Dlamini BlessingHere is a curated list of the top 10 student accommodations in Johannesburg, focusing on quality, safety, and value for students attending the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Please note the different room types you will encounter. A single room gives you a private bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. A shared room means two or more students sleeping in the same bedroom, which is the most budget-friendly option. A cluster apartment offers a private bedroom within a larger shared apartment with communal living space and a kitchen. A studio is a fully private unit with bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette all in one space. Finally, a communal residence is traditional dorm-style living with shared bathrooms and dining halls. Knowing these terms will help you compare options more accurately.
Top 10 Student Accommodations in Johannesburg
1. South Point (Braamfontein & Auckland Park)
The most established name in student living.
South Point is arguably the most recognized private student accommodation provider in Johannesburg. With multiple complexes like The Grove, The Fields, and Jorissen Place in Braamfontein (close to Wits) and a branch in Auckland Park (close to UJ), they offer a massive student community.
Why its great: Massive student community, free WiFi, 24/7 security, and study spaces.
Price Range: Shared units start from R3,200 to R4,400 per month (including water/electricity).
Best for: First-years looking for a social vibe and proximity to campus.
Pros: Excellent social scene, multiple locations to choose from, good security presence. Cons: Can be very loud at night, especially on weekends. Maintenance requests can sometimes be slow.
2. Thrive Student Living (Kingsway Place & The Richmond)
Modern facilities with high-end amenities.
Thrive operates several high-quality residences, notably Kingsway Place and The Richmond in Auckland Park. They are known for being fully furnished and including uncapped WiFi, water, and laundry tokens in the rental amount. They also feature unique perks like rooftop areas and multi-sport courts.
Why its great: “Move-in ready” with excellent amenities, backup power/water, and free transport to UJ.
Price Range: Single rooms range from R5,950 to R6,550 per month depending on lease length.
Best for: Students who want a balance of privacy, modern living, and convenience.
Pros: Load-shedding preparedness is excellent (generator backup for lights and WiFi). Everything is included in the rent. Cons: Premium pricing puts it out of reach for many students. The social scene is quieter than South Point.
3. CampusKey (Auckland Park)
Premium living with resort-style facilities.
CampusKey offers a premium student experience. It is known for having a gym, fitness center, communal lounges, and high-end security. It is located very close to the UJ Auckland Park campuses.
Why its great: It feels less like a dorm and more like a private apartment complex.
Price Range: Premium pricing (Check for current specials).
Best for: Students willing to pay a bit more for luxury and fitness facilities.
Pros: High-end amenities, strong security, modern finishes. Cons: Expensive. Limited availability due to popularity.
4. Respublica (Braamfontein)
Sophisticated and secure.
Respublica is a leading provider known for modern architecture and strong security. Located near the Wits Education Campus (DFC) and UJ APK, they offer both private and shared rooms with high-speed WiFi and study rooms.
Why its great: High-quality finishes, secure access control, and great communal study areas.
Price Range: Mid-to-high range.
Best for: Postgraduate students or those who prioritize quiet study environments.
Pros: Very secure with biometric access. Study areas are well-maintained. Cons: Less social than South Point. Can feel sterile to some students.
5. Campus Africa (Braamfontein)
Budget-friendly with shuttle services.
Specifically popular with international students, Campus Africa offers affordable twin/triple sharing options. While the rooms are basic, the value is excellent, and they provide a free shuttle service to Wits University.
Why its great: Very affordable and includes transport.
Price Range: Twin/triple shares from R2,800 per month; Single/En-suites from R4,000.
Best for: Students on a tight budget or looking for a built-in community of international peers.
Pros: Extremely affordable. Great for meeting international students. Cons: Basic facilities. Rooms are small. Shared bathrooms can get crowded.
6. YMCA (Braamfontein)
The hidden gem for budget students.
Often overlooked, the YMCA in Braamfontein offers the most affordable private rooms in the city center. It is a no-frills option, but it is safe, clean, and includes access to study halls and mentorship programs.
Why its great: The price cannot be beaten.
Price Range: Single rooms from R2,500 per month.
Best for: Students who just need a bed and a study desk and want to save maximum money.
Pros: Cheapest option on the list. Safe and clean despite the low price. Cons: No frills at all. Shared bathrooms. No backup power during load-shedding. Not recommended for students who need to study at night during outages.
7. Yale Village (Braamfontein)
Top-rated for facilities.
Yale Village is a popular choice for students who want the security of a “village” complex. It offers fully furnished rooms, a gym, study areas, and 24/7 security. It is well-regarded among Wits students.
Why its great: All-in-one living (gym, study, social).
Price Range: Mid-range.
Best for: Students who want to live in a contained community with all amenities on-site.
Pros: Everything you need is on the property. Good security. Cons: Can feel insular. Further from some campus buildings than South Point.
8. Twickenham Student Apartments (Auckland Park)
Affordable and secure.
A favorite among UJ students, Twickenham offers fully furnished apartments with biometric access. It is located close to Campus Square shopping center, making grocery shopping and errands very easy.
Why its great: Convenient location near shops and restaurants.
Price Range: Affordable.
Best for: UJ students who want a mix of convenience and security.
Pros: Great location next to shopping. Biometric security. Cons: Older buildings compared to newer options. Parking can be limited.
9. Apex Studios (Braamfontein)
Quiet environment for focused study.
While many student accommodations are loud and party-centric, Apex Studios markets itself as a quiet, peaceful environment. It offers both shared units and private studio apartments, making it ideal for students who struggle to study in noisy dorms.
Why its great: Peace and quiet; all-inclusive rent.
Price Range: Shared from R3,000; Studios from R4,500.
Best for: Final-year students, postgrads, or introverts needing focus.
Pros: Very quiet. Private studio options available. Cons: Limited social interaction. Can feel isolating for extroverted students.
10. DigsConnect (Various Locations)
The digital marketplace.
If you prefer a house share or a flat in a complex rather than a branded “residence,” DigsConnect is the go-to platform. It connects students directly with landlords offering rooms in shared houses in suburbs like Melville, Westdene, and Observatory.
Why its great: Huge variety (houses, cottages, flats).
Price Range: Rooms from R2,800 per month.
Best for: Students who want a “home” environment rather than a dorm, or those looking for female-only housing.
Pros: Wide variety. Often cheaper than branded residences. Can find female-only or quiet houses. Cons: Quality varies wildly. No standardization. You must visit before paying.
Quick Comparison Table
| Accommodation | Best For | Proximity | Approx. Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Point | Social Life / Community | Wits / UJ | R3,200 – R4,400 |
| Thrive Living | Modern Amenities | UJ (Auckland Park) | R5,500 – R6,500 |
| Campus Africa | Budget / Shuttles | Wits | R2,800 – R4,000 |
| YMCA | Cheapest Option | Wits (Braamfontein) | From R2,500 |
| Apex Studios | Quiet / Private Study | Wits | R3,000 – R4,500 |
| Respublica | Security / Sophistication | Wits / UJ | Mid-to-High |
| DigsConnect | House Sharing | Various | From |
Hidden Costs Beyond Rent
Many students sign a lease based only on the monthly rental figure, only to discover unexpected expenses. Here is what you need to know.
Utilities: South Point includes water and electricity in the rent. Thrive also includes them. However, many smaller private rentals and some DigsConnect listings charge utilities separately. Always ask whether water, electricity, and gas are included or billed separately. If billed separately, ask for an average monthly cost from current tenants.
Internet: Most branded residences like South Point, Thrive, and Respublica include uncapped WiFi. Cheaper options like YMCA and some DigsConnect listings may not. Some charge a monthly fee for access or have data caps. Confirm this before signing.
Laundry: Thrive includes four laundry tokens per month. Most other accommodations do not. Find out if there is a coin-operated machine on site and what each wash and dry costs. Some students end up spending an extra R200 to R400 per month on laundry.
Parking: If you have a car, ask about parking fees. Many accommodations charge an extra R300 to R600 per month for a parking bay. Some have waiting lists for bays. Others have no parking at all, forcing you to find street parking, which is risky in Johannesburg.
Cleaning Services: Communal areas are usually cleaned by staff in branded residences. In shared houses found on DigsConnect, cleaning is your responsibility or shared among housemates. Factor in the cost of cleaning supplies if needed.
Load-Shedding Preparedness
Given South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis, this is one of the most critical factors to consider. Load-shedding can disrupt studying, cooking, and even basic safety.
Thrive Living is the gold standard here, with generator backup that powers lights, WiFi, and plug points in communal areas. Individual rooms may have limited backup, but you can reliably study in the communal spaces during outages.
South Point has partial backup. Communal areas and WiFi usually remain on, but individual rooms may lose power. A rechargeable study lamp is essential if you live here.
Respublica and CampusKey have generators that power essential services, including security systems and some communal lighting. Check with each specific complex about what is covered.
YMCA has no backup power. During load-shedding, you will be in darkness. This is a serious drawback for students who need to study in the evenings. If you choose YMCA, invest in a high-quality rechargeable LED lamp and a power bank for your laptop.
Apex Studios has limited backup for lights and WiFi but not for plug points. Your laptop will need its own battery power.
When visiting any accommodation, ask these specific questions: What is powered during load-shedding? How long does the backup last? Are there dedicated study areas that remain fully lit and powered? Is there backup water (since pumps also fail during outages)?
Safety and Security Features Comparison
Safety is the number one concern for most students and their parents, especially in Johannesburg. Here is how the options compare.
Access Control: Respublica, Thrive, and CampusKey use biometric fingerprint scanners or key card systems. South Point uses a combination of key cards and 24/7 security guards. YMCA and Twickenham have security guards but more basic access systems. DigsConnect properties vary wildly, from high-tech systems to a simple lock on the front door.
CCTV Coverage: Most branded residences have cameras covering entrances, hallways, parking areas, and laundry rooms. Ask for a map of camera coverage. Blind spots do exist in some older buildings.
On-Site Security Personnel: South Point and Respublica have guards present 24/7. Smaller accommodations may only have guards at night or on weekends. For DigsConnect properties, ask if the landlord has installed an alarm system and whether it is monitored.
Location Safety: Braamfontein is vibrant and busy during the day but becomes riskier after dark. Walking alone at night is not recommended. Auckland Park is generally safer, with more student foot traffic at all hours. Melville is artsy and popular with students but has specific streets that are safer than others. Always ask current residents about the safety of the specific route you will walk to campus.
Emergency Protocols: Every accommodation should have fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and a clear evacuation plan. Ask to see them. Do not skip this.
Pros and Cons Summary
To help you decide at a glance, here is a quick pros and cons summary of the most popular options.
South Point: Pro is the excellent social scene. Con is the noise levels at night.
Thrive Living: Pro is the load-shedding preparedness and all-inclusive rent. Con is the premium pricing.
Campus Africa: Pro is the budget-friendly rates and shuttle service. Con is the basic facilities and small rooms.
YMCA: Pro is the cheapest option by far. Con is no backup power and shared bathrooms.
Apex Studios: Pro is the quiet, private environment. Con is the limited social interaction and potential isolation.
Respublica: Pro is the high security and study spaces. Con is the less social atmosphere.
DigsConnect: Pro is the variety and potential for a home environment. Con is the inconsistent quality and need for caution.
Tips for Choosing Your Accommodation
1. Visit Before Paying: Never pay a deposit for a room you haven’t seen in person or via a live video tour. Scams are common in student housing, especially on online marketplaces.
2. Check NSFAS Status: If you are funded by NSFAS, ensure the accommodation is NSFAS-accredited before signing a lease.
3. Read the Lease for Extras: Some places look cheap but charge extra for parking, laundry, or communal fees. Thrive, for example, includes four laundry tokens, but others might charge per wash. Get everything in writing.
4. Consider the Area: Braamfontein is vibrant, busy, central for Wits, and has lots of nightlife but can be risky after dark. Auckland Park is slightly quieter, closer to UJ, and has good access to malls. Melville is artsy, a bit further out, and has cheaper cottages available.
5. Ask About Load-Shedding: Do not assume any accommodation has backup power. Ask specifically. If they say yes, ask what exactly is backed up and for how long.
6. Talk to Current Residents: Find someone who lives there now. Social media groups for each university are excellent for this. Ask them about noise, maintenance response times, and any hidden frustrations.
What to Pack and What to Leave Behind
Essentials to bring: Bedding (check bed sizes first, as they vary), towels, power strips with surge protection, a high-quality rechargeable study lamp for load-shedding, a large power bank for your laptop and phone, a basic first-aid kit, noise-cancelling headphones for shared rooms, and a small safe or lockbox for valuables.
What to leave behind: Candles (a fire hazard in most residences and banned by many leases), expensive electronics without insurance, your own furniture (most are fully furnished), a heater or air fryer (often banned due to power constraints and fire risk), and anything you cannot afford to lose or replace.
Conclusion
Finding the right student accommodation in Johannesburg can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options spread across Braamfontein, Auckland Park, and beyond. However, the variety is ultimately a strength. Whether you are a first-year student looking for the bustling social scene of South Point, a budget-conscious student who values the low costs at YMCA or Campus Africa, or a postgraduate student seeking the quiet focus of Apex Studios, there is an option tailored to your needs and financial situation.
The key is to be honest with yourself about your priorities. Do you value privacy over community? Are you willing to pay more for a gym and rooftop lounge, or would you rather save that money for tuition and social activities? Do you need backup power for studying during load-shedding? In a city like Johannesburg, that last question might be the most important one you ask.
By visiting the accommodation in person, reading the lease carefully, understanding what is included in the rent, and asking the hard questions about load-shedding and hidden costs, you can avoid common pitfalls and secure a safe, comfortable home for your university years. A good living environment is not just a place to sleep; it is a foundation for academic success, personal growth, and lifelong friendships. Choose wisely, and your time as a student in Johannesburg will be all the richer for it.