CDS is located in a residential area in the northern outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. The CDS campus and buildings, designed by the renowned architect, Dr. Laurie Baker, exemplify the cost-effective techniques in construction. It is also a green campus with a prize-winning garden.

The 10-acre campus also houses the Library, Computer Centre, Auditoriums, Hostels, Guesthouse and Residential Units for staff members.

The CDS hostels have 18 rooms in two units for women and 42 rooms for men in another two units. The rooms are well appointed and for single occupancy.

The guesthouse has nine double-bedded rooms, all of which are bath attached. Currently the guest house is under expansion with six more rooms, a pantry and utility room. The refurbished and expanded guest house is expected to be ready during the course of 2008.

The campus is serviced by a cafeteria, which serves simple wholesome food on Indian cuisine. The campus also has recreation facilities.

CDS promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters close interaction with the families of staff members living in the campus. A faculty member living in the campus is assigned as Hostel warden.