Experience in Casablanca, Morocco by manal

What is it like to live in Casablanca? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Casablanca is perfect for those who like a fast-paced life. It can be a bit crowded as all big cities are, but the people are nice and very helpful towards foreigners. You will feel very welcome as all the citizens at least speak 2 languages: French and English (some even speak spanish). Casablanca is becoming safer every day so the safety is not really an issue.

What is the student lifestyle like in Casablanca?

Student lifestyle is quite different from European student lifestyle. Depending on which university or School you go to, the lifestyle will be different; engineering students are usually swamped with work and don't have much time for extracurricular activities, while in business schools you'll find students more involved in other activities, organizing conferences and workshops and hosting parties.

How much does it cost to live in Casablanca?

Casablanca is the most expensive city to live in Morocco next to Marrakech. But compared to European cities it will be cheaper than most big cities (I'm talking Madrid, Berlin, Paris...etc).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Casablanca? Is there any advice you can give?

Depending on where you wish to live in Casablanca, the difficulty of finding an accommodation varies. City center is more expensive for sure. But, in other zones of Casablanca finding accommodation is extremely easy and fairly cheap.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in Casablanca, as all of Morocco is good. Fish is fresh and delicious. Although my favourite dishes will have to be couscous and Harira.
rfissa and fish pastilla are also very delicious but are hard to find in restaurants. They are almost always prepared at home.

What places would you recommend visiting in Casablanca?

I'll recommend visiting the Hassan II mosque, Ain Diab beach and if you're a fan of shopping Morocco Mall is definitely for you. If you're more interested in traditional articles you'll have to visit 'sa7at Marrakech' marrakech place in the heart of the city.

Is it good to eat out in Casablanca? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many good places to eat in Casablanca: la bodega de casablanca, Le cabestan, luigi, la squala...

Is the nightlife good in Casablanca? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Casablanca can be quite tricky, you'll have to avoid the more traditional places where there will only be old men drinking with traditional music playing (if you're a girl you'll most likely be mistaken for a prostitute in these kind of places). But there are many good places to go to; Moroccans are very good at partying. Places I can recommend are: Vanity, Maison B, Brooklyn, bao nightclub, le boudoir.
In any case, most of the good spots are in the same street so one can actually choose what place he likes more while there.

What advice would you give future students heading to Casablanca?

My advice would be to open up to the locals, moroccans and casablancais specifically are very helpful. So your experience will definitely be better if you have some lacal friends, they can show you the better spots, they'll get you the better deal and more importantly, you'll get invited for some home cooked meals :)