Top 10 Affordable Student Hostels For Wits Students 2015

Finding a place to stay as a student can be a real nightmare. I get it – you want somewhere decent that will not drain your bank account completely, and if you are heading to Wits, you know Johannesburg is not exactly known for being cheap. The good news is that there are some solid options out there if you know where to look.

I spent way too much time researching student accommodation around Wits University, talking to current students, and checking out what is actually available right now. What I found is that while the area can be pricey, there are definitely some hidden gems that will not leave you eating two-minute noodles for every meal.

The thing about studying at Wits is that location really matters. Braamfontein can get pretty hectic, especially at night, so you want somewhere that is close enough to campus but also feels safe. Plus, nobody wants to spend half their day commuting when they could be studying or actually having a social life.

What You Actually Need to Think About

Before I jump into the actual places, let me share something I learned the hard way – cheap is not always better. I know a guy who found a place for like R1,500 a month, but he was spending R800 on transport and the electricity was always being cut off. Do the math properly.

Here is what actually matters: Can you walk to campus safely? Is there decent security? Can you actually study there, or is it too noisy? And honestly, will you be able to make friends? University is about more than just going to lectures.

Some places look amazing online but turn out to be total dumps. Others might not have fancy websites but are actually really solid. That is why I tried to get real feedback from people who have actually lived in these places.

The Best Student Places I Found

1. Born Free Student Residence

This place is literally right next to campus – like, you can probably hear the engineering students complaining about their assignments from your room. It is only about 200 meters from the main entrance, which is insane for convenience.

What I really like about Born Free is that they actually care about their students. They have proper security with fingerprint access (not just some security guard who might be sleeping), and the management team actually tries to help when students have problems.

The basics:

• Three minutes to get to campus
• Really good security setup
• Management that actually gives a damn
• Feels more like a community than just a place to crash

You will pay: Around R3,500 to R4,500 per month Perfect if: You hate commuting and want to roll out of bed five minutes before your first lecture

2. Braamfontein Gate Apartments

You cannot miss this building – it is the tallest thing in Braamfontein. Living here is pretty cool because you get proper city views, and there are different types of rooms depending on how much you want to spend.

The cheapest option is around R2,500, which is honestly not bad for what you get. You can choose between sharing with someone or getting your own space. The building itself is modern and well-maintained.

What you get:

• Epic city views (great for Instagram)
• Different room types for different budgets
• Right in the middle of everything
• Decent facilities without breaking the bank

You will pay: R2,500 to R4,000 per month Perfect if: You want to live somewhere that looks impressive but still need to watch your budget

3. Thrive Student Living – Apex Studios

Thrive is one of those places that actually gets what students need. Everything comes furnished, so you do not have to stress about buying a bed or desk or any of that stuff. They have private studios if you want your own space, or you can share an apartment with other people.

The rooms are designed properly – like, they actually have decent study areas and the furniture is not falling apart. It feels quite modern and professional.

The deal:

• Everything is already furnished
• Proper study spaces in every room
• Choose between private or shared living
• Modern facilities that actually work

You will pay: R3,200 to R4,800 per month
Perfect if: You want somewhere modern and do not want the hassle of buying furniture

4. Rise Student Living – Units on Jorissen

Rise is right in the heart of Braamfontein, which means you are close to everything – campus, shops, restaurants, the works. They are NSFAS accredited, which is huge if you are getting financial aid.

The security is solid, and you are close to all the transport links if you need to get around the city. Plus, Braamfontein has gotten way cooler over the past few years with all the new cafes and cultural stuff happening.

What is good:

• NSFAS approved (this is important)
• Perfect Braamfontein location
• Decent security measures
• Easy to get around from here

You will pay: R3,000 to R4,200 per month Perfect if: You are on NSFAS and want to be in the middle of everything

5. 56 Jorissen Luxury Student Residence

Okay, so this place is a bit fancy, but hear me out. The rooftop terrace is absolutely incredible – you get amazing views of the city, and it is perfect for studying outside or just hanging out with friends.

Yes, it costs more than some other places, but if you can swing it, the facilities are really good. They have proper study areas, social spaces where you can actually meet people, and everything feels quite upmarket.

Why it is cool:

• Rooftop terrace with sick views
• Really good study facilities
• Social areas where you can meet people
• Modern, stylish setup

You will pay: R4,500 to R6,500 per month Perfect if: You want somewhere a bit fancy and do not mind paying extra for good facilities

6. Gateway Student Accommodation

Gateway specifically caters to UJ and Wits students, and they are NSFAS accredited, which makes things easier if you are getting financial aid. They have places in Braamfontein, Doornfontein, and Auckland Park, so you have options.

The focus here is on being affordable and accessible, especially for students who really need to watch their money. They understand the financial pressure students are under.

The basics:

• NSFAS friendly
• Multiple locations to choose from
• Focused on affordability
• Understands student financial challenges

You will pay: R2,800 to R3,800 per month Perfect if: You are on financial aid and need something reliable but affordable

7. South Point Student Accommodation

South Point houses nearly 5,000 students, which means you are basically living in a small city of students. This can be awesome if you love being around people and want to make lots of friends.

Because they operate on such a huge scale, they can keep prices competitive while still offering decent facilities. You will definitely not be lonely here.

What makes it special:

• Massive student community (like, seriously huge)
• Easy to make friends and network
• Competitive pricing because of the scale
• Multiple buildings to choose from

You will pay: R3,000 to R4,500 per month Perfect if: You love being around people and want an active social life

8. The Birches Backpacker Lodge

This place is a bit different – it is technically a backpacker lodge, but they welcome long-term student residents. The atmosphere is super relaxed and homely, and they even have a swimming pool, which is rare for student accommodation.

It is not fancy, but sometimes that is exactly what you want. The owners are really approachable, and it feels more like staying with family than in a corporate residence.

What is different:

• Swimming pool (seriously, how cool is that?)
• Really relaxed, homely vibe
• Flexible about accommodation arrangements
• Budget-friendly without being sketchy

You will pay: R2,200 to R3,200 per month Perfect if: You want somewhere chilled and community-oriented

9. Campus Central Premium Student Accommodation

Campus Central really focuses on safety and professional management, which matters a lot in Johannesburg. Students who live there always mention feeling secure and well-looked-after.

They operate in both Johannesburg and Pretoria, so they have experience and systems in place. The management team is professional, and they take safety seriously.

Why students like it:

• Professional management team
• Really good safety standards
• Locations in multiple cities
• Strong sense of community

You will pay: R4,000 to R5,500 per month Perfect if: Safety is your top priority and you want professional management

10. Student Housing Soweto

Now, this option is quite different. It is much further from campus, but the savings are massive. If you are really tight on money and do not mind commuting, this could work.

You also get a completely different cultural experience living in Soweto, which could be really valuable. They have over 15 properties, so they know what they are doing, and they focus on keeping students safe.

The trade-off:

• Serious money savings
• Authentic cultural experience
• Safe, managed properties
• You will need to plan your transport

You will pay: R1,800 to R2,800 per month Perfect if: You are really watching your budget and do not mind commuting

Quick Comparison of Your Options

My Honest Advice on Choosing

Look, I have seen too many students make decisions they regret later. Here is what actually matters:

Do not just look at the monthly rent. Add up everything – transport, food, utilities, internet. That cheap place might end up costing you more if you are taking taxis every day.

Safety is not negotiable in Johannesburg. I do not care how much money you save – if you do not feel safe walking to and from your place, it is not worth it. Check out the area during the day and at night if you can.

Visit the place in person. Photos lie. That beautiful room in the ad might be the only decent one in the building. Talk to current residents if you can – they will tell you what is really going on.

Think about your personality. Are you someone who studies better in silence, or do you like background noise? Do you need lots of social interaction, or do you prefer your own space? Pick somewhere that matches how you actually live and study.

Making Your Place Work for You

Whatever you choose, remember that your accommodation is not just somewhere to sleep. This is where you will be spending a lot of time, making friends, and probably having some of the best (and most stressful) times of your life.

Get to know your neighbors. Some of my best friendships started with someone knocking on my door to borrow sugar or complain about the noise from upstairs. Student accommodation is where you meet people from completely different backgrounds who end up becoming lifelong friends.

Be cool with the management and maintenance staff. Trust me on this one – when your shower breaks or you lock yourself out, these are the people who will save your life. A little respect and kindness goes a long way.

Conclusion

Finding good student accommodation near Wits is definitely possible, but it takes some work. Start looking early – the good places get snapped up quickly, especially for first semester.

Do not stress too much about finding the perfect place. Sometimes the best experiences come from places that seem a bit rough around the edges. I know people who lived in what looked like dumps but had the time of their lives because of the community they built there.

Your accommodation choice will definitely affect your university experience, but it is not everything. You can make almost anywhere work if you approach it with the right attitude. Focus on what really matters to you – whether that is being close to campus, having a strong social scene, or just keeping costs down – and choose accordingly.

The most important thing is that you feel safe, comfortable, and able to focus on your studies when you need to. Everything else is just bonus points.

Good luck with the search, and remember – this is all part of the adventure of being a student. Embrace it, even when it feels overwhelming. You have got this.