OBJECTIVES: To evaluate knowledge, awareness and perception of TB among students living in university hostels. METHODS: A cross sectional study was designed. A total of 502 students (200 from males and 302 from females) living in hostels of The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan were selected purposively. A questionnaire about knowledge, awareness and perception of tuberculoses was constructed, content validated and used for data collection. Descriptive analysis was done by using SPSS 16. RESULTS:  Sixty (30%) of males and 215 (71.2%) of females have heard about TB. Less than half (n=99) of males and (n=192) of females stated that malnutrition is one major factor for occurrence of TB. 44.5% of males and 68.9% of females knew that persistent cough, low grade fever and weight loss are symptoms of tuberculosis. A total of 45% of males and 42.1% of female knew that TB spreads by sneezing and coughing. Less than 75% of both respondents knew that TB is curable but knowledge about TB vaccination was very poor (<20%). Two males and one female reported that they are suffering from tuberculosis and no precautionary measures have been taken by their room mates. 70.3% of males and 23.1% of females were sharing utensils and other items with their room mates. Majority of students (80.5% males, 89.07% females) stated that quality of life in the hostels is poor as it is over crowded.  Almost all of male and female students reported that they were not screened for tuberculosis and other communicable illness before and after registration in university. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a strong need of health educational programs for general public especially at schools, colleges and university levels. Students must be screened for communicable diseases like tuberculosis before registration.