Experience in Johannesburg, South Africa by Richard

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

Johannesburg is a great, dynamic and lively city. I lived there for many months in two of the city's worst (crime-wise) neighbourhoods and I still felt relatively safe. It is a great city for parties too; if you cannot make friends in Jozi, you cannot make friends anywhere. Must be open-minded.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Johannesburg?

I was not a student when I lived there.

How much does it cost to live in Johannesburg?

Student housing in trendy areas is available for maybe 100-300 Euros monthly depending on what the student is looking for - all in this range would be very nice.

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

Use Gum Tree.

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

South African cuisine is hearty, I recommend idombolo/ujeqe - a steamed dumpling of sort. Chakalaka is also a favourite of mine. In Johannesburg it is also easy and affordable to get great takeaway dishes from across the continent.

What places would you recommend visiting in Johannesburg?

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Areas I like in the city are:

• Troyeville
• Maboneng
• Newtown
• Braamfontein
• Melville
• Hillbrow
• Yeoville
• Berea
• Brixton
• Rosettenville

Areas in Soweto I like:

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• Pimville
• Diepkloof
• Dobsonville

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

Any takeaway restaurant should be good and well-priced. I also like Nuno's in Melville.

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

Nightlife is great - taverns can be fun, Shisanyama's are a great way to eat/drink/dance on a budget and meet many people, otherwise most clubs are in Braamfontein, Yeoville, Melville, Carleton Centre, Ghandi Square, Troyeville or CBD or Soweto. Many great bars in Maboneng and Newtown too.

What advice would you give future students heading to Johannesburg?

Have fun, meet people, build community and for safety - never look scared or stiff but always comfortable. Don't worry too much about safety - unfortunately many people miss the gems in Jozi because of this; very few cities are nearly as vibrant.