Top 10 Low-Cost Student Flats In Durban 2025
Looking for student housing in Durban without breaking the bank? Trust me, I know how stressful this can be. Between trying to keep up with your studies and watching every penny, finding decent accommodation that does not cost a fortune feels impossible sometimes.
Having spent considerable time researching student housing options around the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology, I have put together this list of genuinely affordable places where you can live comfortably while studying. These are not fancy penthouses, but they are clean, safe, and most importantly, they will not drain your bank account dry.
1. Victoria Embankment Shared Living Spaces
What you will pay: 1400 to 1600 rand monthly per person Where it is: Right across from Durban Harbour
This place surprised me with how much you get for the price. The location alone makes it worth considering – you are literally opposite the harbour, which means getting around town is incredibly easy. Everything comes furnished, so you do not need to worry about buying furniture on a student budget.
What makes this deal even sweeter is that your rent covers water, electricity, and internet. No surprise bills at the end of the month. You will pay a one-time fee of 600 rand when you move in, but after that, your monthly expenses are predictable.
The area connects you to both major universities without too much hassle. Plus, being in the city center means shops, banks, and restaurants are all within walking distance.
2. Godsolve Student Housing in Umbilo and Glenwood
What you will pay: 2350 to 2900 rand monthly Where it is: Umbilo and Glenwood neighborhoods
Here is something different – student accommodation that actually cares about your personal development. Godsolve does not just give you a room; they offer life coaching sessions every week at no extra cost. Sounds cheesy, but many students find these sessions genuinely helpful for managing stress and staying motivated.
The practical stuff is solid too. Fast internet throughout the building, gas stoves so you can still cook during load shedding, a small gym, and quiet study areas. They maintain a strict no-drinking, no-smoking environment, which might not suit everyone, but it definitely keeps things peaceful.
If you are the type of person who benefits from structure and support, this could be perfect. The sharing rooms start at 2350 rand per bed, which is reasonable considering what you get.
3. Rick Turner Road Student Residence
What you will pay: 3000 rand monthly Where it is: Same road as University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College
The location here is unbeatable if you study at Howard College. You can literally walk to your lectures, which saves both time and transport money over the course of a year. That adds up more than you might think.
Each room has its own bathroom and small kitchen area, plus there is a swimming pool and dedicated study spaces. The building accepts National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding, which makes the application process smoother if you are getting financial assistance.
The automated gate system works well for students with cars, and the entertainment areas give you space to socialize without having to spend money going out all the time.
4. Berea Heights Bachelor Apartments
What you will pay: 3800 rand (or 1500 rand per person if sharing) Where it is: Berea area, central Durban
These apartments work brilliantly for students willing to share. At 1500 rand per person, you get your own proper apartment with separate kitchen and bathroom facilities. Water is included in the rent, and you control your electricity costs with a prepaid meter.
Parking costs extra at 250 rand monthly, but the central location means you might not even need a car. The area has good public transport connections to both universities, plus you are close to Durban’s main shopping and entertainment districts.
5. Chatsworth Garden Cottage
What you will pay: 2700 to 2800 rand monthly Where it is: Bottlebrush Crescent, Crossmoor, Chatsworth
This two-bedroom cottage gives you way more space than typical student accommodation. Perfect if you need room for books, projects, or just want somewhere that feels more like a proper home than a dorm room.
The kitchen is properly equipped with modern fittings, and you get both hot and cold water in the shower. There is covered parking for one car, and the property has night security, which provides peace of mind.
The yard space is a bonus – great for studying outdoors when the weather is nice or just getting some fresh air between classes.
6. South Beach Oceanfront Apartment
What you will pay: 2500 rand per person (shared arrangement) Where it is: South Beach, right on the beachfront
Living on the beach while studying might sound too good to be true, but this sharing arrangement makes it possible. The apartment has a modern kitchen with granite counters and a private balcony where you can actually see the ocean.
Security is taken seriously here with cameras and 24-hour guards. There is an elevator, so you do not have to carry groceries and textbooks up multiple flights of stairs. The location means you can go for beach walks to clear your head during exam stress.
Public transport from here to both universities is reliable, and honestly, having the beach as your backyard makes the slightly higher cost worth it for many students.
7. Moses Kotane Road Bachelor Unit in Sydenham
What you will pay: 6250 rand monthly Where it is: Moses Kotane Road, Sydenham
This modern unit gives you everything in one space – open plan design with a proper kitchen that has stone countertops and built-in appliances including a fridge, microwave, and washing machine. No sharing facilities with anyone else.
The complex has good security with automated gates and elevator access. You get one parking space, and the location puts you walking distance from supermarkets and other essentials.
While this is at the higher end of our budget range, you are essentially getting a complete, independent living setup that many students find worth the extra cost.
8. Morningside Bachelor Unit
What you will pay: 7000 rand monthly Where it is: Morningside suburb
Morningside is one of those areas where you immediately feel safer and more settled. This bachelor unit puts you in a leafy, established neighborhood with good security and easy access to Musgrave Centre for shopping.
The unit has secure parking behind electric gates and your own washing line area. Electricity is prepaid, so you control those costs directly. The highway access makes getting to other parts of the city quick when needed.
This represents the upper limit of affordable student housing, but the location and peace of mind often justify the cost for students who can stretch their budget this far.
9. Glenhills Furnished Unit in Durban North
What you will pay: 10500 rand monthly Where it is: Glenhills, Durban North
This fully furnished one-bedroom place in Durban North is definitely pushing the budget boundaries, but it gives you a taste of post-graduation living while still studying. Everything is included – quality furniture, kitchen equipment, modern shower, and secure parking.
The area feels more like suburban living than typical student accommodation. Professional management means maintenance issues get resolved quickly, and the neighborhood is quiet and safe.
Only consider this if your budget genuinely allows it without compromising your ability to buy food and textbooks.
10. Manor Gardens Shared House
What you will pay: 2000 rand per student Where it is: Rand Road, Manor Gardens
This four-bedroom house with two bathrooms creates a proper student house experience. You share with three other students, but having two bathrooms means less morning queuing, and the swimming pool provides great relaxation space.
The house comes fully furnished, and the established residential area has good security. Transport connections to both universities work well from this location.
House sharing teaches you life skills and often creates lasting friendships. At 2000 rand per person, it offers excellent value while giving you much more space than typical student accommodation.
What You Should Know Before Choosing
Getting the right student accommodation requires thinking beyond just the monthly rent. Here are some practical things I learned during my research:
Money matters extend beyond rent. Even when utilities are included, budget for groceries, transport, and occasional maintenance issues. Some places look cheap until you add up all the extras.
Location affects more than convenience. Living closer to university saves transport money and study time, but sometimes slightly further locations offer much better value if the transport connections work reliably.
Safety should not be negotiable. Research the crime statistics for different areas and prioritize places with proper security measures. Your personal safety is worth paying a bit extra for.
Read your lease agreement properly. Understand exactly what happens if you need to leave early, how much deposit you need upfront, and what notice period applies. Student circumstances can change quickly.
Sharing arrangements need clear agreements. When splitting costs with other students, establish upfront who pays what and when. Money disagreements can ruin friendships and living situations.
Conclusion
Durban offers numerous student housing options under 5000 rand monthly, from the super affordable Victoria Embankment shared spaces at 1400 rand to comprehensive programs like Godsolve that include personal development support.
Success in finding the right place comes down to balancing cost with location, amenities, and safety requirements. Start looking early in the year, visit places in person whenever possible, and ask detailed questions about what your rent actually covers.
Your accommodation choice will significantly impact both your academic performance and overall university experience. The right environment should support your studies while providing the comfort and security you need to succeed.
Whether you want beachfront living at South Beach, the structured support at Godsolve, or the central convenience of Victoria Embankment, Durban has quality options that will work with student budgets. Take time to evaluate what matters most to you, and you will find a great place to call home during your university years.
Looking for more student tips? Check out our other guides below on managing university expenses, essential items for student living, and making the most of your time studying in Durban.