5 Affordable Student Activities Hidden in Bellville

Ask anyone in Cape Town where students hang out, and they’ll instantly point you to the Southern Suburbs or town. They love to say the Northern Suburbs are boring, but we think they just don't know where the vibes are.

Moving for varsity doesn’t mean sacrificing your social life for sleepy suburban streets. If you’re heading to UWC, CPUT or Eduvos, living out this side is actually perfect for your pocket and your weekend plans. Bellville is filled with hidden gems right by our student accommodation. Here are five top spots to check out.

1. Cool Runnings

Got a free afternoon after classes? Head straight to Cool Runnings Cape Town. It’s the downhill toboggan track in the Tygervalley area where you zip down a stainless steel track at up to 40 km/h. Pure adrenaline. It is ridiculously fun, perfectly priced for a student budget and far better than staring at lecture slides all day. Whether you go with a group of friends or solo, this is easily one of the best outdoor spots in the area.

2. Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley

You don’t need a corporate expense account to enjoy a great night out with friends. The Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley hosts live music shows with artists like Francois van Coke and Neon Dreams. They also have fun comedy nights for when you need a good laugh.

They frequently run buy-one-get-one-free ticket specials on Thursday evenings. Check their website for show hours and details, or email them for group booking info.

3. Jack Muller Park

When deadlines stack up, it's always good to touch grass and decompress. Jack Muller Park is an absolute lifesaver. Open daily during daylight hours, entrance is completely free, making it ideal for relaxing without spending a cent.

Why students love this park:

• Free 5km community Parkrun every Saturday morning to clear your head.

• Shady lawns perfect for studying.

• Outdoor gym area to stay fit without paying monthly gym fees.

  
  

4. Tygervalley Mall

Need a break from the South African summer heat? Tygervalley Mall is the ultimate lifestyle hub for students in Bellville. Beyond retail stores, this massive centre features affordable food courts, cinemas with discounts and quiet coffee shops with fast Wi-Fi for studying. Situated right across from Study & Stay Durban Road and near major public transport routes, accessing the mall from campus or other residential areas is completely seamless.

5. Durban Road Coffee Shops

Just around the corner from Study & Stay Durban Road, you'll find low-key local cafes away from crowded shopping centres. You can grab a top-tier flat white, log into high-speed Wi-Fi and grind through assignments with zero stress. It provides an authentic local experience right on your doorstep.

Stay Close By

Finding the best spots in South Africa’s top student hubs starts with choosing the right place to live. Study & Stay offers modern private student accommodation on Maree Street and Durban Road, putting you minutes away from CPUT, UWC, Eduvos and all these activities.

Registration for 2027 at Study & Stay is officially open! Email us to learn more about our available rooms.