A first-year’s guide to Johannesburg universities and the neighbourhoods around them

Starting university in Johannesburg is about more than lectures, timetables and student cards.  It’s about learning the city, figuring out where to eat between classes, where to decompress after exams, and which neighbourhoods slowly start to feel like home.

For many, attending university is the first time they're truly on their own, and that's a good thing, but it can also be a little scary. Whether you’re new to Joburg or just new to campus life, here’s a quick, city-savvy guide to Joburg’s major universities and what to do around them.

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Where: Braamfontein
The vibe: Academic, activist, inner-city energy

Wits sits right in the thick of the city, and that’s part of its appeal. The campus is walkable, historic and deeply tied to Joburg’s political and cultural history.

Around campus:

Wits is woven into the fabric of Braamfontein, one of Joburg’s most energetic inner-city neighbourhoods. Students are spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee, with spots like Father Coffee and Bean There nearby, while casual eateries and late-night bites are always within reach. For a culture fix, Constitution Hill, the Wits Art Museum and the Origins Centre sit within walking distance. After hours, the city comes alive with venues like Untitled Basement, Mamakashaka and Play Braamfontein, making it easy to switch from lectures to nightlife without leaving the neighbourhood.

Braamfontein is ideal if you enjoy being in the heart of the action. It’s busy, creative and never boring.

Also read:  Wits and UJ among South Africa’s top universities in global rankings

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Where: Multiple campuses (Auckland Park, Bunting Road, Doornfontein, Soweto)
The vibe: Diverse, dynamic, big-campus energy

UJ is spread across the city, but Auckland Park remains one of its most social hubs. The university’s scale means you’ll meet people from everywhere, and there’s always something happening.

Around campus:

UJ’s Auckland Park campus sits right next to some of Joburg’s most student-friendly neighbourhoods. Melville is packed with cafés and casual eateries, while the nearby Melville Koppies offer a welcome green escape when you need a break from screens. Evenings often spill onto 7th Street, where low-key bars and live music spots make it easy to unwind after class.

UJ students tend to get to know Johannesburg quickly; commuting between campuses and neighbourhoods turns everyday life into a crash course in the city.

IIE MSA (formerly Monash South Africa)

Where: Ruimsig
The vibe: Quiet, scenic, international

Set away from the city bustle, IIE MSA offers a calmer university experience, with beautiful views and a more contained campus lifestyle.

Around campus:

Life around IIE MSA is quieter and more nature-focused. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are nearby, making it perfect for study breaks and weekend resets. Meanwhile, Featherbrooke Village covers everyday essentials, groceries, and casual dining. Social life is mainly campus-driven during the week, with many students heading into Johannesburg on weekends for a bigger night out.

This campus suits students who value structure, space and a calmer pace over constant city buzz.

Varsity College

Where: Sandton and Waterfall (Midrand)

The vibe: Career-focused, flexible, city-smart

Varsity College is well-suited for students who want their studies to mirror the realities of working life. With campuses in Sandton and Waterfall, Midrand, it places students close to Johannesburg’s key business and lifestyle nodes, making it ideal if you’re balancing lectures with part-time work, internships, or entrepreneurial side projects.

Around campus:

Sandton students are spoiled for choice, with Sandton City, The Marc, and an endless supply of cafés perfect for study sessions or post-class meet-ups. The Waterfall campus offers a more contained, modern environment, with Mall of Africa, walking paths and fitness studios nearby, great for students who want convenience without the inner-city bustle.

Varsity College attracts independent, career-driven students who want a university experience that’s closely tied to the rhythms of Johannesburg life.

Wherever you land, remember that these are the best years of your life, and there's no better time to explore Johannesbug than during your student years. That is, after all, when most of us fall in love with this gritty city.  

RECOMMENDED

🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg

Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!