By Daniëlle Gerber
It is that time of the year when you have to start preparing for the next – that could look like moving into Stellenbosch for the first time or simply moving locations to see a new spot. Either way, it can be quite daunting to know where to go. That is why we have decided to give a crash-course on different places in Stellenbosch to stay based on your needs and wants.
Firstly, let’s get some lingo out of the way – beneficial for when you are scouring Facebook or Instagram for some local options. So, ‘digs’ – a ‘digs’refers to a house where you rent a room in a student house. This includes shared amenities like bathrooms and kitchens, with a private or shared room. Flat – this one is quite obvious and refers to an apartment that you would share with fewer people with more private amenities.
Moreover, what about the different areas in Stellenbosch? It could be quite tricky to know which areas are good for students, especially as a novice to the town – so find below a few options with descriptions of locations and price points. The best prices will definitely be found in the university residences or accommodation options – with some good senior (third year and up) accommodation being the LLL initiative, the LLL village, and Huis De Villiers.
Find some options based on the different locations here:
1. Very Central Stellenbosch Accommodation
– Soeteweide Road
Soeteweide Road runs parallel to Merrimen Street, offering a more sheltered and community-based avenue for student accommodation. Here you are most likely to find digs or private res structures, like Campus Key. This is a very sought-after location, and the prices definitely reflect this.
– Bergzicht Plaza and surrounds
Bergzicht Plaza is an expansive apartment block near Eikestad Mall and the BA Building, therefore making it a good middle point between student life and basic life maintenance. It can be a noisy spot considering the nightlife culture and is on the pricier side, but a good option for sharing accommodation in a convenient location.
2. A little further out
– Nouveau Complex and nearby Stellenbosch accommodation
Nouveau is about a ten-minute (give or take) walk from campus and offers beautiful apartments with a complex pool. The best spots to grab here are the loft apartments, especially for the beautiful top-floor view. This is a popular destination amongst students and has a bustling culture and better prices.
– The Niche
The Niche is situated in another student-dense area with a few apartment buildings in a row. This is a good location to explore due to its proximity to Stellenbosch, social life, and price point.
Now you have a few locations worth checking out in Stellenbosch. Find accommodation placed further out in part two. Do note that due to parking scarcity – and the ever-increasing fuel prices – getting accommodation closer to campus for more might actually work out in your favour, especially as an undergraduate student. Further-away places do come with their benefits, though, so do not miss it!
