Updated October 2026. Universiti Malaya (UM) draws thousands of international students to Kuala Lumpur each year, and many of them choose Bangsar South — a township next to the campus that offers a very different living experience from student hostels or shared flats.
Here is a practical guide to what renting in Bangsar South looks like as an international student.
Distance to UM
Bangsar South sits roughly 3–5 km from UM’s gates. By car or Grab that is about 8–15 minutes, depending on traffic. By train, Universiti LRT station on the Kelana Jaya Line is the nearest station to the campus, and it is one stop from Kerinchi station on the other side of the township.
The condos closest to Universiti station are KL Gateway Residences (about 240 m) and South Link (about 0.7 km). The transport guide lists the walking distance for every condo.
What to budget
Whole units in Bangsar South start at about RM2,000 a month. From asking rents checked in September 2026:
- Laurel Residence: from RM2,000
- South Link: from RM2,100
- KL Gateway Residences: from RM2,200
- South View: from RM2,400
The lowest figures are for the smallest units in each building. Sharing a two-bedroom unit with a roommate brings the cost per person down; the 9-condo tenant guide shows the rent range for each condo.
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) are paid separately, roughly RM150–300 a month for a small unit depending on how much you use the air-conditioning.
Deposits: 2 months security deposit + 0.5 month utility deposit + 1 month advance rental. Budget about 3.5 months’ rent upfront when you move in.
Why international students choose Bangsar South
- Security: the condominiums have 24-hour security with access cards.
- Facilities in the building: most towers have a pool and a gym, so you do not depend on what is nearby.
- Shops close by: the township has its own supermarkets, cafés and restaurants, and Mid Valley is one LRT stop from Kerinchi (Abdullah Hukum station).
- International community: many multinational companies have offices here, so you will not feel out of place.
- English-friendly: building management, shops and restaurants generally operate in English.
Things to know before you sign
- Most landlords ask for a copy of your passport and student visa. Your UM offer letter helps.
- The usual tenancy is 12 months. Some landlords will consider a shorter lease for students on shorter programmes, sometimes at a higher rent.
- Read the tenancy agreement before signing. Check the early-termination clause and the list of what is included in the unit.
- The agent fee is paid by the landlord, not by you. If anyone asks you to pay an agent fee as a tenant, walk away.
Getting help
If you are arriving in KL and need help finding a unit in Bangsar South, WhatsApp me at +601188881709. I will shortlist suitable options, arrange viewings and handle the paperwork, at no cost to you as a tenant.
— Christopher Wong 黄圣声
PEA 2693 | CID Realtors Sdn Bhd