By ResMate, made by Eclipse Softworks. Updated . Confirm current prices, funding rules and property details with the responsible provider.
01 / Start here
Choose the right part of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg gives students a wide mix of purpose-built residences, shared apartments and private rooms. The most convenient choice usually depends on your campus, your daily transport route and whether utilities are included in the advertised price. Start with the campus you will attend most often, then compare the total monthly cost rather than rent alone.
Braamfontein
A central student district close to Wits, public transport and a large concentration of private residences.
Search BraamfonteinAuckland Park
Popular with UJ students because of its proximity to the Auckland Park campuses and student services.
Search Auckland ParkMelville
A residential option near UJ with shared houses, private rooms and access to shops and restaurants.
Search MelvilleDoornfontein
Useful for students attending campuses on the eastern side of central Johannesburg; check the exact commute before applying.
Search Doornfontein02 / Campus match
Search by your campus.
The university name is a useful start, but the campus or faculty location gives you a more accurate commute. Use these institution searches to see relevant ResMate listings.
Explore Johannesburg area guides
03 / Daily route
Test the commute.
Measure the real door-to-door journey at the times you will travel. Ask whether a residence provides a campus shuttle, where it stops and whether the service is included in rent. If you will use public transport, check the walking route at both ends and plan for evening travel.
04 / Before you apply
Five checks that matter.
05 / Common questions
Johannesburg accommodation FAQs.
Which Johannesburg areas are popular with students?
Braamfontein, Auckland Park, Melville and Doornfontein are common starting points. The best area depends on your specific campus and transport plan.
Can I find NSFAS accommodation in Johannesburg?
Yes, but accreditation can change. Confirm the property’s current status through NSFAS or your institution before signing a lease or making a payment.
Should I choose the cheapest room?
Compare the total cost. Transport, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, laundry and deposits can make a lower advertised rent more expensive overall.
Live accommodation search
Find a room in Johannesburg.
Continue exploring Gauteng
- All Gauteng accommodation guidance
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- All nine provinces
This is a location guide. Current listings and room availability vary by area; check the search results and provider before applying.
Put your housing plan into practice
Use these checklists alongside the listing and the actual agreement. Record the answers you receive so you can compare options and follow up on anything missing.
Student accommodation budget: rent, deposits and hidden costs
Build a student housing budget with monthly and move-in costs. Compare rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, transport and deposits before choosing a room.
Open checklistStudent accommodation viewing and move-in checklist
Questions to ask when viewing student accommodation: room condition, security, Wi-Fi, transport, lease terms and a documented move-in inspection.
Open checklistCheap student accommodation: compare affordable rooms
Find affordable student accommodation by comparing shared rooms, full lease costs, utilities and transport. Use a clear shortlist before paying a deposit.
Open checklistStudent accommodation near me: search around your campus
Find student accommodation near your campus using the exact teaching address, area guides and a realistic commute. Compare current rooms and total costs.
Open checklistNSFAS accommodation near me: location and funding checks
Plan a search for NSFAS accommodation near your campus. Check the property, your funding status, the official placement process and current availability.
Open checklistGetting to campus: a student transport guide
Compare walking, cycling, residence shuttles and public transport when choosing student accommodation. Plan travel time, fares and evening returns.
Open checklistPrivate student accommodation in South Africa
Find private student accommodation near your campus. Compare residences, shared houses and flats, check costs and prepare your application before paying.
Open checklistSelf-funded student accommodation: finding a room
Find student accommodation when paying yourself or through family support. Compare private payment terms, deposits, monthly costs and application requirements.
Open checklist