Affordable student accommodation in Stellenbosch

The cheapest route: a university residence, if you get in

On rent alone, a Stellenbosch University residence is the most affordable option. SU's published 2026 fees on the Stellenbosch campus start at R61,376 a year for a double room and R74,493 for a single room in a women's residence, excluding meals; the full meal quota adds R36,400. Our residence fees guide has every residence and room type. The limitation is availability: places are limited and not guaranteed.

Sharing is the biggest saving in private accommodation

In private accommodation, the single biggest lever on price is sharing. A room in a shared house, or a shared unit in a residence, costs far less per person than living alone.

At The One, Stellenbosch, a shared studio is listed on DigsConnect from R11,100 per month, against R16,910 per month for a private studio - roughly a third less for the same building, security and facilities. Prices and availability are as shown on the DigsConnect listing at the time of writing and can change, so always confirm the current rate on the listing before you budget around it.

Compare the all-in cost, not the headline rent

A low rent can end up costing more once you add what is missing. Before you compare two places, add these to each:

• Food: a kitchen or kitchenette lets you cook for yourself instead of buying meals.
• Wi-Fi, water and electricity: included or billed separately?
• Furniture: an unfurnished room means buying a bed, desk and fridge.
• Transport: a cheaper room far from campus can mean petrol, parking or a daily commute; within walking distance it is free.
• Gym, laundry and study space: things you would otherwise pay for elsewhere.
• Backup power: cheaper than replacing lost study time in exam season.

Ways to bring the cost down

• Apply for university residence and shortlist private options at the same time, so you are not paying a premium for a last-minute room.
• Share: a shared studio or a room in digs is the quickest way to cut rent.
• Book early. The best-value rooms close to campus go first, and The One is already taking bookings for 2027.
• Ask about lease length, so you know how many months you are paying for.
• If you receive NSFAS funding, read our Stellenbosch NSFAS accommodation guide and confirm accreditation before you sign.
• Build the rest of your budget with our student cost of living guide.

Where The One fits

The One is not the cheapest bed in Stellenbosch and does not pretend to be. Its case is value: for one monthly amount you get a furnished en-suite unit with a kitchenette, 24-hour biometric security, a study centre, gym, pool and on-site food, about 750 metres from the university - and sharing a studio brings that within reach of more budgets. See current prices and availability for The One, Stellenbosch.