Private student accommodation in Stellenbosch

1. Purpose-built private residences

A purpose-built residence is designed and managed specifically for students: furnished rooms, on-site management, controlled access and shared study and social space. You deal with one professional operator rather than an individual landlord, and the rent usually bundles more in.

The One, Stellenbosch is the clearest example in town: a fully managed development of 508 units in Stellenbosch Central, about 750 metres from the university. Every unit has an en-suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette and a study desk, and the building has 24-hour biometric security, a study centre, fitness centre, pool, cinema, on-site restaurant, coffee shop and convenience store, plus backup power in shared spaces.

On DigsConnect, shared studios are listed from R11,100 per month and private studios from R16,910 per month. 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.

2. Student apartments and flats

Stellenbosch has many apartment blocks close to campus that are let to students, either as a whole flat or room by room. You get independence and your own kitchen, but check carefully what is included: furniture, Wi-Fi, electricity, water and parking are often extra, and security and maintenance depend on the block and the landlord or agent.

3. Shared houses (digs)

A room in a shared house is the classic Stellenbosch set-up from second year onwards and can be the cheapest private route. It also takes the most effort: you need to find housemates, furnish, split bills and manage the relationship with the landlord yourselves. Our housemate guide and lease checklist are worth reading before you commit.

What to check before you sign anything

• Walking distance to your own faculty, not just to "campus" - Stellenbosch is a walking and cycling town.
• Security: access control, on-site security and CCTV.
• What the rent includes: furniture, Wi-Fi, water, electricity, parking and cleaning.
• Backup power and what keeps running during an outage.
• Lease length and deposit: how many months you pay for, and what happens over the holidays.
• Who you are dealing with: use trusted listings and read our student rental scams guide before paying a deposit.

When to apply

Private accommodation close to campus is booked months ahead, often from the middle of the year before. The One is already taking bookings for 2027 - check availability on the DigsConnect listing - and you can browse other trusted options on our Stellenbosch University accommodation page.