Finding an affordable university is not only about looking at school fees. Accommodation fees in Nigerian universities can also take a large part of a student’s budget, especially when rent, transportation, food, electricity and other living expenses are added.
For students and parents trying to reduce the cost of university education, choosing a school with affordable hostel accommodation can make a big difference.
The good news is that some universities in Nigeria offer relatively low-cost on-campus accommodation compared with private hostels and rented apartments. However, accommodation prices differ from one institution to another, and some schools charge different amounts depending on the room type, academic level, location and available facilities.
This guide looks at some universities with the cheapest accommodation fees in Nigeria, based on available university-published fee information. The figures should be treated as a guide because universities can review their charges from one academic session to another.
What Is the Average Cost of University Accommodation in Nigeria?
There is no single accommodation fee that applies to all Nigerian universities.
Depending on the institution, room type and academic session, students may find university accommodation costing from tens of thousands of naira to several hundred thousand naira per session.
For example, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) published 2025/2026 undergraduate hostel options starting from ₦60,000 for a six-person room, while some private universities charge ₦250,000 or more for accommodation.
This difference shows why students should compare accommodation fees before accepting admission.
It is also important to remember that the cheapest hostel is not necessarily the best option. A room that costs less but is far from lecture halls, has poor water supply or requires expensive transportation may end up costing more over the course of a session.
Universities With the Cheapest Accommodation Fees in Nigeria
Below are some universities with relatively affordable accommodation options based on published fee information.
1. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
FUNAAB is one of the universities worth considering when looking for cheap university accommodation in Nigeria.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the university’s hostel portal listed undergraduate accommodation options including the Iyalode Tinubu Hostel. A six-person room was listed at ₦60,000, while an en-suite six-person option was listed at ₦70,000.
The university provides accommodation on campus, which can be useful for students who want to reduce transportation costs.
Living on campus can also make it easier to attend lectures, use university facilities and participate in academic activities without travelling long distances every day.
Students interested in FUNAAB accommodation should, however, check the university’s hostel portal for current availability and the latest charges before making payment.
2. Plateau State University (PLASU)
Plateau State University, Bokkos, is another institution with relatively affordable accommodation.
According to the university’s 2025/2026 fresh-student registration information, accommodation was compulsory for fresh students, with listed hostel charges ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, depending on the hostel. The university listed ₦30,000 options for some of its hostel categories and ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 options for others.
This makes PLASU particularly interesting for students searching for universities with low hostel fees in Nigeria.
However, prospective students should not look at accommodation costs alone. It is important to consider tuition, acceptance fees, departmental charges, feeding, transportation and other expenses when calculating the total cost of attending the university.
3. Obong University
Obong University in Akwa Ibom State offers relatively affordable on-campus accommodation compared with many private university options.
For its current admissions information, the university lists two on-campus hostel accommodation types at ₦70,000 and ₦60,000. The university describes the accommodation as optional.
This can make Obong University an option for students who want the structure of private university education while keeping accommodation costs comparatively low.
The university also advises students to make payments through its official channels, an important point for anyone paying university fees online.
4. Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU)
Prince Abubakar Audu University, formerly known as Kogi State University, Anyigba, is another institution commonly considered by students looking for affordable education.
Accommodation charges can vary according to hostel type, room size and facilities. Available information for the 2025/2026 academic session has reported standard hostel accommodation in the region of ₦18,000 to ₦22,000 per session for some room categories.
Because accommodation prices can change, students should confirm the current amount directly through the university before making financial plans.
PAAU can be attractive to budget-conscious students because the cost of living in a university town can also be an important part of the overall student budget.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria is another university often associated with comparatively affordable public university education.
Published accommodation estimates for Nigerian universities have placed ABU hostel charges in the lower-cost category, although students should verify the exact current charge, room allocation and availability directly with the university before payment.
One advantage of studying in a large public university is the availability of different accommodation arrangements. However, demand for hostel spaces can be high, meaning an affordable hostel may not automatically be available to every student.
Students should therefore pay attention to hostel application deadlines and allocation procedures.
6. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan is one of Nigeria’s oldest universities and also has university-managed student accommodation.
Available 2025/2026 accommodation estimates put some UI hostel options at approximately ₦45,000 to ₦80,000 per session, depending on the accommodation arrangement.
For students comparing cheap university hostels in Nigeria, UI is worth researching because university accommodation may be cheaper than renting private accommodation in some locations.
However, hostel availability, room allocation and charges should always be confirmed with the university because accommodation policies can change.
7. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is another major Nigerian university with student accommodation.
Available estimates for the 2025/2026 session put some OAU hostel accommodation in the range of approximately ₦50,000 to ₦90,000 per session, depending on room type and arrangement.
Students considering OAU should compare the official accommodation cost with the cost of private hostels around Ile-Ife.
Sometimes, private accommodation may offer more privacy or better facilities, but university accommodation can be more convenient for students who want to stay close to academic facilities.
What About Private Universities With Cheap Accommodation?
Private universities generally have higher accommodation charges than many federal and state universities, but there are still affordable options.
One example is Wellspring University, which lists hostel accommodation at ₦250,000 for fresh students and ₦235,000 for returning students for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Another example is Achievers University, which lists 2026/2027 accommodation fees of ₦300,000 for a six-bedspace room, ₦400,000 for a four-bedspace room and ₦750,000 for a two-bedspace room.
These amounts are higher than some public university hostel fees, but students should consider what is included in the accommodation package.
Private universities may provide facilities such as better-maintained rooms, security, study areas, water systems or other services. The actual value therefore depends on the facilities provided and the student’s priorities.
Cheapest University Accommodation Does Not Always Mean Cheapest University
This is one of the most important things to understand when comparing universities.
A university may have a hostel fee of ₦50,000, but the total cost of attending that institution could still be higher than another university with a ₦100,000 hostel.
Why?
Because students have other expenses.
These may include:
- Tuition or school fees
- Acceptance fees
- Registration charges
- Departmental fees
- Examination charges
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Feeding
- Transportation
- Internet and data
- Electricity
- Medical expenses
- Personal expenses
- Hostel maintenance charges
For this reason, students should compare the total cost of studying at a university, not accommodation alone.
University Hostel vs Private Hostel: Which Is Cheaper?
University accommodation is often cheaper than private accommodation, but this is not always the case.
On-campus accommodation has one major financial advantage: transportation.
If your hostel is inside the university campus, you may be able to walk to lectures, the library, laboratories and other facilities.
A student living off campus may have to pay for transportation every day.
For example, even a relatively small daily transport expense can become significant over an academic session.
Private accommodation may also require students to pay separately for:
- Rent
- Electricity
- Water
- Security
- Waste disposal
- Internet
- Furniture
- Maintenance
University hostels may combine some of these facilities within the accommodation arrangement, although the exact package differs by school.
How to Find the Cheapest Hostel in Your University
If you have already gained admission, finding affordable accommodation should be one of your first priorities.
Check the Official University Website
Do not rely entirely on social media posts or messages from agents.
Universities regularly publish fee schedules, hostel announcements and payment instructions through official portals.
For example, FUNAAB publishes hostel information through its dedicated hostel portal, while universities such as Wellspring and Achievers publish accommodation charges as part of their official fee information.
Compare Different Room Types
A four-person room will usually cost more per student than a six-person or eight-person room.
If your main goal is to reduce accommodation costs, ask about larger shared rooms.
However, consider your comfort level before choosing the cheapest available option.
Apply Early
Affordable hostel spaces can be limited.
Some universities use online applications, ballots, bidding systems or first-come-first-served allocation.
FUNAAB, for example, publishes hostel application and allocation updates through its hostel system.
Applying early can improve your chances of getting the accommodation you want.
Avoid Unofficial Payment Channels
This is extremely important.
Never send university accommodation money to an individual simply because someone claims to be a hostel agent, staff member or student representative.
Use the payment method provided by the university.
Achievers University, for example, states that hostel allocation is linked to its official accommodation process, while Obong University directs students to its official payment channels.
How Parents Can Reduce University Accommodation Costs
Parents and sponsors can reduce the financial burden of university education by planning accommodation costs before the student resumes.
First, compare the official hostel fee with the cost of private accommodation.
Second, ask whether the hostel fee is charged per semester or per academic session.
Third, find out whether electricity, water, maintenance and other services are included.
Fourth, consider the distance between accommodation and lecture venues.
A hostel that appears slightly more expensive may actually save money if it eliminates daily transportation expenses.
Parents should also budget for accommodation separately instead of treating it as part of tuition.
Questions to Ask Before Paying for University Accommodation
Before paying for a hostel, ask the following questions:
How much is the hostel fee for the current academic session?
Fees can change, so always confirm the current figure.
Is the fee for one semester or the entire session?
A fee that looks cheap may be a semester charge rather than an annual charge.
How many students share a room?
Room occupancy can make a significant difference to comfort.
Is the hostel on campus?
On-campus accommodation may reduce transportation expenses.
What facilities are available?
Ask about water, electricity, bathrooms, security, internet access, furniture and study areas.
Is accommodation compulsory?
Some universities require certain categories of students to live on campus, while others make accommodation optional.
How is hostel allocation done?
Find out whether allocation is based on application date, ballot, bidding, academic level or another system.
Tips for Students on a Tight Accommodation Budget
If your budget is limited, you do not necessarily need the most expensive hostel.
Choose a shared room if you are comfortable living with other students.
Avoid paying for facilities you do not need.
Consider whether a hostel close to your department can reduce transportation costs.
If university accommodation is unavailable, compare several private hostels rather than choosing the first one you see.
You should also speak with current students about the actual living conditions before committing to private accommodation.
A cheap room with unreliable water, electricity or security may become expensive and stressful in the long run.
Are Cheap University Hostels Safe?
Price should never be the only consideration when choosing student accommodation.
Safety is especially important because students may spend most of their academic year in the hostel.
Look for accommodation with appropriate security arrangements, controlled access, adequate lighting and reliable emergency procedures.
You should also consider the condition of the building, fire safety, water supply, sanitation and the general environment.
If you are considering private accommodation, visit the property before paying whenever possible.
Do not send money based solely on photographs or promises from an unknown agent.
Final Thoughts
There are several universities with cheap accommodation fees in Nigeria, but the cheapest option depends on the academic session, room type, location and the university’s current accommodation policy.
Some public universities offer hostel spaces at relatively low prices, with examples such as PLASU and FUNAAB publishing accommodation options in the lower price range for recent academic sessions. Other institutions, including Obong University, offer affordable on-campus options within the private university sector.
The most important lesson is to look beyond the hostel price.
Before choosing a university, calculate tuition, accommodation, feeding, transportation, textbooks and other expected expenses. Then compare the total cost with your available budget.
Also remember that accommodation fees can change. A figure published for one academic session should not automatically be treated as the price for the next session.
For the most accurate information, check the university’s official website or student portal before making payment.
With careful research and early planning, students and parents can find affordable university accommodation in Nigeria without sacrificing safety, convenience and a suitable learning environment.
