Updated 14 July 2026 · 12 min read
10 student housing websites worth checking.
The best website depends on whether you need a marketplace, official NSFAS information, a global booking service or one provider’s residences. Here is what each active option does best.
Editorial disclosure
This guide is published by ResMate.
ResMate appears first because this guide lives on ResMate and its integrated South African search-to-application workflow is the most relevant starting point for our readers. The remaining services are ordered by use case, not paid placement. We do not claim that one website is best for every student.
The comparison
Which website fits your search?
Best for: A South African search-to-application journey
ResMate
Marketplace and student housing platform
ResMate brings verified residence discovery, price and NSFAS filters, saved options, messages and online applications into one South African student housing workflow.
Keep in mind: Best fit for students who want to compare and manage the next steps in one account.
Best for: Official funding and accredited-accommodation information
NSFAS
Official government funding resource
NSFAS is the primary official source for funded students who need current accommodation guidance, portal access and information about approved accommodation processes.
Keep in mind: Use the official portal to confirm current requirements. A third-party listing should never replace an NSFAS or institution check.
Best for: A broad student-focused marketplace
DigsConnect
Student accommodation marketplace
DigsConnect connects students with landlords and accommodation providers, with search tools and direct enquiry features designed around student rentals.
Keep in mind: Compare the listing terms and complete your own verification before committing.
Best for: International students comparing global options
Student.com
Global student accommodation marketplace
Student.com lists purpose-built student accommodation across many countries and can be useful for international students who want a familiar global booking experience.
Keep in mind: South African availability varies by destination, so check the live inventory for your city and university.
Best for: Purpose-built premium student living
CampusKey
Private residence provider
CampusKey operates and markets its own purpose-built student residences in several South African university cities, with online location, room and application information.
Keep in mind: This is a provider website, so it shows CampusKey properties rather than the whole market.
Best for: Managed residences across major university cities
Respublica
Private residence provider
Respublica offers managed student residences across several South African cities, with current property pages, room information and online application routes.
Keep in mind: Compare current room rates, funding terms and availability directly on each residence page.
Best for: Urban student residences in several cities
South Point
Private residence provider
South Point provides student accommodation in South African urban centres and lets students browse its buildings and begin an application online.
Keep in mind: Confirm the building’s distance from your exact campus and its current funding arrangements.
Best for: Verified listings with residence management tools
Dwell
Marketplace and residence platform
Dwell combines student accommodation discovery with digital tools used by residence operators and students during their stay.
Keep in mind: Check the live search to confirm coverage near your institution.
Best for: Student residences near Wits and UJ
Campus Africa
Johannesburg residence provider
Campus Africa focuses on furnished student residences in Braamfontein and surrounding Johannesburg student areas, with property and online application information.
Keep in mind: A strong specialist option for its service area, rather than a nationwide marketplace.
Best for: Broad private rental searches beyond student residences
Property24
South African property marketplace
Property24 is not student-specific, but its large rental search can help students compare apartments, flats and shared rental possibilities near campus.
Keep in mind: Search results are general rentals. Confirm that the lease, occupancy rules and furnishing work for a student household.
How we compared them
Useful beats famous.
We checked whether each site was live, relevant to South African students and clear about what it offers. We then considered search reach, student-specific information, the ability to enquire or apply online, funding context and whether the site represents a marketplace, an official resource or only its own buildings.
A marketplace is useful for comparing providers. A residence operator can provide deeper detail about its own rooms. NSFAS and your university remain the appropriate sources for current funding and accreditation confirmation.
Never let a ranking replace verification.
Confirm the address, provider identity, total fees, deposit account, lease terms and current NSFAS accreditation where relevant. Arrange an in-person viewing or live video walkthrough and keep written proof of every payment.
Compare on ResMate