Skip to main content

Shopping & Retail at Wits University – Your 2026 Campus Guide



Wits University offers a range of on-campus shops, eateries, service providers, bookstores, cafes and ATMs across Braamfontein and Parktown campuses. These outlets make everyday life easier for students who want to grab food, study supplies, banking services, or quick essentials without leaving campus. Here are the: Braamfontein Campus Map, Parktown Campus Map


1. Food & Beverage Outlets

A. Braamfontein Campus East & Matrix Building

These retail options are clustered around the Matrix Student Centre, a central hub for food, banking, and retail services:

  • Jimmy’s Express – Halaal fast food in the Matrix.

  • Chinese Lantern – Quick Asian-style meals.

  • Sausage Saloon – Fast snacks and comfort food.

  • Kara Nichha’s – Vegetarian and casual meals.

  • Xpresso – Budget-friendly cafe for coffee, pastries, light meals.

  • Lurio Café – Afrofood – African-inspired cafe dishes.

  • Planet Savvy (Solomon Mahlangu House) – Offers Halaal food options.

  • Vida E Café (Wits Art Museum and Amic Deck) – Cafe for coffee, pastries, light meals.

  • Starbucks (Solomon Mahlangu House) – Coffee and snacks.

  • Delhi Delicious - Quick samoosas and pastries (halaal).

B. Braamfontein Campus West

These food outlets serve West Campus communities:

  • Zesti Lemonz – Refreshments and quick food.

  • Wits Club – Olives & Plates Restaurant – Full meals and social dining.

  • Maphelo (Tower of Light) – Casual dining outlets and food concepts.

  • Jimmy’s Express (West) – Additional fast food location.

  • Gourmet Food Services (Sturrock Park) – Catering and casual meals.

C. Parktown Campus (Education & Health Sciences)

Outlets here serve students attending lectures and clinics on this campus:

  • 27 degrees @ Linder Auditorium & Health Sciences Campus – Coffee and snacks.

  • Olives & Plates Restaurant – Full meals including Halaal options.

Vending machines are also available across all campuses for drinks and snacks.


2. Banking & Financial Services

You don’t have to leave campus for banking services, the Matrix building hosts major ATMs:

  • ABSA ATM (Matrix, Braamfontein East)

  • FNB ATM (Matrix, Braamfontein East)

  • Standard Bank Branch & ATM (Matrix, Braamfontein East)

  • Nedbank ATM (Matrix, Braamfontein East)

  • Nedbank ATM (Matrix, Braamfontein West)

  • Nedbank ATM (Parktown Education Campus)

  • Capitec ATM ((Matrix, Braamfontein East)

These ATMs make cash access convenient between lectures and meetings.


3. Bookstores & Academic Retail

Students can find course materials, stationery and academic books directly on campus:

  • IH Pentz Bookstore (Matrix Building) – On the ground floor of the Matrix, offering general books and academic texts stocked for many courses.

  • Van Schaik Bookstore - Matrix – A long-standing academic bookstore serving Wits students.

  • Van Schaik Bookstore Medical School 

These stores typically stock textbooks, stationery, writing supplies and course-related materials.


4. Wits Shop & Merchandise

For official Wits branded items, gifts, memorabilia, and some books:

  • Wits Shop (Solomon Mahlangu House, Braamfontein East) – The primary on-campus retail outlet for Wits branded clothing, gifts and books.

  • Wits Shop Satellite Outlet (Alumni House, West Campus) – Smaller location with selected merchandise.

  • Online Wits Shop – Students can also visit the e-shop for merchandise and branded gear.


5. Convenience & Service Retail

A variety of smaller shops and services are co-located with food outlets and bookshops in the Matrix Student Centre:

  • OK Express Grocery and convenience store with snacks, drinks and essentials.

  • Takealot Takealot pickup point for student and staff convenience .

  • ZA Cellular – Mobile accessories and airtime.

  • Dipontsho – Tailor & Dry Cleaning – Clothing alteration and dry cleaning services.

  • Matrix Optometrist – Eye care and eyewear services.

  • Fade Barbershop – Haircuts and grooming services.

  • Pink-me-up Nail Salon – Nail services and grooming.

  • Fresher Breath Dentist – Dentistry services.

  • Drivio Driving School – Driving lessons and licensing assistance.

  • Jetline – Stationery/convenience items.

  • The Sweet Park – Sweets and treats.

These services reduce the need to travel off campus for everyday tasks or last-minute needs.


6. Key Campus Retail Locations

Here’s where you’ll find most shops and services:

Braamfontein Campus East

  • Matrix Student Centre: main retail and food hub

  • Origins Centre and Wits Art Museum area: cafes and bookstores

  • Solomon Mahlangu House: Wits Shop, Planet Savvy, Starbucks

Braamfontein Campus West

  • West Campus food and retail outlets: Wits Club restaurant, Zesti Lemonz, Maphelo

Parktown (Education & Health Sciences Campuses)

  • Coffee and food outlets near Linder Auditorium and Health Sciences buildings


Tips for Students Using Campus Shops

  • Bring your student card: Some outlets accept student number accounts or load student funds.

  • Plan around peak times: Cafes and Matrix retail get busy during lunch hours.

  • Explore beyond the campus: Braamfontein’s wider neighbourhood also has cafes and stores if you need more variety.


Conclusion

Wits University’s campus retail ecosystem, from cafes and quick meals to bookstores, branded merchandise and essential services, ensures students can meet everyday needs without leaving campus. Whether you need a coffee between lectures, textbooks for class, or grooming and banking services, these outlets are strategically placed across Braamfontein and Parktown campuses for easy access.

Popular posts from this blog

Student Accommodation for Wits Students (2026 Complete Guide)

  Student Accommodation for Wits Students (2026 Complete Guide) Finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions a Wits student will make. Accommodation affects not only your budget, but also your academic performance, safety, social life, and daily routine. This guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of all major student accommodation options available to University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) students in 2026 , including: Official Wits residences Wits Junction Accredited private accommodation near campus Updated 2026 pricing for each option Whether you are a first-year, senior undergraduate, or postgraduate student, this guide will help you make an informed choice. 1. Official Wits University Residences (On-Campus & University-Managed) Wits residences are ideal for students who want close proximity to campus, structured student life, and strong security . These residences are in high demand, especially for first-year stude...

Thrive Student Living Near Wits University – 2026 Accommodation Guide

  Thrive Student Living Near Wits University – 2026 Accommodation Guide Thrive Student Living is a major national student housing provider in South Africa with properties in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and more. Its Johannesburg portfolio includes options within walking distance of Wits University’s Main Campus and Medical/Education Campus , making it a strong choice for Wits students seeking private, NSFAS‑accredited accommodation. All Thrive residences feature fully furnished rooms with essentials like bed, study desk, fridge, microwave and Wi‑Fi , supported by inclusive community features such as study zones, gyms, common lounges, and security. 1. Apex Studios – Affordable Living Next to Campus Location: Braamfontein (very close to Wits Main Campus) 2026 Approximate Monthly Price: From ~R5 050 per month on a 12‑month agreement. Why it’s good for Wits students: One‑minute walk to Wits Main Campus. Inclusive amenities: fully furnished rooms, uncapped Wi...

Tastic Bursary 2022

 Tastic Bursary 2022 About Tastic  Since 1961, it is a rice brand that has been providing South African consumers with a range of Parboiled Rice products. Their product ranges include: the Everyday range, the Rices of the World range, the Tastic Natures’s range and the Tastic Flavoured Rice range. About The Tastic Bursary Programme  It is inviting students to apply for the Tastic Legacy Fund Bursary Competition. They will select 40 students of which will each receive R25 000 towards their tuition fees, for studies at any accredited university or college in South Africa. Selection Process For The Tastic Bursary Programme The following are the steps in which winners will be selected: They will be selected at random and will be contacted telephonically within 1 week of each draw during the promotional period. If they cannot be contacted, the promoter reserves the right to select another winner. By entering this bursary competition, they accept that they will be required to p...