International students usually choose between university halls, private purpose-built student accommodation, shared private rentals and homestays, and the rules on deposits and first payments differ by country and by university. This guide explains each option, shows the payment rules a few universities and the English government publish, and lists what to confirm before you pay.
Details come from the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand and GOV.UK, checked on 30 October 2026. I have not quoted general rent ranges, because rents vary by city and I could not verify averages against reliable sources. Always check the provider’s own current figures.
The main types of student accommodation
- University halls or residences: run by the university, usually close to campus and often the simplest option for a first year. Places can be limited and are not always guaranteed.
- Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): private buildings designed for students, usually with a single management company and a fixed contract.
- Shared private rentals: a room in a house or flat rented from a landlord or agent. You deal with the landlord directly, and bills are often separate.
- Homestays: a room in a local family’s home, where rules such as meals and guests are set by the host.
- Hostels and short stays: useful for your first few days while you view rooms, rather than for a full year.
What international students may have to pay first
Some universities ask international students for a larger payment before arrival than local students. Three examples, in South African rand (R):
| University | What it says for international students |
|---|---|
| Wits (2026) | Pay 75% of annual residence and meal fees before admission |
| Stellenbosch | A first residence instalment of R25,000 plus a R15,000 meal quota on or before registration |
| University of Cape Town (2026) | The first residence payment is required before registration, in addition to international academic fees |
See our guides for Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Cape Town for the full details.
Deposit and fee rules in England
If you rent privately in England, GOV.UK says the maximum deposit is five weeks’ rent for annual rent under £50,000, and a holding deposit cannot exceed one week’s rent. A landlord or agent must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and must return it within 10 days of you both agreeing the amount. The guidance does not say whether university halls or student licences are covered, so ask your provider. Our student accommodation checklist sets out the full list of payments that are and are not allowed. Other countries have different rules, so check the local tenancy law before you pay.
What to confirm before you pay
- Who the landlord or provider is. Check the university’s own accommodation office first, and be cautious of anyone who refuses a viewing.
- The total cost. Ask what the rent includes: utilities, internet, furniture, meals and any booking or admin fees.
- The contract. Check its length, the notice period, what happens if your visa is refused or your course changes, and how the deposit is protected.
- The room itself. View it in person, or ask for a live video tour of the actual room.
- The paperwork you will need. Ask what documents the provider requires, such as an offer letter, proof of identity or a guarantor, before you apply.
- Written confirmation. Never pay before you have a written agreement.
FAQs about accommodation for international students
Is university accommodation guaranteed for international students?
It depends on the university. Stellenbosch, for example, says placement cannot be guaranteed. Check your offer and the accommodation page of your university.
When should I start looking?
As soon as you receive your offer. Some universities close residence applications well before term, such as Stellenbosch on 31 July for the following year.
Can I pay a deposit before I have a visa?
Ask the provider in writing what happens to your payment if your visa is refused. I could not verify a general rule, so rely on the contract terms.
Sources
- Wits University: residence fees
- Stellenbosch University: what prospective students need to know about accommodation
- University of Cape Town: 2026 fees booklet
- GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act 2019, guidance for tenants
- GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection
All checked 30 October 2026.
