Key Takeaways: Choosing Your Home
- University Res: Best for social life and convenience, but strict rules and very limited space.
- Private Accredited: Best for NSFAS students (fully covered) and modern facilities (Wi-Fi, gyms).
- Commuting: Cheapest option, but travel time cuts into study time.
- Scam Alert: Never pay a deposit for a room you haven’t seen inside.
You have the acceptance letter. You have the funding. Now comes the panic: “Where am I going to live?”
For a first-year student, this is more than just finding a bed. It is about finding an environment where you can actually pass your degree. The wrong roommate or a 2-hour taxi commute can destroy your academic performance.
In 2026, the student housing market is split into three distinct worlds. Here is the honest breakdown of On-Campus Res, Private Accredited Accommodation, and Commuting, so you can decide what fits your budget and personality.
Option 1: On-Campus Residence (“Res”)
This is the classic university experience. You live in a building owned by the university, usually right next to the lecture halls.
The Pros:
- Zero Commute: You wake up at 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM class.
- Community: You are instantly plugged into a social network. It is easier to make friends and find study groups.
- Support: “Res” has Wardens and House Committees to look after you.
- All-Inclusive: Water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are usually included in the price.
The Cons:
- Strict Rules: Curfews, visitor restrictions, and “Quiet Times” are enforced.
- Shared Spaces: You will likely share a room (Double Room) and bathrooms with 20 other people. Privacy is non-existent.
- Impossible to get: Res is usually oversubscribed. If you didn’t apply by June last year, your chances of getting in now are near zero.
Cost: R40,000 – R70,000 per year (often includes meal plan).
Option 2: Private Accredited Accommodation (POSA)
This is the fastest-growing sector. These are private buildings (like South Point, CampusKey, or Respublica) that are “Accredited” by the university and NSFAS.
The Pros:
- Modern Facilities: These buildings often look like hotels. They have gyms, computer labs, cinema rooms, and high-speed fibre.
- NSFAS Friendly: If the building is accredited, NSFAS pays the landlord directly. You don’t have to worry about rent.
- Freedom: Fewer rules than university Res (no curfews), but still secure (biometric access).
The Cons:
- Cost: They maximize the NSFAS cap (approx. R50,000+). If you are self-funding, it is expensive.
- Noise: These buildings are often party hubs. If you need absolute silence to study, this might be a challenge.
Crucial for NSFAS Students:
You MUST ensure the building is Accredited. If you sign a lease with a non-accredited landlord, NSFAS will NOT pay the rent, and you will be stuck with the debt.
Option 3: Commuting (Staying at Home)
Living with parents or relatives and traveling to campus daily.
The Pros:
- Cheap: You save R50,000+ a year.
- Food: You get home-cooked meals (usually).
- Support: You have your family emotional support system when exams get tough.
The Cons:
- Travel Fatigue: Spending 2 hours in a taxi every day drains your energy. That is 10 hours a week you could have spent studying.
- Isolation: You miss out on the “campus life” events that happen in the evenings.
- Distractions: It is hard to study when your siblings are watching TV or your parents expect you to do chores.
NSFAS Allowance:
If you live at home, you do NOT get the accommodation allowance. You only get the Transport Allowance (usually around R7,500 – R10,000 per year).
Option 4: “Backroom” / Garden Cottage (Non-Accredited)
Renting a room in a private house near campus.
- Pros: Often cheaper (R2,500 pm). quieter and more homely.
- Cons: Often risky. No security guards. Landlords can be difficult.
- NSFAS: You typically have to pay cash and claim it back (if the university allows) or use your living allowance. It is administratively difficult.
5. Warning: The “Deposit Scam”
January is “Scam Season.” Scammers know you are desperate.
How it works:
You see an ad on Facebook/Gumtree for a beautiful flat near campus for a cheap price (e.g., R2,500). The “Landlord” says: “I have many people interested. Send me a R1,000 deposit via eWallet to secure it, and I will give you the keys tomorrow.”
You send the money. They block your number. The flat never existed.
Safety Rules:
- Never pay a deposit before you have physically stood inside the room.
- Meet the landlord in person.
- Check the accreditation status with your university housing office.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
- Choose Res if: You are a first-year who wants the “full experience” and needs structure.
- Choose Private Accredited if: You are an NSFAS student who wants better facilities and more privacy.
- Choose Commuting if: Your family lives within 30km and you are on a tight budget.
Wherever you choose, sign the lease today. By February 1st, every bed within walking distance of the university will be taken.
Disclaimer: Accommodation costs vary by city. ApsScore.com recommends viewing properties in person before signing any legal contracts.