Student accommodation in Durban: the complete guide
Durban has two large public universities on its central ridge, a university of technology in Umlazi and a long list of private colleges, all drawing on the same pool of rooms. The good news is that the main student suburbs sit close together, and rents are generally lower than in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Here is how the city works for students.
Which suburb for which campus
- Glenwood and Umbilo: the classic UKZN Howard College and medical school suburbs - communes, flats and private residences, with cafes and shops on Helen Joseph and Bulwer roads.
- Berea, Musgrave and Overport: between UKZN and DUT, so they work for both, and for the private colleges in the area.
- Greyville and the Durban CBD: closest to DUT's Durban campuses, usually the cheapest, with the most taxis and buses.
- Westville and Reservoir Hills: for UKZN Westville.
- Umlazi: for Mangosuthu University of Technology - browse listings near MUT.
- Durban North and Umhlanga: further from the universities, used mostly by students at private colleges in the north.
Getting around
Durban's student suburbs are hilly and spread out, so most students use minibus taxis, the People Mover bus in the city centre, university shuttles or lifts. Before you sign, do the trip to campus at the time you would actually travel. More in our getting to campus guide.
What Durban students should check
- Security: access control, burglar guards, secure parking and a safe route home at night.
- Damp and ventilation - the humidity is hard on badly maintained buildings.
- Water and power backup, and whether Wi-Fi is included.
- NSFAS accreditation if you are funded - Durban listings with the NSFAS filter on.
- The full monthly cost, not just the rent. You can also sort Durban listings by lowest price.
Guides for your university
See our campus guides for UKZN and DUT, or browse all student accommodation in Durban.
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Browse student accommodation in DurbanFrequently asked questions
Where do students live in Durban?
Mainly in Glenwood, Umbilo, Berea, Musgrave, Greyville and the CBD, which are all close to UKZN Howard College and DUT, with Westville for the UKZN Westville campus and Umlazi for MUT.
Is student accommodation in Durban cheaper than Cape Town?
Generally yes, though prices vary by suburb, room type and what is included. Compare current listings rather than relying on averages.
Which Durban suburb is best for DUT students?
Berea, Greyville, Musgrave and the CBD are closest to the Durban campuses.
Is there NSFAS accommodation in Durban?
Yes. Use the NSFAS filter on DigsConnect and confirm accreditation for the specific property with your institution.