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How to Choose Student Accommodation in Cape Town: A Guide

Complete guide to finding CPUT student accommodation in Cape Town. Learn about options, budgeting, application process, and essential amenities checklist.

Published on: 2/15/2026

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Finding the right student accommodation in Cape Town can feel overwhelming, especially with CPUT's residence shortage in 2026. With 16,200 campus beds fully occupied and thousands of students competing for private accommodation, knowing what to look for and how to secure a place early is crucial. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from understanding your options to signing a lease with confidence.

Before You Start: Know Your Eligibility

Before diving into accommodation searches, it's essential to understand whether you qualify for financial assistance and what that means for your housing options. NSFAS funding comes with specific requirements that affect where you can live and how much support you'll receive.

  • Do you qualify for NSFAS? (Must live 60km+ from campus, need 60% pass rate for continuing students)

  • Campus-owned residences are full (16,200 beds, all occupied) - you'll likely need private accommodation

  • Start early - the accommodation crisis is real in 2026

  • NSFAS has a cap on private accommodation allowances - you're liable for any shortfall

Step 1: Understand Your Accommodation Options

CPUT students have several accommodation pathways, each with different availability, costs, and application processes. Knowing the difference between university-owned, leased, and private options will help you target your search effectively and avoid wasting time on unavailable options.

  • University-owned residences (currently full - 16,200 beds occupied)

  • University-leased residences (limited availability, managed by CPUT)

  • CPUT-accredited private accommodation (4,000+ beds available, meets university standards)

  • Non-accredited private rentals (more options, but no university oversight)

Step 2: Location Matters More Than You Think

Your accommodation's location affects everything from your daily commute time and transport costs to your safety and access to campus facilities. CPUT has multiple campuses across Cape Town, so choosing accommodation near the right one is critical.

  • Bellville vs Cape Town campus - confirm which campus your course is based at

  • Proximity to shuttle services - most residences aren't walking distance, you'll need transport

  • Safety of the surrounding area - research crime statistics and ask current students

  • Distance from campus - affects daily commute costs and time (factor in Cape Town traffic)

  • Access to amenities - shops, banks, medical facilities nearby

Step 3: Essential Amenities Checklist

Not all student accommodation is created equal. Some places offer comprehensive facilities while others provide only the basics. Knowing what amenities are essential versus nice-to-have will help you evaluate options and avoid unpleasant surprises after moving in.

Must-haves:

  • Security features - 24-hour surveillance, controlled access, on-site security staff

  • High-speed Wi-Fi - critical for assignments, research, and online learning

  • Study spaces - quiet areas separate from social spaces for focused work

  • Laundry facilities - on-site washing machines (check if coin-operated or included)

  • Kitchen equipment - residences are self-catering, but you must bring your own crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils

  • Bedding and padlocks - you must bring your own (not provided by residences)

Nice-to-haves:

  • Common social areas

  • Gym or recreation facilities

  • Meal plan options

  • Cleaning services

Step 4: Budget Planning Beyond Just Rent

Rent is only part of your accommodation costs. Understanding the full financial picture helps you avoid budget shortfalls mid-year and ensures you can afford your chosen accommodation for the entire academic year.

  • NSFAS cap - private accommodation allowances have limits; you're liable for any shortfall

  • What's included? - some places include Wi-Fi, utilities, and laundry (saves money long-term)

  • Factor in all costs:

    • Monthly rent

    • Utilities (electricity, water if not included)

    • Groceries and meals (self-catering means cooking costs)

    • Transport to campus (daily shuttle or taxi costs)

    • Deposit and upfront fees

  • Hidden costs - laundry tokens, printing, locker rentals

Step 5: Application Process & Timeline

Timing is everything in Cape Town's competitive student accommodation market. Understanding the application process and key deadlines ensures you don't miss out on the best options or lose your NSFAS funding due to paperwork issues.

  • Apply early - private accommodation applications opened January 16, 2026 (don't wait)

  • For NSFAS students:

    • Use the Fundi platform for applications

    • Your landlord must register the property with NSFAS

    • Ensure accommodation meets NSFAS requirements

  • Required documents:

    • Signed lease agreement

    • Proof of home address (no affidavits accepted - must be official documents)

    • Student number and registration proof

    • ID copy

  • Priority groups:

    • Female first-year students get priority for campus residences

    • Continuing students need 60% pass rate for NSFAS accommodation funding

Step 6: Questions to Ask Before Signing

Before committing to any lease, protect yourself by asking the right questions. A thorough conversation with the landlord or residence manager now can prevent disputes, unexpected costs, and safety issues later.

About the property:

  • Is the property CPUT-accredited?

  • What's included in the monthly rent? (Wi-Fi, utilities, security, cleaning)

  • Are there any additional monthly fees?

Lease terms:

  • What's the lease duration? (academic year vs 12-month contract)

  • Deposit amount and refund conditions?

  • Notice period for ending the lease?

  • What happens if you need to leave early?

Facilities & services:

  • Is there a shuttle service to campus? (cost and schedule)

  • Study facilities and quiet hours policy?

  • Maintenance response time?

  • Guest policy and visiting hours?

Safety & support:

  • What security measures are in place?

  • Emergency contacts and procedures?

  • On-site staff availability?

  • How are complaints or issues handled?

Next Steps: Taking Action on Your Accommodation Search

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to start your search. The Cape Town student accommodation market moves fast, especially between January and March when thousands of students are securing places. Acting quickly and staying organised will give you the best chance of finding quality accommodation that fits your budget and needs.

Immediate actions:

  • Contact CPUT Housing Office - Get the current list of accredited private accommodation providers

  • Register on Fundi (for NSFAS students) - This is your official platform for private accommodation applications

    • Ensure your NSFAS status is confirmed first

    • Upload all required documents early

  • Visit shortlisted properties - Never sign a lease without seeing the property in person

    • Check actual room conditions, not just photos

    • Meet the landlord or residence manager

    • Talk to current residents if possible

  • Prepare your documents - Have these ready before you start applying:

    • Certified ID copy

    • Proof of CPUT registration

    • Proof of home address (official documents only)

    • Bank statements (some landlords require these)

    • References (previous landlord or character references)

Always verify the current accreditation status with CPUT Housing Office before signing.

Red flags to avoid:

  • Landlords are unwilling to provide written lease agreements

  • Properties requiring a full-year payment upfront

  • No security measures or safety features

  • Landlords pressuring you to sign immediately without viewing

  • Accommodation not registered with NSFAS (if you're an NSFAS student)

  • No clear complaint or maintenance procedure

Timeline to follow:

  • January-February: Start searching and viewing properties

  • February-March: Secure accommodation before the academic year starts

  • Throughout the year: Keep communication open with your landlord and report issues promptly

Final tip: Join CPUT student Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities. Current students often share accommodation tips, warn about problem landlords, and post available rooms before they hit official listings.

Need help? Contact the CPUT Student Housing Office - they're there to assist you through this process.