The University of Johannesburg has campuses spread across the city — Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein and Soweto. Finding the right student accommodation near UJ means understanding which campus you'll be on, what neighbourhood fits your lifestyle, and what you can realistically afford.

Know Your Campus First

UJ isn't one campus — it's four. Before you look at accommodation, confirm which campus your course is based on. Engineering and science students are often at Doornfontein. Arts, humanities and many commerce modules are at Auckland Park. Education is at Soweto. The wrong neighbourhood means a long, expensive commute every day.

The best residence is the one closest to your lecture venue. Everything else is a compromise.

Braamfontein and Auckland Park

Braamfontein and Auckland Park are the heart of UJ student life. Braamfontein is vibrant, social and walking distance to both UJ and Wits — you're in the middle of Johannesburg's student energy. Auckland Park is slightly quieter, more residential, and very close to UJ's Kingsway and Bunting Road campuses.

CJ Students operates YW Junction in Braamfontein, designed for Wits and UJ students who want campus and city life on their doorstep. 16 Lime Street in Auckland Park offers a more private, upmarket option — 63 fully furnished single rooms for students who want their own space close to UJ.

Newtown and Doornfontein

Newtown is where culture meets student life — galleries, markets, music venues and a growing student community. Mill Junction, a 14-storey converted industrial silo, is CJ Students' Newtown residence, home to 371 students with city views and rooftop social spaces. It's walking distance to UJ and well-placed for Wits students too.

Bertrams Mews in the New Doornfontein and Bertrams area serves UJ and Central Johannesburg TVET College students — a 222-bed community with free Wi-Fi, parking, study areas and laundry. It's straightforward, connected student living close to campus.

What to Look For

When choosing accommodation near UJ, prioritise:

  • Distance to your specific campus — not just "near UJ" but near your campus
  • Security — secure access, on-site presence, and safe walking routes
  • Wi-Fi — you'll need it for assignments, research and online assessments
  • Study spaces — dedicated areas that aren't your bed
  • Transport links — for days you can't walk or need to get across the city

A residence is more than a bed. It's where you study, eat, rest and build your community. Choose accordingly.

Budgeting for Johannesburg

Johannesburg student living ranges from affordable shared rooms to more premium single options. Decide what matters most — privacy, location, amenities, social life — and budget around that. Remember to factor in transport, food, data and personal expenses, not just rent.

Many CJ Students residences offer payment plans that spread costs across the year. If you're on NSFAS, check which residences are accredited — your allowance can be applied directly to accredited accommodation.

Making the Move

Once you've chosen, apply early. The best residences near UJ fill up fast, especially for the January intake. Use the Register journey if you're new to CJ Students, or the Returning journey if you've lived with us before. Have your documents ready — ID, proof of registration and any funding letters.

Student accommodation near UJ is about more than proximity. It's about finding a community that supports your degree, your safety and your growth. Take the time to choose well — it's one of the most important decisions of your university life.