Student accommodation near UKZN: a guide to every campus
The University of KwaZulu-Natal has five campuses spread across Durban, Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg, so "accommodation near UKZN" depends entirely on where your lectures are. University residence places are limited, and many students live in private accommodation nearby. Here is where students typically look for each campus. Residence fees and application dates change every year, so confirm those on ukzn.ac.za.
Howard College (Durban)
Howard College sits on the Berea ridge above Durban. Students mostly live in Glenwood, Umbilo, Berea and Musgrave, which offer a mix of communes, flats and private residences within a short walk, taxi or bus ride. Browse listings near UKZN Howard College.
Westville campus
The Westville campus is inland, in a suburban area with less student housing on its doorstep. Students look in Westville itself, Reservoir Hills and along the routes into the campus; many rely on university or private shuttles, so check transport before you sign.
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine
The medical school is in Umbilo, next to King Edward VIII Hospital, so Umbilo, Glenwood and Berea are the practical choices, especially with clinical hours that start early and finish late. See listings near the medical school.
Edgewood (Pinetown)
Edgewood, the education campus, is in Pinetown, west of Durban. Accommodation nearby is mostly rooms and cottages in Pinetown and surrounding suburbs; supply is smaller than around Howard College, so start early.
Pietermaritzburg campus
In Pietermaritzburg most students live in Scottsville, the suburb around the campus, with Pelham and Hayfields close by. Browse listings near UKZN Pietermaritzburg or all Pietermaritzburg accommodation.
What to check before you book
- Which campus your programme is actually taught on - some move between campuses.
- How you will get to campus, and home again after dark. See our getting to campus guide.
- Security: access control, burglar bars and secure parking matter in Durban suburbs.
- Whether the property is NSFAS-accredited if you are funded - Durban listings with the NSFAS filter on.
- Water and power backup, and what the rent includes.
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Browse accommodation near UKZNFrequently asked questions
Where do UKZN Howard College students live?
Mostly in Glenwood, Umbilo, Berea and Musgrave, which are close to the campus and have a large supply of communes, flats and private student residences.
Is there student accommodation near UKZN Westville?
Yes, but less of it is within walking distance. Students live in Westville, Reservoir Hills and nearby suburbs and often use shuttles, so check transport before signing.
Where do UKZN Pietermaritzburg students stay?
Scottsville is the main student suburb, with Pelham and Hayfields nearby.
Does UKZN have NSFAS-accredited private accommodation?
UKZN students can use accredited private accommodation. Confirm accreditation for the specific property with the university and NSFAS before you sign.
When should I look for UKZN accommodation?
Start 4-6 months before the academic year. Rooms closest to Howard College and in Scottsville go first.