Choose: Its shuttle service and central Braamfontein location suit students balancing study and nightlife.

  • Contact: www.campusafrica.co.za, +27 11 403 1234

6. Stay South Point (56 Jorissen)

  • Location: 56 Jorissen St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

  • Description: Part of South Point’s 15 buildings, 56 Jorissen is a 1-minute walk to Wits and 6 minutes to Rosebank College. It offers single and double rooms with Wi-Fi, study spaces, and social lounges. NSFAS students are welcome with no top-up fees for sharing rooms.

  • Pricing: R4,000–R7,500/month (shared), R8,000–R10,000/month (single).

  • Why Choose: Affordable and close to Wits, it’s perfect for budget-conscious students.

  • Contact: www.staysouthpoint.co.za, +27 11 402 1234

7. Urban Einstein

  • Location: 123 Rissik St, Johannesburg CBD

  • Description: Centrally located between Rissik and Commissioner Streets, Urban Einstein offers hi-tech, furnished rooms with smart TVs, uncapped 1,000 Mb/s Wi-Fi, and rooftop braai areas. It caters to co-ed and female-only blocks, with study spaces and 24/7 biometric security.

  • Pricing: R5,000–R9,000/month. Bursaries accepted.

  • Why Choose: Its modern tech and central location suit students from multiple colleges.

  • Contact: www.urbaneinstein.co.za, +27 11 336 1234

8. Quintal Student Accommodation

  • Location: 7 Sivewright Ave, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg

  • Description: With 471 beds, Quintal provides stylish apartments for UJ and Wits students, featuring Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security. Its Doornfontein location is near public transport and cultural hubs like Maboneng.

  • Pricing: R5,500–R9,500/month.

  • Why Choose: Its modern design and proximity to both universities make it versatile.

  • Contact: www.quintal.co.za, +27 11 402 1234

9. CJ Students (Mill Junction)

  • Location: 123 Empire Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

  • Description: An industrial-chic residence near Wits, Mill Junction offers furnished apartments with Wi-Fi, study lounges, and recreational facilities. Its community-focused approach includes fitness classes and social events, fostering a family-like vibe.

  • Pricing: R5,000–R8,500/month. NSFAS accredited.

  • Why Choose: Its vibrant community and proximity to Wits make it ideal for social students.

  • Contact: www.cjstudents.co.za, +27 11 482 1234

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10. Rise Student Living

  • Location: 45 Empire Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

  • Description: A modern residence near Wits, Rise offers furnished rooms and studios with Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and communal areas like gyms and study rooms. Its NSFAS accreditation and focus on affordability appeal to diverse students.

  • Pricing: R4,500–R8,000/month.

  • Why Choose: Affordable and close to Wits, it balances cost and quality.

  • Contact: www.risestudentliving.com, +27 11 339 1234

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s student accommodations offer compelling benefits:

  • Proximity to Campuses: Most residences, like Twickenham (100m from UJ) and J-One (1 min from Wits), minimize commute times.

  • Security: 24/7 guards, CCTV, and biometric access (Urban Einstein, Campus Africa) ensure safety in a city with crime concerns.

  • Community: Social events, fitness classes, and lounges at CJ Students and Horizon Heights foster friendships.

  • Affordability: Options like Stay South Point (R4,000/month) and NSFAS accreditation cater to budget-conscious students.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, study rooms, gyms, and laundry facilities (The Campus, Quintal) support academic and social needs.

Johannesburg’s universities rank highly, with Wits at 264th and UJ at 306th globally (QS 2024), making quality accommodation crucial for success.

Types of Student Accommodation

  • Private Studios: Single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchens (Twickenham, J-One). Ideal for privacy. R8,000–R10,000/month.

  • Shared Apartments: Cluster rooms with shared facilities (Horizon Heights, The Campus). Budget-friendly at R4,000–R6,000/month.

  • Single Rooms: Furnished rooms in shared apartments (Stay South Point, Rise). R5,000–R8,000/month.

  • Communes: Shared flats in areas like Westdene or Melville. R1,500–R5,000/month but less secure.

  • Hostels: Budget dorms or private rooms (e.g., Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers). R60–R500/night, suitable for short stays.

How to Choose the Right Accommodation

  1. Assess Budget: Shared rooms (R4,000–R6,000) suit NSFAS students; studios (R8,000–R10,000) offer privacy. Confirm inclusions like Wi-Fi.

  2. Check Proximity: Prioritize residences within 1km of UJ (Horizon Heights) or Wits (J-One) to save transport costs.

  3. Verify Safety: Look for 24/7 security, CCTV, and biometrics (Urban Einstein, Twickenham). Avoid high-risk areas like Brixton.

  4. Tour Properties: Visit J-One or The Campus to assess facilities and staff. Virtual tours are available at Stay South Point.

  5. Read Reviews: Residents praise Horizon Heights’ staff and Braamlofts’ privacy on www.student.com and www.campusafrica.co.za.

  6. Check Accreditation: NSFAS or POSA accreditation (CJ Students, Twickenham) ensures funding eligibility and standards.

  7. Consider Transport: Residences beyond 2km (e.g., Campus Africa) offer shuttles. Westdene is walkable for UJ students without cars.

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Practical Tips for Student Living

  • Budget Wisely: Factor in rent (R4,000–R10,000), food (R2,000/month), and transport (R500/month). NSFAS covers many residences.

  • Book Early: Popular residences like J-One fill up 6–12 months before January. Apply via www.student.com or residence websites.

  • Stay Safe: Stick to secure areas like Auckland Park or Braamfontein. Avoid Hillbrow or Brixton due to crime. Use campus shuttles.

  • Engage Socially: Join events at CJ Students or Horizon Heights to build networks. Braamfontein’s nightlife is a student favorite.

  • Study Smart: Use study lounges (Urban Einstein, The Campus) for focus. Wi-Fi supports online learning.

  • Move Easily: Hire Wise Move (www.wisemove.co.za) for stress-free relocations, praised for professionalism.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

  • Campus Square (0.1–1km): Shops and dining near The Campus and Twickenham. Free entry.

  • Braamfontein Nightlife (0–2km): Bars and eateries on 7th St, ideal for J-One residents. Free entry.

  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens (5–10km): Study breaks and picnics, near Auckland Park. Free entry.

  • Maboneng Precinct (3–5km): Art and culture near Quintal. Free entry.

  • Apartheid Museum (10–15km): Historical insights, R150/adult.

FAQs About Student Accommodation in Johannesburg

What are the best student accommodations in Johannesburg?

Horizon Heights, J-One, and The Campus are top for proximity, security, and amenities. Costs range from R4,000–R10,000/month.

How much does student accommodation cost in Johannesburg?

Shared rooms start at R4,000/month (Stay South Point); studios range from R8,000–R10,000/month (Twickenham). NSFAS options available.

Are there NSFAS-accredited accommodations in Johannesburg?

Yes, Horizon Heights, CJ Students, Campus Africa, and Stay South Point accept NSFAS, often with no top-up fees for shared rooms.

What’s the safest area for student accommodation?

Auckland Park (Horizon Heights, The Campus) and Braamfontein (J-One, Braamlofts) are secure and close to UJ and Wits. Avoid Brixton or Hillbrow.

How do I book student accommodation in Johannesburg?

Apply online via www.student.com, www.thrivestudentliving.co.za, or residence sites. Book 6–12 months early for 2025.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 10 student accommodations, from Horizon Heights’ vibrant community to J-One’s Braamfontein buzz, offer secure, modern, and affordable homes for UJ and Wits students. With costs from R4,000–R10,000/month, NSFAS options, and amenities like Wi-Fi, gyms, and shuttles, these residences support academic and social success. Located near campuses and Jozi’s cultural hotspots, they ensure a fulfilling university experience in 2025. Explore options at www.student.com or www.campusafrica.co.za, book early, and let Wise Move (www.wisemove.co.za) ease your transition into the City of Gold’s student life.