Choosing where to live while studying is one of the biggest decisions students (and their parents) make. Whether you’re staying close to home or moving to a brand-new city, the kind of accommodation you choose can have a real impact on your university experience.

While traditional university residences have long been the go-to for many first-year students, private student accommodation (PSA) is growing fast—and for good reason.

Here’s why more and more students are choosing purpose-built private accommodation like CampusKey over standard university housing.

1. Designed With the Student Lifestyle in Mind

University residences often occupy older buildings retrofitted for student living. While that can come with charm, it often means sacrificing modern comfort and functionality.

In contrast, private accommodation providers like CampusKey design their spaces specifically for student life—from layout to tech infrastructure. Think ensuite rooms, high-speed WiFi, modern kitchens, biometric access, and social hubs built for connection.

These aren’t hand-me-down dorms—they’re fully integrated living spaces created for how students live today.

2. Community Without Compromise

University residences tend to focus on quantity—getting as many students in as possible. That can mean crowded kitchens, shared bathrooms, and not much in the way of privacy.

Private student accommodation aims to strike a better balance. At CampusKey, for example, students enjoy the perks of community-driven living—shared lounges, game rooms, gyms, and social events—but with the comfort of their own private space.

You still get the community vibe—without the chaos.

3. More Independence, Still Fully Supported

In traditional uni digs, support often ends at reception. Maintenance might take days, and students are expected to navigate their first year with little day-to-day help.

Purpose-built private residences, however, often offer 24/7 support, on-site staff, and fast maintenance response times. At CampusKey, there’s always someone on hand—whether you need help with your room or just a friendly face.

It’s about building a sense of independence, but with a strong safety net.

4. Better Facilities, Built-In Convenience

Most university halls offer the basics: a bed, desk, shared kitchen, maybe a common area.

Private student accommodation ups the game with features like:

1. Fully equipped gyms
2. Laundry services
3. Study zones
4. Secure biometric access
5. On-site cafés (like CK Mini at CampusKey)
6. Smart TVs and high-speed streaming

It’s not about luxury—it’s about making life easier, so students can focus on what really matters.

5. Wellbeing at the Centre

With the growing pressures of student life, mental health and wellbeing have never been more important.

Purpose-built accommodation providers are more attuned to these needs than ever before. At CampusKey, for instance, everything from building design to event programming is crafted to support student wellness—offering quiet spaces, opportunities to connect, and professional support when needed.

It’s not just accommodation—it’s a lifestyle that supports both academic performance and emotional balance.

6. Greater Choice and Flexibility

University housing can be competitive, limited, and often only available for first-years. Many students are forced to search elsewhere after their first year—often with little guidance.

Private accommodation offers more freedom: various room types, longer-term stays, and consistent quality across years. With CampusKey locations in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and Potchefstroom, students can choose what works best for their lifestyle, their budget, and their future plans.

It’s flexible, consistent, and future-proof.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to student accommodation. University residences can offer a familiar, often social experience—especially for those just starting out. But for students looking for more privacy, comfort, and support, private student accommodation offers a modern alternative.

At CampusKey, we’re proud to offer students the best of both worlds: community, independence, security, and the tools to thrive. Because student life should be more than survival—it should be something to remember.

Explore more about how CampusKey is redefining student living:

👉 www.campuskey.co.za

In an exclusive interview with Louisa, the CampusKey Experience Manager, we delve into the unique aspects that make CampusKey the premier choice for student accommodation.

Core Elements that Define CampusKey

When asked about the core elements that define the CampusKey experience, Louisa shared, “The CampusKey experience is distinguished by its perfect balance between community engagement and sensory delight. Our curated spaces are designed to empower students to grow as strong individuals while fostering connections that help them meet like-minded peers and form lasting friendships. This unique blend of personal development and social interaction sets CampusKey apart from other student accommodations.”

Meeting Gen Z Needs and Preferences

Ensuring that CampusKey meets the unique needs and preferences of Gen Z students is a team effort. Louisa emphasised the importance of staying relevant: “Our dedicated marketing, community , interior and experience team members—and all the CCMCs—play critical roles in this process. Together, we stay up to date with the latest trends, whether it’s in social media or the color of the year, to understand what resonates with Gen Z. By continuously adapting and implementing these insights within our spaces and communities, we create the best possible experience for our students.”

Popular Amenities and Services

Highlighting the popular amenities and services, Louisa mentioned, “At CampusKey, we’ve found that our main social hubs and study spaces are among the most popular amenities for our students. These spaces provide the perfect balance between studying and socializing, allowing students to excel academically while also enjoying vibrant social interactions. Additionally, our amenities offer students a sense of pride, as they can showcase our exceptional facilities to non-CampusKey members.”

She added, “Over my two years at CampusKey, I’ve observed that our ‘connections’—opportunities for students to mingle within our spaces—are particularly valued. These events enable students to engage with both small and large groups, fostering interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds, both international and local.”

The Impact of Community

We introduced weekly 5km coffee runs, and initially, a few individuals who had never run before and struggled to make friends joined these runs. After a few months, they came to me to share that they had entered their first half marathon and had made friends during the coffee runs who would be supporting them in this exciting and new journey. This story warmed my heart, as it demonstrated how our team facilitated connections and helped these students find a healthy balance between their studies, socializing, and sports.”

Continuous Improvement through Feedback

CampusKey continuously improves by gathering student feedback. Louisa explained, “We gather and incorporate student feedback by sending out surveys each term, totaling four per year. These surveys help us understand where we might have fallen short, where we’ve excelled, and where we can make improvements. By closely processing and acting on this feedback, we continuously enhance the living experience at CampusKey.”

Community Events and Social Activities

Community events and social activities play a major role in creating a sense of belonging among CampusKey residents. Louisa highlighted, “We prioritize community connections across each of our six locations, understanding the importance of creating opportunities for students to meet like-minded people and form lasting relationships. Our CCMCs plan events six weeks in advance, aiming to host at least five out of our six connection pillars: social connection, sports and wellness, kindness factory, mental health, workshops, and social responsibility.”

Supporting Academic Success and Well-Being

Supporting academic success and well-being is a top priority at CampusKey. Louisa detailed their approach: “During exam or test periods, we provide all the necessary tools to help students succeed. We host weekly study group connections and have academic mentors available to guide students. We also organize late-night study sessions and host low-key connections designed to alleviate anxiety and stress. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students receive both academic and emotional support.”

Adapting to Trends in Student Accommodation

Louisa observed trends in student accommodation preferences, noting, “We’ve seen that Gen Z values their privacy while still wanting the option of being part of a community. Our private, fully furnished rooms provide the desired privacy, while our weekly connections offer opportunities for forming friendships and engaging in a community. CampusKey helps students prepare for the ‘grown-up world’ by encouraging independence, such as doing their own laundry and cooking their meals. However, we also provide services for when life gets hectic, especially during exam seasons.”

Advice for Other Student Accommodation Providers

Louisa shared valuable advice for other providers: “You can have the latest designer furniture and the coolest technology in your buildings, but if you don’t offer Gen Z students the opportunity to form connections and build a supportive community, you’re missing out. Creating and fostering relationships during these crucial university years is paramount. At CampusKey, we focus on providing numerous opportunities for students to form connections and lasting relationships, which we believe are essential for their growth and future success.”

CampusKey’s commitment to creating an exceptional living experience is evident through its focus on community, personal development, and continuous improvement, setting it apart as a leader in student accommodation.