Student Life and Housing in Lesotho

Where students live

Most Basotho university students study at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) in Roma, a small university town about 34 kilometers from Maseru, or at private institutions such as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Botho University, both based in the capital.

NUL's Department of Student Affairs manages 13 halls of residence with space for 1,304 students. Priority for these rooms goes to first-year students, final-year students, and international students, so many returning students end up renting rooms in Roma village or commuting from nearby villages instead. Private institutions in Maseru generally offer little or no on-campus housing, so students there budget for private rentals in the city from the start.

Academic calendar and campus culture

Lesotho follows a Southern Hemisphere academic calendar, with the year typically starting around August and running through the following year in two semesters. NUL, founded in 1945 and the oldest university in the country, has an established student government, sports teams, and religious and cultural societies that run alongside academic life. Joining a society or club is a practical way to build a support network in a small town like Roma.

Cost of living

Lesotho's currency, the Maloti (LSL), is pegged 1 to 1 with the South African Rand, so day to day prices for food, transport, and rent track South African costs in the region. Roma is a small town built around the university, so rent and food there generally cost less than in Maseru, though Maseru offers more part-time work and shopping options. Build a monthly budget that covers rent, food, transport, mobile data, and study materials, and check with your institution's student affairs office for current guidance on typical costs in your area.

Getting around

Shared minibus taxis, locally called combis, are the main way to move between Roma, Maseru, and surrounding towns. Roma is compact enough to walk between residences, lecture halls, and the town center, while Maseru requires more reliance on taxis or buses to cover longer distances.

Weather and what to pack

Lesotho sits entirely above 1,000 meters in altitude, and its highland regions see genuinely cold winters between June and August, including snow in the mountains. Pack warm layers, a solid jacket, and closed shoes if you are moving from a warmer part of the region, since campus buildings and rented rooms do not always have reliable heating.

Everyday practicalities

Carry cash for daily expenses outside Maseru, since card payments are not accepted everywhere in smaller towns like Roma. Get a local SIM card early for mobile data, since digital access matters for course platforms and communicating with lecturers. Use your institution's campus health clinic for routine care, and know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic if you live off campus.

Practical tips for new students

• 🏠 Apply for a campus hall place as early as possible if you are a first-year student, since space is limited.

• 💵 Set aside money for a rental deposit in case you do not get on-campus housing.

• 📩 Register with your institution's student affairs or international office as soon as you arrive, to access support services and updates.

• ⏱️ Plan your semester budget around the academic calendar, since costs like registration and residence fees fall due at the start of each term.