Top 10 Student Accommodations In Melville And Fees (2026)
Melville is one of the most vibrant and student-friendly suburbs in Johannesburg, located close to the University of Johannesburg. Because of its proximity to campus, lively social scene, and relatively affordable housing options, Melville has become a popular residential choice for local and international students.
The area is known for its energetic atmosphere, trendy cafés, bookstores, and restaurants along 7th Street Melville. Students living in Melville also benefit from easy access to grocery stores, public transportation, study spaces, and recreational areas.
Another major advantage of living in Melville is the variety of student accommodation options available. Students can choose from shared houses, modern student residences, communes, or private apartments depending on their budget and preferred lifestyle.
In this guide, we explore the top 10 student accommodations in Melville and their estimated fees, including the amenities they offer and what makes each one attractive to students.
Top 10 Student Accommodations In Melville And Fees
1. 8 Third Avenue Student Residence
8 Third Avenue Student Residence is one of the most well-known student accommodations in Melville. Its biggest advantage is its proximity to the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park campus, which allows students to walk to lectures within minutes.
The residence offers fully furnished rooms designed with students in mind. Each room typically includes a comfortable bed, wardrobe, desk, and chair. This means students can move in without worrying about buying furniture or setting up their living space.
Another important feature of this residence is its reliable internet connection. High-speed fibre Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, making it easier for students to complete assignments, attend online classes, and conduct research.
Security is also taken seriously. The residence includes electric fencing, controlled access gates, and surveillance cameras to ensure that students feel safe at all times.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared room: R3,000 – R3,800 per month
- Single room: R4,000 – R4,800 per month
2. Melville Student House
Melville Student House is a popular accommodation option for students who enjoy communal living. These properties are usually large houses that have been converted into student residences where each tenant rents a private bedroom while sharing common spaces.
Students living here typically share kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. This arrangement creates a friendly environment where students can socialize, cook meals together, and support each other academically.
Most Melville Student Houses include basic furniture and internet access, making them convenient for students who want affordable accommodation close to campus.
Because many of these houses are located near the University of Johannesburg, students can easily walk to class or use nearby taxi routes to reach campus quickly.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: R2,800 – R3,500 per month
3. The Melville Collective
The Melville Collective is a modern student accommodation designed to provide a vibrant and social living environment. It is particularly appealing to students who enjoy being part of an active community.
The residence features stylish shared apartments with contemporary furniture and spacious common areas. Students can use shared kitchens, study spaces, and lounges where they can relax or collaborate on academic projects.
One of the highlights of this accommodation is its focus on community building. Residents often participate in social events, group activities, and networking opportunities that help students make friends and build connections.
Its location near 7th Street Melville means students have easy access to restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues, making it an exciting place to live during university.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared apartments: R3,500 – R4,500 per month
4. UJ Bunting Campus Student Residence
UJ Bunting Campus Student Residence is ideal for students who want secure housing close to campus. The residence is particularly popular among female students looking for a safe and comfortable place to live.
Rooms are typically furnished with beds, study desks, wardrobes, and chairs. The residence also provides essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and regular cleaning services.
Security measures include controlled access gates and on-site management staff who help maintain safety and order within the building.
Because of its convenient location near the University of Johannesburg campuses, students can easily attend lectures and campus activities without worrying about long travel times.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: R2,500 – R2,900 per month
- Single rooms: R3,000 – R3,200 per month
5. Melville Mews Student Apartments
Melville Mews Student Apartments are a great choice for students who prefer more independence and privacy. Unlike traditional student residences, these apartments provide self-contained living spaces.
Each apartment may include a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. This allows students to cook their own meals and enjoy a quiet environment that is ideal for studying.
Because of the added privacy and convenience, these apartments are often chosen by postgraduate students or students who prefer a more independent lifestyle.
The complex also includes security features such as controlled entry gates and surveillance systems to ensure the safety of residents.
Estimated Fees:
- Private apartment: R4,500 – R5,500 per month
6. Auckland Park Student Residence (Melville Border)
Located on the border between Melville and Auckland Park, this residence offers convenient accommodation for students attending the University of Johannesburg.
The residence provides furnished rooms with beds, wardrobes, and study desks. Students also have access to shared kitchens and lounge areas where they can socialize with fellow residents.
Utilities such as water and electricity are often included in the rent, making budgeting easier for students.
The property is also located near taxi routes and bus stops, which allows students to travel easily to campus and other parts of Johannesburg.
Estimated Fees:
- Single rooms: R3,400 – R3,800 per month
7. Kingsway Walk Student Commune
Kingsway Walk Student Commune is a budget-friendly housing option that is especially popular among undergraduate students.
The residence operates as a student commune where several tenants share common facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. This type of accommodation encourages social interaction and collaboration among residents.
Rooms are typically furnished with essential items like beds and study desks. Wi-Fi is also available to help students complete academic work.
Because the property is located near the University of Johannesburg, students can easily walk to campus or use nearby transport options.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: R2,800 – R3,200 per month
8. Richmond Avenue Student Residence
Richmond Avenue Student Residence is located in one of Melville’s most lively student neighborhoods. The area is known for its concentration of student housing and vibrant social atmosphere.
The residence typically offers shared apartments with furnished bedrooms and communal living spaces. Students also benefit from high-speed internet and comfortable study areas.
Living on Richmond Avenue means students are close to restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores, making everyday life more convenient.
The location also provides easy transportation access to the University of Johannesburg and nearby colleges.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: R3,000 – R3,700 per month
9. Ararat Street Student Residence
Ararat Street Student Residence is designed to provide affordable accommodation for students on a tight budget.
The property features shared bedrooms, communal kitchens, and study-friendly spaces where students can focus on their academic work. Despite the affordable price, the residence still includes essential amenities such as internet access and basic furniture.
Security is another important feature. The residence typically includes gated entrances and monitored access to ensure that only residents can enter the property.
Because of its location near major roads and transport routes, students can easily travel to the University of Johannesburg or other nearby institutions.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: R2,800 – R3,300 per month
10. Kingsway Campus Student Accommodation
Kingsway Campus Student Accommodation is another excellent housing option located close to the University of Johannesburg campuses.
The residence provides shared rooms with furniture such as beds, wardrobes, and study desks. Students also benefit from services such as cleaning, security monitoring, and controlled building access.
These features make the accommodation particularly attractive to first-year students who may be living away from home for the first time.
Because of its close proximity to campus facilities, students can attend lectures, visit the library, or participate in campus activities without long travel times.
Estimated Fees:
- Shared rooms: Around R3,000 per month
Comparison Table of Student Accommodations in Melville
| Accommodation | Room Type | Estimated Monthly Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Third Avenue Residence | Shared / Single | R3,000 – R4,800 | Students wanting furnished housing |
| Melville Student House | Shared | R2,800 – R3,500 | Budget communal living |
| The Melville Collective | Shared apartments | R3,500 – R4,500 | Social student lifestyle |
| UJ Bunting Residence | Single / Shared | R2,500 – R3,200 | Female students |
| Melville Mews Apartments | Private unit | R4,500 – R5,500 | Students wanting privacy |
| Auckland Park Residence | Single | R3,400 – R3,800 | Students near campus |
| Kingsway Walk Commune | Shared | R2,800 – R3,200 | Affordable housing |
| Richmond Avenue Residence | Shared | R3,000 – R3,700 | Social environment |
| Ararat Street Residence | Shared | R2,800 – R3,300 | Budget-friendly living |
| Kingsway Campus Accommodation | Shared | Around R3,000 | First-year students |
Conclusion
Melville remains one of the most attractive student residential areas in Johannesburg because of its proximity to the University of Johannesburg, lively atmosphere, and variety of accommodation options.
Students can find housing that fits nearly every budget, from affordable shared communes to private apartments with additional amenities. Most residences include essential facilities such as Wi-Fi, furnished rooms, security systems, and communal spaces that support both academic success and social interaction.
When choosing student accommodation in Melville, it is important to consider factors such as distance to campus, safety, monthly rent, and included amenities. Selecting the right residence can significantly enhance a student’s university experience, making it easier to balance academic responsibilities with an enjoyable social life.