Student Accommodation in Durban 2026 – Options, Areas & Costs

Finding a place to live is one of the most important decisions for students moving to Durban. The city hosts major institutions such as University of KwaZulu‑Natal, Durban University of Technology and several private colleges. This guide highlights the types of student accommodation available, the best areas to live, typical costs and where to search. Whether you’re attending UKZN or DUT, you’ll find advice to help you settle into student life in “Durbs.”

Table of Contents

1. Top Tertiary Institutions in Durban
2. Types of Student Accommodation
3. Best Areas for Student Living
4. Cost of Accommodation
5. Where to Find Accommodation
6. Campus Life Tips
7. FAQs
8. Internal Linking Suggestions
9. Conclusion

1. Top Tertiary Institutions in Durban

Durban is a hub for higher education. Major institutions drawing students to the city include the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN), Durban University of Technology (DUT), Boston City Campus, Rosebank College, Varsity College, ETA College, NewBridge Graduate Institute, Berea Group of Colleges, Richfield and Pax College. Knowing where your campus is located will help you choose accommodation nearby.

📌 Full CAO guide: https://kznuniupdates.org/cao-application/

2. Types of Student Accommodation

Durban offers three main types of student accommodation:

1. Student residences: Run by universities, these are large dormitory‑style buildings offering single, double or triple rooms with basic furniture.
   • Pros: Built‑in student community; furnished rooms and proximity to campus.
   • Cons: Less privacy and limited independence.
2. Private residences: Modern, purpose‑built student apartments offering private rooms, en‑suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, study areas and social spaces.
   • Pros: More amenities and privacy.
   • Cons: Higher cost.
3. Off‑campus housing: Renting a house or flat with friends for maximum independence.
   • Pros: Often cheaper per person and offers freedom.
   • Cons: You’re responsible for furniture, utilities and transport.

📌 Explore Campus Life: https://kznuniupdates.org/campus-life/

3. Best Areas for Student Living

Durban has several student‑friendly suburbs:

1. Glenwood: Adjacent to UKZN Howard College, offering an artsy vibe, cafés and Victorian houses.
2. Berea: Leafy suburb overlooking the city; close to DUT, Varsity College and Boston City Campus.
3. Durban Central: Ideal for DUT City Campus students; offers affordable shared housing but can be noisy.
4. Morningside: Trendy and upmarket, home to the popular Florida Road with cafés and bars; offers modern apartments.
5. Westville: Quiet suburb where the UKZN Westville campus is located; offers more spacious housing.
6. Musgrave: Mid‑range suburb near Berea and Glenwood, close to Musgrave Centre shopping mall.
7. Glenmore and Umbilo: Budget‑friendly areas south of Howard College; older houses but affordable.

4. Cost of Accommodation

The cost of student accommodation in Durban depends on type, area, room size and amenities. Typical price ranges:

Type of accommodation	Price range per month
Student residence	R3 800 – R5 500
Private residence	R6 000 – R12 000
Apartment/house (shared)	R2 500 – R8 000

Remember that costs can vary depending on the suburb and whether utilities, Wi‑Fi or meals are included.

📌NSFAS and bursaries page: https://kznuniupdates.org/funding/

5. Where to Find Accommodation

• University websites: Check the institution’s student housing portal for residence options.
• Private residences: Visit private residence websites (e.g., Olé Student Housing, Respublica, South Point) for availability.
• Off‑campus options: Search property platforms such as Property24 and Private Property, or flat‑share websites like RentUncle and Roomies.
• Facebook groups: Join groups like “Student Accommodation Durban”.
• NSFAS‑accredited list: If you are funded by NSFAS, check the list of NSFAS‑accredited accommodation for UKZN and DUT.

6. Campus Life Tips

• Balance study and leisure: Explore Durban’s beaches, art galleries and cultural events.
• Stay safe: Choose secure accommodation, especially in Durban Central or older areas.
• Join clubs and societies: Universities and colleges offer sports, cultural and academic clubs to help you make friends and network.
• Use public transport: Durban has taxis, buses and ride‑sharing options; living near your campus reduces travel costs.

7. FAQs

Q1: Which area is best for UKZN students?
A: Glenwood for Howard College or Westville for Westville campus.

Q2: What is the cheapest type of accommodation?
A: Shared apartments or houses in areas like Glenmore or Umbilo are usually cheapest.

Q3: Does NSFAS cover private accommodation?
A: Yes, but only if the accommodation is NSFAS‑accredited. Check the university list.

9. Conclusion

Durban offers a variety of student accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. From university residences to trendy suburbs like Morningside, there’s a place for everyone. Use this guide to compare costs, explore the best areas and start your search early. With careful planning, you can enjoy a fulfilling student life while studying at one of Durban’s top institutions.